Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

Camping - Sponsored by bikerscampsite.co.uk => Camping Equipment & Suppliers => Alternative Camping (sponsored by Vanping.uk) => Topic started by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 18:27:14

Title: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 18:27:14: I thought I'd give this section an airing :)

This is the Ratmobile (2) and here are some of the mods I have done (much the same as Ratmobile 1).

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/16315386200_56851e940f.jpg)
Loading Ramps (one for the bike and one to walk up)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16467066638_daf80f0991.jpg)

Fuel Cans (in some great little holders)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16467824518_688dd0ddd7.jpg)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/16468011990_3f07eebc24.jpg)

Auxiliary Battery Under the Passenger Seat, this is charged from the Alternator and also Mains.
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8607/16033087994_b871425d85.jpg)

12v - 240v Inverter - Crap picture but this gives me 240v from the Aux. Battery
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16467827228_d25bb1fe09.jpg)

12V Fusebox - Speaks for itself really, also a Voltage display so I know when the Aux. Battery is low.
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8663/16654000531_9f46fa1460.jpg)

12V Outlets - Fed from the Aux. Battery
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8619/16033085944_527222b5eb.jpg)

Panel Heater - Being cold is for weirdos and Eskimos'
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8663/16654364872_3872c49d48.jpg)

Lights - No Disco Ball this time :shy:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8588/16629463676_e56fdc4bec.jpg)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8589/16467994950_bbd2f6bcca.jpg)

Comms -
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8573/16469225099_db1ff51a9e.jpg)

Rat - :)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8645/16654007271_ccbae62ec3.jpg)

:vanping:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: tallpaul on February 26, 2015, 18:43:31: How much current does the radiator drag? With a radiator keeping things cosy this vanping malarkey may just have something going for it! Don't tell anyone else I said so though, eh...
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 18:57:46: The Rad is only 850 watts so will draw approx 3.5A @ 240v. I've yet to test the efficiency of the Inverter but I have also wired an Electric Hook up point so I can connect the Van to Campsite power sockets :old:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: MartinW on February 26, 2015, 19:58:18: No toilet facility in this Mk2 van then?
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 20:10:42: The loo is in the Man Cave and will be slung in the Van ready for any Vanping :)

:vanping:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: mr_diver on February 26, 2015, 20:11:31: jeeezzz, this Dogging thing seems expensive :crazy:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Robotstar5 on February 26, 2015, 20:18:58: What about a solar panel to charge the aux battery if you're parked up away from a hookup.
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: ziggy on February 26, 2015, 20:20:51: Andy that will drag 85 amps per hour off your battery. Hope it's a big one.

http://www.redarc.com.au/handy-hints/-/ ... rrent_draw (http://www.redarc.com.au/handy-hints/-/inverter_current_draw)
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 20:50:54: Yep, it would last just over an hour. However, I don't intend to run the Panel Heater from the battery for extended periods, it has a timer on it and 10 minutes of heat in the space it's in is plenty.
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Ptarmigan on February 26, 2015, 21:43:25: Quote from: "Fat Rat"
The loo is in the Man Cave and will be slung in the Van ready for any Vanping :)

:vanping:

The bog roll above the ramps is going to be a bit of a stretch from seated. :shrug:

And I'd recommend placing it in carefully rather than slinging it, those things aren't exactly watertight! :-x

lol
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 21:47:52: Bog roll??

I am at one with nature I'll have you know. Bear Grills next series is all about Vanping.

It's the way forward :)
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Jeff999 on February 26, 2015, 22:26:40: What comms setup do you have Andy? I'm 3 weeks into the Foundation course so will be wanting mobile comms once I hopefully pass.....
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 26, 2015, 22:33:24: It's a Yaesu FT-7900 (UHF & VHF) Jeff, they cover the PMR band too with a slight modification.

It's impossible to fail the foundation course :)
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: kirky1298 on February 27, 2015, 11:46:37: Are you insulating the back and lining it with carpet Andy ?
Otherwise you'll be soaking with condensation :thumb:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 27, 2015, 12:09:28: Kirky,

I'll keep an eye on that :thumb:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Robotstar5 on February 27, 2015, 16:08:18: Quote from: "Fat Rat"
It's a Yaesu FT-7900 (UHF & VHF) Jeff, they cover the PMR band too with a slight modification.

Nice bit of kit, I've used an earlier model, FT-8800R on RAYNET events.
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: bigpie on February 27, 2015, 16:14:29: Damn you, you've made my mind start ticking again and wanting a van.

http://www.convertyourvan.co.uk/racevanconversions.html Looks expensive but well thought out.
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 27, 2015, 17:32:59: t's the way forward :smirk:
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: bigpie on February 27, 2015, 18:43:26: I'm loathed to admit it but it does make sense. How do insurers react when you mention the electrical mods inc space heater?

Any plans to attach an awning for extra space or extensions on hydraulic ram?
Title: Re: Ratmobile Mods
Post by: Fat Rat on February 27, 2015, 18:47:35: I haven't mentioned the mods to the insurer, I suppose that would only be a problem if it burst into flames :)

I have a Gazebo and no plans for hydraulic doodah's :grin: