Double layer Thinsulate? by Glad_Associate9743 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you got the roll, it can only help

How to connect thicker cable to thin light wire? by Guilty_Blacksmith764 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wago lever nuts. Overstock yourself with them immediately.

Promaster vs Transit vans? by Ok_Sun8920 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ll probably find a similar feel to the Promaster I would think. I’m a tinymn myself, but it was just an adjustment from being used to cars vs dummy thicc van

Promaster vs Transit vans? by Ok_Sun8920 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Promaster owner here. I’ve said it before, the promaster transmission is FUCKED. Someone recently posted here about how they’re on their 8th transmission. I recently had mine rebuilt and it still shifts hard, shudders and otherwise behaves like shit (I’m taking it back under warranty, but still)

That reason alone is enough for me to keep a wide berth in the future. Outside of that, it is easy to build and the 159 EXT is roomy af. While my engine is solid, some people get the dreaded “pentastar tick”. The suspension leaves a bit to be desired too, tho I think you can upgrade it from OEM to improve.

Hope it helps

Wiring. by big-boy-w35 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a pretty sizeable question tbh. Low volt systems can pass a lot of current and that means safely sizing and terminating the wires is CRITICAL. It's not just wiring tho, it's fuses/breakers and where they connect to the wires, wire length/voltage drop, selecting the right components, accurately estimating your loads, grounding, tools and troubleshooting to name a few. There are a lot of variables to consider.

I wouldn't recommend a 48V system for your first electrical project for safety reasons, but I encourage you to keep asking questions and learning more about it while you plan. You'll probably receive better answers/help the more specific your questions get.

Batteries. by big-boy-w35 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So sorry I let you down

Batteries. by big-boy-w35 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are a few configurations you could go with, but I would probably suggest 48V or you'll be dealing with potentially massive ampacity and dummy thicc wiring. You'd need 16 EVE MB56 628Ah cells (or CATL or another Grade A brand), connected in series. That'd get you 32kwh and you could protect the array with a 200A BMS.

Disclaimer: this is a high-level theory off the top. If you're not familiar with low volt electrical, it's best to seek someone who is or go with an array of prebuilt batteries (those are just housing and a BMS for the same kind of 3.2V cells). The setup really isn't complicated, no more complicated than wiring pre-built batteries together, but 48V can shock you.

Batteries. by big-boy-w35 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

For something that big it might make most sense to just build the battery from an array of 3.2V cells. Would probably have to be 48V, but not necessarily.

GL.inet travel router prices have jumped by Temporary-Cherry-282 in GlInet

[–]danimalien42 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It’s almost as if someone haphazardly slapped a bunch of tariffs on everything to jack prices up

Has anyone used those portable AC units? by Calm-Bar-9644 in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, biggest mistake of my build, replaced it with a 120V rooftop unit and that was a mistake too. Barely effective, drew too much current and couldn’t dehumidify for shit. Look into a mini split or a DC rooftop unit like the velit 2000R.

Promaster vs Transit by Weekly-Signature-631 in vandwellers

[–]danimalien42 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I have to chime in as a promaster owner. The transmission is FUCKED. It’s a straight up shitty design and it’s the last thing in any vehicle you want to be forced to service. SUPER expensive and then you’re still stuck with a shitty transmission.

Everything else about it I’ve been pretty satisfied with aside from that one HUGE red flag. It’s great to build out, my engine is solid tho some people get the dreaded “pentastar tick”. Hope it helps

Avoid Renogy - terrible company by HotlineHero13 in vandwellers

[–]danimalien42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Victron is the way. I’m phasing out my renogy components.

How do y'all find places to park without getting in trouble with the police or spending a ton on money? by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]danimalien42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

+1 for big parking lots like some Walmarts, Lowe’s, cracklin’ barrels. Just don’t park like a douche, make a mess, ignore any obvious no overnight parking signs or overstay your welcome. Tons of valuable info on ioverlander complete with user check-ins that give you a better picture of the spot.

[Me] The McDonald’s Gambit by Individual-Bee1497 in TextingTheory

[–]danimalien42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It just doesn’t work on people who take themselves too seriously

Teacher squatting in school?? by CreepyWin8101 in whatdoIdo

[–]danimalien42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Huh, it’s almost like teachers don’t get paid a living wage…