Finally got a Van!

[Sestone24]

Hello campers!
I have been searching for a long time and finally got the camper I've always wanted. I purchased a 1987 Chevy hightop camper van! Now the fun begins and need to get ready for the road. Need help on electrical, as far as charge ports, switching to solar and what needs to b done and parts do I need. Also need suggestions and recommendations on how or what product to use for a shower. Mechanically- she's good to go, and getting new tires put on this week!
Please Help! Thanks in advance

Shane

 

[BBQ-ClassB]

.

Congratulations!

She looks like a beauty.

What are your travel plans? Weekend trips? Long hauls? Retirement full timing?
What is your refurb budget?
What are your priorities?
What is your timeline?

Sounds like you have a lot of fun awaiting.

 

[Sestone24]

Open to all traveling haha, work a job where I am off for 3 wks at a time every other 3 wks. Priorities are being able to go off the grid and live out of van for some extended periods. Will need a way to generate power for lighting, fridge, charging phones and cameras, and tunes of course! As far as timeline I'd like to get her ready for the road asap, but also want it done correctly and proficient. Thanks BBQ!

 

[BBQ-ClassB]

Open to all traveling haha, work a job where I am off for 3 wks at a time every other 3 wks. Priorities are being able to go off the grid and live out of van for some extended periods. Will need a way to generate power for lighting, fridge, charging phones and cameras, and tunes of course! As far as timeline I'd like to get her ready for the road asap, but also want it done correctly and proficient. Thanks BBQ!

3 weeks off every other 3 weeks? Lucky you.


The first thing is to do an inventory...
Go take pictures of every nook and crannie of your RV.
The battery (with the labels), the switches, the wiring (to and from),
the furnace, the charger, the isolator, and so on...

You got the idea?

You can post the pictures to this thread.
There are lots of old hands here who can give you a review,
and let you know what needs to be done, and how to do it.

Have fun.

 

[Sestone24]

Ok will do, thanks for the advice BBQ. How hard and what is needed to switch to solar and go off the grid with no generator?

 

[BBQ-ClassB]

Ok will do, thanks for the advice BBQ. How hard and what is needed to switch to solar and go off the grid with no generator?

It all depends on your power needs.


Some people like air conditioning.
Some people cook with their convection microwave...

Some people use camp fire...

Some people have TV computer satellite cell phone wifi router...



It wasn't that long ago that we camp with an 80AH wet cell battery with no generator and no solar. So it all depends on what you want to do.


Adding solar is not difficult -- all you need is money.

The basic components are:
1. solar panel
2. wiring
3. charge controller
4. battery to hold the charge

Lots of youtube video on how to rig them up.

 

[WingedRyno]

Congrats! Have fun with the solar and other mods, there has to be some real fun when it comes to doing it yourself.