Now for something completely different: 2023 Chevy 3500 Extended Express, Yea I know.....It isn't cool.

[chuppie]

SoI did get to spend a night in the van at a rest area.
Things I did right:

White noise generator
Large Fan
Plenty of DC power

Things that need improvement:

6 foot long sleeping area is not long enough for 5'11" tall person.

Using a thick anti fatigue mat is not enough cushion for use as a mattress.

I have a lot of rattling in the back area where I built the drawers. I need to solve that. It was annoying.

I slept in an Ohio rest area along I70, it was a bit noisy until midnight. It was otherwise fine. I got up around 4:30 am and accidentally set off the factory car alarm. Turns out when you lock yourself in the car touching the interior door handles trips the alarm.
Sorry to all the others there sleeping.
I made coffee and had some grape nuts and yogurt for breakfast because it was easy. It was all very pleasant except the huge amount of road construction. Hit the road by 5am. Was home by noon. 1100 miles each way in about 18 hours of drive time each way. The van drives and rides very well. 17.8 mpg trip average.
Note:
Not gonna do that trip again but did get to really test drive my setup.

Lots left to do especially on the interior.

 

[chuppie]

Sleeping area. This needs improvement.
I am also going to add a perpendicular sleeping area for my wife above wheel wells.

 

[chuppie]

Rear area with coffee pot and water from home for coffee etc.

 

[chuppie]

Slide out rear table. Keep in mind, this is all a prototype. Table is too large. Gonna take 6" off it in both directions.

 

[chuppie]

Ladder storage.

 

[chuppie]

Rear window screens. Note: magnets were required to keep lower edge attached to sheet metal on door.
These screens come on and off. They fit over door like pillowcase.
I don't yet have a solution for window screens. Nobody makes aftermarket screen windows for GM vans tht fit in OEM opening.
With a large interior fan these did prove ample ventilation. Need to get more for front doors and side door.

 

[chuppie]

If anyone has some ideas or suggestions that are in synch with the build, I would love to read them.

 

[chuppie]

These are my add on storage. They sit on the drawers for the 12 volt coolers and battery box. The water container holds 3 gallons and I can fill it from home avoiding the marginal water at many remote campgrounds. This is for drinking and making coffee.
Basically a coffee station, fresh water and a storage box.

 

[chuppie]

My pull out table. The table will be birch plywood like the rest. I just ran out of wood.

I am going to test drive this configuration this weekend. If I like it, I will paint it all.

I basically have a 120 volt coffee maker, a hot plate and a small egg maker set up for travel. I have all the standard propane camp stove and kitchen stuff in a large waterproof bin for using at camp. This rear set up is for traveling.

 

[chuppie]

The Ice cream chronicles.

We often camp with a group of friends and usually take turns making meals.
My wife has been obsessed with bringing
Ice cream to serve as a treat on her shift. Well we now have 2) 54 qt electric coolers. I have one set at 40 degrees and one set at 5 degrees (f)
I have 300 watts of solar and a 200ah lithium battery. The colder you set the coolers, the more power they use.
The question is, can I generate enough solar to go 5 days with the cooler set at 5 degrees? There are many variables such as sunshine and shade but the test is on for this long weekend.
I have a backup plan, I have a 40amp DC to DC charger in the van so running the engine is an option to boost the battery but I hate doing that. I also hate running my inverter generator. Worst case, shut down one of the coolers is an option. I have also found that precooling and adding frozen water bottles reduces the load.

I will share my findings next week.

 

[chuppie]

Ice cream update
Ice Cream is still frozen
So far, doing good. Was at 80% battery this am, up to 96% now. Both coolers hold their temps.

 

[chuppie]

Side view and using my recently installed right side ladder bracket.

 

[chuppie]

Built a roof rack for it.
Now if I can just con somebody into helping me get it on the roof. Load bars are patiently waiting for a load.

 

[chuppie]

Not happy with the way it looks but it is rock solid. I stood on it and it could easily support a few people on camping chairs.

 

[chuppie]

Added brackets to both sides so I can use the RTT ladder to access rack.