didi wrote:

---

Just thought Id let anyone who has been kind enough to offer me all the useful advice and support a newbie like me has needed in getting going. Well after looking at many ford transits (and being put off them by mechanics) and toyota commuters (love 'em but too small) I fell in love with a MercedesSprinter! Ex ambulance and a really nice helpfull guy called Daniel  selling it. Got a thorough RWC done for me, new tyres, improved suspension and all. Just waiting for it to be stripped out. Yes, before you say it, I know all those cuboards are great BUT the frames take up too much room. Once they are out I gain almost a foot either side and I only want a basic setup- no fancy stuff! So as much room as possible please. Enough storage under bed and in a cuboard and in kitchen units for me.

Its more important to me to have enough battery/ solar setup to mainly free camp. I wont have gas set up inside but i will use a butane stove outside. I prefer all electrics. So with the help of two great grey nomads on here... Big Gorilla (going with your exact layout here BG) and Snow (Lots of great info). Thank you guys. Ive got my ideas of the set up ready for the electrician to do. Ive gone with  2 x6v trojan or century batteries in tandem, 300w pure sine Projecta Inverter, 2 x 140w solar panels (hard to find these BG- finally saw them on Outbox Camping), and Projecta ICI500 7stage Automatic battery charger. Now I just have to convince the electrician to set it up like this. Oh and to make sure the cable is thick enough and attached to car battery! Whew. Have I got it right?

Im going to go see May West Caravans over at Hoppers Crossing to do all this and get the electrical certificate. Keep you posted on the outcome.

A great big thank you to Jules too, who has kept me focused and grounded and given wonderful advice.

On my way now Di di

---

 WOW Di di, sounds like your really done your homework, seems that you maybe near me, I'm all for a Solo Ladies Convoy, bring it on, LOL - Fran   

Hi, Di Yes this side of Geelong, i'm in Kurunjang nearer to Toolern Vale

Frangipani wrote:

---

Hi, Di Yes this side of Geelong, i'm in Kurunjang nearer to Toolern Vale

-- Edited by Frangipani on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 09:00:02 PM

---

 On the way to Bachus Marsh. I was up there the other week. beautiful countryside! any trips planned Fran? Im hoping to do as much free camping as possible, maybe some housesitting and a little caravan parks too, as I hope to take my time exploring this country.It would be great to meet up with other solos (or couples) and travel for short/ long periods together, if we both wanted to go in the same direction. or just travel by myself. but first of all... i need my rig lol didi

Frangipani wrote:

---

didi wrote: Wow Fran Im so excited for you too! Only one more week! Cant wait toget going myself, but, yes- scared Sh..less too! It will be my first time and Im still not quite sure how all the batteries work, how to get them topped back up, and definately not a mechanic. But I figure if I waited for everything, Id never experience life. And if I want adventure and excitement then Ive gotta be scared sometimes. Whoo Hoo. Id have loved to meet up for a coffee, but maybe we will on the road sometime. Where to from Perth? Cheers Di

---

Frangipani wrote:

---

Hi, Di Yes this side of Geelong, i'm in Kurunjang nearer to Toolern Vale

-- Edited by Frangipani on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 09:00:02 PM

---

 On the way to Bachus Marsh. I was up there the other week. beautiful countryside! any trips planned Fran? Im hoping to do as much free camping as possible, maybe some housesitting and a little caravan parks too, as I hope to take my time exploring this country.It would be great to meet up with other solos (or couples) and travel for short/ long periods together, if we both wanted to go in the same direction. or just travel by myself. but first of all... i need my rig lol didi

---

 yes Didi, i'm planning to leave about 11th August, if all goes well or at least that week, heading for Perth, it will be my maiden voyage, scarred s@#$less but excited., too yes it would be nice to meet up in the future, good luck with your rig, it is fun, i've enjoyed every moment of getting everything together.,

---

Hey Di..

Nice to hear that you found a Vehicle that you like..
-- An ex ambulance should have a complete maintenance history which is extremely important..


Make sure that you get plenty of insulation behind the paneling and that it is a synthetic.. So it does not hold moisture..
-- Make sure that the Inverter is a Pure sine wave inverter and not the Cheaper Modified sine wave.
--> Check the Prices of everything they quote on.. to make sure you squeeze your dollars for the full worth..


""
Ive gone with 2 x6v Trojan or century batteries in tandem, T105 225Ah for about $420[ the Pair]
300w pure sine Projecta Inverter >>>> $220 at most... There is a 350w model for the same price..
2 x 140w solar panels (hard to find these BG- finally saw them on Outbox Camping),  About $360 for the 2 panels [Lowenergy.....] Maybe Look at going Bigger 200w's for an extra..
Projecta ICI500 7stage Automatic battery charger. [could not find the 500 model but found the 700 for about $129.] Maybe even go the Ctek MXS 5.0 for $95..

You forgot to include a Solar Regulator.. About $50    > nutty me would go the dingo or even PL20[<$300]

A volt meter so you can see what your batteries are sitting at.. Anything Below 11v's and you need to recharge.. @ $25 from Ebay

All Prices from Ebay.. Most prices Postage free.. Batteries would be an issue But if you sourced them Local Cheaper..

Have I got it right? ""
--

Other than that you have the right idea...

hope these figure help you out..

Juergen

Another thing.. If I have it correct.. the merc is a 12v electric system.. Maybe think of a Isolation switch, which you can use to charge up the House[Trojan's] from the Alternator while you drive... [About $200 All up for Part's]


Juergen