Recent content by iridewheelies

Just returned from a short road trip to Moab. I finished (mostly) the water system before I left. Having hot water in the van and a hot outdoor shower was fantastic. I’ll post more details about the water system soon but first, look at this campsite we found! Definitely on my top 5 of all time list.

I finished running the rear shower line inside the van. Cut a notch in the panel for the PEX line. I’ll cover it with a fabric lined trim piece to hide it when the plumbing is done. I didn’t get a pic but I stuffed the cavity where the PEX runs down to the outside with 3M thinsulate. I...

I ordered the helper springs and a sway bar from Hellwig today. Everything is on back order for a while. I’ll update my build thread when I get them. I also ordered a 2” lift block set. I’m thinking that swapping the 3” block for the 2” block then installing the helper springs will put me at...

The springs from a suburban are clearly the most popular choice for our lifted vans. I have 3” lift blocks on stock springs now. My ride height and my ride quality seems ok but I feel like I’m supposed to upgrade to the suburban springs like everyone else. I haven’t seen anyone use the Hellwig...

Since I’m plumbing the inside with PEX I thought I’d use it for the rear shower too. In retrospect, it would have been much easier to use vinyl hose. I’m hoping the PEX is going to hold up to freezing temperatures. I’ll do my best to remember to drain the water but I’m sure I’ll forget...

Started working on the plumbing this weekend. It’s been fun learning all about the different thread types and sizes. This is all new to me. When it’s done I’m going to post a full list of all the parts so others can save some time, and so I have a place to reference later. I wanted a quick...

The second project I’m working on right now is installing this Isotemp Slim 15L water heater. https://www.indelwebastomarine.com/us/products/isotemp-water-heaters/slim/ It fits perfectly in the space under my fridge platform. It’s a perfect spot, close to my sink and in an area where there’s...

I’m doing several projects concurrently right now, I’ll do my best to keep updating. Only one project per update to keep it organized. First project - grey water tank. (Gray?, Grey?) I like figuring stuff out on my own but if you see a good solution someone else took the time to figure out...

Thanks for asking, it’s actually been really reliable the last few years however, I haven’t been spending as much time at higher elevation because I had to concentrate on my schoolwork. I used it overnight maybe 3 or 4 times at over 4000’ with no issues but never for 3 or 4 days in a row like...

The interior build started in 2018. It’s taken me a very long time because I was so busy with school. I took inspiration from the MG Metalworks 2015 SEMA van build https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/optima-batteries-sema-2015-build.147147/ I loved the layout with rear drawers and an...

If you want to take a look at the interior in it’s half finished state, you can get a tour in this video from by friend Blake’s YouTube fishing channel. He did a special episode on gathering Chanterelle Mushrooms where I was the guest subject matter expert. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I’ll get into my interior build soon, I have to take care of a couple mechanical issues first. I noticed the front right tire is very worn on the outside edge. I suppose I need an alignment and it’s possible some front end parts are worn. I’m expecting the life of the front end to be shorter...

I’m bringing this van build story back from the dead. I took a few years off to concentrate on my career and earn a degree. College as an adult with a full time job is hard. I’m so glad to be done and have time to build my van out right. I started over on the interior. The dinette style...

When I was at van specialties they showed me seat swivel pedestals. It's not a bolt in item for a chevy. They would need to make adapter plates or something. If you brought your van there they might make you one, it won't be cheap. If I had more time I'd buy one of the pedestals and design the...

Update on my lift. I drove it around for a few months with the 3" blocks in back and the Traxda keys in front. I hated it. The van sat much higher in the back because I couldn't get much lift out of the Traxda key on my driver side. With the driver side adjuster all the way in I only got 1"...