Yeti and the Marshmallow

[MrBeast]

Is this what you're talking about? What, do you have brackets welded for a propane canister?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ea7f00ebe

Yes, but that one would not work with your van obviously.

If I was going to build one for you id start with a piece of 2x4 3/16" wall box tube, id build a bumper from that, then use 2x2" box tube for the arm, and id use a trailer spindle and bearings to make it swing.

Then id build a frame to hold the tire and propane tanks.

I belive that a regular forklift tank holder might work on those tanks, but im not sure, I have never put one of those togeather that way, but have seen a few members do it here, I will see if I can find the thread that discusses it.

 

[MrBeast]

Oh and btw, are you in San Diego now, or are you still in the north east?

 

[Basement Yeti]

I'm in San Diego.:sombrero:

 

[MrBeast]

I'm in San Diego.:sombrero:

Well tell you what, if you get the cash togeather for a trip out this way in about a month - 3 months, bring your van on out, you foot the bill for the steel, I will fab you a bumper for the rear and that rack, and I will make sure its right. It will take about 3 days.

During that time you can camp out in your van here at the shop.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Where are you located? I have been toying with the idea of having custom bumpers made for the front and rear of the van, especially the front, because as soon as I go on any dirt road that front bumper is going to get ripped off. But everyone charges really high labor rates here.

That would be awesome.

 

[MrBeast]

Where are you located? I have been toying with the idea of having custom bumpers made for the front and rear of the van, especially the front, because as soon as I go on any dirt road that front bumper is going to get ripped off. But everyone charges really high labor rates here.

That would be awesome.

I am in Corpus Christi Texas about a mile from the beach, 15 miles from Padre Island

 

[Basement Yeti]

Man, that is an epic offer. I was planning on leaving sometime around June and since I have a strict budget for gas I was just going to move 25-30 miles a day, heading east towards my home state. I guess I could work something out though, especially for an opportunity like this.

I really feel at least an aftermarket rear bumper is important for storing my propane, spare tire, and maybe some spare gas.

 

[chasespeed]

Okay... first question... where in the northeast are you heading? If you are up this way(New England), I would be more than happy to help you out... though, the summer is my busy season....


Second....

No, a forklift tank holder will NOT work for a 20 lb bottle....

BUT... you CAN get 33 lb cylinders... and get them in aluminum(BETTER OPTION). I would order it with a vapor valve, instead of a liquid valve. That way, you have secure mounting options available off the shelf, AND, you can use it either vertical, OR horizontal. They also come with the 1 3/4 propane filler, SO, you are not just limited to the filling stations... but, you can stop at ANY propane bulk plant, and they can fill it, OR, you can be filled from a bobtail.... Just food for thought(I used to work in propane, and know more about it than I want to, so, any questions there, ask). there are also vehicle mounted tanks that can be filled remotely.

Mr Beast, I know you have fab background, but, with that much mounting on the back, I would recommend a double shear on the mounting arm, vice the trailer spindle, double shear may be overkill, depending on the intended use, BUT, having broken one myself....... Just my 2 cents....

You have a great starting point for a build..... take your time, and do it right... there will be things that change along the way.... I know you have a plan... and that is great.... but, I can tell you, other than some track cars, and race bikes... ALL of my builds pretty much evolve, and take their own direction.... And I think you will find, most of us do that.....

Start with your basic footprint and plan... and let it evolve... That is the best advice I can give you.....

What are you planning for the propane(I tried to keep up with the thread, but, it was off track, and I stopped checking)? Are you going to mount cooking appliances TO the van? Heat., hot water, etc? Or, just portable bottles, for your camp stove and grill? Any thought into a "toilet"?

Nothing here is meant in ANY other way, than question, and info... take what you want, and leave the rest, I wont get offended.

Chase

 

[Basement Yeti]

Okay... first question... where in the northeast are you heading? If you are up this way(New England), I would be more than happy to help you out... though, the summer is my busy season....


Second....

No, a forklift tank holder will NOT work for a 20 lb bottle....

BUT... you CAN get 33 lb cylinders... and get them in aluminum(BETTER OPTION). I would order it with a vapor valve, instead of a liquid valve. That way, you have secure mounting options available off the shelf, AND, you can use it either vertical, OR horizontal. They also come with the 1 3/4 propane filler, SO, you are not just limited to the filling stations... but, you can stop at ANY propane bulk plant, and they can fill it, OR, you can be filled from a bobtail.... Just food for thought(I used to work in propane, and know more about it than I want to, so, any questions there, ask). there are also vehicle mounted tanks that can be filled remotely.

Mr Beast, I know you have fab background, but, with that much mounting on the back, I would recommend a double shear on the mounting arm, vice the trailer spindle, double shear may be overkill, depending on the intended use, BUT, having broken one myself....... Just my 2 cents....

You have a great starting point for a build..... take your time, and do it right... there will be things that change along the way.... I know you have a plan... and that is great.... but, I can tell you, other than some track cars, and race bikes... ALL of my builds pretty much evolve, and take their own direction.... And I think you will find, most of us do that.....

Start with your basic footprint and plan... and let it evolve... That is the best advice I can give you.....

What are you planning for the propane(I tried to keep up with the thread, but, it was off track, and I stopped checking)? Are you going to mount cooking appliances TO the van? Heat., hot water, etc? Or, just portable bottles, for your camp stove and grill? Any thought into a "toilet"?

Nothing here is meant in ANY other way, than question, and info... take what you want, and leave the rest, I wont get offended.

Chase

Well I'll be back in Connecticut to visit my mother. But I'll also be all over the place there. Vermont, Maine, etc.

I would like my on demand hot water heater, cook top, and heater permanently mounted to the van and connected to the propane, with an outside outlet for grilling veggie burgers. :chef:

Yeah, I don't know how to set up a propane system, or an electrical system. I have a basic idea but not enough knowledge to do it safely. Honestly, I'll probably lay out my propane system and my electrical system and have someone look it over to make sure I won't blow myself up. Haha. It's not super complicated with such a small project, but still.

I know what you mean about plans changing. I honesty had much bigger plans but thinking everything over and realizing how much work will be involved since I can't do everything myself I think it might be easier to get a small single burner stove that runs off disposable bottles, a hand pump for a 7 gal jug, and a small waste water jug, and a small fridge, a hammock, and call it good after insulating the van and making it mechanically sound.:coffeedrink:

I can cover the insulating stuff easily. I am going to clean down the interior, lay down a layer of double sided reflective barrier, throw the rubber matt back in the front all the way to the bulkhead behind the driver seat, use loose fill cellulose for the floor area, cotton batting for the walls and ceiling, and reflective barrier cotton insulation for the rear doors, and stuff the front doors with some kind of automotive stuff or cotton batting, then all I need to do is add some plywood paneling and some kind of flooring and voila. I need a roof vent too, it was hot in there while was measuring. I'll have to find someone to help me cut a hole in the roof to put one in...

 

[chasespeed]

Okay... I can work with that.... Do you know Stafford Speedway? I am a few miles from there, just over the mass/conn line... I would be more than happy to help you with the gas system in the van, if you can wait till you get up this way. And with that, I would recommend mounting your tank to the van. And going that route, if you take a trip to Corpus, Mr Beast could make a nice bash plate to protect it further. Other wise, it would be external tanks, and a rubber line to the van. Either way could work... just trying to maximize space... though, being able to swap the 20 pounders is nice too...

Second.... Instead of loose cellulose, I would would lay the pink closed cell foam insulation down... its semi rigid, wont migrate, and easily trimmed... that on top of the silver stuff, should net you some good thermal, and audible insulation...

Chase

 

[Basement Yeti]

Okay... I can work with that.... Do you know Stafford Speedway? I am a few miles from there, just over the mass/conn line... I would be more than happy to help you with the gas system in the van, if you can wait till you get up this way. And with that, I would recommend mounting your tank to the van. And going that route, if you take a trip to Corpus, Mr Beast could make a nice bash plate to protect it further. Other wise, it would be external tanks, and a rubber line to the van. Either way could work... just trying to maximize space... though, being able to swap the 20 pounders is nice too...

Second.... Instead of loose cellulose, I would would lay the pink closed cell foam insulation down... its semi rigid, wont migrate, and easily trimmed... that on top of the silver stuff, should net you some good thermal, and audible insulation...

Chase

Stafford Speedway, nope. I'm sure I could find my way with my handy GPS though.

As for dealing without a gas system for cooking and hot water for the couple months it will take me to get east, I am not sure. It's something I'd need to think about. I tend to cook my food once a week and nuke it. But I will probably need some kind of hot water system before then to take care of my ostomy (Not sure if you read my other thread, I explain this stuff in there)

Are you talking about mounting the tank to the bumper or to the underside of the van? Because I would LOVE to mount a propane tank under it, and a water tank where the spare tire goes.

I decided not to go with any of that rigid or semi rigid insulation or fibrglass because of how toxic that stuff is and how poor air quality can become, especially in such small areas. Could I use cotton batting or the radiant cotton barrier on the floor instead?

 

[chasespeed]

Well, I am right on the middle of the CT Mass border. Do what you need to man... no worries. I can walk you through whatever you need to, to make it safe, and reliable. I just have most of that stuff here at the house, and I can make the flares properly, etc etc.... just a safety thing. If you cant wait, I would recommend taking it to an RV place, where they can do it safely. NOT that you are incompetant... its just that you DONT want a problem with that stuff.... a leak inside that relatively small van(compared to a building), will accumulate fast.... And one outside is a BIG potential with hot brakes, exhaust etc.... just keep that in mind.

Yes, they do make tanks that can be mounted underneath a vehicle... RVs use them a lot, and I have mounted some under some vans.... I dont know much about the underside of an astro, so, it would be tough to say... I will leave that to guys with Astro running through their blood....

You can look for dimensions at Manchester Tank or Worthington Cylinders. Might be able to find something that will fit where you need it to. They DO make quick connect grill box connections for grills..... probably mount that somewhere as well...

AS far as the other insulations you mentioned... That is up to you. I have just found the pink foam to be easy to work with, and cheap.... so...

No, I have not your other thread. Its tough, I have to sort through what I read.... just by the time I get on here... I am wiped out....

Chase

 

[Basement Yeti]

Yeah, it's something to consider. I'll definitely think about it. I do really appreciate the offer, you guys are great.

I got to use my AWD earlier. I was backing out of my parking space in the dirt lot and my back end was in a deep hole with the van on a steep decline, I gave her a bit of gas ans she crawled right out, no wheel spin or anything. NICE!

 

[RocKrawler]

I cant wait to get one of those Westy kitchens for my van - I had to pass on a couple of them at local junkyards in VA before I moved because I didnt have the room to bring them with me, and they wer both under $100 complete. Planning to hit the local yards here in a few weeks and look for one now that I'm settled in.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Just to make sure...

You know that YOU MUST have ventilation when cooking in an enclosed van, right????

And that using a stove for heating a van is EXTREMELY dangerous???? An old girlfriends dad died from carbon monoxide poisoning that way...YUCH!

And and...NEVER weld on propane tank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a lighter note....Portable propane tanks gives to greater flexibility for filling. Especially in Mexico.

I have this for sale on the meet & greet swap meet thread. I thought I'd let you know...

Westfalia kitchen module for VW Vanagon, stove, sink & faucet, 3-way reefer, 50L (13.2 G) H2O tank, external vent @ shore-power flanges, manuals ($750)

Whoa, that kitchen enclosure is awesome. That would save me some serious work. I'll have to look into those for sure, thanks!

And yeah, I know I definitely need ventilation when cooking inside. I'll be installing a roof vent and Co2 alarm. I've also read about low O2 shunts that will terminate propane connections in the even of low O2 in the cabin. I'll be heating with a catalytic heater that has a low O2 sensor shutoff too.

That is the reason you can't use those on demand hot water heaters inside, well that and fire.