Self Contained

[SWbySWesty]

Let's face it. We have the vans to be self contained.

Are you?

- I still need a gray water tank as the Westy didn't come with one. Apparently it used to be OK to let sink water drain out the bottom, but from I can tell it's now illegal.
- I have the auxiliary batteries, but no way to charge them without starting the vehicle. Technically, I'd like to go solar, but that'll take time (ie $$). I like the thought of parking for the weekend, playing tunes with frisbee and keeping the fridge cold without having to idle the motor.

Other than that, I FEEL that I am good to go on the self-contained bit. The used WAG bags go on the roof, thank you...

 

[1leglance]

The Disabled Explorers Sportsmobile is very much self contained and a great way to travel...
16gal of water & a flat plate heat exchanger that feeds the sink & shower setup
10 gal grey tank
240 amp hr Deka aux battery
big Kyocera solar panel
National Luna 50L Weekender which will run forever off the solar since it is so efficient
custom hospital folding toliet using wagbags

I would like to change out the interior lights to LED to save some power but other than that a disabled person could live in the thing!

 

[chimivee]

A graywater tank wouldn't be that hard to fab. Or just use a collapsible water jug. I bought a graywater tank that fits between the frame rails. I've had it for several years - was gonna mount it to my last van, but never did.

Regarding the aux battery... Does your van have the stock Dometic fridge? Why not run on propane? Mine runs for nearly 2 weeks on a tank.

 

[SWbySWesty]

It has the domestic but it doesn't work. I'm not going to fix it but I'll convert it to storage (I'll keep the fridge since they are getting rare).

Where did you find that frame rail gray water tank? It would be nice to not have to set it up after every move.

 

[1621]

The drain from the sink is Threaded for a standard garden hose. When you set up simply add a short connecting hose to a collapsible grey water container. Cheap, easy, effective. When boondocking, be sure to use biodegradable soaps and you should be fine.

 

[Accrete]

agree on the idea of keeping things simple.
My wife and i just purchased a 2010 Express 1500AWD and will build it up with the "Westy" mentality.

We had a nice Aliner EASE with all the bells and whistles and ended up not utilizing half the stuff it came with. We would use a solar-bag for a shower (inside the shower stall) instead of the built in water system. cooked outdoors instead of the indoor dometic cooktop, etc. The other bonus of utilizing such items as totable-tanks is you have nothing to "winterize" : )

cheers,
thom