DIY and Construction
This advice is just that - advice. Consider your needs and decide what is appropriate for you. None of the content of this page should be considered as legal advice.
Appliance Package Deals
Suncamper manufactures motorhomes as well as supplying parts. This means that instead of buying five stoves a year, we might buy 100. Because of this unique situation, we can pass some of our quantity discounts onto customers. Prices of our appliances are competitive, but a package deal can be even more competitive and can be tailored to your needs.
A usual package deal would consist of a fridge, stove, sink and hot water system. It can also be tailored to include a toilet, awning, bbq, rangehood and air conditioner. You will need to speak with Ruth at Suncamper. She can tailor a package for you based on what brands, sizes and styles you require. It is much better to pop in and see her so she can show you examples.
Some Handy Considerations
APPLIANCES
There are heaps of brands of appliances available. Suncamper usually stocks the industry-standard and recognised brands with ample warranties. Speak with Ruth about a package deal on appliances.
GAS
If you are thinking of installing gas, buy the current gas code! I cannot stress this enough! Gas regulations are unbelievably complex and important. You will also need to abide by them to get your vehicle passed and insured. Every time you change something with gas, you will need to get a new gas test. If you take out a stove and replace the same stove - you will need a gas test! Your gas system can be certified at Suncamper, but make sure you have followed the guidlines. If it doesn't comply, you will need to pay for tests until it does.
If you are installing gas, consider what appliances you will use. Most common gas appliances are a stove, fridge and hot water system. Essential gas fittings are a gas box, gas detector, regulator and safety labels. Suncamper has a wide range of gas supplies and fittings, including copper pipe, taps and cylinders.
GAS-FREE
If you don't need gas, consider a metho stove. Also, a 12v/240v fridge and a 12v/240v hot water system. Gas offers a lot of flexibility because you don't have to recharge your batteries as much. Often using 12v/240v appliances uses a lot of power and a generator or power supply is required.
POWER
There are three main power sources: Electricity (240v), Battery (12v) and Gas. Alternativel options may include spirit/metho, diesel or hand pumping.
A generator will put 240v power into your van and can usually run an air conditioner or fridge. Solar panels will put a trickle charge into your battery over time but is not really suitable for running major appliances.
Be very careful with the battery and charger you choose - they are very different in price and quality. A deep cycle, maintenance-free gel battery is superior. Deep cycle batteries are different to car batteries in that they can be drained and recharged over and over. With any battery, you never want to drain it completely. Deep cycle batteries are expensive but, like most things, you get what you pay for. They are much more suitable for a caravan or motorhome, are totally maintenance-free and can be mounted on any side, even upside down!
If you get a deep cycle battery, don't cheap-out on a charger! Basic chargers feed a constant, full charge into your battery, which can damage it and shorten its life. The chargers we use have a setting that charges quickly at first, then drops back to a trickle charge, protecting both the charger and the battery.
Ideally, you want your house battery system to charge whilst you are driving, but not drain your vehicle battery when you are stopped. A battery isolator and relay will do this.
Run your lights, TV and small appliances on 12 volt. It is also a good idea to have a 12 volt outlet if possible.
Depending on your appliances, common power options are below:
| Appliance |
|
|
Gas |
|
| Fridge |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
| Stove |
YES |
|
YES |
Spirit |
| Hot Water System |
YES |
|
YES |
|
| Gas-Free Hot Water System |
YES |
YES |
|
|
| Air Conditioner |
YES |
|
|
|
| Heater |
YES |
|
|
Diesel |
| Microwave |
YES |
|
|
|
| Lights |
YES |
YES |
|
|
| TV, DVD and Antenna |
YES |
YES |
|
|
| Water Pump |
YES |
YES |
|
Hand Pump |
| Rangehood |
YES |
YES |
|
|
| Step |
|
YES |
|
Manual Pull-out |
WILL YOU HAVE A TOILET?
It is easy to say no, but a toilet and shower can increase the value of your vehicle and is often appealing to a wider range of people when it comes time to sell. The toilets at Suncamper are easy to fit, use and empty! If you still don't want a fixed toilet, consider an area that can house a porta-potti.
If you are installing a toilet, you may as well put in a shower. Suncamper have several options, including a telephone shower, pull out shower head and external shower. We also have shower screens, fibreglass bases and fibreglass sheeting that can be used for shower walls.
OUTSIDE THE SQUARE
Thinking laterally can be a great success or cost you a lot of time and money! Learn from other people's experiences and mistakes.
Successful ideas include:
Using fibreglass sheeting as a ceiling and internal wall panels - it's high gloss, easy to clean and has no joins!
Using fibreglass sheeting in the bathroom - it's also waterproof.
Fixing a swivel arm to the TV
Using food grade hosing to avoid a taste in the water
Fitting a maintenance-free gel battery - this can be mounted on any side and may not need a battery box.
Fitting smoke and gas alarms
Costly mistakes have included:
Not using a moulded shower base
Using incorrect sealants
Guessing what the gas regulations are going to be
Using MDF for cabinetry
Using household appliances. Apart from some logistical problems, often they do not maximise functionality.
Using existing systems - this is sometimes ok. Good access and relevant systems are a must.
Buying parts from anyone. The parts may not suit each other, and the advice will be mixed and limited.
Using the regulator from your house or BBQ gas cylinder
Fitting a door that does not comply to regulation
How long will it take?
Every conversion is different. A full conversion could take anywhere between 200 and 400 hours of building, if you have planned well. Remember the seven P's: Proper Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance!
A Budget
Again, they're all different. Things that may not have been considered include:
A revesing camera
12 volt switches and switch panels - these can be more expensive than expected
Water tanks and monitors
Gas piping - plan your gas system well
A TV bracket and antenna
A gas test and gas detector
A bathroom vent
Hatch and access doors
A step - either folding, manual or 12 volt
A rangehood exhaust fan
Insulation
Curtains
