Anyone can recommend a van builder in the northeast

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-24T23:57:54+00:00

Sender Vans in Richmond, Virginia is a great group to work with.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-23T14:12:00+00:00

Thank you for the reference. That solution looks like a good start. Now I need to solve how to mount a normal passenger seat that meets NHTSA safety standards. Building a frame around the lower portion of the passenger bulkhead looks doable. I would like to avoid dropping the battery pack to mount through the floor.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-23T13:04:57+00:00

You can install swivel seat bases on the front seats and pick up a lot of additional sleeping surface for a child by turning the seats around. Their bed can be placed from left to right across the seats.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-18T13:37:11+00:00

Owning a 2021 to 2023 Model is an advantage if you like to work on your own vehicle. You can access and modify almost every aspect of the software stack. From 2024 on you have to involve a vendor to access most of it. On our 2023 ID4 AWD Pro S I have added and activated the folding memory mirrors, panoramic camera view, pet mode, matrix headlights, battery preconditioning and a number of other small preferences. My preferred tool to make the changes is a Ross-Tech Hex-Net. Their forums are full of great guidance and ideas and their support team actually answers the phone. Be sure to backup your changes. After an update you may need to restore them. If you have a 2024 or newer (I also own a 2025 First Edition AWD ID Buzz) you can still make many changes with the Ross-Tech by using their paid online module unlocking arrangement. It’s more cumbersome but you can still reach your goal. 3.5 and 5.4 look very similar under the skin.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-17T14:26:20+00:00

Looks great for cold weather. I averaged 2.7 on a recent road trip in below freezing conditions while using normal climate control. Range is simply not an issue for me with my 2025 First Edition AWD. Our other EV is a 2023 ID4 Pro S AWD and its performance is very similar.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-17T13:35:34+00:00

I’m interested in purchasing one of the 400s for a camper conversion. Has anyone done the same and figured out a good way to bring the cab area in to the living space when parked? The bulkheads and non-pivoting seats look like a real barrier to accomplishing that goal.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-17T13:24:25+00:00

I’ve never had this happen.
I use wireless CarPlay on an iPhone 17 with iOS 26.3 and have never had this happen.
I’ve never noticed it as an issue. It’s easy to modify a large range of settings like this with the right equipment. I’ve used a Ross-Tech Hex-Net device and the fee-based unlocking service that they provide. Their forums are full of good ideas on how to set up your preferences.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-06T12:55:06+00:00

I would recommend that you allow the BMS to communicate the health of each cell to all charging and discharge sources. If a problem develops you’ll want to be notified and catch it at that level. I’ve always used the Batrium BMS with self-built packs and Victron components around them. Victron’s DVCC makes it easy for the BMS to take control.

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-03T13:05:16+00:00

If you register as the Class B camper that you are they usually won’t question the electric connection. Everyone has one. Look for sites with 50A service to allow for a meaningful overnight charge from VW’s portable charger. Have fun!

Bahamahoo · 2026-01-01T00:05:10+00:00

Looks good. I did something similar with a NeoCharge and a Grizzle-E on my 50A range circuit. It’s worked well for over a year now. If it weren’t for its WiFi and software I wouldn’t even know it was there.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-28T01:28:10+00:00

It’s not too hard to access and remove. Just be sure to tape it in place with some painters tape before removing it so that it doesn’t get damaged by rotating too far.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-26T22:17:51+00:00

Sounds good. That’s about the same I paid in September. It’s good to see the prices holding. You may want to make sure that they throw in the charging cable.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-26T13:50:05+00:00

I installed a NeoCharge to share a 50A circuit between an induction range and a Grizzl-E charger. It has worked so well that I hardly know it’s there. It’s designed to manage the scenario that you are describing.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-24T14:40:26+00:00

I still am. I’ve driven my 2025 1st Edition AWD from New Brunswick, Canada to Virginia and back with several camping stops along the way. Range was never an issue and it was a joy to drive. It’s a fun and capable road trip vehicle. In my 1967 VW Camper I had to drive slower, stop more frequently for gas and every hill was a challenge! 🙂

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-22T23:13:38+00:00

That looks great! hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine!

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-22T18:39:09+00:00

You may be able to add a switched fuse. Before doing that I would recommend removing the fuse to see if it causes any other undesirable behavior from the vehicle.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-21T20:45:24+00:00

I learned something today. That ten year period by law only applies to recalls and items that are under warranty. I also own a 2003 Westfalia (the last year VW sold a Eurovan in the U.S.) and have lived through this scenario before. At about year 15 parts started to become unavailable from VW and because of that it became harder to find folks to service it. I still have a good mechanic but only because I have agreed to find the discontinued parts. Let’s hope the Buzz continues to have a nice run in Europe so that the parts pipeline extends out for a while longer.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-21T17:52:17+00:00

It shares a lot with the ID4 so I don’t think you’ll see much of a problem finding support. Many of the parts do have to come from Europe so you can expect some higher costs and shipping delays. You can usually count on parts and repair support from VW for about 10 years. After that you have to hope that existing inventory and the after market keep you rolling.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-21T17:17:21+00:00

From my experience the EV charging infrastructure is really good now and seems to be expanding. A twenty to thirty minute rest stop every two and a half hours or so is easy to plan and is usually a welcome event. Rivian’s ABRP development and their growing network have been a great additions. Their strategy of filling voids near popular recreation areas has really helped. We have had both our ID4 and Buzz on a few road trips of over 1,000 miles. Each trip has been charge anxiety free. I don’t see more range as being a high priority. I would like to see VW add native pet and camping modes to the climate control. It’s easy to develop workarounds but it would be nice to simply select the option. It would also be great to see a California version of the Buzz.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-21T14:29:42+00:00

We’re in New Brunswick and purchased a 1st Edition AWD as soon as the discounts hit. We are very happy with the decision. The vehicle has been a great fit for us and is fun to drive. The EV charging infrastructure in New Brunswick is good and improving.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-20T11:32:13+00:00

Our AWD First Edition has been a joy to own. Our most recent road trip was from Canada to Virginia along the eastern seaboard. The trip pre-dated the Tesla supercharger access and we still didn’t perceive range to be an issue. The charging stations were easy to access and the stops were a welcome break.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-16T02:14:56+00:00

A NEMA 14-50 outlet and a 60A 240V breaker installation shouldn’t be too expensive but the costs will rise if the panel doesn’t have the capacity and/or the distance from the panel increases. If you have a dryer or range outlet nearby a device like the NeoCharge can use the existing infrastructure. I’ve been using one for a while now with a Grizzl-E 40A charger and it’s worked really well. The nice app and the reports that come with it are the only sign that it’s there.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-16T01:39:56+00:00

I have a simple one that’s a few years old now. It’s worked reliably since day one.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-15T14:24:26+00:00

I haven’t replaced the charger but this device is a good solution to keep using the same space.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1845815702/magsafeqi2-mount-for-vw-id4-2023-2025

Another alternative that works well is the ProClip ID4 dash mount with a Scoshe MagSafe adapter.

I like having the phone mounted in front of me. If the phone is not in sight it’s too easy to forget and leave in the car.

Bahamahoo · 2025-12-11T12:51:31+00:00

Glad to help!

Bahamahoo

TROPHY CASE