More updates and answers to questions I have received via email:
What would I do different in ordering the van from MB?
* I ordered the factory integrated Becker GPS because I imagined the integration with voice and everything would offset any deficiencies. However, the Becker GPS is COMPLETELY useless.. It is ridiculous to enter destinations, and not nearly as useful as my cheap Garmin once traveling. If I could do it over, I would simply drop that option. Several hundred dollars as I recall.
* I like the stereo head unit with microphone and blue tooth integration OK. It's not a great unit, but I think it will be OK. I like the steering wheel controls and phone integration, including build-in mic, and it integrates with the LED instrumentation panel. Note from my other posts that you CAN have the factory program the fader control to work. So FAR, I am glad I am using the factory audio rather than stripped down and doing all after-market stereo, which would invariably not have integrated as well. That said, I saw Fitz's setup build around CarPlay and it too is compelling. No steering wheel controls or media info on the dash, but nice setup.
* I got the factory driving lights option. Not even sure what option it was, but these remain on if the van is running even if the headlights are off. What that means is that, say you are camping and want to keep the engine running for the A/C (or other electronics) - your 'always on' lights will of course always be on. If you are around others, or even by yourself, this could be really annoying. I have heard there may be a programming option to turn these off, but factories aren't going to do it because the existence of these always-on driving lights is a factor in insurance policies (I think). For now, this represents a potential problem that I am sure I can solve (pull bulbs or something in the worst case, or add an inline switch to the circuit near the lights). Something to consider. Given that I am stuck with these on anyway, I would have researched the other headlight options more carefully before declining them since I thought it was with those options that would invite this problem.
* I also did not get any of the extra safety stuff like lane assist. I guess I am behind the times, but I didn't like the idea of the vehicle being THAT smart. However, in hindsight, the blind-spot detect might have been a nice option. I would learn more about that before declining it.
* I ordered mine direct from MB to shave 6 months off total time. I have no regrets doing this so far. However, wife brought to my attention that we are having a little difficulty finding insurance for the conversion. I am not sure if this would be different if you bought the vehicle turn-key from SMB as an RV. Several insurance companies don't want to cover a vehicle that I have had converted. I suspect they may have been more receptive if there was a single purchase price for the combined 'RV', but I don't know this for sure yet. UPDATE: ExplorerRV declined when they realized it was 4wd. Went with State Farm, but they only do it if you already have another vehicle with them, so it meant switching another vehicle to SF as well, at significantly more than I was paying before. All said and done, the incremental cost over what I was paying before is over $2K/year to have this van insured.
* No issue with both the factory engine pre-heater (diesel) and the Espar D5 system (furnace and hot water). I do recall a factory option on the fuel system that seemed to support plumbing of outside systems. Not sure if relevant or not. Look at my build list for specific code.
First thoughts upon receipt of the conversion?
* My experience with the pickup was overall good. They forgot a few minor things that would have been reasonable to do on the fly during pick up, and accidentally reupholstered the front seats (free of charge since I did not ask for it - and it looks great, btw, so I was happy rather than bothered at the error). On the flip side, they were very accommodating with late-breaking window coverage choices (switched from curtains to inserts after seeing Fitz's van), and even trimmed some plastic to avoid tire rub (the vehicle sits lower than it did when I brought it in LOL).
Lessons learned so far (first 2 days of driveway use):
* Broke the awning already. The awning sags in the middle, and I did not think to angle it for drainage. First rain had enough weight that supports connecting to van buckled. Should have had them straight down to the ground rather than coming back to the van, and maybe not extended so far. I can still pack them up and use them, but cautionary tale for others than the supports should be treated gently. I am guessing guy ropes would be good too if risk of even small amount of wind.
* OK, so this is not a common scenario, but it is something to pay attention to. If you are connected to shore power and lose it, such as tripping the circuit, you may not know from inside the van as everything seemlessly just fails over to house battery. I caught it at 11.5V, but you could very easily drain your house battery lower than is healthy for it - especially if you are running the AC! Pay attention to the status indicator on the remote console for the inverter/charging system? Oh, and Captain Obvious says don't run the AC, fridge, water pump, and lights on a 20A shore-power circuit in your garage. No telling when they will conspire to be on at the same time.
* VERY glad I got the Danhard A/C. It's a bit louder than I expected on the outside of the van, but tolerable white noise on the inside to ensure a good sleep on those utilitarian nights where stuck sleeping in van in heat between someplace and anyplace. Works great and took the interior for 91 to 71 in an hour or two one afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised as I assumed it would not be that effective.
* Spare tire (285/70r17) does not fit in the modified cage I pictured earlier in this thread.
One other option to mount underneath, and if that doesn't work I am looking at the rear bumper setup from Aluminess. I was on the fence regarding spare tire/rear storage, and am thinking I should have gone wiht the Aluminess rear bumper/tire carrier/storage box + underbody storage from SMB in the first place. I have enough low-access stuff I keep with me (recovery gear, tools, etc.) that I could put in the under-body storage. And I was worried about rattle, but as Fitz pointed out, who cares if it rattles if you can't hear it, and you sure can't hear it back there from the driver's seat while driving. +1 for underbody storage combined with aluminess bumper w/carrier and box.
Snowy
Anyway, when I get some matching material from SMB, I am going to mount a 20" 2"x4" (covered with matching material) on the sliding door at the two bumper locations.This should halt it at the mid-point just past where the 'catch' can hold it open. Considering screwing right into the door panel, or screwing in straps to hold it in place (and allow for small amount of for-aft movement).
Linear Mode
