Van Build about to start.... - Page 18

haywoodphotomaccom · 02-09-2014, 09:08 AM

Duplicated water heater post here too...

We ended up installing a EccoTemp on demand heater and 20 gallon fresh water tank last week to run the shower and sink. Shower setup is mostly done and works great so far. Sink to be installed sometime this week.

Used a West Marine water pump to supply water to the Eco unit. As soon as the Eco unit detects water pressure it ignites and within a few seconds you have hot water. On the lowest heat and water flow setting it works perfect. About .75 gpm is what I have it set at. Takes about 2-2.5 gallons per shower being quick about it. Yesterday the water tank temp was 62 and water output was 104 and the lowest setting.

The heater is installed above the tank up against the back wall. Photo coming next. The exhaust is minimal at the setting I am using and with all the windows open you can barely tell it's on. May still exhaust to the outside as should be done but may hold off for now.

Testing the unit and fittings before installation.

dougdaulton · 08-07-2014, 12:52 PM

Brent,

Great build. Thanks for sharing in so much detail. As I begin exploring SMB as mobile studio, this gives me lots of excellent ideas.

Will be in touch!

dd

dougdaulton · 08-07-2014, 12:58 PM

Brent,

Great build thread. Lots of ideas as I plan an SMB as a mobile studio.

One question ... I am a big guy (300+). What is the carrying capacity of the roof rack/shell?

Thanks,

Doug

**daveb** · 08-07-2014, 02:04 PM

I saw about 12 people on top of a penthouse model at SMB doing a photo op. Obviously the top was
down but gives you an idea of the tops strength. The racks can be ordered with different
material/designs to suit your needs. I used smaller tubing to save weight but put slats where
needed. I could have installed a solid deck for more strength but because a PH model needs to
keep the total weight of the rack and what it holds down to around 200lbs, I went light as possible.
A hard top would allow you to go with a more heavy duty rack that would easily hold you. I'm in the
same weight class as you and only step where a slat crosses a bar support. But I can and do walk
on it when necessary...just walk carefully.

haywoodphotomaccom · 08-09-2014, 08:06 AM

Doug, not sure on the capacity for my roof setup. I stand on my roof rack almost everyday for work but typically limit it to one person at a time on it. I have two solar panels and two pelican cases on it so I have about 150 lbs on it at all times. Then add my weight when up there for 350 max at anyone time.

haywoodphotomaccom · 12-22-2014, 10:28 PM

4th steering box just installed.....the first three developed play in them within a week or two of installation.

Hoping the 4th will be the charm.

Similar to the one below but for the paint....

carringb · 12-22-2014, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haywoodphotomaccom

4th steering box just installed.....the first three developed play in them within a week or two of installation.

What the heck are you doing with them?!? I've never head of somebody going through them that fast.

haywoodphotomaccom · 12-22-2014, 11:07 PM

No idea.....they get installed and in a short time develop play that constantly vibrates and makse noise.

No one has been able to figure it out.

Most know that go on trips with me that I drive the slowest of the group to keep the roll to a minimum and take it easy. Lots of highway miles but nothing unusual.

Hope this one finally takes care of it!!

carringb · 12-23-2014, 08:45 AM

Has the same shop been installing them? Maybe they aren't adjusting them properly? ("They" could also mean the reman shop your shop is buying from) The old method of "turn until tight then back off" is a pretty good way of wearing out your steering gears.

http://www.stangerssite.com/adjustment.html

haywoodphotomaccom · 12-23-2014, 09:31 AM

Quadvan I assume installed the first one and Agile the next two and a third shop installed this new one.

In speaking with Red Head Gearing they stated that a lot of reman shops just don't adjust them correctly. I explained my symptoms and uses and they felt confident that their boxes would not fair. We will see. Sure has been nice this last week without the noise and vibrations. Both of the last units started to loosen up around the one week stage so crossing my fingers for now.....