Buying a van Part 4
This is a continuation of the story of buying and modifying my Chasson Flash 02. For the earlier parts see:
franksblog.webnode.com/other-writing/buying-a-van-a-story-part-1/
franksblog.webnode.com/other-writing/buying-a-new-van-part-2/
franksblog.webnode.com/other-writing/buying-a-van-part-3/
This was the update prior to our Scottish holiday
Improvements
1. Name Van: Chatham Completed
2. Add towel/drying rails. Completed
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
4. Fit rubber glove and tea towel holder. Completed
5. Fit gas lighter holder.
6. Design and fit partitions under bed. Completed
7. Replace halogens with LEDs. Completed
8. Add shurflo accumulator to water system.Completed
9. Soap dispenser in Bathroom (Fiamma) Completed
10. Awning Light. On hold
11. Extra mains sockets [Completed
12. Bed end cupholders Completed
13. Front seat cupholder On hold
14. Hook for rubbish bag. Completed
15. Make fitted cover for bench seat. Completed
16. Get winter covers for fridge and grill. Completed
17. Cut up carpet to retain some. Completed
18. Wet clothes hooks over door Completed
19. Fitted Kyocera 130W solar panel Completed
19a Fitted Amperor Power Integrator Completed
20. Fit two larger batteries Completed
21. Fit Nasa BM1-C battery monitor. Completed
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
23. Sound insulation for water pump. Completed
24. Improve run of pipes and cables. Completed
25. Replace luminaire over cooker for LED type Completed
26. Added Battery LED lights to door and rear locker Completed
27. Added boot/shoe storage to underbed area Completed
28. Added Thermowrap insulation to front grp moulding Completed
29. Added mcb for battery charger Completed
30. Added external dc socket for telescope electronics etc Completed
31. Add red interior lighting (for night vision).
32. Added fused supplementary dc distribution. Completed
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
35. Investigate dog restraint cage (homemade and bespoke )
Snags
1. Replace curtain hooks. (poor quality) Completed
2. Fix over bedhead shelf properly. Completed
3. Seal side of worktop
4. Get English language versions of some manuals. Asked Discover
5. Fit new outside door clip Completed
6. Investigate thin glass fibre Completed
7. All sealant removed from roof seams, resealed with Körapur Marine. Completed
8. Staple velcro for head rest. Completed
9. Charger repair. Completed
10. Check water pipe route and insulation near fridge. Completed
11. Fix Fridge door lock Completed
12. Move lower Table support to correct position. Completed
13. Side wall dowels not located properly LHS Update: and RHS perhaps its a feature and not poor Chausson build.
14. Shower hose fouling rear of cupboard and other hoses, also leaking. Completed
15. Shower door lower catch not operating. Completed
16. New 'O' rings and hose clips fitted to Truma water boiler Completed
17. New lower Fridge vent replaced holding catch broken Completed
18. Water pressure reducer fitted to Thetford flush Completed
19. Remove mastic from inside water filler hose.
5th Apr 2011
Just had three weeks holiday in Scotland so no more progress on improvements or snags but a cautionary tale or two.
On our way to Scotland we drove through the night stopping for an hour or two at some of the M6 service stations. At one of these I noted that the battery voltage was quite low. It transpired that the Amperor wasn't reliably going over to the alternator. However because of the way it was now wired the habitation batteries were powering the fridge instead of the alternator. Predictably with a 10A draw they were being flattened. As there were some other issues with the Amperor and its control panel we visited Amperor who were conveniently near our route in Scotland and had the units replaced. It has happened since but very rarely. So what I do is when we start the engine on a longer run I glance at its control panel to see the alternator light come on.
Having failed to get a set of new windscreen wipers from Halfords I thought I would call in at the commercial side of the main Ford dealer as I drove away from Salisbury to go to Scotland and whilst I was there enquire about one or two things re the base vehicle.
The stock of wipers was held at the car showroom so I would have to go there afterwards. I asked about Engish language versions of the manuals that I only have in German (the cd/radio system) and French (the service booklet). Again they would be sold from the service centre but whilst in conversation found out that the first service was after a year, or 20,000 miles not 24 months as I had been told by Discover when I asked them why there were no stamps in the service book (I didn't notice there and then that it was only in French).
Clearly when Discover sold me the van the 12 month first service was overdue by 4 months. Front wheel drive diesel Transits manufactured from August 2009 have a first service up to 24 months after first registration dependent on oil level and oil temp sensors. Mine was first registered as a Motorhome in July 2009 (so could be even be a 2008 build) and my 1st service should have been after 12 months.
Later I went to the parts department no windscreen wipers in stock and the price for 36 tiny pages of a service booklet which I have to have, the French one being no use: £6.00!!
The van is getting its service on Friday and while its there getting its first repair. A piece of trim literally blew off as I was near Shap in high wind yesterday afternoon. Five small plastic fixings sheared off.
Oh and the holiday? Excellent everything worked well and several times we wild camped for three or more nights and we haven't had any need for an electric hookup even in Scotland in March.
I do have a wee list of extra improvements though
6th Apr 2011
Just an update after our Scottish holiday
Mostly everything I had added or modified worked well but after three weeks of living little things suggest themselves so lots of additions to the list and I have decided not to put a cupholder at the front so one deletion. Also there are tiny problems with both shelf supports and my underbed storage. So one shelf I am slightly modifying in position (10mm) and the other is being given more support and the underbed box retainer is getting a move of 5mm. Its a perfect fit when the boxes are empty but when full the sides of the boxes can bow out slightly and stick.
The Webasto is reluctant to cycle on and off, it does work but the temperature has to change about 10 degrees, I think its because the thermostat is in a dead air pocket.
One of the biggest power loads (I knew having a battery monitor would be my undoing) is the 1.5Amp 2D light fitting. It occurs to me I can fit red and warm white LED panels within the luminaire housing and a switch to select either or both on the housing this will give me the red light for astronomy purposes and use existing wiring.
By the way I turned my battery charger off before starting this holiday and it hasn't been switched on since. The battery went down to around 75% full after three nights in the Cairngorms with blown air diesel heating left on all night. (That's about 55 Amphours down) and we were pitched with nearby trees to our South so at no time did my 130W solar panel see anything like full sun. Though it was still putting in 3-4 Amps at midday on the one sunny day we had. The Power Integrator ensures that the Alternator brings the batteries up quickly so after three hours driving we were back to 100% (on load). At one point we did five nights wild camping but because we moved each day it kept up to around full charge.
Doreen can't reach either of the dc sockets in the habitation area so a low level one will be fitted. I either have to add a dc socket on the other side of the van for my telescope or make a longer lead I have decided on a longer lead. Later I changed my mind and fitted a socket to the outside.
PS thanks to all who have commented favourably (or otherwise ) on this thread I have to say it is acting as my notebook but nice to know others are getting something from it.
8th Apr 2011
Well as I said I took it for its first service today - It wasn't cheap
The fuel filter needed changing, which is a worry after 5700 miles see this thread.
You will remember that the original owner and then Discover had it for 17 months and in that time only 2400 miles were covered, plenty of standing around then.
So with that in mind when they asked me about changing the brake fluid I agreed to that.
I had new wipers, I knew they were rubbish (probably had been welded on to the screen at one point).
In the end it was the 30,000 mile service I had instead of the first one but it gives me piece of mind.
They also replaced the reversing light switch under warrantee, funny it was working just the other day.
I've sorted out the shelves got the manuals and am about to add the extra dc socket.
I'll update the list once I'm ready for the next trip away on Tuesday
15th Apr 2011
Over the last few days I have been very tied up in solving problems with fitting a child's seat.
I am getting to stage where I can see that modifications to the bench seat are needed to make a more stable platform for the child's seat. In fact just sitting on the edge of it for the last hour has compressed the seat squab to the point that it is uncomfortable. No one has endured a long journey sitting in it and its not my seat of choice in the evening.
I also see that there are improvements to the van that I need to consider over a longer timescale and may not proceed with at all. So I have some on the list that are 'pending' for example I put 'Fit awning light' early on in the list (number 10) and I'm still not sure we will fit one so I'm going to split off a new category of Pending. It will contain those things I need to consider more and which I might not go ahead with or those that I just can't get around to.
15th Apr 2011
An update and the splitting off of a new part of the list as pending.
Removed the mastic out of the water filler pipe and from the pipe to tank joint. The excess mastic was filthy and covered in mould. As far as I can see a totally unnecessary use of mastic, however I haven't filled the tank to brimming yet so when I do and if the pipe leaks I'll be eating my words.
Improvements
1. Name Van: Chatham Completed
2. Add towel/drying rails. Completed
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
3a Modify shelf supports. Completed
4. Fit rubber glove and tea towel holder. Completed
5. Fit gas lighter holder.Completed
6. Design and fit partitions under bed. Completed
6b Move box retainer strip 5mm forward and added another Completed
7. Replace halogens with LEDs. Completed
8. Add shurflo accumulator to water system.Completed
9. Soap dispenser in Bathroom (Fiamma) Completed
10. Awning Light. Transferred to Pending
11. Extra mains sockets Completed
12. Bed end cupholders Completed
13. Job Deleted
14. Hook for rubbish bag. Completed
15. Make fitted cover for bench seat. Completed
16. Get winter covers for fridge and grill. Completed
17. Cut up carpet to retain some. Completed
18. Wet clothes hooks over door Completed
19. Fitted Kyocera 130W solar panel Completed
19a Fitted Amperor Power Integrator Completed
20. Fit two larger batteries Completed
21. Fit Nasa BM1-C battery monitor. Completed
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
23. Sound insulation for water pump. Completed
24. Improve run of pipes and cables. Completed
25. Replace luminaire over cooker for LED type Completed
26. Added Battery LED lights to door and rear locker Completed
27. Added boot/shoe storage to underbed area Completed
28. Added Thermowrap insulation to front grp moulding Completed
29. Added mcb for battery charger Completed
30. Added external dc socket for telescope electronics etc Completed
31. Add red interior lighting (for night vision).
31a Remove 2D innards and replace with white and red LCD panels
32. Added fused supplementary dc distribution. Completed
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
34a Move shelf support 10mm aft Completed
35. Investigate dog restraint cage Transferred to pending
36. Add extra DC socket at floor level Completed
37. Add light for driver's seat
38. Add Hooks and clips in Propane gas cupboard for 'gas' tools Completed
39. Investigate waste pipe for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point. Transferred to pending
40. Clips for awning opener underbed Completed
41. Headlamp diverters and vehicle spare lamp box
42. Make longer dc cable for telescope mount Completed
43. Investigate move of Webasto Thermostat Transferred to Pending
44. Investigate child seat fitment. On going
Snags
1. Replace curtain hooks. (poor quality) Completed
2. Fix over bedhead shelf properly. Completed
3. Seal side of worktop
4. Get English language versions of some manuals. Asked Discover - no response, bought one from Ford the other from eBay Completed
5. Fit new outside door clip Completed
6. Investigate thin glass fibre Completed
7. All sealant removed from roof seams, resealed with Körapur Marine. Completed
8. Staple velcro for head rest. Completed
9. Charger repair. Completed
10. Check water pipe route and insulation near fridge. Completed
11. Fix Fridge door lock Completed
12. Move lower Table support to correct position. Completed
13. Side wall dowels Transferred to Pending
14. Shower hose fouling rear of cupboard and other hoses, also leaking. Completed
15. Shower door lower catch not operating. Completed
16. New 'O' rings and hose clips fitted to Truma water boiler Completed
17. New lower Fridge vent replaced holding catch broken Completed
18. Water pressure reducer fitted to Thetford flush Completed
19. Remove mastic from inside water filler hose. Completed
20. Get first service done. Completed
21. Report change of ownership to Chausson.
Pending
1. Awning light Do we really need one and is it compatible with my astronomy hobby? All we really used the last one for was to illuminate the dogs having their final wee before bedtime.
2. Seat squab Need firmer cushion for comfort and fitting child's seat. Need to do some market research, plus need to contact Chausson about it.
3. Van side wall dowels. Some dowels from the sidewalls can be seen resting on the floor rather than being in the floor. Need to check with another owner before contacting Chausson.
4. Removable waste water hose. This is needed for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point available. Currently I put a bucket under and carry it a bit at a time. Not ideal but do I really want to carry a couple of metres of dirty hose around? Have identified bayonet fitting and suitable hose.
5. Investigate dog restraint cage. This is now tied in with child seat and child's sleeping arrangements. The fitment of a child seat will prevent the use of restraint harness which only one dog will tolerate anyway. The child's bed can be formed from the lowered table which is also the dogs travel area a net wall of mesh might also prevent child falling from bed.
6. Fit TV We have managed for 2 years without a TV since fitting the solar panel on the previous van in Feb 2009. I can see where an aerial might easily be mounted, accessed from the heki rooflight and can see a suitable site for my small flatscreen TV. Its not a priority for us though.
7. Investigate move of Webasto Thermostat Well it does work after a fashion where it is, so might just put up with it being not a very precise controller of temperature.
I reckon I owe you all some photos so I'll do a grand photo post soon
15th Apr 2011
WSeveral people offered suggestions about my Webasto and Drivers light
Webasto Thanks I was hoping to get it so that it would remain off at night but come on if the temp in the van dropped to say 10 degrees.
That's why its in pending I think its hysteresis varies over time, in fact you are supposed to turn it up get it to rising towards a high temp then turn it down as it reaches the term at which you want it to cycle around. In other terms it starts off as an over-damped feedback loop. I might have to fit the alternative control panel with a timer.
I'm not a fan of bright white LEDS otherwise your solution is very neat.
I have tracked down the luminaires that I have in three other positions and think I will buy one of those and convert from Halogen.
On Friday I will be visiting CAK Tanks, whilst camped nearby, for one plus the bits and bobs to make a flexible waste adaptor. I also have been given some projects which haven't even made it to my list yet!!
9th May 2011
Well we have just been on a rally and met the people again who own the Chausson Flash 02 that started this all off. It was quite odd; when we met them first time they had nothing but praise for their van this time they were more forthcoming on some of the drawbacks
They have had some repairs made under warrantee and some were the same as our snags. I'm more than happy though to have overcome them myself especially when I hear, for example, that the repairers just covered the seams with more sealant instead of removing the old and replacing.
Now that they were put side to side you can see the changes made from an 08 to our 09 especially the new construction method for the wall/roof and skin.
It was very good meeting up with them especially when they pointed out a cause of vibration and the solution. We had heard this noise at anything above about 60 but had failed to track it down.
17th May 2011
Three weeks before we go off again so time to get cracking.
Loads of bits have arrived and I have done quite a bit of the thinking required so this morning I have just amended the list.
Improvements
1. Name Van: Chatham Completed
2. Add towel/drying rails. Completed
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
3a Modify shelf supports. Completed
4. Fit rubber glove and tea towel holder. Completed
5. Fit gas lighter holder.Completed
6. Design and fit partitions under bed. Completed
6b Move box retainer strip 5mm forward and added another Completed
7. Replace halogens with LEDs. Completed
8. Add shurflo accumulator to water system.Completed
9. Soap dispenser in Bathroom (Fiamma) Completed
10. Awning Light. Purchased now have to fit
11. Extra mains sockets Completed
12. Bed end cupholders Completed
13. Job Deleted
14. Hook for rubbish bag. Completed
15. Make fitted cover for bench seat. Completed
16. Get winter covers for fridge and grill. Completed
17. Cut up carpet to retain some. Completed
18. Wet clothes hooks over door Completed
19. Fitted Kyocera 130W solar panel Completed
19a Fitted Amperor Power Integrator Completed
20. Fit two larger batteries Completed
21. Fit Nasa BM1-C battery monitor. Completed
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
23. Sound insulation for water pump. Completed
24. Improve run of pipes and cables. Completed
25. Replace luminaire over cooker for LED type Completed
26. Added Battery LED lights to door and rear locker Completed
27. Added boot/shoe storage to underbed area Completed
28. Added Thermowrap insulation to front grp moulding Completed
29. Added mcb for battery charger Completed
30. Added external dc socket for telescope electronics etc Completed
31. Add red interior lighting (for night vision) Purchased now have to fit.
31a Remove 2D innards and replace with white and red LCD panels White fitted red to hand
32. Added fused supplementary dc distribution. Completed
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
34a Move shelf support 10mm aft Completed
35. Investigate dog restraint cage Transferred to pending
36. Add extra DC socket at floor level Completed
37. Add light for driver's seat Purchased now have to fit
38. Add Hooks and clips in Propane gas cupboard for 'gas' tools Completed
39. Investigate waste pipe for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point. Purchased now have to fit
40. Clips for awning opener underbed Completed
41. Headlamp diverters and vehicle spare lamp box Completed
42. Make longer dc cable for telescope mount Completed
43. Investigate move of Webasto Thermostat Transferred to Pending
44. Investigate child seat fitment. On going
Snags
1. Replace curtain hooks. (poor quality) Completed
2. Fix over bedhead shelf properly. Completed
3. Seal side of worktop
4. Get English language versions of some manuals. Asked Discover - no response, bought one from Ford the other from eBay Completed
5. Fit new outside door clip Completed
6. Investigate thin glass fibre Completed
7. All sealant removed from roof seams, resealed with Körapur Marine. Completed
8. Staple velcro for head rest. Completed
9. Charger repair. Completed
10. Check water pipe route and insulation near fridge. Completed
11. Fix Fridge door lock Completed
12. Move lower Table support to correct position. Completed
13. Side wall dowels To be deleted
14. Shower hose fouling rear of cupboard and other hoses, also leaking. Completed
15. Shower door lower catch not operating. Completed
16. New 'O' rings and hose clips fitted to Truma water boiler Completed
17. New lower Fridge vent replaced holding catch broken Completed
18. Water pressure reducer fitted to Thetford flush Completed
19. Remove mastic from inside water filler hose. Completed
20. Get first service done. Completed
21. Report change of ownership to Chausson.
22. Improve poor mounting of bench seat.
Pending
1. Awning light Do we really need one and is it compatible with my astronomy hobby? All we really used the last one for was to illuminate the dogs having their final wee before bedtime . Now decided that we will have one and its bought
2. Seat squab Need firmer cushion for comfort and fitting child's seat. Need to do some market research, plus need to contact Chausson about it. Bought and fitted
3. Van side wall dowels. Some dowels from the sidewalls can be seen resting on the floor rather than being in the floor. Need to check with another owner before contacting Chausson. Decided they are merely positioning items so all ok
4. Removable waste water hose. This is needed for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point available. Currently I put a bucket under and carry it a bit at a time. Not ideal but do I really want to carry a couple of metres of dirty hose around? Have identified bayonet fitting and suitable hose. Bought parts from CAK tanks and will fit
5. Investigate dog restraint cage. This is now tied in with child seat and child's sleeping arrangements. The fitment of a child seat will prevent the use of restraint harness which only one dog will tolerate anyway. The child's bed can be formed from the lowered table which is also the dogs travel area a net wall of mesh might also prevent child falling from bed.
6. Fit TV We have managed for 2 years without a TV since fitting the solar panel on the previous van in Feb 2009. I can see where an aerial might easily be mounted, accessed from the heki rooflight and can see a suitable site for my small flatscreen TV. Its not a priority for us though.
7. Investigate move of Webasto Thermostat Well it does work after a fashion where it is, so might just put up with it being not a very precise controller of temperature.
8. New better use of the space by removing grill. We are convinced we will never use it. Cupboard space near cooker at a premium so might remove it.
PS I print this list off now to help me remember where I've got up to.
18th May 2011
I had forgotten that when at CAK tanks I bought a new trigger shower head mixer tap and hose system. They also sold the one I have fitted so was able to compare them part by part. This new one apart from having the useful trigger head is smaller so when it is pushed back to use as a tap won't be in the way of using the sink.
24th May 2011
Just two weeks before we go off again Still plenty to do.
I have added the snag about the rattle/vibration and cured it. If its nice tomorrow I may fit the awning light, the child seat arrives as well tomorrow.
I am getting all the photos together ready for a marathon list with photos.
25th May 2011
I was asked what Telescope I carry with me.
A 5" Maksutov-Cassegrain Skymax 127 on an AZ mount.
Small enough to always be in the motorhome for that perfect night. Already been to the Galloway dark sky park.
25th May 2011
The first 32 Improvements are complete and I thought I would celebrate with some Photographs and summary of each one. Note that they are in the order 'thought of' not the order 'carried out'.
Improvements - Apologies if you have seen some of the photos before
1. Name Van: Chatham Completed
Chatham is the name of an Island in the Galapagos where this little souvenir came from. I think a tortoise is an apt mascot for a Motorhome.
2. Add towel/drying rails. Completed
I've added extra towel rails to every motorhome I've owned, have motorhome designer's ever lived in one?
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
3a Modify shelf supports. Completed
Dividing up cupboards is another thing I've always had to do. To be honest I expect these will evolve with time certainly I haven't stained/varnished two of them yet.
4. Fit rubber glove and tea towel holder. Completed
5. Fit gas lighter holder - well Velcro.Completed
Little things but essential I think.
6. Design and fit partition under bed. Completed
6b Move box retainer strip 5mm forward and added another Completed
This is the divider so part of my underbed storage is readily available from the rear locker and things can be put in there wet.
The next three photos show the cover for the rear part and two bits of wood on the floor. These mate with the base of three stacked plastic boxes and two more boxes (with a smaller footprint but the same overall height) in front of those shown in the photo. Boxes from the Really Useful range.
7. Replace halogens with LEDs. Completed
Photo shows them being fitted not yet pushed home
The three (soon to be 4) spot lights had MR16 10W Halogens and were easily replaced with Warm white ones from Aten Lighting. The one over the cooker was a wedge type and was more difficult to find but I got a couple of cheap ones from eBay. If they fail prematurely I can easily get some more now that I know they are T10 W5W 501's.
8. Add shurflo accumulator to water system.Completed
One of the most difficult and time consuming mods. If you compare before and after photos you will see that I had to move various electrical items out of the way first. I used the direct coupling pipe which comes with the accumulator so it and the pump are mounted side by side. Now that was not strictly necessary as an accumulator can be fitted anywhere downstream of the pump (its function is to smooth out pump operation). However I couldn't find a place to fit it where it would be easy to drain and to top up its pressure if required - you use a bicycle pump, it has a valve at the top. Making a new three way joint and routing the pipe from the accumulator was the most difficult part, it goes in an 's' shape.
The paradox is that this difficult job had no visual impact and the pump just works like it was designed to do instead of thumping away. No small motorhome with a falling pressure demand system should be without one.
9. Soap dispenser in Bathroom (Fiamma) Completed
One of the easy ones. Note it is next to the old pull out shower head/tap which is due to be replaced as mod 45!
10. Awning Light. Completed
The popular 2.2W Labcraft strip light. About the same light as a 10W Halogen. It's my most recently completed job (25th May), we hummed and hawed whether to have one at all as in previous vans it got little use.
11. Extra mains sockets Completed
One at floor level near foot of bed another above driving seat. The latter is used to power anything that needs 230V near the front of the van and saves trailing cables. The two original ones are still connected and occasionally used, but one is in a difficult to reach spot and neither have room above the socket for 3 pin power adaptors
12. Bed end cupholders Completed
Of all the mods this is the most asked about and commented on. They came from Force4 Chandlery.
13. Job Deleted
So no photo for this one! It was to put a cupholder near the driver's seat for use when twisted around to face aft. In the event I couldn't find a suitable spot to attach one to and now have got used to managing without.
14. Hook for rubbish bag. Completed
Just a handy hook that I had, that more or less matched the brushed aluminium/nickel finish elsewhere. The location is at the door next to the sink and it is protected by the worktop overhang and a handrail. Only good for a small bag, but that's all we use. We find that we hook a bag behind the handrail then hook the other handle in front of the handrail that it is abreeze to add stuff but it stays closed.
15. Make fitted cover for bench seat. Completed
My wife has made these up for the bench seat and for the front seats with dogs they are an essential, I had just been playing with the new child's seat before I took the photo so have rutched it up a little. Properly fitted its very snug, it is also very complicated out of view as the cushion has cutouts for the seat belts.
16. Get winter covers for fridge and grill. Completed
As we don't use the grill the top one was a necessity to block the draughts and is still on, the others have been removed now for the summer. The Photo is Scotland in March.
17. Cut up carpet to retain some. Completed
A one piece beige carpet going around all the nooks and crannies - I don't think so - so I have cut it into three. The two bits at the door end go indoors for a good clean before each trip but in the long term will be used as templates for sensible carpet/rugs. I have just used gaffer tape to prevent fraying. Now we have moved on. Those three bits were used as a template for a carpet shop who made two carpets and professionally bound them.
18. Wet clothes hooks over door Completed
Self explanatory. However we use them very little as wet clothes in this area can be a nuisance.
19. Fitted Kyocera 130W solar panel Completed
The 130W Kyocera panel came off my much smaller Renault but I wouldn't have been able to fit a much larger one on the Chausson . It used to be mounted on roof bars but this time I stuck it to the roof with mounting blocks. The adhesive used was Körapur Marine.
The first stage was to offer it all up confirming the measurements that I had made then marking up using adhesive tape. All positions were roughened and prepared for the adhesive.
The mounts and cable gland were bonded to the roof then the panel bonded to the mounts. It has survived a couple of gales on motorways so I reckon its stuck on ok. It is useful to be able to turn the solar panel off so this vastly over capacity switch isolates it.
In 2013 during a routine check (I grab hold of the panel and move the van side to side with it) I found that one of the mounting feet had come adrift so to be safe I removed all the mounts and refixed them using Sikaflex 512.
19a Fitted Amperor Power Integrator Completed
Solar panels needs a regulator/controller. I had intended to buy a MPPT controller but I was offered an Amperor Power Integrator which performs the regulator function as well as it being a Battery To Battery Charger (25A) and a Vehicle Battery trickle charger (1A).
The simplified circuit and layout changes have been covered extensively in Part 3 so just a few notes
Putting this into the electrical distribution involved some movement of existing items. I wanted to be able to access everything as before. Fitting a multifunction device such as the Power Integrator as an aftermarket addition requires a degree of modification to the existing wiring. The two photos show it wired in and working So on when solar power is available it charges the leisure battery and maintains a trickle charge to the vehicle battery. When driving the vehicle alternator gives a full charge to the leisure battery independently of the state of the vehicle battery.
20. Fit two larger batteries Completed
The first photo shows the single 110Ahr battery that was supplied and the second shows the first fit of the two 110Ahr batteries
The final battery installation. Quick release negative terminals were chosen because I had two and it would be awkward to get a battery spanner to conventional terminals. Its also a good reminder to disconnect negative first. The batteries are held down by a central bolt and the cross member is prevented from rotating by its plastic end pieces.. It looks a bit home made because it was
21. Fit Nasa BM1-C battery monitor. Completed
The observant amongst you will have noted that the meter shunt was installed when I installed the batteries. The meter itself was mounted to one side of a locker door and is in full view as you go in the habitation door. The cables go from the meter shunt and a fused positive power connection and follow existing cables up to the cupboard then, protected by the internal shelf (added at improvement number 3, second photo), go to the meter. I have added a small switch to the meter power lead inside the cupboard as, when you set up the meter, you need to be able to turn its power off and on whilst pressing its buttons.
It takes a bit of interpretation but it gives a pretty good indication of the charge in the battery.
So what is this?
Well its an option that came with the Power Integrator, its a control panel and monitor for it. We fitted it (under the bed originally) so that it could be used to check out the functions of the PI but as I have a NASA monitor its mainly redundant, which is why its not in a more easily viewed position. As it shows what current is coming from the Power Integrator and the NASA monitor shows what is going in or out of the battery the difference between the two can be useful. Later it was moved so that it can be seen and that is my check that the PI has switched over to the alternator supply
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
A slight improvement to the one I designed and fitted to the Trafic, as when the cable is wound up, the plugs/sockets may be fitted into the clips either way round depending on how much spare cable there is which depends on how cold and stiff the cable is. Already been modified to hold my wellie shoes. Since then the mounting for the hooks has been beefed up.
23. Sound insulation for water pump. Completed
No photo because all I did was slacken off the antivibration mounts a tiny bit and stick some flooring foam to the underside of the lid. Simple is best, a MHF member gave me the tip about the antivibration mountings.
24. Improve run of pipes and cables. Completed
No photos because apart from the bit next to the pump, where I was able to do very little, the other places are now hidden and it would be a dockyard job to open it up for a photo.
PS as someone raised the question, this list is in the order that I thought of the improvement NOT in the order that I did the work.
1st Jun 2011
I'm so chuffed I've cracked number 33
I was in Staples and noticed a really naff pair of mesh bookends, about as much use as a chocolate fire guard as a bookends, but one is screwed to the wardrobe wall near the catch it looks like a cure for my clothes getting caught in the door catch
I can now do the photos up to 44
I then got several nasty trollish comments including:
"SO? DID YOU BUY A BLOODY M/Home or smoke something of an illegal vegitable matter and dream it?"
I reacted badly to this with:
For anyone else with the observational skills of a parsnip
I then two pages of some lovely comments bincluding this
I hope you bother - it's my favourite thread on this site. 
1st Jun 2011
25. Replace luminaire over cooker for LED type Completed
26. Added Battery LED lights to door and rear locker Completed
No photo as they are the same as this one
27. Added boot/shoe storage to underbed area Completed
This is a Staples black plastic box with the lid left off and let into the side wall of the bed. Ideal for putting (wet) boots in and freeing up the limited floor space
28. Added Thermowrap insulation to front grp moulding Completed
29. Added mcb for battery charger Completed
30. Added external dc socket for telescope electronics etc Completed
31. Add red interior lighting (for night vision) Completed
31a Remove 2D innards and replace with white and red LCD panels Completed
At the flick of a switch
1st stage replacing the 2D fitting with a good quality voltage stabilised Warm white 9 LED matrix.
2nd stage adding two cheap and nasty red 36 LED panels and a changeover switch
For those of a doubting mind who think this is for some other layby activity - my telescope
32. Added fused supplementary dc distribution. Completed
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection Completed
As I have said I found this solution by accident. Its one of a pair of really useless bookends from Staples. If it doesn't reach far enough in to give enough protection I have the option of replacing it with the other bookend mounted by its short end.
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
34a Move shelf support 10mm aft Completed
Even I don't get it right first time and guess what within a few months it changed again
35. Transferred to pending 5. The whole issue of how the dogs travel and where they sleep once we have a child in the van is being thought about
This was the solution on day one of Chatham ownership, before we got a dog harness or child seat.
These were Jake and Lotties preferred solutions
36. Add extra DC socket at floor level Completed
The discrete strip of velcro is so that my mifi has somewhere to sit when being recharged
37. Add light for driver's seat Completed
38. Add Hooks and clips in Propane gas cupboard for 'gas' tools Completed
39. Fit waste pipe for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point. Completed
This involved replacing the outlet, by a bayonet fitting on both tanks. The mating fitting was connected to a piece of layflat hose. However the kink seen in the photo and the low head of the waste water meant that the waste tank had to be encouraged to empty. The pipe has been modified to include a bend and a couple of pieces of strimmer line that extend throughout the hose to break the stiction inside the pipe. Still a work in progress I reckon. Didn't use in in 2013 may remove it.
2nd Jun 2011
Again I got the question with so many mods needed why did I buy it
The thing is the basic layout of the Chausson is fine and ticks all the boxes but it has been made down to a price. Most of the improvements are trivial and the bigger ones batteries, solar panel etc are available on a new vehicle.
I also had an absolute limitation on the length of the vehicle otherwise I couldn't park off road. This restricts choice and I have found the smaller the vehicle the more important it is that there is a place for everything.
The only two improvements on my list of which it might fairly be asked why they weren't done by Chausson for the price were: the way most of the cupboards were without shelves and the lack of an accumulator in the water system.
The guy that owned the Chausson that got me interested has done very few 'improvements' (we met up again last month) and those that he has were done by his supplier. It takes all sorts.
My last motorhome had lots 'wrong' with it but I lived with them until over half way through my ownership when I started doing stuff. This time I thought I will get the benefit of the improvement.
40. Clips for awning opener underbed Completed No photo
Now this is a strange one. I put two fabric velcro bands under the bed to hold the awning winding handle but never used them instead I just rested it up near the door. There it has stayed. However when I bought wind blockers (see after) they came into use.
41. Headlamp diverters and vehicle spare lamp box Completed No photo
42. Make longer dc cable for telescope mount Completed No photo
I made this item before I decided on an outdoor socket but its still useful allowing me to put the telescope on the other side of the van when someone's awning light is blinding me.
44. Investigate child seat fitment. Completed
I covered this problem in a seperate thread but basically it was resolved by buying a french child's seat which was flat bottomed and 44a
44a Have firmer seat squab made Completed
Dave its not a door.
The whole point was that I needed somewhere to quickly put shoes away so they didn't clutter up the floor and if wet didn't spread the wetness.
So its a Staples recycled black plastic box without the lid.
However whilst surfing the other day I saw something that might be a bit better albeit more expensive. Its a Thetford wet locker designed to be on the outside but could easily be on the inside.
7th Jun 2011
Hot off the press
Didn't expect to fit a new gas hose before my holiday but had to order something else so got a stainless steel flexible gas pipe and fitted it in ten minutes.
7th Jun 2011
Oh and another thing!
I'm never going to pay anybody to carry out the tick box habitation check so I am starting my own and doing a rolling habitation check ie not everything at once.
I am using a diary application at the moment to forecast and record.
So far it has three completed entries
Battery SG check, annual 30/5/11
Battery Electrolyte Level check, 6 monthly 30/5/11
Gas leak test, annual 6/6/2011
Before I do too much more I'm looking around for some better software as I think I will want to print it out.
Afternote I have a spreadsheet to do this and I have detected one or two failures which I will cover in later parts.
18th Jul 2011
Well not everything I do is right first time
So after our month away doing campsite assessments I am revisiting items 3 6 22 33 and 34 of the improvements, 15 of snags and 8 of pending..
Improvements
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
3a Modify shelf supports. Completed
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
34a Move shelf support 20mm aft Completed
Varnished/Stained the remaining shelves (3 and 34) and moved the supports back to their original position(34A). Strengthened the shelf (34). This was always a 'try and see'. The original layout suited some plastic boxes we had but a trip to Morrisons produced some better boxes of a standard size. Think its fixed now so the shelves and supports were taken apart and glued as well as screwed into place.
6. Design and fit partitions under bed. Completed No photo
6b Move box retainer strip 5mm forward and added another Completed No photo
When the large plastic boxes were first filled they bulged slightly so relief was gained by moving their retaining strips forward. However the pressure the boxes exerted before I moved them moved the very light fixings of the rear partition so these have been beefed up.
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
The screws went through a thin layer of ply into expanded polystyrene type material. Additionally the cable brackets used weren't completely flat allowing them to rock slightly. The screws worked loose. Load spreading mounting points made and longer fatter screws used.
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection Completed
As suspected coat sleeves sometimes managed to get around the short edge of the protection meshes, made from a lightweight bookend. So the other bookend has been fitted with its long edge towards the door. Time will tell which orientation is best.
Snags
15. Shower door lower catch not operating. Completed
I replaced the door lock as there was lost motion. The fault reappeared and I found the door worked best with the lower catch completely removed. We will try this for a while.
Pending
8. Better use of the space by removing grill.
We are convinced we will never use it. Cupboard space near cooker at a premium so might remove it. Grill now removed looking at space and thinking. Gas pipe sealed off thanks to MHF member dipsticks.
During our campsite assessment month we used the space by putting in a plastic box containing all our assessment stuff. Now looking for a permanent solution. Perhaps a book case, glasses and drinks cabinet. I am also thinking of utilising the spare gas point on the manifold as a BBQ outlet.
18th Jul 2011
I was asked about the oven
Don't have an oven this was an eye level NEFF mini grill. IMO too high for safe use some Chaussons have a microwave in same place and mine has the socket for this.
7th Aug 2011
One of the delights of modding your van is finding bodges left by the manufacturer/converter. I am in the process of using the space vacated by the grill.
In this case I have just removed a piece of very thin ply that was stapled in this corner in what would be behind the grill. It actually wasn't a flush fit as it went over part of the exterior vent which is proud of the inner wall by a mm or so.
Anyway all tidied up now, and then hidden completely behind what is the back wall of the new cupboard
7th Aug 2011
Damn
It was only when looking at the above photo that I realised that I should have cut this piece of ply with the grain running the other way it would have matched so much better. However if I keep saying' its only the back of the cupboard' will that be enough to prevent me making another
8th Aug 2011
I was asked about my door catches
I'm not sure I know what you are asking as I haven't fitted this new cupboard with a door yet.
My van has two types of handle (from new) the lifting cupboard doors have a handle and closer that I haven't been able to match (and haven't photographed). Most other doors, including the front lifting one, have the common sort that have a pushbutton and I have ordered a smaller version of those from leisureshop direct but await delivery (and the hinges) these are finished in brushed nickel to match the others.
If you are referring to the shower room door this is a double sided push button type catch with additional latches at the top and bottom of the door. I have dispensed with the lower latch as it kept slipping out of the door catch even with a new one
7th Aug 2011
I had a post referring back to the sale of the Renault and all the bits and bobs that were removed.
I hear what you are saying but the Renault was the first van that I sold back to a dealer so didn't know what to expect. Rest assured that I didn't leave any screw holes and the solar panel fitted to roof bars and the cables went though watertight grommets hidden under rear trim so no leaks. Apart from the solar panel all extras that were screwed to the van stayed there.
My new van was second hand and as you say lots of screw holes and bits missing but none that have caused me problems as yet. The dealer was upfront with the removal of the TV, Sat dish and microwave and I was able to check that a watertight job had been made of the roof entry.
25th Aug 2011
I'm getting on with turning the grill space into a cupboard.
Injuries:
A pinched and cut finger when a single sprung hinge snapped shut.
A fat lip when I was adjusting closed door and it flew open propelled by sprung hinges.
My main problem, now overcome:
There wasn't a single corner that was 90 degrees!
27th Aug 2011
Had my first significant damage.
Clipped a parked car.
Seven damaged parts but although the housing for the webasto is uncovered it is undamaged. The worst is the front fairing
31st Aug 2011
Whilst I await insurance claim form and work estimate there is nothing to stop me carrying on with other internal work. I completed the door to my new cupboard today.
It seems to match the other larger doors quite well although it is surfaced by vinyl floor boards from the Pound Shop. The side pieces are wood, primed and then spray painted with an aluminium coloured paint. These match the plastic side pieces of the other doors shown below and allowed me to correct the half centimetre out of true at one side
5th Sept 2011
Estimate £1666
6th Nov 2011
Finally repairers got the go ahead from the insurance company, so forecast repair is now after Christmas!!!!
Mostly delaying tactics by the insurer - Equity through C&CC
but today I finished the new cupboard internal divisions so will photograph before varnishing.
PS van we've had van 1 year today, current mileage 10,480 and I have been in it 99 nights
7th Nov 2011
Awning winder yes at the moment still under bed but fear not plan is in hand it is going onto the wardrobe side by the door just haven't got around to getting clips yet. I'll pop a photo up Tuesday.
8th Nov 2011
As promised
Actually just propped it there for the photo forgot it then drove fifty plus miles home and its still there.
Note July 2014 Still there
Now with all the photos including repeats this part has gone over length so I will stop now after one years ownership and start the new year with a repaired van