Recent content by luthj

I wonder if a plastic sheet like StarBoard would be a decent edging material for wet locations? The adhesive would need to be suitable for HDPE, and the StarBoard would need flame treated to improve surface energy though.

Here is the prototype model. The final design has a few tweaks. The cabover being a inch or two closer to the cab roof being one.

FV contacted me, and looks like they are going to try and induct the chassis for build next week! My box is on the truck to Colorado currently. Still working out the details on a possible rear bumper and storage boxes. The FV units are nice, but expensive. I could probably get something...

I briefly considered putting a flatbed on it, and getting a box made with quick connects, so I could swap it out. The extra weight/complexity wasn't worth it for my usage though.

Sounds about right. I have ~34s on it right now, though may go larger if needs demand. If they don't I may switch to an MPG oriented tire, as they can make a noticeable difference. My rough math puts me at about 9.5mpg running 60-65mph on the highway. Stop and go economy? Well I prefer not...

Finished recovering the window close out panels, interior touch ups finished. I also stripped and refinished the galley countertop. A number of minor mechanical issues have been resolved. Passenger seat air ride lines, wiring clean up, etc. I will say the van is looking quite nice!

Agree with most of your comments. The amount of hate I have gotten for calling Lizard Skin, and Reflectix snake oil is pretty crazy. If it doesn't have an ASTM or similar insulation test value, it isn't real insulation. I will say that an important factor you are somewhat glossing over is...

Waiting on some rain to clear the salt from the roads for the test drive. But its pretty much together. 🎉

Bump. Finished recovering the fridge door. The artwork is original, the landscape is Mt Cook NZ, viewed from the bank of the Tasman River. Based on a photo we took while vising with Fernweh. A photo of Baja last year.

Not too surprising given the power difference. Not to mention MB tends to bias the vans heavily towards fuel economy when it comes to trans and engine tuning.

If I was in the market, the Ecoflow system would be a deal breaker for me. I have heard of quite a few reliability issues, often due to software. The high idle consumption, and lack of repair parts are a problem to. You can't just replace an inverter (for major brands they actually sell...

I believe in Europe its possible to get the AWD on the 4500 chassis. However the builders have to sign some type of waver due to the limited front axle load available. I guess MB doesn't want to deal with the warranty and reliability issues with many RV builders in the USA for that reason? I...

They really should be using the 4500 sprinter chassis instead of the 3500. The 3500 is almost certainly going to be overweight with a full featured build and typical gear load.

I have seen some discussion about interior walls which indicates some builders don't secure the walls rigidly on more than 2 sides. I guess some boxes will twist a bit in service, and have three rigid connections can cause failure of the joint. At least for the lighter panels. Not sure what...

Looks like that's the new lightweight globe treker box. I've seen a couple examples of the Sprinter version floating around on the internet. I haven't seen photos of the E-Series build yet, but given that the box is roughly the same dimensions I expect it will ship. A big cost at her on these...