Just had the first habitation service completed on my PVC (panel van conversion) since I collected her in April 2021 from Young Conversions (no longer trading).
He was particularly impressed with her design, layout and specification, and the quality of the conversion.
I am very chuffed with that as it was my design specification to suit my own needs and wants out of the van.
There is one issue in that the two leisure batteries would need to be replaced soon if I were to go off-grid often. This is not an issue was such as the chances of me going off-grid for a significant period of time more than a couple of nights is very remote.
Apart from that, all tickety-boo, and I would probably have another habitation service in 18 months to 2 years' time and have the batteries replaced.
Apparently, the voltage going into the batteries is higher than 240V which could have resulted in the battery life being affected.
I have asked him for advice whether I should unhook her while she is idle sitting outside the house, and hook up from time to time to re-charge the batteries. It may be too late to start doing that now though.
Edited to add the cost of the service was less as the van does not use or carry LPG, just a diesel heater/hot water system with no naked flame etc...
DK
Post last edited on 23/07/2024 14:00:58
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
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* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
The 230v supply will go to a charger or power supply unit which should supply around 13.8v dc to your leisure batteries to charge them.
Perhaps it's output is a bit high.
You definitely do not connect 230v ac to a battery!
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Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 23/7/2024
The 230v supply will go to a charger or power supply unit which should supply around 13.8v dc to your leisure batteries to charge them.
Perhaps it's output is a bit high.
You definitely do not connect 230v ac to a battery!
No, 240V AC is not connected directly to the two leisure batteries.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Well done DK. No doubt in part good custom design and good builder.
With a very wide based engineering background, and pretty decent knowledge of caravans, arguably I don't need to employ someone to check my caravan, BUT I do, simply from the point of a fresh pair of eyes dedicated to the task is likely better at spotting any less than obvious issues. Thankfully, my van has been sound at all inspections since I bought it, save the gas hose being too long at the 1st check (swapped for the correct short one - thank you franchised dealer for supplying it with an 'inappropriate' hose!!!!), and this year a heads up that the gas regulator will need replacing next year based on it's age.
Some peace of mind that all the safety critical areas have been vetted and passed, and a piece of paper to wave at insurers as to correct maintenance if I ever need to claim.
The issue with the batteries (I have 2) is as expected to be fair.
Since I always camp with EHU, I am leaving their replacement until later, most likely to be at the next habitation service in 18-24 months' time.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 24/7/2024
If you always camp with EHU, why do you need two leisure batteries?
Are you thinking of going off grid in the future?
Don't know, I did not specify 2 leisure batteries in my design specification, Young Conversions installed two!
I have not planned to go off grid as I don't like to camp at remote places without EHU and facilities.
However, I may consider going off grid to attend an event in a field for just one or two nights without EHU tops when the weather is cooler and I do not need the air con on at night!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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Topic: First PVC Habitation Service Completed
via mobile 23/7/2024 at 4:31pm
