Chevrolet Tracker (Suzuki Grand Vitara) Micro-Camper
- Thread starter Almir Almeida
- Start date
Almir Almeida
New member
Thank you guys!
My next long-term expedition will be in December/2016~January/2017, from my city (Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil) to Ushuaia (Argentina) and from there to the desert of Atacama (Chile). I also intend to watch some of the Dakar Rally which will occur at the same time.
My next long-term expedition will be in December/2016~January/2017, from my city (Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil) to Ushuaia (Argentina) and from there to the desert of Atacama (Chile). I also intend to watch some of the Dakar Rally which will occur at the same time.
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Almir Almeida
New member
It was approximately 1 week designing and measuring, trying to find the best combination for accommodation of all accessories and up to 2 people. The assembly took about two months, working on the side (DIY).
Tks
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Almir Almeida
New member
Today I installed a 30A battery charger very compact. It can be plugged into any AC outlet from 100 to 240V. When the plug is connected, the system automatically disconnects the solar panel and the alternator and in addition to charging the battery also powers all 12V accessories, including the refrigerator. Charging is managed by the same solar charger controller, preventing overload.
The next upgrade will install a 100W flexible solar panel on the roof of my luggage rack Thule 100. today, due to lack of space on the car roof, I can not use the solar panel along with the Thule.
the idea is to do as pictured below:
The next upgrade will install a 100W flexible solar panel on the roof of my luggage rack Thule 100. today, due to lack of space on the car roof, I can not use the solar panel along with the Thule.
the idea is to do as pictured below:
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Almir Almeida
New member
Because my larger tires and weight of accessories my consumption is not the best, in the 23 mpg range. Here there is the diesel version of Tracker or Grand Vitara, which runs up to 40 mpg but the engine (Mazda or Peugeot) are not reliable if the car is very old. But the XL7 has much more space. The only problem is the very long wheelbase.
plh
Explorer
Nice city! I just returned from a week long visit to SJdC on 7/24/16! Brazilians are such excellent friendly people!
Pete79
Observer
Great work on this fit out. Thanks for sharing.
I have a similar setup with a 100W panel on a luggage pod in my trailer. It works very well charging my 100ah battery.
My panel has survived a heavy hail storm and still in perfect working order. They are surprisingly strong. You should be happy with this setup.
Well done.
Almir Almeida
New member
Almir Almeida
New member
Thank you! Once I get the new solar panel and I finished installing it I'll post a picture here. Greetings
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Almir Almeida
New member
Testing the equipment in an expedition to the top of the "Serra da Bocaina" - Brazil
I camped at about 2000 meters high and temperatures near zero degrees Celsius. The suspension has also been approved to cross erosions and stones.
I camped at about 2000 meters high and temperatures near zero degrees Celsius. The suspension has also been approved to cross erosions and stones.
Almir Almeida
New member
Today I finished my "Thule-Solar". I used a 100W flexible solar panel fixed to a Thule luggage with 300 liter capacity.
Now I have much more space for the bags and camping acessories.
Now I have much more space for the bags and camping acessories.
Almir Almeida
New member
Thank You! Yes, soon I will travel and share here photos and stories where I went. Here "Chevrolet Tracker" is the same as "Suzuki Grand Vitara" until 2009. Now there is a new "Tracker" here but only 4x2 and is the same as "Trax" in the US market. But the Suzuki Grand Vitara is also available in a new version (below). The problem is that the new suzuki (except Jimny) are monobloc and no longer chassis, as in older versions.
Almir Almeida
New member
I made a new mattress for the micro-camper. It's more practical than the inflatable mattresses and faster to assemble the bed.
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