2017 Sprinter 4x4 144"

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RedRockKY

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast II

547
Vine grove ,Ky
Member #

9642

Because old dominion freight sucks dick and my kitchen isnt here to put in and start welding a bed frame, i started on cabinet work
Bent and cut out 9 (need 7, made extra in case) supports to build curved cabinets
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
These have a larger (about 1" more...test piece was a 9 " radius, the actual production is an 11" version)
I will be welding mount flanges, and tabs to screw the wood to.
THe bendy wood will go up until there is a vertical surface where the door will start. it will all make sense in about 2 weeks when i get back to them. I was just not trying to waste time tonight and actually get something done.
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
And for credit given. Idea was stolen from Zen Vanz
The radiused drawers look fantastic , I own a CNC router 5’x10’ so we have always just ran a few radius tools down the edges of our drawer systems , but I believe I like your look better
 

blackntan

Rank V
Launch Member

Pathfinder I

2,271
Uk. 53.4084 N 2 .9916W.
First Name
Black
Last Name
Tan
Member #

2385

Service Branch
Boys brigade
Iam currently looking for a vw crafter 4x4. To turn into a camper my god there hard to get in the uk seems They are rare as hens teeth
 

grantwilson

Rank V
Launch Member

Influencer II

2,886
St. augustine, Fl
Member #

1616

Finally got all the solar in and installed. For the fun of the in
depth portion of this build since everyone always asks what i use, I will divulge into it!

I use renogy. At one time (full disclosure) I was sponsored by them. Even after that ended i continue to buy their panels. They are quality, and work well.
I chose to use 3 100 watt Monocrystalline panels http://amzn.to/2BVLNeh
To connect those panels in series, i used two pairs of these - http://amzn.to/2BUqQk5
Then used these cables with the unused ends cut off to run the rest of the routing, super solid and thick stranded wire for good power conduction - http://amzn.to/2GLhXgx
I used this glad that i sealed, screwed then resealed over the screws - http://amzn.to/2GNWrYb
These wires then go into a victron 100/30 Smart MPPT charger - http://amzn.to/2BVhvZc
Which is also monitored by the Victron BMV 712 - http://amzn.to/2E4hKD2
Into this battery - http://amzn.to/2GNTw22

With this combination I can accurately track overall use, history, incoming and outgoing amps, and remaining time along with a shit ton of other stuff.

For the panels themselves, i bolted all three together with 1/4" stainless hardware from www.buildersstainless.com
for the mount i used 2" x 3" aluminum 1/4" thick angle with the 2" side on the solar and the 3" on the factory racks

Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
panels bolted, routing for cables (they are later covered in loom for protection)
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
pretty stainless hardware
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
two together
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
angle mounted for installation
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
all together, cheating with a forklift
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
3 panels installed!
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
solar production at about 10AM on a winter day
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
what it takes to run a 1500 watt hot water heater to heat 4 gallons of water in 20 minutes.
 

QCNR

Rank 0

Traveler I

98
Stavanger
First Name
Q
Last Name
R
This looks excellent. Do you know what the 4x4 capabilities of the Sprinter are?
Proper offroad rocky pass capability or copes with a bit of gravel...
 

persquank

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

2,191
DFW
First Name
Randall
Last Name
Stephens
Member #

9377

It's almost not fair how much space vans have. This build is shaping up to be very remarkable. The wood paneling is especially nice.
 

grantwilson

Rank V
Launch Member

Influencer II

2,886
St. augustine, Fl
Member #

1616

grantwilson

Rank V
Launch Member

Influencer II

2,886
St. augustine, Fl
Member #

1616

Ok. Lets get yall up to speed


Took a day or two to build the cabinet for the fridge and soon to be closet.

Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Had to figure out a way to mount up the fridge to the enclosure and save as much space as possible.
I ended up using 3/4" Aluminum block, some socket head m6 bolts. Transferred the pattern from the handle to make the mount holes, used an endmill to counterbore so its all flush, then used the slides to make a pattern for the actual mounting, drilled and tapped them.
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
This let me make the cabinet as compact as possible, and keep everything nice and close to the fridge so it doesn't stress it. Can't mess up my precious ice cream holder!

From there I Bent up some rear pieces on the roll bender to fit the contours of the van
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
A little bit of welding and it gets us a solid base
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
A little more welding and a burnt phone screen later, we have the carcas
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Far from done, but done enough to hold the cooler in while we go camping this past weekend! First weekend out. Can't be happier with the performance of this beast in the softest sugar sand known to man
Spent the weekend in Ocala National Forest, went to good ol Juniper Springs and even found a patch!
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Ocala national forest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Ocala national forest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Ocala national forest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Ocala national forest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Ocala national forest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Ocala national forest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

Also. bumpers came in this morning, so there is that
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
 

grantwilson

Rank V
Launch Member

Influencer II

2,886
St. augustine, Fl
Member #

1616

So big moves for little people

Bumpers!

Aluminess bumpers front and rear.
I will say this. They are the best packaged, safe and sound bumpers I have ever bought. I like the instructions (about 85-90% complete) and the fitment was really spot on. Have about 2.5 hours into it, and maybe a few more into the rear end of it to go. Front end fits perfect with zero issues. Rear end fits well, but wish it was an actual bumper instead of an add on, but i get why it isnt.

Overall, 10/10 would spend an arm and a leg again.

bumpers by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bumpers by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bumpers by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bumpers by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bumpers by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bumpers by Grant Wilson, on Flickr