Here comes the sun

Finally installed the solar charge controller in the van, with a fuse block for accessories running off the second battery, which at the moment is small 10ah one from an uninterruptable power supply. I salvaged a plug from an old phone charger to fit the 12v dc in on my flourescent light and it worked great. Put the solar panels on the roof and they pivot perfectly on the u-clamps:

Also finished another curtain rod and covered the old Zbed armrest in blue fabric. It’s almost too narrow to be useful, but until the side cabinets happen it’s something.

This is one of those days that test one’s determination to keep the vehicle essentially stock and intact underneath the improvements. For the solar panel wires, 120v hookup, and maybe water, I’ll be making an insert for the sliding window, but it’d sure be nice to just get some rubber grommets and drill a few holes. Then I’d like to put a couple of vents in the roof, and westy-style utility ports…just screw the darn solar panel hinges to the roof itself…bolt that playground ladder I dumpstered onto the rear hatch for rack access and a place to hang bikes…

But it’s still 99% O.G….Even the curtain rods are mounted to utilize/hide whatever TF the previous owner had screwed on there.

Next weekend I’ll try it all out on a 3 day camping trip with a bunch of friends…