Camping Drenthe

Weather is getting nice here in Netherlands. Our family started isolating ourselves early- a week earlier than it was called by the government. To combat isolation blues, we have taken the dogs to "hondenuitlaatplatsen" (places you can let your doggies roam free). We took our dogs down to Drenthe and spent the night at a lovely camper-park. We isolated farther away from the other two campers there.

Our campervan Hera has been such a joy in these times! gives me something to do and someplace to go away from other humans. She's awesome.

Electric system upgrades

Our electric system was very simple before: a 48ah battery, a 20 amp solar charge controler and a 100 watt solar panel. It was enough to keep our phones and laptops going on our trip to Spain.

But now, I wanted more, so I can run a 12volt fridge. I have ordered a new fridgebox from amazon.de, but it was damaged in route and after waiting a number of days, I was able to get a refund and reordered the new fridge box. 

This time I'm mounting everything where it's easy to see and keep an eye on. I know it looks messier than if it was in a specific cabinet for it, but this allows me to watch it. The new 180ah battery is secured under the bed and is wired up through a gap along the wall. The solar controller is above on the top cabinet. The new diesel heater controller will be installed there as well.

I continue to use the same 400 watt inverter because we do not use anything over 100watts at at time. I'm using the same 20 volt solar controller but I've added an additional 100 watt flexible solar panel that is stored in the van unless I need it. It has a long cord and can be brought out when needed on cloudy days to assist the main solar panel. I've added more fuses. Can never have too many fuses.

Kitchen Remodel

This week I've torn the kitchen apart to saw into the steel shelf system so that a giant water tank can get installed. The water tank is HUGE.. way bigger than I wanted and probably more water than I never needed, but since it was a steal at 30 bucks, I am thrilled to have it. Many of these water tanks cost over 200 dollars or more (some over a thousand that are custom molded to fit specific van models or RV models) It is installed indoors so that it wont freeze up in winter, though I dont plan on camping much in cold weather anyway.

My cabinet skills are improving. I've made a kitchen cabinet to hold the portopotty. It cost a total of 12 euros for the sheet of birch plywood. I reused the white table hinges that were 15 bucks for the set. The top was a former table made of pine, about 10 bucks. There is a drawer on the top that stays in with an old spring I found in the garage. The bottom cabinet has recycled hinges. It's nothing fancy, but it's also perfect.

Here is the awesomely huge water tank.  Yeah... industrial size to say the least

From the outside of the van, you can see that the little cabinet fits right over the new diesel heater I'm installing. I like having the heater where I can see it. Maybe one day when I get used to running it I wont like it in that spot, but for now the location is fine. The intake is on the step and the heated air goes up into the bed through a tube and will deliver hot air to the middle of the van. The new 180ah battery has also been deposited under the bed and will be hooked up soon to the solar set up. 

One step at a time!!

Dirty Van Pictures

The Dutch tax administration will give you a 1/3 rate on monthly auto taxes if you apply and meet requirements. So back in February I got my license plate transferred over to a camperbus by the RDW and they gave me a new license plate (license plates stay with the vehicle, not with the owner). So now, to get the new tax rate, I not only have to show that it's been inspected and approved as a camperbus, but I also have to send photos to them.  So today, I took some quick photos while she is dirty and still in the middle of getting the ceiling finished.

the bed as a 3 person sofa

Check out the new cabinets over the sofa bed!

Kitchen looking a wreck. 

Inside the cabinet under the sink-- clean water and grey water tanks. Notice the old iron shelving unit is still intact under here. Helps to keep the tanks in place and not sliding around.

Floor shot: this is the Whale foot pump for water to the sink.

This is how the bed looks when open for 2 people.

Nice super long bed! it is 200cm long for us tall folks with dogs.

Often I open the bed up half way so that the short mattress makes a lounge chair. The swinging table swings over the bed mattress and makes a side table for the lounge.

Here you can see the bed half opened. Things can get shoved under here if you want.

Our kitchen sink and stove combo in stainless steel. Super easy to clean

Our ugly little kitchen!  That white Dometic fridge is going to be exchanged for a different 12v fridge soon.

The over the bed cabinets with their new doors!