check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar Topargee products Enginesaver Low Water Alarms
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> The Grey Nomads - General -> Advice on refrigerated van conversion??!!
Post Info TOPIC: Advice on refrigerated van conversion??!!
MDN


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 21
Date:
Advice on refrigerated van conversion??!!
Permalink  

Hi

I have an opportunity (perhaps) to buy an "1999 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 312D Refrigerated, 360916, Manual" with 165000 KLM
my question is - are refrig vans easy/hard to convert - can you keep the insulation etc. please excuse my ignorance 
any comments suggetions will be greatly appreciated. I am a aged pensioner and do not want to make a $$$ mistake
Cheers Michael



__________________

"Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by human stupidity"  
Possum3


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 8757
Date:
Permalink  

As refrigerated containers are air tight a major consideration is permanent adequate ventilation at high point and an low point of cabin. Then fit it out to suit your tastes. Check sites like Caravan parts suppliers for windows
Download all the technical information you need (FREE) at Caravan Council of Australia. www.caravancouncil.com.au/

__________________

Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan

Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
PeterInSa


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1052
Date:
Permalink  

Some info here, in 2 Youtube Vids

www.youtube.com/watch

__________________
Peter_n_Margaret


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4375
Date:
Permalink  

Building or converting a vehicle to a motorhome requires lots of different skills and knowledge of all the rules that apply so if you intend to do it yourself, you have much to learn and a lot of study and research to complete before starting work.
It is like building a house, but more complicated.
It can certainly be done, but don't underestimate the knowledge and skills required or the time it will take.
There is a saying - make an estimate of the time it will take and the costs involved. The real time and costs will be about 3 times your best estimates.
There are lots of half finished projects in sheds around the country where people gave up part way through when they came to realise the size of the job.
If you do it, there will be a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction when you do get it on the road.
Cheers,
Peter

__________________

OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
Hetho


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 313
Date:
Permalink  

Hi Michael.

It is certainly possible, and when finished the satisfaction of your DIY will be awesome. 

Possum has steered you in the right direction, and maybe check with your states transport department rules and regs also.

I built my van; all the parts you require can be obtained from RV parts suppliers, however; I made a shopping list, priced it from the internet, them went to my local caravan yard and gave them my shopping list to price, and disclosed the online prices.

To my surprise they saved me a few thousand $

My internal fit out is all Ikea. (cut down to suit)

However; I used aluminium angle framing for the fibreglass panels. This causes condensation in the colder areas of the country during winter when heat is applied to the inside.

So being a refrigerated van; I'm assuming you may has steel or aluminium inside, and condensation will be a problem in the southern states during winter.

Good luck with your adventure. I had a fantastic time building mine. I've done 95000 ks now and "still loving it"

If I can help at any stage please get it touch.

Regards.

Hetho. 

 

 



__________________
MDN


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 21
Date:
Permalink  

THANKS EVERY ONE

__________________

"Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by human stupidity"  
Bicyclecamper


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1430
Date:
Permalink  

If you are a Reddit user good, if not think about joining, as this sub reddit: r/vandwellers is for everyone worldwide, and you will pick up thousands and thousands of tips on how to do it easily. I highly recommend it. NB: you can go there and view, without being a member, but need to be a member to post pics and ask questions.

__________________

Ric - The Eccentric One
Whenarewethere


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 7582
Date:
Permalink  

I build architectural models, both 3d & physical. Before you even think of picking up tools. Do large scale drawings 1:10 or 1:5 plans (roof, ceiling, floor, chassis), elevations & sections (are useful). Do wiring diagram, plumbing diagram. Material specification sheet including all screw & bolt sizes.

Once you are happy with the plans build a 1:10 scale cardboard & masking tape model to see if you have all door openings & clearances working properly.

No matter how much time you spend doing & fixing plans & it might seem tedious at times. It is far easier & cheaper to solve problems on paper. If you iron out all the problems first you will do the job quicker & better quality.

 

 



__________________

Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
landy


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1356
Date:
Permalink  

Just a thought I would take a look at your weights early in the project run the vehicle over a weigh bridge before you start and find out what it weighs now
then check and see what payload you have to play with for the finished project including water, gas, food etc.


__________________
In life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people and simply let them be wrong.
MDN


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 21
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks a heap every one. Had to let it go - because of the insulation it was only 165 cm high.
But am confident for future.
Michael

__________________

"Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by human stupidity"  
Whenarewethere


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 7582
Date:
Permalink  

landy wrote:

Just a thought I would take a look at your weights early in the project run the vehicle over a weigh bridge before you start and find out what it weighs now
then check and see what payload you have to play with for the finished project including water, gas, food etc.

 A really good idea so one has a baseline.



__________________

Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> The Grey Nomads - General -> Advice on refrigerated van conversion??!!
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook