Building a Chinese expedition truck, possible ?

[1000arms]

A flip-down waterproof shower-tub with a lip across the top of the shower-pan (when flipped down) which prevents the shower-pan from leaking any water when the empty (but not bone-dry) shower-pan is flipped up after use might work well.

Two shower curtains, each forming a "U", with the "U"s overlapping, might protect the interior.

An external shower with flip-down shower-pan and deployable walls/curtains, in addition to the interior shower, might also be useful.

Hi, OK that this solution gives more space. But I really insist on keeping separate bathroom, no curtains etc. As we have open space to the driver's cabin, the limited space around table/kitchen area will not feel so small. The feeling of space is sometimes more important than calculating cm2.

It is good that you know what you want before you have fabricated the interior.

 

[1000arms]

Here is another option for the roof.
If it is going to rain, at least have the option to collect it. A light shower can fill the tanks.
View attachment 742679
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

I agree with you, but... to change the exterior construction of the truck is almost impossible with Dongfeng. Not only for construction reasons, but every exterior change needs a new announcement to the public transport services what is a complicated process and costs 3500 USD. Indeed, we don't have all the freedoms you have in the West, that is why this project is a big challenge and needs a lot of negotiations. Limiting weldings is also my purpose, it limits rust.
For water supply: we will have a custom made stainless steel tank of a 400 litre. Enough for 2-3 persons to survive. We also preview an extra high performance pump at the inlet of the tank to suck water out of lakes and rivers with a separate filtration system to keep the fresh water tank bacteria free. At the moment we have a doubt to have the water inlet in the garage or in the exterior wall. In the garage => no extra hole in the exterior wall, well protected against freezing and criminal poisoning our fresh water. Keeping the hatch open during filling will keep us alert to have an eye in case of overfilling.

Although it appears you have much of your water system figured out, keep in mind that you might be able to capture rainwater with a tarp over the roof-rack (shown in your photo) in an emergency.

 

[Renaat]

Although it appears you have much of your water system figured out, keep in mind that you might be able to capture rainwater with a tarp over the roof-rack (shown in your photo) in an emergency.

OK, we will think about. Some others did do it as shown in the photo. The problem is that our roof will be 99% covered until the sides with solar. Not much water will be on the roof. See photo.

 

[1000arms]

OK, we will think about. Some others did do it as shown in the photo. The problem is that our roof will be 99% covered until the sides with solar. Not much water will be on the roof. See photo.

If you really need the water, a temporary tarp on top of the solar panels might work for rain-water collection. Just use it during the rain and then remove it.

A tarp attached to one side of the roof rack (plus a couple of poles, tie-downs, and ground-stakes), could provide temporary sun-shade and rain-protection next to one side of the truck, and might also be part of a rain collection system.

 

[Renaat]

If you really need the water, a temporary tarp on top of the solar panels might work for rain-water collection. Just use it during the rain and then remove it.

A tarp attached to one side of the roof rack (plus a couple of poles, tie-downs, and ground-stakes), could provide temporary sun-shade and rain-protection next to one side of the truck, and might also be part of a rain collection system.

That is an acceptable solution, thanks.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

The problem is that our roof will be 99% covered until the sides with solar. Not much water will be on the roof. See photo.

That is not a problem. The water will run off the solar panels onto that small piece of exposed roof. It only needs a lip of 1.5mm to then collect in a corner. It could be directed to where you want to collect it with a piece of string under some sticky tape.

For water supply: we will have a custom made stainless steel tank of a 400 litre.

Stainless is my last choice for tanks. Unless they are very carefully mounted they will stress crack. They are also heavy. Best material is High Density Polyethylene, preferably rotomoulded but fabricated and hot air welded is OK too. Lighter and tougher than S/S. Then have several smaller tanks for insurance, rather than one big one.
I also use HDPE rotomoulded tanks for diesel, for the same reasons.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Renaat]

That is not a problem. The water will run off the solar panels onto that small piece of exposed roof. It only needs a lip of 1.5mm to then collect in a corner. It could be directed to where you want to collect it with a piece of string under some sticky tape.
Stainless is my last choice for tanks. Unless they are very carefully mounted they will stress crack. They are also heavy. Best material is High Density Polyethylene, preferably rotomoulded but fabricated and hot air welded is OK too. Lighter and tougher than S/S. Then have several smaller tanks for insurance, rather than one big one.
I also use HDPE rotomoulded tanks for diesel, for the same reasons.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

I agree with you, but I absolutely need custom sizes, not possible with Polyethylene or extremely expensive for 1 tank.
As you can see on the photo joined, I put intersections to avoid too much water movement and it will strengthen the tank.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

I suggest that one off hot air welded HDPE tanks are no more expensive than one off S/S.
In this case, I took 2 rotomoulded tanks, cut a piece off one and welded it to the other to provide greater capacity. The LH side is for potable water (200L) and the RHS is 70L for grey water.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

My new build is concentrating on serious weight reduction. It includes this "one off" HDPE part.
It is a bumper bar. Cut out of flat sheet with a jig saw, hot bent and then welded.
Stronger, tougher and much lighter than the original steel bumper.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome