Ford F700 Build
- Thread starter hdemetrious
- Start date
hdemetrious
Adventurer
I took the bumper off and the extended shafts off the winch in order to decrease weight and increase the approach angle.
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af311/hdemetrious/IMAG0289.jpg
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af311/hdemetrious/IMAG0289.jpg
hdemetrious
Adventurer
water tank
Is it okay to mount an eighty gallon water tank behind the rear axle under the truck? It will not effect the departure angle.
Is it okay to mount an eighty gallon water tank behind the rear axle under the truck? It will not effect the departure angle.
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hdemetrious
Adventurer
The weight is my concern. Is there a disadvantage to have that much weight behind the rear axle? Ground clearance is fine. I don't plan on doing any cold weather camping. I've been in Florida too long.
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
It all depends on how you camper is set up. If it was me I would put the black water take behind the axle and the water tank in front. But to answer your question, on that beast you'll probably be ok if most of your heavy stuff is closer to the cab.
lowenbrau
Explorer
<unsubscribed>
One of the benefits of a rig like this would be the long range overland travel where to tour buses don't go. If you are limiting yourself to places that don't freeze at night you are going to miss out on too many gems to mention. Some within a days drive of FLA.
charlieaarons
Explorer
Regarding cold weather/freezing nights: the fresh water and black water tanks should be within the insulated/heated envelope. The gray water can be outside - it can be left open to dribble onto the ground in freezing weather.
Charlie
Charlie
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
Some of us just don't like the cold.
NeverEnough
Adventurer
The 24 hours I spent in Miami this past week were the warmest I've felt in 8 months! And it's dumping snow AGAIN in Park City tonight.
I'm with Joaquin on this one. Anyplace at or between the chassis rails will be a non issue. As for freezing, it's not the tank so much as the lines that are an issue, and they're easier to protect. Besides, the kind of cold that causes problems doesn't exactly sneak up and flash freeze your rig. Great advice from a guy that successfulyl cracked the long block of his boat one September whilst on a business trip away from Park City!
Very cool build, BTW!
hdemetrious
Adventurer
solar water heater
Thanks for all the input I truly appreciate it.
I found this solar water heater. http://shop.heliatos.com/Complete-2-Panel-Solar-Water-Heater-Kit-0770002.htm
It has a 2'x 2' panel that it circulates the water through. The pump that moves the water runs off its own solar panel so it doesn't take away from your power supply. The system plumbs into your existing heater so that the water is kept warm in your insulated tank. It also allows you to use your existing system for cloudy days. It costs around 500 and takes up little space. It seems like a good idea, does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks for all the input I truly appreciate it.
I found this solar water heater. http://shop.heliatos.com/Complete-2-Panel-Solar-Water-Heater-Kit-0770002.htm
It has a 2'x 2' panel that it circulates the water through. The pump that moves the water runs off its own solar panel so it doesn't take away from your power supply. The system plumbs into your existing heater so that the water is kept warm in your insulated tank. It also allows you to use your existing system for cloudy days. It costs around 500 and takes up little space. It seems like a good idea, does anyone have any experience with this?
dwh
Tail-End Charlie
Huh. This is unusual for me to say, but that kit actually looks pretty decent.
I can't comment on the price, but for a complete kit, it doesn't seem too high.
On houses, solar water heating can pay for itself in anywhere from 1-3 years, as opposed to solar electric which can take 10 years or more. No idea how much it would save you on an RV, so I don' know how long it would take to pay for itself, but I do very much like the idea - enough that I'm adding it to my solar bookmarks.
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Darnit, I knew I would rather live up in Park City!
All we have been getting down here in Provo is rain! rain! and more Rain!
I like rain just fine, but given the choice I would go with snow every time!
Sorry, had to say it...
this truck is a super idea, and I love everything about it.
I say go for it when it comes to the deck on the roof, it would be nice to have. I would put at least a couple foot wind deflector on top there just to ease the wind over the cab, but that is personal preference more than anything there. (you can easily box it in for some storage of deck chairs a collapsible table, and the like if you wished.
I also agree that many of the places outside of the box can still be insulated for a reasonable amount. A simple heat pad, inside of an insulated box should keep that thing plenty warm for anything other than a deep Alaskan/Canadian freeze.
Oh, and someone also mentioned the doors being interchangeable with the 150-350 trucks. I thought I would mention that the cab is also interchangeable. The front clip is, obviously, very different, but from the fire wall back (above the frame) it is an F-350. There was a guy over on the f700 forum that did a swap, and showed just how easily it can be done.
If you should decide to go with a deck, be it on the roof or on the rear, they are a real plus in my book. Jay Shapiro has one, and I spent a couple nights on that thing in Moab last year, and it really was a brilliant experience, so much so that I have determined to do the same myself someday. Personally I do not see any reason you could not have two decks. The roof deck may soon turn into a roof rack, however, and perhaps that should be kept in mind when considering it. Will you suddenly need the space? Will you suddenly find you are carrying more than you should be, or collecting unneeded junk?
Anyhow, super truck, super concept, and best of luck to you! I personally do not believe I could handle a truck that old, because I really dislike the maintenance aspect of an older truck.
Good luck, and I look forward to more build photos, and perhaps some photos of the rig in S.A. before too long!
Regards,
Brian
Hmmm? How do you keep the water from a black or fresh water tank from freezing in the collectors at night if it's zero degrees? I might have missed something....:ylsmoke:
Nice job on the gap! I'd want a platform over the cab. When you go to those outdoor concerts and fireworks displays, it gets you up out of the crowd for a better view!
Nice job on the gap! I'd want a platform over the cab. When you go to those outdoor concerts and fireworks displays, it gets you up out of the crowd for a better view!
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hdemetrious
Adventurer
Thanks guys. I'll begin working on the interior. I plan on framing out the interior in aluminum tubing. I may even finish the interior in aluminum sheeting. But I think that may give it an industrial or sterile feel. Here is a current pic of the interior.
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af311/hdemetrious/IMAG0294.jpg
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af311/hdemetrious/IMAG0294.jpg