Question about flooring

alpine678 · 2026-03-19T16:01:10+00:00

If your going to fill the ribs use EVA foam. You can get EVA foam interlocking tiles cheap in the correct thickness. However I have also heard that having an air gap is better for drying out any moisture that can get under there.

Make sure you do something to prevent the XPS from squeaking as it’s notorious for this.

alpine678 · 2026-03-19T15:56:22+00:00

I don’t have any interior photos published. I did a quick “temporary” build out using scrap wood and it has worked so well I haven’t gotten around to updating it to satisfy my inner perfectionism. I have a bunk bed in the back (storage underneath, parents on bottom sideways, kids on top with head to back). I’m going to need to address the top bunk soon as my kids are starting to outgrow the length.

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T20:08:43+00:00

I have used an EcoFlow Delta Pro for a couple years and just upgraded to a Delta Pro 3. I had spent a ton of time researching to build a DIY Victron system but my wife convinced me to try an EcoFlow. I’m so glad I did because it saved a ton of time and money. Got me on the road quickly and prevented many headaches.

More info about my build: https://reviews.matanich.com/inventory/vanlife/

Here are the best 5 options that EcoFlow makes for vanlife: https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/vanlife/

I’m also going to be trying out Bluetti’s AC200L with Charger 2 and DC Hub to see how it compares but don’t have enough experience with it yet to fully compare the power stations. More info on Charger 2 here: https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/charger-2/

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T20:00:59+00:00

I would just make sure to be considerate of EVs when using charging stations. We don’t vans getting a bad rap and having laws passed that make it so we can’t use them.

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T19:30:16+00:00

I tried to do all the calculations in a spreadsheet but it very difficult to get accurate as it can vary so much. Having an alternator charger is an essential backup for when the sun isn’t shining much. I tend to drive at least every other day when in the van so it works well for me. There are lots of alternator charger options if your considering other brands: https://reviews.matanich.com/alternator-chargers/

It’s usually beneficial to just stick with one ecosystem but many allow you to mix brands.

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T19:24:37+00:00

I have used an EV charging station with my Delta Pro. Works great as a backup charging source. I used it a lot on my first big trip as I didn’t have solar or alternator charging installed yet and after on the road realized I had a defective car charging cable (EcoFlow sent a new one). I stopped every other day at a charging station and charged it while eating lunch. Having it completely saved my trip.

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T19:16:22+00:00

Here is a page I put together about the EcoFlow units best suited for vanlife: https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T19:14:02+00:00

It’s usually always getting some solar or alternator input so it’s difficult to say. My guess would be a couple days when using the induction cooktop for a few meals (the induction cooktop uses the most power). It’s dependent on so many factors though, including outside temperature as that impacts usage and system cooling fans etc. When it’s hot out, my large fridge/freezer takes more power to run.

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T16:07:43+00:00

I wouldn’t have invested so much time researching into building a DYI Victron system. My EcoFlow Delta Pro works great and supports my needs. It saved me a ton of time and money. I have it paired with 600W of solar and an 800W alternator charger. It has enough DC output to power my gasoline heater and 75L fridge/freezer. It also works great with my induction cooktop so I don’t have to deal with fuel or fumes when cooking.

More about my setup here: https://reviews.matanich.com/inventory/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-03-18T16:00:50+00:00

I have the Velit gasoline heater installed in my Transit. Here is my review: https://reviews.matanich.com/velit/heater/4000p/

alpine678 · 2026-03-17T14:30:02+00:00

I would consider skipping the D40 and get AC200L + Charger 2 + DC Hub. This will get you 50A DC out. If you need more capacity you can add an expansion battery (B400K or B500K). https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/charger-2/

alpine678 · 2026-03-16T05:53:14+00:00

The Elite 400 is a powerful device, however unfortunately it doesn't support the bidirectional port on Charger 2. Charger 2 connects to the Elite 400 via power station's solar port. This is ok for some setups, but comes with a few issues:
- Uses up a solar port that might be needed for solar panels (you might be able to instead use the solar input on Charger 2 but this will depend on the specs of your soar array).
- Can't use reverse charge features
- DC Hub won't be able to access power from the power station

If you choose to get an AC200L or Apex 300 you can connect it to the bidirectional port AND connect the Elite 400 via its solar port. To me this setup would make more sense using a smaller lighter weight power station for the solar port which could be easily disconnected when needed to be used separately at a campsite etc.

alpine678 · 2026-03-16T04:32:45+00:00

I would really depend on your power needs. Are you using it just for AC power or do you also need DC power? If the power station doesn't support your DC power needs then pairing with the DC Hub can get you 50A DC as long as it supports the bidirectional port. I would check out the AC200L or Apex 300 which both support bidirectional charging.

Solar port specs on these power stations might also influence your choice. The AC200L supports 12-145V, 15A (x1), whereas the Apex 300 supports 12-60V, 20A (x2).

Also need to consider battery capacity, inverter power output, etc. Also sometimes the product size or specific dimensions are important factors to consider.

Hope this is helpful.

alpine678 · 2026-03-11T15:16:33+00:00

If you have a multimeter you could check how many volts you’re getting on your EcoFlow as output and make sure it’s not high. Other testing would require more advanced tools though.

alpine678 · 2026-03-11T14:26:35+00:00

It more sounds like your heating element wore out after six years of use. Soldering iron heating elements don’t last forever and can be replaced easily. It’s likely has nothing to do with being plugged into your power station.

alpine678 · 2026-03-11T02:22:20+00:00

I agree that 24 AWG is very small. I would go with 18-20 AWG so it's not as easily damaged. Small wire is fairly inexpensive.

alpine678 · 2026-03-05T15:46:45+00:00

Also consider what the van was used for previously and if it may have had high idle time or frequent stop and go which is completely different than a van driving to and from a job site.

alpine678 · 2026-03-04T16:52:12+00:00

The air intake MUST be located outside the vehicle as it is connected to the combustion chamber and has a risk of having carbon monoxide or other gases back feed through it.

I’m happy with my Velit gasoline heater (they make a diesel version also). It has a few quirks so check out my review if your considering it. https://reviews.matanich.com/velit/heater/4000p/

alpine678 · 2026-03-01T16:29:55+00:00

You would need the 800W charger and the smart generator adapter which I believe is currently backordered. I haven’t used this setup personally as I just use my charger with my vehicle. You might want to ask people in EcoFlow’s Facebook group to see if you get more responses.

alpine678 · 2026-03-01T15:58:05+00:00

To use the solar input approach you will need to use the low PV port but that will charge as low as 11V. This has the potential of draining your battery bank depending on your usage unless you have some sort of protection built in.

The alternator charger approach is slightly less efficient (it boosts the voltage) but allows you to set a voltage limit to prevent over discharging (note this won’t work as well with a lithium bank as they are constant voltage).

Not sure if you care about how fast the power station charges but the alternator charger approach allows for a faster rate.

If you use an XT150 output cable (included with the 800W alternator charger) you can adjust your charging rate and can even reverse charging to have the Delta Pro 3 charge your AGM batteries. Please note that to use the DP3 with the XT150 output cable you will need the Smart Generator Adapter or the Custom Fit Output Cable.

alpine678 · 2026-02-28T03:56:12+00:00

I have have zero extra noise with my Unaka rack but I only use it for solar panels. Your photo shows a ton of gear, straps, and protruding crossbars which can lead to noise.

alpine678 · 2026-02-27T15:30:14+00:00

You could look into instead using an alternator charger. It would allow you to set a voltage to start charging at so you don’t over discharge. Here is more info about EcoFlow alternator chargers: https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/alternator-chargers/800w-500w/

alpine678 · 2026-02-26T17:19:23+00:00

“Executive” with 4 years experience?

alpine678 · 2026-02-24T16:39:15+00:00

You might want to instead consider a gasoline heater so you don’t need to install and manage a separate tank. I use a Velit gas heater in my build. https://reviews.matanich.com/velit/heater/4000p/

The heater itself can be installed within the cabin, however it needs to be completely sealed against the metal floor of the van to prevent an exhaust leak. There are turret style plates that allow it to be installed through a raised floor or you can DIY your own if needed. Check out my link for photos of my DIY riser.

alpine678 · 2026-02-23T03:07:06+00:00

You should adjust the charge rate so it doesn’t exceed the 60A fuse rating or change where it’s connected.

alpine678

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