I finally plucked up courage to insert all the fuses and connect the leisure battery bank!! The van is alive!!! We have charge lights from the DC-DC charger (D250SE) and battery status details from the battery monitor (BMV-712). I am sure there will be much playing with device parameters over the next couple of weeks to fine tune the SOC feedback but everything so far seems fine – and the van hasn’t burnt down (that’s a Win – Win I would say).
We did manage to get 9 days holiday together in March which really helped push things along. All the electrics are in including the dimmable LED lighting, power distribution points and the inverter. We even managed to wire and plumb the kitchen sink in 🙂
We did an awful lot of undercoating and painting (or is that a lot of awful painting) over the last few weeks and we are almost at the final coat of paint stage for all the timbers now. All the cabling has been secured with conduit and clips and the fuse box has been populated with suitably sized fuses for all the circuits currently in use.
We still need to affix the solar panel to the roof but the internal wiring to the charge controller is already done, then we have the rubber flooring to lay once we have done a final check of all the furniture fixings and cabling. I will need to wire in the TV at some point but I will need to fabricate some form of bracketing first and that will be dictated by the remaining available space.
Moving swiftly along from the van build – we managed to get the first cut of the lawn done in late March during the unusually mild weather we had, the garden always looks better after a good session with the lawn mower and strimmer.
Treacle is definitely feeling her age now and we worry about her all the time, that’s why she gets extra cuddles and snuggles these days. We’re hoping she will be able to join us for a little vanlife before she goes.
With a little over 30 weeks remaining things are getting a tad scary very quickly, not that panic has set in just yet but we do need to keep a close eye on the project timescales. There is a lot of paperwork, passports, driving licences, finances and last minute clothing to consider.
Carlos
Today is April Fools. Because you haven’t mentioned this is a wind up does that mean you’re staying with us really? 😂😂😂
Stephen Howarth
We’re still going Carlos, but the van build means we can camp down in your neck of the woods when we pop back to visit the UK.
Ruth&John Worthington
Well done guys, you sound so excited and so you should.
The time will fly as you have so much to do.
Love and hugs x x
Annette Howarth
Aww thanks Auntie Ruth and Uncle John, we are super excited, but yes we still have a lot to do which will keep us very busy over the next few months.
Love and hugs, take care xx
Ken Jackson
I have always had and do have every confidence that with your meticulous approach you will achieve exactly what you have set out to do and with average luck you will be ready in time.
So I wish you both the best of luck as you approach the final stages and if I can help in any way just let me know.
Love and hugs
Ken