I’m a little excited about doing a simple DIY conversion on Ralph- I don’t want anything too crazy.
My first step is to install the basics – something to sit & sleep on – a way to keep relatively cool – & I would like power as I work on my laptop alot.
Today I’ve just purchased a few things on ebay ready for the conversion.
Ceiling fan/ vent x2
I purchased two solar powered ceiling fan/vents. I thought I would have one on fan mode to bring in fresh air and one on vent mode to extract the hot air. I’ve read from other van dwellers that this system works well in keeping the interior cooler.. we’ll see! They cost me $98 AUD each so $196 AUD for both.
200W Flexible Solar Panel
200W is probably a little overkill but I wanted to only mount one panel and I thought for a little more $$ and no extra effort in installing I should just get one 200W as opposed to a 100W and then maybe having to add another panel down the track for more wattage. The solar panel cost me $342.95 AUD
I already have a ‘Goal Zero’ battery pack but I do need to get an adaptor so I can use the non-goal zero solar panel with it. I phoned up Goal Zero this morning and they told me I would need either an MC4 to 8mm adapter or an anderson to 8mm adapter. I’ve looked at the panel I purchased and it said it has an MC4 connection so on Saturday we will drive to Goal Zero to pick one up.
Next will be to buy supplies for my bed and some insulation for the ceiling. I’m hoping I won’t have to insulate the walls but I can always do that down the track if I find out I need it.
Cheers!
Grace