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After being adamant about not wanting to tie into the van's cooling circuit I've realized this is indeed the easiest way to get the coolant capacity that is needed for the Espar D5. I guess you guys have told me to do that all along. ;) I'll stop being stubborn now... Also, the Webasto Dual...

I was told POR is not the right product for this application unless you go through the whole process of prepping and etching the bare metal after cleaning out the entire gutter. It's probably not a must but there is seam sealer in the gutter for a reason. Filling the gutter aids in allowing dirt...

I don't have a rear HVAC and do not plan on plumbing into the van's coolant loop at all. The main reason for the Espar D5 is for hot shower and sink water. Espar NA replied today stating that the coolant capacity should be at least 2.5 gals. Being the current design only holds about and...

You can remove all the old seam sealer and rust with a stiff wire wheel. If you plan on painting any of the roof line just be careful not to get carried away with the wire wheel. Definitely make sure you go with self leveling 3M seam sealer. I had Maaco do the finish work. The result was...

2 weekends ago exterior accessories were tended to so that the interior insulation can get wrapped up. Being the holes were rather small and not too numerous I wasn't all that nervous going forward with a hole saw and drill to the body. Vantasi got a porch light on each side, a shower on the...

In the last month we started to properly sound proof and insulate the van. While the front and all doors already got a good dose of sound deadening adhesive mat more had to be added to the rear walls. For door insulation I chose to go with reflectix followed by 3M Thinsulate SM600L. That meant...

I was headed to Colorado for an enduro race at the end of July so the plan to drop off Vantasi for a quick shave and pop top install was crafted. My girlfriend would drive the van out and I'd pick her up on the way home from the race. A company van comes in handy for this type of thing. The plan...

After serious consideration, my girlfriend and I decided that we would go with a CCV mid-height pop top. Serious consideration for a serious chunk of money. And this leads us to a complete van makeover from moto van to full time camper van. Meaning, the entire interior, just finished less than a...

My '99 Ford E350 EB is getting it's 3rd makeover. I started a build thread on the Sportsmobile forum too. Here is a link to what the was and is transforming into. http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f24/the-making-of-vantasi-16327.html I'll start from it's latest stages started in the...

Thanks again for more good info on this Espar setup. I am really trying to keep it as simple as possible and use it for water heating only. I'll have another unit for air/cabin heating and I'm not worried about preheating the van's engine. It starts easy enough at -10F here in MN and doesn't get...

Thank for the insight guys. Taking this into consideration I revised the setup so that the Espar runs a smalled closed loop through the heat exchanger with coolant. Does anybody see any flaw/s in this setup?

To those with a Sportsmobile or CCV (Colorado Camper Van) pop top, how is the finish of the top's bottom sealing edge and fitment in the rain gutter? Is it a quality fit? Does the rubber seal sit flush in the rain gutter around the van's roof line? And does anybody have issues with water and...

Looking for a little help and input on simple Espar Hydronic D5 plumbing to provide hot water for a sink and exterior shower only. My questions: 1. Is it necessary to put a hot water tank into the system since the Espar D5 is able to heat water as it passes through the heater? 2. The Espar has...

Dana 60 35 spline w/ OX manual locker Guys, can you confirm that the Ford E350 does indeed have a 32 spline axle? I have a '99 7.3L E350 EB with a full float 60. I'm looking to install an OX manual locker and would have to go with a 35. If that is the case, what is the necessary axle length...

A local wheel alignment shop now recommended a drop pitman arm too. None of you guys mentioned using a drop pitman arm and and still got the desired driving characteristics even with the 6" lift. Does this recommendation make sense? The reasoning is to get the drag link and inner tie rod more...

It seems clear that I do need more caster to achieve the nice driving characteristics Scott/Redoval described. I have to say that while getting the steering dialed in is a minor annoyance and pia, this is more related to not having alignment shops here in Minneapolis that are experienced with...

I believe these are the Ford alignment specifications: Left, Right Camber 0.0-1.0, 0.0-1.0 Caster 1.3-6.8, 1.8-7.3 Toe -0.10-0.16, -0.10-0.16 Mine are at: Left Right Camber -0.1, 0.1 Caster 2.8, 3.2 Toe -0.10, -0.10

In regards to "drive-ability" and needing or not needing a steering stabilizer, I would agree that the first step is dialing in the alignment and then getting the added benefit of a stabilizer. The challenge is getting the alignment not only in spec but to a point where it feels best- without...

Hi Jamie, I am in the tear down now. I want to gut my van and start with a clean canvas. After 8 years of use I want to upgrade the while thing. As I already have 200K on the 7.3L I am debating if it is worth my time and $ to install 4x4. I too, will configure my van SMB like. As you mention...

Hi Adventurerider, your van build looks great. If you don't mind sharing a bit about the van... What interior upgrades did you make? What electrical management systems did you incorporate? (if any) Do you run a stove or fridge? I am gathering all sorts of feedback to go ahead with my next...