ToddiesT6 - Build Log

[ToddiesT6]

So I’m clearly getting better as I’ve even managed a very small (but hugely important) camper job today. That being to install the fire extinguisher in a convenient place before the first family wildcamp.

The indirect prompt came from a DOC member who almost lost the lot in a kettle fire last weekend….& so is it worth you also thinking about your own evacuation plan & equipment position?

Stay safe folks!

 

[ToddiesT6]

A pre booked day off & despite the rain, I’ve got the awnings installed

Alas because of the pop top, I’ve had to create a new rearward fixing point with (yep you guessed it) a ‘Rivnut’ & silicon seal. Unfortunately it’s double skinned in the gully, so I couldn’t add the extra washer as planned, but I’m happy enough with the M6 plus sika 252 alone.

Next step was repositioning the ‘through bracket to awning’ bolts (Rivnuts again) & that’s it done.

 

[GarlicChilli]

Bulkhead removed (nobody wants these it seams) & it’s on with the ‘DoDo Dead matting - I’ve ordered far to much……but I guess I can move on whatever is left after I do the front cab.

View attachment 182007

View attachment 182008

View attachment 182009

How much matting did you order?

 

[ToddiesT6]

How much matting did you order?

Way to much as I couldn’t find a clear answer & hadn’t joined T6F!

But in total 8x boxes of 20x sheets for 100% coverage of a LWB van with full window. I’ve since sold on the spare 2 boxes, so 120x sheets.

You could use less for sure & I likely will if even I build a van for another on commission as I’ve been asked.

 

[GarlicChilli]

Pop top installed! Very happy with the result - cracking people & competitive price. Shame I had to sell the Z1000SW to pay for it

View attachment 190436

How much did it cost?
Is there a reason that you didn’t do it yourself, given that you did the windows?

 

[ToddiesT6]

How much did it cost?
Is there a reason that you didn’t do it yourself, given that you did the windows?

£5k fitted as couldn’t find anyone willing to sell the kit for DIY install & also the insurance compliance question.

 

[GarlicChilli]

£5k fitted as couldn’t find anyone willing to sell the kit for DIY install & also the insurance compliance question.

Understood.

 

[GarlicChilli]

Loving the build log.

 

[ToddiesT6]

A little progress with the units today - mostly marking out & figuring where to place what.

The littlest nipper is keen to get involved - and I’m very happy to start them young with the mindset of DIY! Maths, drawing & can-do attitude takes you a long way in life.

 

[DXX]

So I’m clearly getting better as I’ve even managed a very small (but hugely important) camper job today. That being to install the fire extinguisher in a convenient place before the first family wildcamp.

The indirect prompt came from a DOC member who almost lost the lot in a kettle fire last weekend….& so is it worth you also thinking about your own evacuation plan & equipment position?

Stay safe folks!

View attachment 195705

I doubt that extinguisher will stay in place in a severe collision, while it provides fire protection it can also wipe somebody out in the front of the van.

 

[ToddiesT6]

I doubt that extinguisher will stay in place in a severe collision, while it provides fire protection it can also wipe somebody out in the front of the van.

Its a fair point, but exactly why it’s got that extra Velcro strap. The unit is 1.5kg, my rudimentary shear out test topped out at 15kg load & assuming 5G loading i’ve a 2:1 safety factor for accidental detachment.

severity x detection x occurrence = RPN (Risk)

Fire (delay access) = 9 x 9 x 3 = 243

Collision (detachment) = 6 x 6 x 3 = 108

For the time being (having just installed electrics) I would rather have the FE close to hand than worry about a collision - But each to their own.

 

[DXX]

Its a fair point, but exactly why it’s got that extra Velcro strap. The unit is 1.5kg, my rudimentary shear out test topped out at 15kg load & assuming 5G loading i’ve a 2:1 safety factor for accidental detachment.

severity x detection x occurrence = RPN (Risk)

Fire (delay access) = 9 x 9 x 3 = 243

Collision (detachment) = 6 x 6 x 3 = 108

For the time being (having just installed electrics) I would rather have the FE close to hand than worry about a collision - But each to their own.

View attachment 196532

I was thinking more about the screws in shear load. Not my head looks like your happy with it.

 

[snowdrop]

Its a fair point, but exactly why it’s got that extra Velcro strap. The unit is 1.5kg, my rudimentary shear out test topped out at 15kg load & assuming 5G loading i’ve a 2:1 safety factor for accidental detachment.

severity x detection x occurrence = RPN (Risk)

Fire (delay access) = 9 x 9 x 3 = 243

Collision (detachment) = 6 x 6 x 3 = 108

For the time being (having just installed electrics) I would rather have the FE close to hand than worry about a collision - But each to their own.

View attachment 196532

This looks technically spot on, haven’t a clue what it all means though!

 

[ToddiesT6]

This looks technically spot on, haven’t a clue what it all means though!

It means we are all learning - and I’ve a

I was thinking more about the screws in shear load. Not my head looks like your happy with it.

i didn’t check the bolt load capacity for shear as expected it to be huge in comparison, but I now have….and it’s fine.

Always worth checking & accepting questions - thank you for doing so.

 

[ToddiesT6]

And it’s Friday - so a little post work work before cooking birthday supper for a dear friend. Thankfully the solar panels have arrived (100w Renogy flex to keep height down) & so it’s on with figuring out where to route the cables etc.

Simple enough to wire these in series & the MPPT will cope with 24V (which also reduces wire runs) but what a shame to see my pop top installer used so many auto/tech screws Seriously I wish I’d done that job myself now seeing the state of a ‘professional’ install.

 

[drinfinity]

Series or parallel? I have one of those panels and it’s around 24v on its own.

 

[ToddiesT6]

Series or parallel? I have one of those panels and it’s around 24v on its own.

They are stated as 100w 12v panels, so placed in series that’s 24v 200w. I expect to see greater that 24v under load, so I’ve gone 10AWG despite it suggestion 12 AWG. Plus as I might change things around or add to them in time, I hope I’ve future proofed it sufficiently. MPPT is rated to 100V so I’ll monitor things before expanding the array.

Useful explanation for some below:

Series vs. Parallel

Learn about series, parallel, and series-parallel connections in solar panel systems. Understand why each connection type is used and how to set up your system accordingly. Discover the benefits and considerations of each connection type based on your specific situation.

www.renogy.com

 

[snowdrop]

They are stated as 100w 12v panels, so placed in series that’s 24v 200w. II expect to see greater that 24v under load, so I’ve gone 10AWG despite it suggestion 12 AWG. Plus as I might change things around or add to them in time, I hope I’ve future proofed it sufficiently. MPPT is rated to 100V so I’ll monitor things before expanding the array.

Useful explanation for some below:

Series vs. Parallel

Learn about series, parallel, and series-parallel connections in solar panel systems. Understand why each connection type is used and how to set up your system accordingly. Discover the benefits and considerations of each connection type based on your specific situation.

www.renogy.com

I remember something about parallel/series from school, it was something to do with electricity and , um, thats it..

 

[Pete C]

They are stated as 100w 12v panels, so placed in series that’s 24v 200w. II expect to see greater that 24v under load, so I’ve gone 10AWG despite it suggestion 12 AWG. Plus as I might change things around or add to them in time, I hope I’ve future proofed it sufficiently. MPPT is rated to 100V so I’ll monitor things before expanding the array.

Useful explanation for some below:

Series vs. Parallel

Learn about series, parallel, and series-parallel connections in solar panel systems. Understand why each connection type is used and how to set up your system accordingly. Discover the benefits and considerations of each connection type based on your specific situation.

www.renogy.com

I would measure the output voltage under decent sun before you connect them up - 12v seems low compared to other panels.

Pete

 

[ToddiesT6]

The rains coming down today but I managed to fit PG9 glands directly into the ‘pop’ during a brief rest bite - Unfortunately the gland housing I’d purchased would add 50mm to the overall van height & takes me over the 2m limit I’m trying to stick to (since suspension upgrades aren’t in budget)

Regarding the cables, I also purchased spare MC4 connectors as I can’t see how you can fit them without replacing the existing fittings since they lock in place (via the tangs) unless someone knows otherwise?

I’ve also decided to put vinyl down before sikaflex 252 as if ever I want to replace them, I don’t want to end up butchering the gel coat! Another quick calc suggests 0.25m2 bond area per panel & sika 252 has 3MPa tensile strength (EBT is 1.8MPA) - so that should be more than sufficient & if my calculations are wrong, the T6 community will learn from my mistake.

Finally I can’t find any minimum bond thickness, but YouTube’s campervibe video showed installers using tile spacers - 2mm seams reasonable for a minimum gap unless others have a view?

All comments welcome