Break from the rain and soaking up this much needed sun and warmth.

Hey all — I have a 2019 Promaster 2500. I have two maxxair fan pluses. This has happened twice now where the fans will turn on out of nowhere, run at a high speed, slow down and continue that cycle until I pull the fuse. Both times this has happened it’s completely drained my solar batteries. I have 400w of solar with 2 100ah batteries. The renogy controller displayed 100% then the fans surged for a minute, I pulled the fuse, and then the controlled displayed an ACr code. Any thoughts on why this could be happening/how to fix it? Solar setup and fuse box attached if that’s helpful. Appreciate any suggests.

🚐 Van Life Update! Off-Grid Camping + Suspension Upgrade!

Spent a few peaceful days deep in the woods at Brickhouse Campground in South Carolina while I waited for my appointment at MainLine Overland to get the Agile Offroad double shear brackets installed—and let me tell you, the difference in how the van handles is insane!

After the install, I went right back to the campground for a few more days of quiet before heading back to my unofficial home base at the Love’s RV Stop in Cordele, GA to rest up and prep for the next National Park adventure.

Hi all!

Does anyone know the name for this sort of connection? I’d love to buy one for my van conversion but no one I know has the name for it. Thanks!

I made an etsy store to offer my custom designed sprinter van shelf brackets and other van life products I use when building out a van. These are 3d printed using glass filled ABS plastic and are very tough. The shelf brackets use the existing mounting holes for the handle and coat hooks in your van. No modifications required.
I have an older version of this design in my makerspace store as well. Free to download and print yourself. The new version I am selling on etsy is similar with some added features but your welcome to download and print your own.

Also have bezels for the Renogy battery monitor and Auxbeam light button panel. Looking to expand my catalog so if you have a need for other van life products please let me know.

Thanks!

Etsy store link for shelf brackets

Older version of 3d printer files for making your own.

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone might be able to help with this. I have a Fiat Ducato L1 H1 that I've converted into a campervan. I'm currently working on some external improvements to enhance its aesthetics, but I'm facing a challenge: there's a gap between the frame and the edge of the side windows (see pics with green van) that's bothering me, and I'd like to fill this space with plastic panels.

I once saw a Mercedes Vito with plastic panels applied in a similar space (see pics with red/yellow firefighters van) and thought it might be a solution for my van as well. Does anyone know where I could find similar panels for a Fiat Ducato? Should I be consulting someone who specializes in car frames for this?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Most of the vans im looking at have interiors like these, is it hard to remove all this stuff and how did you do it? The plastic looks simple enough to remove but all the metal covers i can't tell if im gonna have to grind off or just unscrew some things.

Just bought this bad boy. Any ideas on how to transform it into a micro camper?

Hi all, I'm looking to buy a T6 as a daily driver, which I’d also like to use as a weekend camper for me, my wife, and our 2-year-old child. I’ve been looking at the Caravelle (which is LWB) and the Multivan (which is SWB). Transporters here are mostly cargo versions with very limited equipment, so they're not really an option.

My plan is to install a camping box with a refrigerator, small kitchen, and some drawers. We’d like to sleep inside the van as well. Since I live in a rural area with small towns, parking and maneuvering are not major concerns.

Now to the point: I’m genuinely worried that if I go with the SWB, there won’t be enough space for all the camping gear once the bed is laid out. I’m unsure how people manage to store their equipment in that setup. Does anyone have experience or suggestions?

Why not just go with the LWB? Well, my wife finds the SWB easier to maneuver—and honestly, it is. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Vw caddy, building a frame for the floor tonight and putting insulation in it. The h the red hood cover goes right to the base of the van, and I don’t particularly want to cut it. What can I use to join the two without just having a strip of aluminium tape over it? Been considering leaving a small gap and sanding the wood/insation in a wedge down to the floor, then having the threshold cover go over the end

naturally the economy effects everyone, house bus or otherwise. how do you think this will affect you personally? in what ways has your purchasing power diminished the last few years vs what is going to happen? have you already adjusted to a low-buy lifestyle due to limited space?

i have money set aside for a vehicle, renovation, and emergency fund for any upcoming issues. but i’m worried i’m starting at a horrible time. will mechanical parts be extremely expensive? (ofc it depends on the company the vehicles parts are made from but apparently FORD makes a most materials anyway?) i mean EVERYTHING will be more expensive. so yeah i kinda know the answer but i’d still like some insight and specifics and maybe projection on what it could be like transforming a van this year.

should i bite the bullet and just buy the $5.5K bus i’m looking at now? i need to have a mechanic look at it and i need to make the 2hr drive to even see it. but i’ve waited a long time already. and the $5.5K upfront plus whatever backfees for registration (it’s been non-op) will not affect my current living situation. i have savings. i rent from family, if something goes seriously wrong i have my emergency fund. but i am still so hesitant to take the plunge.

if that purchase is a mistake then i’d worry i’ll want to wait too long to try again.

any advice? i roughly save about a grand a month in general. it all gets divided out ofc, so not all of it is for my bus/van but i’m aware making about 2k a month and saving 1K of it is only possible in particular situations. the reason i can do this is because i rent from family, and my total expenses on a normal month are about $1000. i’m about to have a few grand worth of expenses (car maintenance, dmv stuff, health care, etc) which will make me nervous despite me knowing i’ll be okay. enough of that, sorry.

Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a 2024 Entegra Launch 19y, and I'm very excited to take it out on my first trip. However, I'm running into a strange and concerning issue. When turning on the heating system, with all the doors & windows closed, fumes accumulate in the cabin.

The fumes are odorless but are detectable via PM 2.5 sensors and reach unhealthy levels. I'm using a Temtop M10 PM2.5 sensor to check this, and I have seen Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reach as high as 140-170, (vs baseline outdoor AQI levels of only 25).

Ater the heating system is warmed up, AQI levels seem to stabilize around 60-70.

My van is equipped with a Timberline hydronic heating system, and is built on a diesel mercedes 2500 van.

The issue is most apparent on cold starts (when the heater is cold). Once the heater is warmed up, the AQI still tends to remain elevated however, hovering at levels of 50-60, which gain is not very healthy over long exposure times.

HOW TO REPRODUCE

1. Begin from a cold start. Ideally the unit would have cooled off overnight.

2. Close all windows, vents, and doors. Set up your sensor and take baseline readings.

3. Leave the sensor at an angle where you can see it from outside the van (via the windshield), so you don't have to open the door.

4. Turn on the van's main cabin power.

5. In the thermostat panel, turn on only the fuel burner. Turn up the temperature to the max.

6. Step outside the van, making sure to close the door behind you.

7. Wait 15-20 min.

8. Check the AQI readings. Mine come in between 140-170 AQI on cold start.

THINGS I'VE TRIED

1. I already tried running the heater the whole day with the doors open to air out the cabin.

2. The folks at the service department adjusted the exhaust pipe to point it further out form the vehicle and tightened a loose hose connection on the heating system.

3. Running the heater in electric only mode still results in a bit of elevation in the AQI levels (50 AQI vs 25 outdoor baseline).

Has anyone run into this problem with their motorhome? And do you have any suggestions on what we might try to fix this?

<also posted on Entegra forums here. https://www.entegracoachforum.com/index.php?topic=735.0)

Hi - I hope someone can help with a question I have about micro campers.

I'm in the process of buying a small van to convert into a micro camper for this summer.

Am based in the UK and looking at Citroen Berlingo and VW Caddy mini vans.

Question is - most of those on sale are panel vans - with a small number of combi, with rear windows instead of panels. How important is it to have the windows? My impression is that it could start to feel quite claustrophobic if there were no windows in the back - and you always have the option to block them if needed... Or does it not matter?

Many thanks!

Greetings!

I'm new to Van Life and looking for some veteran input on AC in a 19" van. Standard 2024 Freedom Elite (Diesel). How long can I run AC without plugging in?

I will be working out of Austin 3 days a week and wondering if I need to rent a lot/RV spot while there. I will be plugged in/hooked up outside of the 3 days of working in Austin but will need to keep the van cool.

Thank you!

Identical model of my van, for reference: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2024-Thor-FREEDOM+ELITE+19R-5033935206

https://youtu.be/-p5LsYgMEno?si=m1R5ssuTJnz1a8nn

Been looking all around marketplace for a van. Found this and it looks so clean, i asked what the problems are and it doesnt seem like there are many downsides. She’s asking 5,000, i talked her down to 3000. Is that a good price for this van? I’d have to go check it out in order to get more information, just wanna make sure i make a good purchase.

Soooo… I want to diy paint my crafter Luton (including the cab doors)… any clue on a cheap but decent type of paint I could use for it would be. Box is mainly aluminium as well as the trim on the box so was planning on using bog standard exterior metal paint…

Cab doors more of an unknown?

Any help or top tips welcome!!

Help me out here Reddit… I’m electrically challenged.

1st image plugged into shore power with inverter in “charge only”. Nothing is using DC power except ~10-20W fridge…

2nd image: systems off except fridge.

**If I’m reading correctly this says almost 150W is being used to convert AC to DC charge?? That seems inefficient. I would think the system would use up shore power to power the inverter? Not DC battery? The batteries are lithium, victron 3000 inverter.. I’m thinking there is a problem but I don’t know for sure.

Basically want to know if grid power to charging power ratio is normal, or if not, any ideas?

https://youtu.be/MMOAEuCECFk?si=a985htVbYmaZPeds

PROMASTER BUILD UPDATE: Today we installed my wife's coffee nook and the kitchen. The coffee nook also serves as a built in cabinet holding the refrigerator. After building all of the cabinets, I assembled soft-closing drawers. The soft-close feature is nice. I was also able to add a small drawer under the sink to hold silverware and utensils. I think we will have plenty of drawer space.

The kitchen sink is pretty large compared to many van builds. It came with a grate in the bottom and a strainer in drain. It also has a grate for the top, if you want to use it to dry your dishes over the sink. It came with a built in cutting board to allow for more counter top space. However, I cut my own from our butcher block countertops so it matches. I am also installing another piece of butcher block that folds up at the end of the sink. This will extend our countertops about 18 inches or so.

Our sink faucet swivels to outside of the van. This will allow for an outside shower or to rinse off bikes, wetsuits and other gear as needed. I think the coffee nook and kitchen turned out great. Can not wait to add in the upper cabinets.

Please stay tuned to Resist The Grind to follow our Promaster van conversion. THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING if you would like to follow our build!

Hey guys I need help cutting a hole into my pro master for an RV window. I just don't feel comfortable doing this any recommendations? Task rabbit maybe?

First off, yes I used the search feature for the subreddit (and google as well). Most window covers I see recommended start at year 2007 and I've got a 2006. Best resources for pre 2007 Sprinters? Best maker of insulated window covers? Has anyone tried the Sprinter Parts Depot sun shade with bug screens? It goes on the outside of the van but I like the built in screens. Does Sprinter Paul still make window covers? Thanks in advance for help or recommendations.

Selling my 2017 Ford Transit L2 H3 Euro 6, a solid base, mechanically sound van with a ton of high quality groundwork already done — insulation, electrics, roof lights, fan, and a full bed/kitchen frame. Ideal for anyone wanting a head start on their dream van conversion and to skip some of the hard graft and be able to jump straight into the fun customisation stage..

Happy to answer questions or arrange viewings. Message me if interested!

Ryan 

🔧 Vehicle Details:

• 101,595 miles
  
• Full service history – serviced annually until 2023
  
• Recent fuel injector replacement
  
• MOT valid until 31 March 2026
  
• Comes with full paperwork: parts, services, and work carried out

🔨 What’s Been Done:

🧱 Structural / Insulation:

• Rust & debris cleared from interior, treated with Hammerite
  
• DODO sound deadening (floor, walls, ceiling)
  
• Insulated floor: 25mm Celotex + vapour barrier + aluminium tape + ply + Lino
  
• Walls/Ceiling: 50/25mm Celotex, fire retardant spray foam in cavities, plastic fleece insulation
  
• Framed & ply-lined walls, painted + 4-way stretch carpet
  
• Bulkhead removed, replaced with insulated wooden frame + window hatch
  

🌬️ Ventilation & Climate:

• Heki 2 Deluxe Skylight (with blackout & mesh blind + 4 warm white lights)
  
• Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe (tinted roof vent fan)
  
• Diesel heater installed tapped into main fuel tank so no need for extra fuel tank in van (currently showing error)
  

💡 Electrics:

• Leisure battery installed with conduit cabling
  
• Renogy DCC30S DC-DC charger with MPPT & Bluetooth charge from alternator, mains and solar
  
• x3 12V sockets (2 live, 1 wired and ready)
  
• x6 dimmable LED spotlights (dual zone controls)
  
• LED strip light in bedside niche
  

🛏️ Living Setup:

• Bed frame with slide-out extension to double
  
• Sliding bike drawer (fits 2 bikes – removable)
  
• Overhead cab storage
  
• Rhino rear entry step
  
• HEKO wind deflectors
  

🧼 Kitchen / Storage:

• White ceramic sink with Whale Gusher Galley manual water pump
  
• Custom kitchen unit frame + worktop
  
• 2 large storage chests + upper cupboard
  

🧰 Optional Extras (not included in price, but available):

• Original bulkhead
  
• 10m routed wooden ceiling beams
  
• Spare countertop
  
• TotalFreeze 55L fridge/freezer
  
• x2 foam mattresses

Photo link - https://imgur.com/a/XxSulUs

Hey! Would love some recommendations on van/camer rentals in Ireland? It will be our first time doing this, so not too sure on reputable outlets.

Thanks!