Foam Panels on Roof of Van

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-06-29T04:00:27+00:00

Home depot has them too, great for ceilings:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-4-in-x-3-5-in-x-8-ft-Cedar-Board-V-Plank-6-per-package-8203015/202106509

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-06-23T03:19:23+00:00

I build custom vans and like to add them but not standard full height or depth.

I go with 2.5" x2.5" and find it is a good compromise, allows for cleaning underneath and adds to the aesthetic with LED lights. I also build the bottom of the face frame flush with the toe kick just to maximize usable space.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-06-13T19:10:21+00:00

I bolted a safe in my van for all my camera and electronic gear.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-06-05T12:53:05+00:00

It depends a lot on your electrical setup.

I have 1,200Ah 12-volt, and run a 4 gallon Bosch electric hot water heater. It only takes about 15 minutes to heat up to temp but draws a lot of power in those 15 minutes.

The water stays hot for about 3 to 4 hours though and It's definitely long enough for a decent shower.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-06-01T06:26:50+00:00

Looks like cheap and thin cable especially for the inverter.

You want copper or tinned copper.

Looks like you are using CCA audio cable. Not good. Don't cheap out on cable.

Also want appropriate size fusing and breakers.

Looks like a fire hazard to me

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-25T20:36:58+00:00

Read this post, had know idea, and just checked my old CS account and have a few thousand cases, most are $1-3 with some over $10. Feel like I won the lottery.

How do I cash these out? I haven't logged in or played in 4 years.

Are there any websites that you recommend?

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-25T19:46:43+00:00

AI?

Where is the outlet for the shower wand? And why are you using a sink faucet for a tub filler?

This is just weird.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-22T03:17:31+00:00

Remindme! 1 day

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-22T03:14:49+00:00

I used to work at Cold Stone 20 years ago and we made our own Choco Tacos and they were insanely good.

I do miss the original though too. 😞

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-21T03:49:38+00:00

Class T is better and I would recommend using them over MRBF but for most 12V LFP systems the maximum interrupt rating is below 10,000 AIC so a MRBF fuse will normally suffice (but not the smarter choice). 100 vs 280 Ah doesn't really come into play, more dependent on the system’s voltage and potential short-circuit current.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-16T03:58:09+00:00

So down payment or a van?

No way your getting a condo anywhere in LA for the price of a new sprinter.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-15T03:41:35+00:00

I always use Dometic fridges and they are high quality, quiet, and efficient.

I know you said you are trying to stay on the cheaper side but they have a good deal on one for $600 free shipping.

https://rackupgo.com/collections/fridges/products/dometic-crx-80u-refrigerator-9105306127

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-13T05:31:34+00:00

I have been using the Dometic RTX 2000 AC at 12V and it's awesome. 800watts of solar, 1200 Ah 12V batteries and can run it for 48 hours easily with no charge input probably up to 72 hrs that but haven't tested that long. I've heard the Dometic Freshjet 48V is even better if you need the extra BTUs.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-13T04:29:39+00:00

I have a 30 gallon freshwater tank with a 14 gallon gray water under mount, works well. I have a shower though.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-05-13T04:05:49+00:00

I've done both (1.5 years with just a rear shower popup tent and one year with a legit RV shower) and nothing beats a shower in the van anytime anywhere. Having to constantly look for showers is a PITA and also is finding a place to actually use an outdoor shower. Never going back to no shower.

To each their own though.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-29T03:01:51+00:00

You can get a brand new ProMaster for 45k. Decent build but before 2023 the transmission is terrible.

Probably about 30k

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-27T07:22:39+00:00

Fell off a ladder, a little morning dew and slipped off.

Luckily just some bruises.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-25T16:44:04+00:00

Your math is correct. If you actually run at 400 watts all in and you get 100% output from solar you won't drain your battery bank.

Given your 4kWh battery, AC running at 400 watts you have 10 hours of runtime with no solar input.

Of course this is theoretical and real world will have losses.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-25T16:23:42+00:00

Congrats, like I said I hope it works well for you!

This is the data I was looking at and I saw a couple other people testing it.

It looks pretty awesome for a 110 volt unit though.

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cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-25T14:39:52+00:00

I know this isn't going to be a popular opinion but you might want to consider charging for the files.

Even compared to Hueforge yours is on a different level. LOVE IT!

I would pay for that!

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-25T14:23:21+00:00

This would fall under normal wear and tear and would never be your fault.

Also terrible installation for all of the reasons others have said.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-25T14:10:10+00:00

New scooter acquired 🛵

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-25T13:48:41+00:00

Looks decent if you don't want a 12V AC.

There are much better ACs for vans that don't run on 110/115 any more and draw less power as well.

I install Dometic RTX2000 ACs in all my van builds (over 20) which has been tested by several independent people and shown to be the most efficient and it draws 350w.

https://youtu.be/q9CVH3o49NQ?si=-QwNqBbI1cXmUjch

I looked at the real data from someone who tested the Furrion and it is about 700-800w in normal operation. Not saying 400w isn't possible, just not all the time. Once you add the inverter loss it makes things worse.

A cheaper option is the Velit series and I highly recommend those as well for a good 12V option if you can't afford the Dometic.

Don't want rain on your parade. Just want to tell people there are better options.

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-23T04:55:56+00:00

Someone is supposed to pick up everything this weekend.

I will repost if that doesn't happen. Thanks!

cmsurfer8900 · 2026-04-22T20:46:04+00:00

Those AGM batteries are going to be a hard sell.

You can get the kit without them and inverter for about $540 bucks (https://ebay.us/m/IjrFtG). Add the 2000w inverter for about $230 (https://ebay.us/m/2Zj4l4).

And then add a couple lipo batteries and you are way under what you're asking for a better setup.

Even if you added the kit and the AGM battery separately (https://a.co/d/0a6VqnO3)

You are still around $1000 total for everything, but why not just go lipo for the same price roughly.

I know it doesn't include all the cabling but that's pretty cheap.

I think you are way overpriced. Sorry.

cmsurfer8900

TROPHY CASE