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Bug out van - camper - bike carrier build

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  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Quick update on the BOV
    had a canvas guy at Echunga make up a removable panel with mesh insert for side door so I can get airflow and keep out bugs. He’s over engineered it x 1000 but it should last forever. 
    Also got a self inflating qs mattress. It normally stores in a bag but plan is to keep it folded in half behind one of the bed panels. Long term I'll get some custom foam mattresses made
    Was going to sleep in it last night but my own bed looked more comfy. 
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  • wadewilson
    wadewilson
    2 years ago
    Looks good Steelo, if I could just give a couple of constructive comments.

    Firstly, make sure that the seal around the bottom of the mesh door is a good one. You do not want to come back from a day riding the Deuce to find a snake has taken up residence inside the van.

    Perhaps think about some sort of insulation under the mattress. It is quite surprising how much cold comes up from underneath on those mid-winter camping trips. All the blankets on top of you are not much good if the cold is coming up from underneath you.

    Cheers

    WW

  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    You’ve got a good technical eye wade. There is indeed a gap at the bottom of the canvas (loose) and around the door mechanism. 
    Maker says material will shrink “a bit” to draw it closer but we’ve talked about a magnetic strip along the bottom. 
  • evo94
    evo94
    2 years ago
    anywhere where you think you will need to put that mesh up for bugs will more than likely be also high over night temps, so its not going to allow enough airflow & you will be hot AF.....small 240 rooftop AC maybe for when you pull up at a campin ground?
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting evo94 on 27 Apr 2022 08:33 PM

    anywhere where you think you will need to put that mesh up for bugs will more than likely be also high over night temps, so its not going to allow enough airflow & you will be hot AF.....small 240 rooftop AC maybe for when you pull up at a campin ground?

    Steelo Mrs tells me its NEVER hot in the bedroom so the van should be the same....
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Hot enough at my place don't worry about that PB. Just be on the lookout for a white van parked near your place and your missus out "shopping" or "visiting friends"
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting steelo on 29 Apr 2022 10:06 AM

    Hot enough at my place don't worry about that PB. Just be on the lookout for a white van parked near your place and your missus out "shopping" or "visiting friends"

    Guess it saves me having to do it! LOL
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Hi folks. Update on the bov
    Fitted battery box which only charges from vehicle battery when ignition is on. New fold up stand for kings 35l fridge. All electrical connected. Works a treat. easy to just loosen straps and unhook fridge. Cut out a segment of the bed frame to give handlebars more room. Fabrication guy has put a bar across the bulkhead so I can tie down bike anywhere and connect 12v winch if required. 
    Picture of the installation team.

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  • GGUser260
    GGUser260
    2 years ago
    Quoting steelo on 26 Aug 2022 05:17 AM

    Hi folks. Update on the bov

    Fitted battery box which only charges from vehicle battery when ignition is on. New fold up stand for kings 35l fridge. All electrical connected. Works a treat. easy to just loosen straps and unhook fridge. Cut out a segment of the bed frame to give handlebars more room. Fabrication guy has put a bar across the bulkhead so I can tie down bike anywhere and connect 12v winch if required. 
    Picture of the installation team.

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    Great work there Steelo.
    I have to ask,are you doing the toy run this year in your van?
    in that 3rd pic you've begun filling the back with a couple of cuddly toys?
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    I've never done the toy run. So many of my riding colleagues have stopped going as well. Every "once a year" idiot hits the road and for the sake of dumping a stuffed toy on a Christmas tree in the Adelaide Hills, I'm told you take your life in your hands.
  • GGUser260
    GGUser260
    2 years ago
    Quoting steelo on 26 Aug 2022 12:00 PM

    I've never done the toy run. So many of my riding colleagues have stopped going as well. Every "once a year" idiot hits the road and for the sake of dumping a stuffed toy on a Christmas tree in the Adelaide Hills, I'm told you take your life in your hands.

    sorry fella I was taking the piss (in a friendly way) about your 2 dogs looking like cuddly toys  
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    Yeah I know GG.  They do look like stuffed toys don't they  Great little breed.
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