E350 Gray Vhale Build Thread

[birdman86]

Nice build! Is there any reason you doubled up on the reflectix? Seems like most builds just do an outer layer of reflectix then some fiberglass insulation or similar, then wall panels on top of that. I'm sorting out plans for my own insulation and being in Calgary I'd like to have the option of sleeping in it during the winter, which can be kind of chilly.

 

[DzlToy]

^^ Check out Skier's Lodge Build Thread, he is in Scandinavia and sleeps in a pickup truck bed camper in winter.

 

[brianjwilson]

How are you feeling about the reflectix now that some time has passed? I worry about it crinkling in the walls and being noisy.

I have reflectix, thinsulate, raam mat, ensolite etc and I'm trying to determine what is going to work best.

I've been thinking raam mat on the big pieces of metal (duh), thinsulate, then reflectix as a thermal barrier and somewhat vapor barrier. Then ensolite (closed cell, self adhesive foam) on the reflectix if needed to cut down on noise between reflectix and inside wall. I would do reflectix on the outer skin but it isn't nearly as effective when in contact with exterior metal.

I did one rear door with raam mat on the exterior (and some of the interior metal), a layer of thinsulate, reflectix, another layer on thinsulate, then I put ensolite over the top before I put the panel on. I don't think I'll have enough space or thinsulate to do the walls like that, but I don't worry about the reflectix making noise since it is sandwiched between two layer of thinsulate.

 

[ohpyramids]

I have reflectix allover my van. It's great in the summer heat of SoCal. No noise after install.


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[brianjwilson]

I have reflectix allover my van. It's great in the summer heat of SoCal. No noise after install.


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Good to know, thank you!

I've used it a lot in truck campers (hard side and pop-up) for both hot and cold. And been very happy in both cases. But obviously hadn't ridden in the campers so I didn't know about the noise side of things when underway. Ideally I could sandwich reflectix between layers of thinsulate all over but I just dont have the open space to do that everywhere. The previous owner of my van glued foil backed extruded polystyrene to the "window" areas of the cargo walls and it helped with heat, but they were packed in between panels so tight that they created extra noise when the chassis flexed at all. Where space permits, I may even sandwich similar foam AND reflectix between thinsulate layers.

For us, hot days are always the hardest to deal with since to don't camp with AC power or have 110v air conditioning. Being able to reflect summer sun with something like reflectix is extremely useful. When I eventually install props and a furnace, running the heat a little more often isn't a big deal.

 

[philos]

I have reflectix. No noise/crinkles.
I also used butyl sound sheets first, then ensolite, then reflectix, then harbor freight neoprene flooring in a few areas.
Solid, quiet, comfy, cheap, and durable. I live in SoCal.


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[ohpyramids]

Brian, I've found reflectix to be most effective when cut to fit in the windows to block IR heat. But then of course, you can't see the beautiful places you're camping at!


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[FarmerFrederico]

Hey guys - yes, no noise from the reflectix - I also cut panels for the windows including windshield and it really cuts down on the heat. I can park it in full sun - turn on the Maxx Fan and put in the panels all around and it stays relatively cool probably 85 on a 95 degree day?

 

[brianjwilson]

Thanks guys. Ive always been happy using reflectix on soft walls, windows, poorly insulated campers etc. I just hadn't used it in the cabin of anything to see if it is noisy when stuffed behind panels. I only got the ceiling up, using 1" thinsulate on top, reflectix, then the wise industries pro van liner. Huge difference in the van today. The side panels (uncovered so far) would burn after just a few seconds of contact, the ceiling felt no warmer than ambient air temp in the van. My side walls will be covered the same way, but with 2" thinsulate.

 

[lcavalletti]

i just bought a e350 with a ccv high top its 2wd regular length passenger van. im stoked to be in the expedition van world i plan to do a 4x4 conversion in november i havw have the same dilemma in layout i have two young kiddos. the easy way is to get a sofa bed in back custom built with stock shoulder/lap belts for the kids but i would like to cover the windows for more privacy essentially deleting any view for them while underway also i like them close while underway., so i toyed with the idea of a removable bench right behind the cockpit that i could remove at camp but that would leave ugly brackets to stub your toe on in the cabin. i do want enough room for a simple galley with a fresh water holding tank in the mix with a porta potti on a slideout. im just finished dynomatting and dynoliner then reflectix then electrical (two 6v batteries) mounted to frame then stained wood panels over all that ,,,, my final idea is install the sienna seats like you did in gray vhale with a smaller bed with storage behind and a small galley in between going width wise just dont know if there is room

 

[FarmerFrederico]

Hi everyone,

Here's my update...Unfortunately I got a divorce...so I've been laying low for the last year.

I've got my boy 50% of the time and we've been enjoying the van...but it became my daily driver. I'll own it outright in a year but could pay it off right now if I wanted to but that would drain my savings lower than I should coming out of the divorce.

Thinking about keeping it and getting a cheap car or an electric cargo bike to keep from driving it so much. I've also considered selling it and getting a Tacoma DCLB with a mid-height cap and moving my solar house battery set-up and fridge over to it. Selling the van now while gas prices are cheap would probably be pretty easy in my market here on the Front Range. I'm kind of torn about it - on one hand I hate getting 10mpg, and on the other hand I love having a moving living room. I don't use the 4x4 capabilities enough - I've even thought about selling it and getting a used Ford Transit, to have a van and better mpg. Driving a gas guzzler honestly makes me feel like **** lately but if I just used it for a camper and hauled kids, dogs, mountain biking buddies when I use it I'd feel better.

Anyway here's what I did to it last summer. Not pictured is updated "crown molding" between walls and ceiling. Things I've also thought about:

--getting Sienna Seat mounts for driver and passenger and putting those seats up front
--getting a bench seat with integrated shoulder belts that can fold down to be a bed.
--get more roof rack space and put a Yakima box up top

Getting ready to put the MaxxAir Fan in

Put in these batteries in both chasis locations.

Wiring up the solar charging and 12v panel powering a Universal Power Group, UB-8D AGM, 12 Volt, 250Ah battery that sits inside one of the boxes in the back.

150w Panel on Vantech rails.

All set up with room for more up top.

Solar power panel - could be improved but that's what I came up with.

Camping with dogs and bikes near Winter Park

Camping near Mt. Evans

Waking up

Took out one seat for a while, but put it back in and keep the fridge where the kennel is now. Now I have wood trim up between walls and ceiling.

 

[bknudtsen]

Sit down and look at your fuel costs per year. Then figure out what the fuel savings would be on a new more efficient vehicle. Tacomas are notoriously disappointing. Add in the cost of any financing and increased insurance premiums. I bet your van, paid off in a year not to mention, will cost less to own.

On top of all that, you get to go do adventurey things with your kids. Been through a divorce with kids myself years ago. Stability is what they need, and trust me, even that big ol' van can be a consistent source of reliable fun memories for them that will ease the transition.

Keep it. My two cents...

 

[FarmerFrederico]

You are right, Brad, it's a no-brainer that it's cheaper to operate this van for the time being...I just don't know how I'll feel about long road trips with it if gas costs $4.50 down the road.

 

[bknudtsen]

Start a trip fund. $20 a week goes a long way toward offsetting gas in the future for trips. So much cheaper than a new car payment. Ok. Gotta go. Shopping for new cars. Later!






J/k...

 

[mk216v]

Oh man, sorry to hear Adam. Good to see you're taking your kids and dog(s) out and exploring. What incredible memories you're building with them!
Vans rock.