My 4x4 Red Cross ERV Build and Adventures

[Rockalot]

Hows your bed lift holding up, sliding up and down okay, smoothly?
Love some of your ideas! I'm researching for my FL60 based ambo build.

 

[Rebuilder]

Hows your bed lift holding up, sliding up and down okay, smoothly?
Love some of your ideas! I'm researching for my FL60 based ambo build.

It's holding up great. Zero problems with it and I use the lift daily when I'm on trips. I always drive around with the bed up and only lower it for sleeping. Wouldn't change a thing.

 

[Rebuilder]

Just remembered someone also asked how the awning is holding up. It's been working great but I haven't learned to trust it being fully self supporting so I usually retract it if the wind picks up at all. I have plans to make some adjustable supports to triangulate it back to the camper but haven't got around to it yet.

I actually have a lot of updates to add to this build thread when I get the time.

Short list is.....
I've rebuilt the rear axle again to add the integrated e-brake to replace the one that was removed when installing the transfer case and I also installed an ARB locker.
I fixed the VSS issue by modifying the T Case output shaft and housing to accept the OEM gear driven speed sensor because I couldn't get anything else to work.
Also replaced the Chinese hydronic heater with an Espar unit after the Chinese unit heat sensor failed.

 

[SnowCarver]

Can you tell what your supply and return temps are on your hydronic boiler?

Also replaced the Chinese hydronic heater with an Espar unit after the Chinese unit heat sensor failed.

 

[Rebuilder]

Can you tell what your supply and return temps are on your hydronic boiler?

I'll check next time I fire it up.

 

[SnowCarver]

I'll check next time I fire it up.

Thanks, mine seem low but I don't know what is typical.

 

[john difool]

First little test drive out of the way. Worked as well as can be expected without having shocks... pretty bouncy. I had to turn it around in my driveway to start working on the back end so I figured I'd take it around the block. People looked at me weird for some reason ?. The plan for the rear is a Sky Offroad shackle flip and maybe blocks if needed to level it out. I may look into custom springs but that'll happen later.

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Gasser ERV

 

[john difool]

Adding the door was a bit of a dilemma because I wasn't sure if I wanted to replace the big window on the passenger or go with a more unorthodox drivers side door. After reading some negatives to a drivers side door I realize those negatives didn't really matter to me so drivers side it is. It really was the best option. The only reason I was contemplating removing the big passenger side window is I think it'll suck in the winter but in reality I think the benefits will outweigh the negatives.

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Some may be concerned with cutting away the box frame structure but I don't really think it matters. There's still plenty of support around the opening and I built an aluminum frame and box to fit into the opening and tie into the floor and frame. Looks like I forgot to take pics of that part. I'll climb under there tonight and take some.

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You can see here all the aluminum tubing that's still intact around the opening. What could possibly go wrong?!!!

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There was a bunch of unused space under the floor so I decided to make a little cubby hole for shoes and things.

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Awesome work. How is that door holding up? Would you go with this particular door again? If so, do you have a link or name/model on hand?

 

[Rebuilder]

Awesome work. How is that door holding up? Would you go with this particular door again? If so, do you have a link or name/model on hand?

Thanks. The door has been great so far but I haven't tested it in the cold. I'm guessing there would be a lot of thermal transfer and condensation if used in the winter. It's just a basic RV door and I really only got it because I found it locally.