2001 Savana Hightop, slow build

Jo_Duval

Observer
Hey Guys,

ive been a long time lurker with very few posts. About a month ago we finally put our hands on a van. I really wanted to get a sprinterr but couldnt get my head around the hefty price of one in good shape.

So one day i stumbled upon this 2001 Savana hightop, it used to be a Hydro-Quebec work van. it has 132 000km , 82 000miles ?.

Its in half decent shape a little bit of poorly executed bodywork on the rockers and some paint peeling that was resprayed over... we will be getting it fixed and repainted in the next year.

Im really busy this time a year with work so the build will be slow and see more progress this winter.


For now I will have some questions for you guys out there, but first a few pictures.

day 1.jpg
Day 1 when we picked it up from the car dealer.
It had a few issues, nothing that I couldnt fix. mostly the price was right.

keene valley camping.jpg
first camping trip with a bunch of friends, rained all weekend no rock climbing.

bed mockup.jpg
I mocked up a raised bed with a bunch of scrap wood to see how it would feel to have the bed at this height. 6inches of spare headroom and bikes will fit under on a sliding drawer, Perfect!

I will add more pictures later of the cardboard templates for the galleys, but they wont be built before at least the fall.

Finished plans should be insulated, fridge, portapotti, sink and tank, possible hot water with isotemp (still debating), induction cooktop (still debating since we always cook outside of the van, the rare case we would cook inside the coleman might just be ok.

For now I plan on replacing that roof vent for one with a fan, looking at the Maxxfan deluxe 7000k, replacing the 12v fluorescent lights for something less bright, getting a small electric set-up to run them and the eventual fridge and possibly expand for the induction cooktop.

Pardon my french.
 

Jo_Duval

Observer
Hi Guys,

I am looking at starting part of the electrical build.

I am not sure I understand the whole AH and how much I need. From what I have read you should not use more than 25% of the battery capacity and 50% is the worst you would want to get at.

For now we will not have an extensive system, here is what I plan on having in the van:

Truckfridge TF130
maxxfan deluxe 7000k
LED light strips probably a total of 20 feet.
2x Brunton heatsync zone ( heating mats )

http://truckfridge.com/tf130acdc.html
https://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-0007000K-MaxxFan-Deluxe-Remote/dp/B003ZOF09Y
https://www.amazon.ca/Minger-Non-wa...1219424&sr=8-6&keywords=led+strips+warm+white
http://www.brunton.com/collections/heatsync/products/heatsync-zone



everything will be DC power, any help and input to find energy consumption or suggestions as to battery bank sizes or documentation would be Greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 

Slapmackie

Observer
Hi Guys,

I am looking at starting part of the electrical build.

I am not sure I understand the whole AH and how much I need. From what I have read you should not use more than 25% of the battery capacity and 50% is the worst you would want to get at.

For now we will not have an extensive system, here is what I plan on having in the van:

Truckfridge TF130
maxxfan deluxe 7000k
LED light strips probably a total of 20 feet.
2x Brunton heatsync zone ( heating mats )

http://truckfridge.com/tf130acdc.html
https://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-0007000K-MaxxFan-Deluxe-Remote/dp/B003ZOF09Y
https://www.amazon.ca/Minger-Non-wa...1219424&sr=8-6&keywords=led+strips+warm+white
http://www.brunton.com/collections/heatsync/products/heatsync-zone



everything will be DC power, any help and input to find energy consumption or suggestions as to battery bank sizes or documentation would be Greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You jumped on anything electrical for your van yet? I bought everything for mine, will be installing soon. Here's a breakdown of some of the stuff I went with.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQQAAQW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3THG0U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ODSAQBI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This light bar fits perfect in the pre-drilled holes for the go rhino grill guard https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012CGFOOQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the lift kit if you ever want to raise it a bit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FCGINB0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

Jo_Duval

Observer

I installed and wired a maxxfan deluxe. I have been working 60+ hour work weeks, crazy construction before the snow hits the ground. Going on holidays for a couple weeks and in January I will be looking at buying parts and starting the build.

Thanks for the info. I will update here once everything is started. gotta clean the garage and get going soon. cant wait. hopefully brings our climbing trips to a new level
 

Jo_Duval

Observer
Hey guys! it's been a long time.

I thought I had lost most of my pictures from the build but found a backup so I will be posting the build details and the story eventually. here is pictures of the almost final result.


file6.jpegfile3.jpegfile4.jpegfile7.jpegfile2.jpegfile1.jpegfile.jpeg
Cheers,
 

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Len.Barron

Observer
Same direction I plan to go with mine, have the extra-hightop really lets you elevate the bed platform and produce a large storage area under/behind it.
 

Jo_Duval

Observer
That came out great! I especially love how you did the under cabinet lighting. Is it led tape lighting?

Yes it is LED tape light however it did not bond nicely so I used PL premium glue to stick it in place.

Same direction I plan to go with mine, have the extra-hightop really lets you elevate the bed platform and produce a large storage area under/behind it.

Yes we can fit our bike under with the front wheel removed plus the water tank, house batteries and bunch of other stuff.. while still allowing plenty of room to sit on the bed without banging your head to the ceiling
 

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