E350 Gray Vhale Build Thread

[mk216v]

This build is amazing. I have been going over tons of different vehicles trying to figure out what is next now that I don't need my diesel truck for work anymore. I think you might have just pushed me over the edge in favor of a 4x4 econoline.

DO IT and add a UJOR 4x4 setup; you won't regret it. It'll be like combining your truck and bus, but even better.

 

[FarmerFrederico]

DO IT and add a UJOR 4x4 setup; you won't regret it. It'll be like combining your truck and bus, but even better.

Thanks, Travis! I totally agree with the above statement!

 

[ttravis5446]

I'm totally off and doing research. Driving by Colorado Camper Van on my way to work everyday already had the bug planted.

 

[FarmerFrederico]

Adam, have you thought about an OTRATTW switch setup?

I had. I think I'll have to wait for that down the road though... If I ever got a big array of switches though I think they would operate less driver specific accessories and would place it somewhere more passenger specific. Those are sharp looking!

 

[FarmerFrederico]

I bring the ARB harness thru the footwell and then up the A pillar. Firewall is a pain (but do able)

Face palm over here. Thanks! I think I have a good plan now for the supply loom too.

 

[ujoint]

sPOD is another good option to run a lot of accessories. Hardest part is finding a home for the Source, room is tight under the hood as you know which is the best place for it.

 

[mk216v]

I'm totally off and doing research. Driving by Colorado Camper Van on my way to work everyday already had the bug planted.

CCV, SMB...and there's a 3rd company working on a properly engineered poptop...

 

[mk216v]

Adam, OTRATTW switches are offered in numerous styles too.

sPOD is another good option to run a lot of accessories. Hardest part is finding a home for the Source, room is tight under the hood as you know which is the best place for it.

I would highly recommend the sPOD. Brad installed mine here; http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...a-Jones!?p=1573480&highlight=sPOD#post1573480

 

[FarmerFrederico]

Power for air compressor and accessory outlet.

I've got the V10 with factory installed auxiliary battery. I've been planning on tying in to it to power the ARB air compressor and have heard that there should be power from it in the B pillar where I want to install another DC outlet for an interior fan and eventually a fridge. This thread over at SMBF
http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1917 discusses how it is wired. It should have a relay between the two and the auxiliary was designed to run trailer power even when the van is off...so it acts kind of like a house battery. It will be nice to have the wiring diagram book soon!

So my main battery in engine compartment reads 12.3v when engine is off and 14.2v when engine is on so I'm getting a charge from alternator. Auxiliary battery though reads 12.3v regardless of whether engine is running. So, it's not getting charged, right? How could it be 12.3v if it probably hasn't been changed/maintained in 5 years? I dropped it and checked water levels and they are good.

One thought I just had. When I had the 4x4 conversion done, the shop didn't know there was an auxiliary battery and the auxiliary one didn't have the cables disconnected before welding. Could the battery be holding a charge from being correctly charged a few weeks ago before the conversion happened but the relay between the two has been shorted since?

I don't want to spend the time connecting to it if I can't keep it charged. Gotta figure out how to check the relay.

 

[Stitebunny]

CCV, SMB...and there's a 3rd company working on a properly engineered poptop...

??
Do tell!

 

[taylor3633]

??
Do tell!

Please!

 

[mk216v]

I've sent the company this thread.

 

[brianjwilson]

sPOD is another good option to run a lot of accessories. Hardest part is finding a home for the Source, room is tight under the hood as you know which is the best place for it.

Adam, OTRATTW switches are offered in numerous styles too.



I would highly recommend the sPOD. Brad installed mine here; http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...a-Jones!?p=1573480&highlight=sPOD#post1573480

Look at the switch pro if you're considering something like that.

I had an spod and it was fine. But the switch pro is solid state, programmable switch panel. Uses less space, powers 8 items, no relays and fuses, no expensive switches, pretty sweet setup.
http://www.switch-pros.com

I used some nice factory style switches for my ARB compressor and lockers on my Tacoma, but after spending my money on the switches and dealing with the pathetic ARB wiring harness I wish I would have just coughed up the money for the switch pro up front.

 

[mk216v]

Look at the switch pro if you're considering something like that.

I had an spod and it was fine. But the switch pro is solid state, programmable switch panel. Uses less space, powers 8 items, no relays and fuses, no expensive switches, pretty sweet setup.
http://www.switch-pros.com

I used some nice factory style switches for my ARB compressor and lockers on my Tacoma, but after spending my money on the switches and dealing with the pathetic ARB wiring harness I wish I would have just coughed up the money for the switch pro up front.

Very sweet, appears to be pretty flexible in setup.
Would be even sweeter if there was a way to customize the switch/backlight color(a small detail, yes).

 

[FarmerFrederico]

Look at the switch pro if you're considering something like that.

I had an spod and it was fine. But the switch pro is solid state, programmable switch panel. Uses less space, powers 8 items, no relays and fuses, no expensive switches, pretty sweet setup.
http://www.switch-pros.com

I used some nice factory style switches for my ARB compressor and lockers on my Tacoma, but after spending my money on the switches and dealing with the pathetic ARB wiring harness I wish I would have just coughed up the money for the switch pro up front.

Thanks for the link - looks easier to stuff in the engine compartment than sPod for sure!