Comments for 1705.net http://1705.net Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:13:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Place to hang things… by annette http://1705.net/archives/85#comment-106 annette Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:13:26 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=85#comment-106 It looks great. How did you attach it? I don't see any tell-tale screws. It looks great. How did you attach it? I don’t see any tell-tale screws.

]]> Comment on Converter upgrade by David http://1705.net/archives/466#comment-105 David Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:29:02 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=466#comment-105 I would replace it - the Magnatek is a lousy charger, and if you will spend anytime connected to shore power, you will appreciate how the updated converter treats your new battery. I would replace it – the Magnatek is a lousy charger, and if you will spend anytime connected to shore power, you will appreciate how the updated converter treats your new battery.

]]> Comment on Place to hang things… by David http://1705.net/archives/85#comment-104 David Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:21:28 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=85#comment-104 Thanks! - that IS wood above the passenger side rear window. We replaced the stock upper bed piece with a shorter version - <a href="http://1705.net/archives/1" title="Upper kitty “bunk”" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">see this post</a>. This exposed some ugly metal, which we covered with 2x2 cedar pieces. Thanks! – that IS wood above the passenger side rear window. We replaced the stock upper bed piece with a shorter version – see this post. This exposed some ugly metal, which we covered with 2×2 cedar pieces.

]]> Comment on Converter upgrade by annette http://1705.net/archives/466#comment-103 annette Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:58:47 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=466#comment-103 We're putting an electric Vitrifrigo truck fridge into our Bohog ('95 EVC), powered by a Trojan 150 A/h. Just trying to figure out whether we should replace the old Magnatek with something smarter. This is really helpful, thanks. We’re putting an electric Vitrifrigo truck fridge into our Bohog (’95 EVC), powered by a Trojan 150 A/h. Just trying to figure out whether we should replace the old Magnatek with something smarter. This is really helpful, thanks.

]]> Comment on Place to hang things… by annette http://1705.net/archives/85#comment-102 annette Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:51:44 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=85#comment-102 Is that wood trim you've put in above the windows? How did you attach it? It's a beautiful touch. Is that wood trim you’ve put in above the windows? How did you attach it? It’s a beautiful touch.

]]> Comment on Pop top insulation by David Mohseni http://1705.net/archives/579#comment-83 David Mohseni Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:07:37 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=579#comment-83 Yeah - as soon as I saw that they offered these I jumped on it and ordered them - I haven't installed them yet but I could easily see the quality and the improvement they would make on cold nights - now hopefully my furnace won't have to cycle on and off as much and I can sleep better. And btw I also ordered a outside thermometer that you had mentioned ( I think it was you) and fits very neatly in one of the dummy switches on the dash. Thanks for all your helpful hints for our beloved eurovan campers! Yeah – as soon as I saw that they offered these I jumped on it and ordered them – I haven’t installed them yet but I could easily see the quality and the improvement they would make on cold nights – now hopefully my furnace won’t have to cycle on and off as much and I can sleep better.
And btw I also ordered a outside thermometer that you had mentioned ( I think it was you) and fits very neatly in one of the dummy switches on the dash.
Thanks for all your helpful hints for our beloved eurovan campers!

]]> Comment on Front Curtains and Seat Storage by David http://1705.net/archives/81#comment-77 David Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:32:11 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=81#comment-77 You are welcome - happy to help! I added the parts list and attachment method above - thanks for the suggestion! You are welcome – happy to help!

I added the parts list and attachment method above – thanks for the suggestion!

]]> Comment on Front Curtains and Seat Storage by glynn http://1705.net/archives/81#comment-76 glynn Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:44:01 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=81#comment-76 Hi....you've been great about answering questions, thanks! I wanted to know, what kind of "curtain track" did you order, and how long?? There are so many of these. Also, how do the tracts attach to the van?? thanks! glynn dunbar Hi….you’ve been great about answering questions, thanks! I wanted to know, what kind of “curtain track” did you order, and how long?? There are so many of these. Also, how do the tracts attach to the van?? thanks!

glynn dunbar

]]> Comment on Remove those doors! by David http://1705.net/archives/93#comment-73 David Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:35:56 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=93#comment-73 It is a "spring", used for hanging curtains that I got at a local hardware store. That way, if you roll onto the curtains at night, or while making the bed, you do not bend the curtain rod. I could not find a link online for one, but they should still be sold (I hope!). It is a “spring”, used for hanging curtains that I got at a local hardware store. That way, if you roll onto the curtains at night, or while making the bed, you do not bend the curtain rod.

I could not find a link online for one, but they should still be sold (I hope!).

]]> Comment on Remove those doors! by glynn http://1705.net/archives/93#comment-72 glynn Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:24:38 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=93#comment-72 Hi! is that just a curtain rod with brackets used to string up the curtain? thanks! glynn Hi! is that just a curtain rod with brackets used to string up the curtain? thanks! glynn

]]> Comment on Adding a rear hatch by glynn http://1705.net/archives/162#comment-63 glynn Fri, 08 Jul 2011 03:48:53 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=162#comment-63 tHANKS!!!!! tHANKS!!!!!

]]> Comment on Adding a rear hatch by David http://1705.net/archives/162#comment-61 David Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:37:11 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=162#comment-61 g7711 - 11 - access hatch 7 x 11 Link is <a href="http://is.gd/LcSX9S" rel="nofollow">here</a> <img src="http://1705.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/hatch_info.png" alt="Hatch info" /> g7711 – 11 – access hatch 7 x 11

Link is here

Hatch info

]]> Comment on Adding a rear hatch by glynn http://1705.net/archives/162#comment-60 glynn Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:21:50 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=162#comment-60 can you tell me what the order number or size is for the Pompaneette hatch door? there are several listed under "access hatches." thanks! can you tell me what the order number or size is for the Pompaneette hatch door? there are several listed under “access hatches.” thanks!

]]> Comment on Norcold 3163 fridge removal and cleaning by lydia kelly http://1705.net/archives/329#comment-59 lydia kelly Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:49:30 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=329#comment-59 Hi David Great photos. Thanks. I would still be apprehensive of doing it myself.. but great to see it done. Good luck with your new high altitude fridge. Lydia Hi David
Great photos. Thanks. I would still be apprehensive of doing it myself.. but great to see it done.
Good luck with your new high altitude fridge.
Lydia

]]> Comment on Engel Fridge Temperature Gauge by BG http://1705.net/archives/414#comment-57 BG Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:46:59 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=414#comment-57 My My! I did assume you drove down through Latin America! On my recent trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, up in Michigan, I borrowed one of our Radio Shack remote indoor-outdoor thermometers from home. Since our problem has been freezing and damaging of food located immediately below the aluminum fins, that is where I laid the sender unit. When on propane and A/C, I had to have the knob turned CCW to the stop before the click of START. At that setting, it stopped cooling and settled around 34 degrees. So, the frozen food I had carried from home and bread went under the fins. Also, we inserted the wire rack upside down to be able to keep food away from the fins. Unrelated: I am going to make my own rear hatch extender. Thanks for pointing me to the example at GoWesty. My My! I did assume you drove down through Latin America!

On my recent trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, up in Michigan, I borrowed one of our Radio Shack remote indoor-outdoor thermometers from home. Since our problem has been freezing and damaging of food located immediately below the aluminum fins, that is where I laid the sender unit. When on propane and A/C, I had to have the knob turned CCW to the stop before the click of START. At that setting, it stopped cooling and settled around 34 degrees.

So, the frozen food I had carried from home and bread went under the fins. Also, we inserted the wire rack upside down to be able to keep food away from the fins.

Unrelated: I am going to make my own rear hatch extender. Thanks for pointing me to the example at GoWesty.

]]> Comment on Trailer wiring by David http://1705.net/archives/323#comment-55 David Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:36:36 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=323#comment-55 I have not trailered with this setup - I use the hitch to carry a Stowaway2 cargo box. Our Automatic transmission failed having never towed a thing - towing itself it not the culprit - heat, old transmission fluid, and poor quality control are. GoWesty has a pretty comprehensive article on the automatic transmission <a href="http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=306" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Since you have an ODBII engine, I would suggest getting a ScanGuage to monitor your transmission temperature <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ScanGauge-Automotive-Computer-Customizable-Real-Time/dp/B000AAMY86" rel="nofollow">Amazon link</a>. Also, I would make sure that the transmission has not gone more than 30K miles without having the transmission fluid changed - and that the VW recommended fluid was used. You may find that installing an external transmission cooler helps keep the temperature low - depends on the weight of what you are towing, and the terrain you are towing it in! Lots of good info about transmissions can be gleaned from posts on the Yahoo "ev_update" group - just search for posts from "txpigeon" - Duane knows his stuff! I have not trailered with this setup – I use the hitch to carry a Stowaway2 cargo box.

Our Automatic transmission failed having never towed a thing – towing itself it not the culprit – heat, old transmission fluid, and poor quality control are. GoWesty has a pretty comprehensive article on the automatic transmission here.

Since you have an ODBII engine, I would suggest getting a ScanGuage to monitor your transmission temperature Amazon link. Also, I would make sure that the transmission has not gone more than 30K miles without having the transmission fluid changed – and that the VW recommended fluid was used. You may find that installing an external transmission cooler helps keep the temperature low – depends on the weight of what you are towing, and the terrain you are towing it in!

Lots of good info about transmissions can be gleaned from posts on the Yahoo “ev_update” group – just search for posts from “txpigeon” – Duane knows his stuff!

]]> Comment on Trailer wiring by Franz Eisl http://1705.net/archives/323#comment-54 Franz Eisl Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:53:02 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=323#comment-54 Hello, What is your trailering experience, how heavy is the trailer, how many miles are you towing the trailer? There are so many posts about transmission failures on EVs towing a trailer. I'm not sure about pulling my sailboat with my 2003 EV Camper. Best regards, Franz Eisl Hello,

What is your trailering experience, how heavy is the trailer, how many miles are you towing the trailer?

There are so many posts about transmission failures on EVs towing a trailer. I’m not sure about pulling my sailboat with my 2003 EV Camper.

Best regards,
Franz Eisl

]]> Comment on Norcold 3163 fridge removal and cleaning by Bill Potter http://1705.net/archives/329#comment-51 Bill Potter Fri, 13 May 2011 19:00:43 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=329#comment-51 Thanks for taking the time to document how to do this. Thanks for taking the time to document how to do this.

]]> Comment on MaxxFan roof vent/fan by David http://1705.net/archives/190#comment-49 David Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:25:37 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=190#comment-49 On the lowest setting, it is very quiet (and I am pretty picky about what is "quiet") - the lowest settings moves LOTS of air. On it's highest speed, it is LOUD! On the highest speed, if you opened the pop top and kept the pop top windows and all other windows closed, I bet the fan would suck the pop top fabric off the van (just kidding!) - the highest speed would cool a hot and stuffy van in seconds if you had a good source of cool incoming air. I could not find any technical data on the current draw of the fan at any speed - I will have to test that out myself and post the results. Thanks for the compliment! On the lowest setting, it is very quiet (and I am pretty picky about what is “quiet”) – the lowest settings moves LOTS of air. On it’s highest speed, it is LOUD! On the highest speed, if you opened the pop top and kept the pop top windows and all other windows closed, I bet the fan would suck the pop top fabric off the van (just kidding!) – the highest speed would cool a hot and stuffy van in seconds if you had a good source of cool incoming air.

I could not find any technical data on the current draw of the fan at any speed – I will have to test that out myself and post the results.

Thanks for the compliment!

]]> Comment on MaxxFan roof vent/fan by Dan http://1705.net/archives/190#comment-48 Dan Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:15:02 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=190#comment-48 Could you comment on how loud the maxx fan is in general. Is it fairly quiet or can it be annoying on it's highest setting. Also, what is the power consumption like? Is it a big drain on the aux batteries? Thanks for all the info! Your site is a great EVC resource! Dan Could you comment on how loud the maxx fan is in general. Is it fairly quiet or can it be annoying on it’s highest setting. Also, what is the power consumption like? Is it a big drain on the aux batteries? Thanks for all the info! Your site is a great EVC resource!

Dan

]]> Comment on Norcold 3163 fridge removal and cleaning by Bob W http://1705.net/archives/329#comment-24 Bob W Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:36:58 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=329#comment-24 Great post. Many a camper-owner will you to thank. Bob Great post. Many a camper-owner will you to thank.

Bob

]]> Comment on Place to hang things… by Madeleine Dewar http://1705.net/archives/85#comment-22 Madeleine Dewar Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:09:20 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=85#comment-22 I had a microwave in Maddog (99 EVC). It was a bright blue cube shaped thing that was the only one I could find that would fit in the cabinet under the sink. The biggest challenge was the width of the stoves available. Even the real small ones were too wide to maneuver into the space. I did cut out a section of the rear wall due to the depth of the stove and to allow for ventilation into the utility area behind the utilities. The cord fit to the outlet over the frig. I never did try using it with my inverter and battery. There was still one shelf below the stove and the floor of the cabinet to store pots, dishes, etc. Since Maddog II (99 1/2 EVC) has a totally different configuration I will be trying a smaller stove. I will say the microwave was a Godsend for the 7 months I lived at a RV Park in Austin while held a temporary position with the state party. I had a microwave in Maddog (99 EVC). It was a bright blue cube shaped thing that was the only one I could find that would fit in the cabinet under the sink. The biggest challenge was the width of the stoves available. Even the real small ones were too wide to maneuver into the space. I did cut out a section of the rear wall due to the depth of the stove and to allow for ventilation into the utility area behind the utilities. The cord fit to the outlet over the frig. I never did try using it with my inverter and battery. There was still one shelf below the stove and the floor of the cabinet to store pots, dishes, etc.

Since Maddog II (99 1/2 EVC) has a totally different configuration I will be trying a smaller stove. I will say the microwave was a Godsend for the 7 months I lived at a RV Park in Austin while held a temporary position with the state party.

]]> Comment on Coffee by Madeleine Dewar http://1705.net/archives/185#comment-21 Madeleine Dewar Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:42:44 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=185#comment-21 Then again it could be a coffee shrine in a tiny trailer pulled behind the van. If I didn't need my stow-a-Way box I might try something like that for Maddog II just for the fun of it and the extra folks I'd meet. Then again it could be a coffee shrine in a tiny trailer pulled behind the van. If I didn’t need my stow-a-Way box I might try something like that for Maddog II just for the fun of it and the extra folks I’d meet.

]]> Comment on MaxxFan roof vent/fan by Mike http://1705.net/archives/190#comment-19 Mike Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:34:13 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=190#comment-19 Pretty snazzy. This kind of mod increases the value of the EVC. Thanks for the description. Pretty snazzy. This kind of mod increases the value of the EVC. Thanks for the description.

]]> Comment on Coffee by David http://1705.net/archives/185#comment-17 David Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:22:13 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=185#comment-17 Actually, we call it a shrine, too! Actually, we call it a shrine, too!

]]> Comment on Coffee by Mike http://1705.net/archives/185#comment-15 Mike Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:51:15 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=185#comment-15 Yeah, I was going to say something snarky like, "looks more like a coffee shrine", and if it were in the EVC, would elicit stares. Or perhaps it is installed in a trailer that you pull behind...... Yeah, I was going to say something snarky like, “looks more like a coffee shrine”, and if it were in the EVC, would elicit stares. Or perhaps it is installed in a trailer that you pull behind……

]]> Comment on Coffee by David http://1705.net/archives/185#comment-14 David Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:32:41 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=185#comment-14 HA! No, this does not fit in the EVC - this is in our dining room at home - just to show how much we LOVE coffee! When we travel, we use the stove 3 times a day: <ul> <li>to heat hot water for our morning shower and make morning coffee</li> <li>to make coffee at lunch (lunch is usually something cold)</li> <li>to cook dinner and heat water for cleaning the days dishes - which is when we sometime use the sink (if there is not a nice spot to do dishes at the campsite)</li> </ul> HA! No, this does not fit in the EVC – this is in our dining room at home – just to show how much we LOVE coffee!

When we travel, we use the stove 3 times a day:

  • to heat hot water for our morning shower and make morning coffee
  • to make coffee at lunch (lunch is usually something cold)
  • to cook dinner and heat water for cleaning the days dishes – which is when we sometime use the sink (if there is not a nice spot to do dishes at the campsite)
]]> Comment on Coffee by Melissa http://1705.net/archives/185#comment-13 Melissa Wed, 12 Jan 2011 02:05:53 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=185#comment-13 This looks amazing! I am a little confused though - where in the EV is it? Is it on the sink/stove countertop? If so, do you use the stove/sink very often? We just got our 95 EVC and are looking forward to a lot of use and good times with our family. This looks amazing! I am a little confused though – where in the EV is it? Is it on the sink/stove countertop? If so, do you use the stove/sink very often? We just got our 95 EVC and are looking forward to a lot of use and good times with our family.

]]> Comment on MaxxFan roof vent/fan by David http://1705.net/archives/190#comment-12 David Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:49:14 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=190#comment-12 That is where I am "stuck" at the moment - I need to add some more pictures, and write up my thoughts about trimming the inside. The inside needs a bezel "extension" to cover the new opening. I am not a fan of the white bezel that was provided, and I am thinking of just "re-skinning" the entire inside of the pop top in bamboo plywood and integrating the bezel at that time. We travel where it is dry and VERY hot - so this fan really cools the van down when parked. Plus, it is really nice to leave the vent open when driving. Another thing this fan/vent needs is a cover in the winter - we are making up an insulated one. More details to follow - it is so wet in Seattle now that inside is more appealing than my carport! Changing the cabinet doors and stove cover to bamboo is next up. That is where I am “stuck” at the moment – I need to add some more pictures, and write up my thoughts about trimming the inside. The inside needs a bezel “extension” to cover the new opening. I am not a fan of the white bezel that was provided, and I am thinking of just “re-skinning” the entire inside of the pop top in bamboo plywood and integrating the bezel at that time.

We travel where it is dry and VERY hot – so this fan really cools the van down when parked. Plus, it is really nice to leave the vent open when driving.

Another thing this fan/vent needs is a cover in the winter – we are making up an insulated one.

More details to follow – it is so wet in Seattle now that inside is more appealing than my carport!

Changing the cabinet doors and stove cover to bamboo is next up.

]]> Comment on MaxxFan roof vent/fan by David Mohseni http://1705.net/archives/190#comment-11 David Mohseni Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:20:14 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=190#comment-11 You're inspiring me to try this project - any more pictures of how it looks when you were finished? Do you live in a humid climate where you really need a fan like this? And what's next in your mods? Thanks David You’re inspiring me to try this project – any more pictures of how it looks when you were finished? Do you live in a humid climate where you really need a fan like this?
And what’s next in your mods?
Thanks David

]]> Comment on Place to hang things… by David http://1705.net/archives/85#comment-10 David Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:13:36 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=85#comment-10 Not sure about the microwave - this would be good time to mention (again) the ev_update Yahoo group - join up I bet somewhere there has added a microwave! The second propane port is a sign of the "high altitude kit" - later vans had this, and it was an option for earlier vans. I am going to try and order one for my van, as I have a "spare" fridge that has the kit set up - I am just missing the external vent piece. Welcome to the world of Eurovans! Not sure about the microwave – this would be good time to mention (again) the ev_update Yahoo group – join up I bet somewhere there has added a microwave!

The second propane port is a sign of the “high altitude kit” – later vans had this, and it was an option for earlier vans. I am going to try and order one for my van, as I have a “spare” fridge that has the kit set up – I am just missing the external vent piece.

Welcome to the world of Eurovans!

]]> Comment on Place to hang things… by BG http://1705.net/archives/85#comment-9 BG Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:08:12 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=85#comment-9 I am a newbie, not purchased EVC yet. How could one install a tiny microwave oven? Also, the newer EVC have two propane exhaust ports, the older have only one. Why the difference? thanks, Bill I am a newbie, not purchased EVC yet. How could one install a tiny microwave oven?

Also, the newer EVC have two propane exhaust ports, the older have only one. Why the difference?
thanks, Bill

]]> Comment on Adding a rear hatch by David http://1705.net/archives/162#comment-5 David Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:18:39 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=162#comment-5 Thanks for the compliment! I have been very fortunate with our Norcold - it is one of the coolest features of our van. BUT! - I am going to be looking into what I can do to improve the insulation, accessibility, monitoring of temp, etc. I will taking many of the cool ideas and hacks that I have seen on the <a href="http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ev_update/" rel="nofollow">ev_update</a> list and tossing in a few of my own (how about the Norcold on a roll-out chassis?) Thanks for checking the site out! David Thanks for the compliment!

I have been very fortunate with our Norcold – it is one of the coolest features of our van. BUT! – I am going to be looking into what I can do to improve the insulation, accessibility, monitoring of temp, etc. I will taking many of the cool ideas and hacks that I have seen on the ev_update list and tossing in a few of my own (how about the Norcold on a roll-out chassis?)

Thanks for checking the site out!

David

]]> Comment on Adding a rear hatch by Cynthia http://1705.net/archives/162#comment-4 Cynthia Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:57:15 +0000 http://1705.net/?p=162#comment-4 I love it! What a great tutorial! You're so creative when it comes to altering the EVC. Now, how about an access panel to the back of the NOCOLD.. I love it! What a great tutorial! You’re so creative when it comes to altering the EVC. Now, how about an access panel to the back of the NOCOLD..

]]> Comment on Our EuroVan by Trey Jung http://1705.net/our-eurovan#comment-2 Trey Jung Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:27:20 +0000 http://1705.net/#comment-2 I an relate to your story - I had 2 - 1971 Westy Campers - and then I came across a 2001 EVC and I sold one of the Westies to buy the EVC. Yes no one waves at me in the EVC like the Camper but my wife likes the AC. I need to start some mods to the EVC one day to help it along with its karma. I an relate to your story – I had 2 – 1971 Westy Campers – and then I came across a 2001 EVC and I sold one of the Westies to buy the EVC. Yes no one waves at me in the EVC like the Camper but my wife likes the AC. I need to start some mods to the EVC one day to help it along with its karma.

]]>