Diesel powered components are brilliant. Diesel has a huge amount of energy stored in it, but, your power source, ie batteries need to be top notch, I once had a camper with an Erbespacher warm air heater, so warm, but I had to start the engine to get it going. I did not have enough battery power, and the split charge system wasn't good enough for the vehicle. Since then I only use battery to battery chargers, my present one being the c-tek system. Canal boats use diesel power, but they have big battery banks, and huge inverters, as they can carry all that weight.
Hi Debbie9999 thanks for the info. I am hoping to have 2 x 12V 110 AHC leisure batteries installed in parallel with a 90-100W solar panel installed on the roof to trickle charge the batteries I hope this should be enough to not have to start the van up when I want some heat ! As I will not be carrying Gas bottles, I think a 2nd leisure battery is OK weight wise. Ciao for now
We have twin batteries and 180w solar panels on the roof of our van and have an eberspacher heater/hot water unit fitted. It's good but does take a lot of power to get started. It's also quite noisy when running though it's fine so long as you're not right next door to someone else. I understand that you can have a silencer fitted and may look into this.
The system works fine so long as the solar panels are fully charging but sadly this is not always the case on dull, grey days, just when you want the heat, so be prepared to run the engine for a short while to get the heater going in the winter months.
Hi Chrisandsandra, As we are only having the Wallas XC Duo for cooking/heating (no hot water) the draw on the batteries is 0.55-0.85 amps each hour of use (depending on heat setting) which is quite low and well within the capability of the intended power supply. I understand that on start up, 5 amps may be drawn, however provided the device is used not on a start stop basis, but judiciously, I think the arrangement will work well. The only other device that uses any power of note drawn from the leisure batteries is a waeco drawer type fridge which draws between 0.67 and 1.33 amps/hour . So, overall a system that on paper is manageable for wild camping. However, will ask the question about potential silencers, but I have been assured the device is less noisy than the eberspacher units. Thanks
Hi Johnnie Boy, Thanks for the info re Meths burners. However, I am trying to move away from alternative fuel sources and concentrate on a single fuel source i.e deisel which the van has a ready supply having a deisel engine. Anything on the lines of a deisel stove which can also supply heating, at a cheaper price than Wallas I'm all ears.
Hi Mikael, how goes it with your quest for a gas free van. I looked at the price for the xc duo and fell off my seat. But when you add up the cost of a gas equivalent system, maybe not so bad after all, would love to hear how your getting on with the project.
Hi Debbie9999, had the van delivered from Nissan last week with no rear glazed doors ordered. Nissan are going to fit in next two weeks. Always some problem lurking. Waited 5 months for this. Everything is being ironed out with the converters. Will go with Wallas XC Duo to sit alongside a Dometic Cramer square sink with glass lid. These will require 1 metre work surface. Rest of the side furniture to be a wardrobe. Decided on a 1.12 metre bed as we (with the wife) are not huge people. This means we can get away with 350mm wide side furniture. As I am having a draw type fridge under the bed/seat, and having no gas and only one 125 AHC battery to be trickle charged by a roof mounted 100W solar panel, I think this van will be a good candidate for a bit of wild camping. I will post pictures when I have some. Ciao for now.
Mikael,
I would be delighted to also post pics of your work on my Blog, which is dedicated to the NV200 camper van.With your agreement, of course. You can access it here Dinkum's Kamper
Interesting to see that you had a problem with Nissan not getting your order right. They sent me an SE rather than the NTec I ordered. In their defense, they did then give me a substantial discount to compensate for the less well equipped and cheaper van they supplied. Mine did come with factory rear glass and wiper package as ordered.
------------- cramming for my finals in the twilight zone
Hi Dinkum, yes, no problems. I will send pics when I have some. I'm sure you will agree the rear glazed pack is essential to a campervan. One of the converters (I shall call him Hawkeye) also noticed a small dink on the offside wing which I had to look at least 4 times when pointed out. Nissan will get this sorted too with some smart paint. Ciao for now
Mikael, just wondered, are you plumbing the xc into your vehicle diesel tank, or are you putting in a separate tank so that you can use cheaper red diesel? Really looking forward to see how it performs for you.
Hi Debbie, Its a very good point you make. Although the XC uses a minuscule amount of fuel (a few egg cups per use), it is not an expensive draw. However, the question of keeping the XC "clean" is a more salient point in using a separate fuel tank. I have read that if crap does get in the XC system (more chance if running the XC on a low fuel level) then it can require an overhaul to clean. Obviously the problem can be avoided by keeping one's eye on the fuel gauge when using the XC. Probably going to risk coming off the main tank. Also, as the van is micro, saves space on installing a 2nd tank.
message for dinkum - went on your blog - very interesting - but how do I send photos of the NV200 conversion. Do you have an email address ? Am not ready for posting as have had a serious delay. If you recall, Nissan sent the van without the rear glazed pack and advised they were going to retro fit on site at the converters. They have woken up to the real world and decided the job is too big and will replace the van leading to a delay of a further two months !!!!!! However, the new van will have 2015 plate with towbar and thatchem 1 alarm thrown in. Will like to send a full complement of photos once available - probably in April-May time. Ciao for now.
Had a meeting with the Fleet Managing Director of Nissan UK at my Converters. He was very apologetic and offered a complete replacement of the panel van with a Combi people carrier version (the only real difference is it has a tailgate instead of doors and comes already with fitted privacy glass. About 4K more in price with provision of a tow bar, Nissan connect sat nav, metallic paint and alarm upgrade. So overall a good package. Plus it saves me money
on my Converter fitting the glass / tow bar etc. Now its a waiting game to find if they have one in the UK !!!!!!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Gas free Motorhomes ?
