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06-19-2022, 03:20 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 19
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Weight distribution…! Educate me please
I started to clean up the van and clear the whole interior. I noticed that most of the weight is n the driver side. The water tank, the electric components, AC unit, fridge and microwave. On top of that, there is the 3 passengers seat. The only heavy component I was able to see was the black tank under the van. Which if you haven’t used any water, it would be empty.
If I keep going forward with this van, I would like to think it’s safe to follow the same design for weight distribution?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
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06-19-2022, 07:41 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SE Washington
Posts: 1,029
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Our older E150 had that issue. It visibly leaned to one side. But it was too lightweight in general. Just keep the total weight well within the GVWR and maybe add a rear sway bar.
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2009 E250 RB 5.4L "SilVan"
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06-20-2022, 12:41 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 1,228
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Just keep your distribution in mind when doing you build the van out.
Keep the water tank between the wheel wells or just forward of them. Offset it to the side of less weight. If you change the battery location perhaps you can shift it to the side with less weight as well. If you have a relatively blank slate it'll give you some options.
What motor is in your van?
Some diesel vans (6.0L) have nearly 100lbs worth of starting batteries hanging on the passenger frame rail. 7.3L has one on that side.
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Desert Solitaire
2003 7.3L EB 4x4
Timberline 4x4 conversion
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06-21-2022, 09:06 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 391
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Aside from weight distribution, I've noticed that a lot of DIY van conversions seem to ignore weight altogether with thick, heavy wood planks for walls and ceilings, 2x4 and 3/4" MDF, etc. I've often wondered how many of them are overloaded before they add any of their "stuff".
__________________
Bob
2005 E350 Super Duty Ext Wheelchair Van
2002 Itasca 35U Motorhome
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06-21-2022, 09:10 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saline
Just keep your distribution in mind when doing you build the van out.
Keep the water tank between the wheel wells or just forward of them. Offset it to the side of less weight. If you change the battery location perhaps you can shift it to the side with less weight as well. If you have a relatively blank slate it'll give you some options.
What motor is in your van?
Some diesel vans (6.0L) have nearly 100lbs worth of starting batteries hanging on the passenger frame rail. 7.3L has one on that side.
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The dodge van currently has the 360 (5.9 I think) but not sure if I’ll keep that engine. I do want to keep the lay out for 4 or 5 travelers.
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06-21-2022, 09:12 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BCam
Aside from weight distribution, I've noticed that a lot of DIY van conversions seem to ignore weight altogether with thick, heavy wood planks for walls and ceilings, 2x4 and 3/4" MDF, etc. I've often wondered how many of them are overloaded before they add any of their "stuff".
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Weight is definitely something n my mind since there is the possibility I will do a diesel swap. Smaller engine but same horse power.
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06-21-2022, 12:56 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Denver Colorado
Posts: 820
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As someone mentioned earlier many vans are not evenly weighted from the factory. In a perfect world is to find a shop or truck stop where you can get the weight on each wheel.
Get it weighed with a full tank of fuel.
That gives you the starting point info to help with your design. If you have some latitude in your layout you can make some adjustments.
__________________
2002 e350 window eb,
7.3
CCV high top
Conversion in process. Lol
Denver, CO
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06-21-2022, 06:00 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Corvallis, OR
Posts: 5,300
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Stock extended vans with the original tire size had a tendency to overload a single rear tire even when under GVWR. Rear fuel-tank vans especially (I think around ‘97 they moved it midship).
Going with a slightly larger tire can help as well.
__________________
2000 E450 dually V10 wagon
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06-22-2022, 07:28 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 453
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BCam
Aside from weight distribution, I've noticed that a lot of DIY van conversions seem to ignore weight altogether with thick, heavy wood planks for walls and ceilings, 2x4 and 3/4" MDF, etc. I've often wondered how many of them are overloaded before they add any of their "stuff".
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That’s not just DIY vans, many company/RV built vans use less that optimal material, simply due to price and ease of install.
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