Tim’s Tips #47 - Van build sustainable minimalist philosophy - November 8, 2020

Tim’s Tips #47 - Van build overview - November 8, 2020 shows how he built a van with:

- 25 MPG diesel van
- T R U E four season - No winterizing
- No propane, all electric
- Tesla Model 3 battery - 20 KWH
- Solar -1800 watts
- Open architecture - 80/20
- Energy efficient - insulation, climate control, instant hot water

He shows:

All electric - no propane or diesel heater
Tesla Model 3 battery with 2170 cells with 96volts
Charges with Sunpower solar, alternator, EV/ electric vehicle charging with j1772 or 50 amp shore power
80/20 extrusions
high R-value polycyanurate insulation
Sprinter van build ext 170 Mercedes Benz 2500
a better vent system
instant hot water, 3KW coil
lithium battery charger, 6.6kw, CAN bus
two 6kw inverters, 120VAC and 220VAC
stealth / off-grid boondocking
dual pane acrylic windows, high r-value, Maygood / Dometic / Arctic Tern
3x more cfm fan
open architecture with 80/20 and external wire raceway
blum soft close drawer slides
galley module
orion bms 2 battery management system
insulated bulkhead with insulated door
aluminum pour foam floor
whale submersible pump
42 gallon potable water tank
black and gray tanks combined, 38 gal
cord reel, 50 amp, 50 ft
bed, cot, two, 72x25 inches, 6 inch foam
couch, sleeps one
toilet, china, Dometic
compressor fridge / freezer
microwave convection oven
induction cooktop, two, 1800 watts each
LED lights strips
mini-split climate control air conditioner, mitsubishi, HVAC , heats down to -13 degrees F

[kingrafferty]

Thank you for the info. I love all the ideas. I don't know it they are "simple" for me. LOL, but I am willing to try to learn. I know after having and RV that all the bells and whistle aren't needed.

[ligadoonanoo]

"Eliminate holes" has a 4 inch hole covered with foam 😳🤔
I must say, after reading your comment about Benchmarks van, I expected more. was very disappointed. I guess the intangibles can't be grasped by all...

[samhempburn]

Great video of your RV Tim! Happy to hear you’re already out enjoying it!

[pfxqlqi]

Why wouldn't you put the cable reel outside underneath?

[lesliehunter]

Have you charged at an ev station with success?

[ericwebostad]

Great build! With the rapidly increasing battery energy density, electric is the way to go. Like the idea of a mini split, but would like to repackage the external unit in one of those boxes that swings on a bumper. Obviously, that would likely violate the warranty.

[toddkerchner]

Enjoyed seeing your project. Do you have a name for the vehicle?