Bertie Blue Project

[chimpusmaximus]

Bertie Blue thread with some of the modifications I have made to our T6 van so far.

Started out as a typical conversation but wanted to boost the battery capacity and get to the point of being able to run off grid. We have camped a lot in the past and always enjoyed a few home comforts so made use of large battery banks etc such as a Bluetti AC200max.

I had my heart set on doing it once so settled on a Fogstar 560ah battery as a few friends had them already and been working well thus far. The challenge was trying to find room within the van with out making too much sacrifice on storage space. I'm the end I made use of the hidden and wasted space the existing leisure battery took up. Every other combination I tired just would not fit, often only being about 1cm out.


So with the original battery removed I just had the game of trying to get the master through the opening and down to there right hand side. Its pretty heavy at 50kg and not easy to move around managed it in the end. It just sites a little proud of the opening but has still allowed use of the storage area.


Still to come up with a better system to hold battery. Suspect I will need to bolt through floor at stomping to get anything close to strong enough to secure 50kgs.

 

[chimpusmaximus]

The next game was to plan out the inverter mounting and position, again space was an issue and ended up building a shelf in the rear cupboard. Cooling /airflow may be an issue at some point but have some plans for that as well.






I have reused the existing Sargent control system but disabled the charging by removing the fuse. This way I don't have to mess with existing wiring to much and keep the control panel. One positive wire to the leisure battery in and all sorted.

At the same time I have fitted a Renogy Dc to DC charger so that I can get charing from the alternator and fitted a 200w solar panel to the roof. In hindsight I wish I had fitted two as I believe I have room. All in all I can get nearly 700w charing when driving and 1000w from EHU.

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Next up we released the 12ltr water container under the sink we had been using was not lasting long so decided to look at replacing the spare wheel with an underslung tank.


Not as easy I expected to fit as the revnuts were a real pain to get right but once fitted took no time to get plumbed into van and new pump fitted and wired. I have left the old one attached so that if I want in winter I can go back to an inboard water tank.

 

[chimpusmaximus]

So had a few nights away to test and find any issues and so far been good. The systems can cope with an air fryer and microwave running at the same time. Hits about 320a draw max.

 

[drinfinity]

Wow! 320A is spectacular.

 

[TallPaul_S]

320a?! That's 4000w.



I can see why you opted for a 560Ah battery now!!

I would definitely be wanting 300-400w of solar as a minimum on that size battery and power usage though! If you've got space, maybe add a second MPPT with a ground deploy solar panel set up. That would allow another 200w when you're on site for a few days (and so not running the engine).

 

[chimpusmaximus]

320a?! That's 4000w.

View attachment 257765

I can see why you opted for a 560Ah battery now!!

I would definitely be wanting 300-400w of solar as a minimum on that size battery and power usage though! If you've got space, maybe add a second MPPT with a ground deploy solar panel set up. That would allow another 200w when you're on site for a few days (and so not running the engine).

Pretty sure this must actually been when I had the small kettle on as well as other wise its about 266amps.

I need to measure and if I can fit another 200w, I will remove and move existing and add another. Did consider as you suggested but don't want anything else to store in van but may still be a consideration if I can't fit another on top. I actually have a spare 40a MPPT sitting here

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Been using the van more and more with some escapes to Snowdonia and recently the Peak District.

Had a chance to try out the simpler awning and also the wind break.

 

[CAB]

Which awning is that, looks like the Primo or Pronto?

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Which awning is that, looks like the Primo or Pronto?

It’s a Reimo Mauritius Sun Canopy with Pronto PC 4 Panel Windbreak.

 

[CAB]

Looks like a good, quick setup.

What do you think of the Pronto, was thinking of getting one?

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Only had it out once but build quality is excellent and very sturdy.

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Another break away and with the days getting shorter it’s clear that I need to add some more lifting to the van.

Got a few ideas to try out to improve the situation.