Thread: Homestar's new home?

Originally Posted by Homestar

Then onto the 12 volt system, which is going to be big and overkilled to the max. 5 x 95 watt solar panels running into 4 x 100Ah batteries. Was sitting there wondering where to put the batteries.

Hmmm...

It's like Viscount knew I'd need to do this 46 years ago. 😊

All other electrical equipent - like the inverter, solar charge controller, fues panel, etc will all live in a compartment above the batteries in the LHS main wardrobe. Will start on that when a few more items turn up like cable, charge controller, isolators, fuse panel.

Next on the list while waiting for those bits will be the removal of the old fridge. The new one is due to be delivered this week. Measurements show it is the same width, 30mm higher (there's plenty of rom for this) and slightly shallower in depth so I'll be able to make some really good venting work behind it.

That is a lot of weight on one side of the van.

What is going on the other side to counteract it?

I was going to do up my van but damaged wood frames are too much trouble.

Originally Posted by Corgie Carrier

That is a lot of weight on one side of the van.

What is going on the other side to counteract it?

I was going to do up my van but damaged wood frames are too much trouble.

An ensuite will be built opposite. Batteries weigh 120Kg all up. Toilet has 17 litre water tank + 15 liter waste tank, shower base, walls, waterproof cladding on the inside as well as shelves at the end of the cubicle on the outside with TV and other stuff. Doubtful that will be 120Kg all up but 70 or 80 I would expect. Given the whole van only weighs around 1,300Kg before I start with the add ons and it runs twin 45mm axles with bearing rated at 1,150kg each on load sharing suspension, I'm not overly concerned at this stage (famous last words) 😁

If it proves to be problematic, I can make a box that will drop all batteries below the floor level right in the middle of the axles and in the middle of the floor. Will see what it's like on its first outing. 😊

Timber framed vans are bit of a pain to repair if they are a long way gone - I've done one of these before... Thankfully the Viscount runs a full aluminium frame.

Originally Posted by Corgie Carrier

That is a lot of weight on one side of the van.

What is going on the other side to counteract it?.

Id say Gav

Well, new fridge is in. Love the space inside it, much bigger than the old one with the freezer compartment not there. It has adjustable shelves, LED light and room for plenty of beer and wine. 👍 The fridge is an Engel STR100. Asked the guys at the warehouse what the difference was between this outgoing model and the new model -reply was 'dunno - they look the same inside and out, might be a more efficient compressor or something in the new one' So, if anyone happens to buy the latest model of this (which retails for nearly $250 more than I paid for this one, let us know... 😁
4EA2ACF1-EB35-4C29-AF8E-ABBCBE22219B by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr


BUT - it is very shiny and black... hmmmm. The old front panel of the old fridge is too small for it, so now have to work out how I make it look more period correct... Not an issue short term, but the looks of it will bug me for sure long term if I can't work out how to do this. Would love to find some panelling the same as what's inside the van...


Forgive the hack job on the cupboard above the fridge - I had to cut 20mm out of it and it was very flimsy - will put a trim accross there so no one notices.
0D6BEFD2-69E5-4AEA-8667-9798FE4A488C by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

Is there a contact adhesive - like we used in high school on books, that has a wood grain look?

Originally Posted by grey_ghost

Is there a contact adhesive - like we used in high school on books, that has a wood grain look?

Or a vinyl wrap???

I'm sure you could find some Melamine the same as the rest of the van. It's very thin nowadays so you could fettle it to fit within the frame of the door & then glue it in place.

Good thoughts - not sure how popular a print of some 1970's woodgrain panelling would be, but there mustbbe something out there...