$10,000 Roadtrek Class B Van Build: 2-Year 30,000 Mile Update and Tour

[@meredithfleming1511]

Hi, I have a 96 170. I have the same fridge, I use a rechargeable battery fridge fan for circulation. It works great when on max and propane most everything freezes. I turn it on electric a few days before I leave to pre chill. I always keep frozen bottles in freezer to throw in bottom on hot days if I can't pre chill. I rarely park level, that is never an issue. Lol Dont waste your $ on a reverse switch for fan. Just close it and it will blow down. Get a shammy to dry the curtain and the floor. I use a squeegee also to direct water to drain.

[@Fred_Amyett]

I will try that out for sure! I plan on ditching the propane fridge eventually when I get back to the van.

[@DajibanDigs]

Great vid, and nice rig! My wife and I are in the process of completely rebuilding the inside of our 1997 Roadtrek 190 Popular (Dodge B3500). It's been an ordeal, to say the least. But to be quite honest, we think these old "Dajiban" are awesome! Great to see you enjoying yours. Anyway, I thought you mentioned somewhere in the vid about needing to "recertify" the propane tank. I'm about 99.998% certain that is NOT needed, as these propane tanks are "ASME" tanks, not "DOT" tanks. It's my understanding that ASME tanks (that are permanently fixed to the frame of the vehicle) NEVER need recertification. DOT tanks, like what you would see sitting on the tongues of travel trailers or the BBQ-style tanks, they do need recertified every so often. I've heard of some cases where less-than-knowledgeable folks who happen to fill propane tanks (such as U-Haul) have refused to fill ASME tanks because they don't see a recert tag. Well, they don't have one because they don't need one. If you run into this, I'd suggest going to a propane supplier who services homes or commercial customers. They know the deal.

[@Fred_Amyett]

Wow thank you for this awesome reply! Sorry for late reply life has been busy! I hope to rebuild the interior of our van one day! Pretty sure I’m going to take the propane out of my van and switch to diesel/ electric. I will keep one small bottle for cooking!

[@sharonf7520]

Thank you, Fred, for this video. It comes my way at the perfect time. I bought a 94 Dodge Roadtrek last year, and I still have her gutted for rust repairs. You have a clear way of describing things. I'll be sure to follow you.

[@Fred_Amyett]

Thank you for the follow! Love these vans hope to restore mine one day too!

[@Rocko6716]

Your doing a great thing looking after our guys in the army

[@Fred_Amyett]

I love the Army Nurse Corps, proud to be an Army Nurse!

[@chrisscott6832]

i evicted the power hogging furnace for a china diesel heater, furnace was loud also. really like the new heater.

[@Fred_Amyett]

Yes!! This is my goal! Going to go no propane..(except for maybe camping cooktop..TBD

[@pmclellan123]

Great video. So much helpful information. Thanks for posting.

[@Fred_Amyett]

Glad it was helpful!

[@isaakbean9101]

We have a 95 dodge 2500 mark 111 hightop and we really enjoy it, it's mostly renovated

[@Fred_Amyett]

Love these dodge vans hope to keep mine forever! Plan on renovating it once I return to the Mainland!

[@isaakbean9101]

@@Fred_Amyett it’s very possible to keep them forever , it’s no different then burying one underground all you have to worry about is corrosion they are built like bunkers, we have new wood flooring, full size bed and bed frame built out of 2x4s and 2x6s a fully working sink with a 7 gal tank, the water just drains under the van, has power hookups 110 plugs has one 100w solor panel that quit working unfortunately lol, it’s pretty cozy it has a propane fire system for the winter that looks like a fireplace, and has a General Electric AC system via window unit lol

[@65sheilakay]

Nice van! New sub here❤

[@Fred_Amyett]

@@65sheilakay Thank you for subscribing!

[@nobleguy2019]

Editing game strong 💪🏽

[@Fred_Amyett]

Thanks brotha!!! I’m trying to improve editing definitely a learning curve! We need to hang!!! Army could be putting me in San Antonio!

[@naturegirl5681]

Going to purchase one soon.❤

[@Fred_Amyett]

@@naturegirl5681 they are awesome vans!!!

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

have you gone up into the mountains much in winter? I was getting really whacky tire pressure readings on long drives through altitude. like i'd start out as low as 35psi and end up around 42 and every tire was in between. kinda weird.

[@Fred_Amyett]

Tire PSI goes up maybe 5 points when it’s hot and lower elevation it seems

[@Fred_Amyett]

Thanks to all who follow along!! Please like 👍 and subscribe!! Our goal is to reach 400 subscribers! Van Update videos: Off Roading The Van: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJaWc6CvmJ2noJo 2-Year Van Tour/Update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYirn5yKo9N4sKs Headlight Upgrade: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6KQZWR4iZ6ifNE Mirror Repair: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGGpe2iXh9WVr6s Oil Change Regimen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5mYmaCVnbKVaM0 Engine Tune Up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKvHaHd6ebWji7M Clogged Catalytic Converter Diagnosis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJbdoWmKfampaZY Throttle Body Modification: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGi2YqFuiJKLo6M House Battery Replacement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX7acp6Gh7-ZmJI Upgrades to the Van as of April 2023 (affiliate links): 2000 watt Modified Sine Power Inverter: amzn.to/3WzcDUg Tire pressure Monitoring System: amzn.to/3NCc0oO Pro-Comp 51 Wheels: amzn.to/41GqsSo Monroe Shocks: Front: amzn.to/3LkiIR0 Rear: amzn.to/41O2Dbq Rear-View Mirror Back up Camera: amzn.to/3WtwVP3 Refrigerator Temp Monitor: amzn.to/3UwI7s7 Bluetooth Single DIN Stereo: amzn.to/3t8I3TL Oil Filter I Use (Fram option) amzn.to/3h4Ma0s Oil I Use: amzn.to/3fzrT2X Lucas Oil Additive I use: amzn.to/3H1O3Ff Oil change Sticker’s I use: amzn.to/3UBLEpQ Redline Grease I use: amzn.to/3TtWbBT Air Filter I use: amzn.to/3UqQiGy Lucas Fuel additive I use: amzn.to/3UWA9KD Locking Gas Cap: amzn.to/3WDYcyq Phone Mount: amzn.to/3TaWC43 Rubber floor mats I use: amzn.to/3LgBngu amzn.to/3UR2n9z Spot mirrors: amzn.to/3KV8DbM Security blinking lights: amzn.to/3WBzvCE Accel Performance Coil: amzn.to/3fFWDz9 Wireset Looms: amzn.to/3UvhIuO PVC Valve: amzn.to/3NLtPBV Fan-Clutch: amzn.to/3AfrE3N E Fan Sensor Switch Housing: amzn.to/40m143q Breather Filter: amzn.to/3zK5y9K Belt Tensioner: amzn.to/3T94Olg LED Backup replacement bulbs: amzn.to/3hesEyS LED Headlights: amzn.to/3UacDbI LED Interior lights: amzn.to/3LjDEr8 Smoke Alarm: amzn.to/3hhTUw7 CO2 Detector: amzn.to/3t3fLdG Off-grid tool kit I’ve been building for over 5 years (affiliate links): 301 piece Mechanics tool kit amzn.to/3WtsIuJ Bluetooth OBD Scan tool (for iPhone) amzn.to/3WwRv0S Bluetooth OBD scan Tool (android) amzn.to/3hetNXc O2 Sensor Remover: amzn.to/3UaaVai Tire Inflator: amzn.to/3t3Qv6W Farm Off-Road Jack: amzn.to/3U80kNa Clogged Catalytic Converter Diagnosis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJbdoWmKfampaZY Throttle Body Modification: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGi2YqFuiJKLo6M House Battery Replacement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX7acp6Gh7-ZmJI Upgrades to the Van as of April 2023 (affiliate links): 2000 watt Modified Sine Power Inverter: amzn.to/3WzcDUg Tire pressure Monitoring System: amzn.to/3NCc0oO Pro-Comp 51 Wheels: amzn.to/41GqsSo Monroe Shocks: Front: amzn.to/3LkiIR0 Rear: amzn.to/41O2Dbq Rear-View Mirror Back up Camera: amzn.to/3WtwVP3 Refrigerator Temp Monitor: amzn.to/3UwI7s7 Bluetooth Single DIN Stereo: amzn.to/3t8I3TL Oil Filter I Use (Fram option) amzn.to/3h4Ma0s Oil I Use: amzn.to/3fzrT2X Lucas Oil Additive I use: amzn.to/3H1O3Ff Oil change Sticker’s I use: amzn.to/3UBLEpQ Redline Grease I use: amzn.to/3TtWbBT Air Filter I use: amzn.to/3UqQiGy Lucas Fuel additive I use: amzn.to/3UWA9KD Locking Gas Cap: amzn.to/3WDYcyq Phone Mount: amzn.to/3TaWC43 Rubber floor mats I use: amzn.to/3LgBngu amzn.to/3UR2n9z Spot mirrors: amzn.to/3KV8DbM Security blinking lights: amzn.to/3WBzvCE Accel Performance Coil: amzn.to/3fFWDz9 Wireset Looms: amzn.to/3UvhIuO PVC Valve: amzn.to/3NLtPBV Fan-Clutch: amzn.to/3AfrE3N E Fan Sensor Switch Housing: amzn.to/40m143q Breather Filter: amzn.to/3zK5y9K Belt Tensioner: amzn.to/3T94Olg LED Backup replacement bulbs: amzn.to/3hesEyS LED Headlights: amzn.to/3UacDbI LED Interior lights: amzn.to/3LjDEr8 Smoke Alarm: amzn.to/3hhTUw7 CO2 Detector: amzn.to/3t3fLdG Off-grid tool kit I’ve been building for over 5 years (affiliate links): 301 piece Mechanics tool kit amzn.to/3WtsIuJ Bluetooth OBD Scan tool (for iPhone) amzn.to/3WwRv0S Bluetooth OBD scan Tool (android) amzn.to/3hetNXc O2 Sensor Remover: amzn.to/3UaaVai Tire Inflator: amzn.to/3t3Qv6W Farm Off-Road Jack: amzn.to/3U80kNa

[@Moshe777]

Great video! I have a question regarding your tires... looks like you've replaced your factory rims and tires with nice off road tires and rims. I have ordered mine thru Tire Rack, but haven't put them on my 1995 Dodge American Cruiser (same Dodge van and chassis as the Roadtrek). When I ordered the new rims and tires, Tire Rack had an exclaimer that stated that because of the tires' "aggressive fit", the van may need a lift kit. My question to you is: did you have to install a lift kit on your van in order the tires have proper clearance? I did notice that these rims and tires that I have ordered from Tire Rack are a little wider than the factory width of the tires that were on the van (now a 245 width).

[@Fred_Amyett]

Thank you so much for your kind word! The tires I ordered were the original sized tires. 235/75r15. 245 will be somewhat wider. The rims I ordered have a wider offset. What is the offset of the rims you purchased? I like using this calculator. tiresize.com/calculator/ If your tires are under 30” I think you’ll be good! Mine are 28.9”

[@Moshe777]

@@Fred_Amyett Thanks for the reply. A mechanic friend of mine said that my new tires would fit. The Ram B3500 body does have enough clearance for my new tires.

[@holafamilia3370]

Hi Fred, My name is Chris. I wanted to reach out and say thank you for the informative videos you post on KZbin. I also have a 1997 Dodge Roadtrek that my girlfriend and I are currently touring the U.S. in. I have a question, if you don't mind? Were you able to replace the rear shocks on your van?

[@Fred_Amyett]

Thank you for following along Chris!! Really appreciate the support, and glad that these videos are helpful to people! I have not yet although I hope to soon. I park my van on a busy street without a garage or any other place to park it. So I try and get work done in parking lots, or at night. But shock are next on my list! The rears definitely look much easier to do than the fronts.

[@hollybarber446]

Great info! How do you wire the inverter to the electrical system? Is it just plugged into inverer or run through fuse box? I'm installing inverter this week and that would be awesome!

[@Fred_Amyett]

Thank you for watching! Due to the size of my inverter, it came with thick gauge wires that I routed directly to the House battery (battery underneath the storage compartment). I then found a thick gauge short extension cord and sliced the ends and wired it directly into the main fuse box on the van (removed a few screws and exposed all the wires) the off shore plug is routed to the same place I believe and I simply placed those wires in the same spot.

[@hollybarber446]

@@Fred_Amyett very cool, thanks!

[@shawnyanceyroadtrekowner.7193]

Good update video. I was trying to find out where the coach battery was located but I see in your video. Thanks. Whats the best way to run power in the house as in battery preference? I've read blogs and seen videos about using lithium batteries but I read also that they are kinda sorta expensive. I just want to run certain things like maybe the microwave and possibly a TV either attached to an DVD player or video game setup. Because I'm the only one who's going to be in the van. I would like to able to use the battery power until I get solar panels for the time being.

[@Fred_Amyett]

So far I chose the most affordable option which is a traditional lead acid deep cycle. I hope to upgrade one day but it’s definitely suited my needs so far. I think a single lead acid battery could do what you are asking of it for a day or two between long drives. If you got a 100w solar panel I could see that being able to sustain those needs with a battery depending on the wattage on the tv and dvd player but those are generally lower consumption than say a compressor refrigerator or anything high wattage use like a/c or electric cookware.

[@regularguyreviews3048]

How long can you run your A/C with the house battery ?

[@Fred_Amyett]

About 20 minutes. Definitely not setup to run for long even when driving

[@corinnegriguer808]

Love it can

[@Stanny936]

Yeahhhh boiiiiiii

[@Fred_Amyett]

🤘

[@thayalansuntharalingam]

Mpg?

[@Fred_Amyett]

13 city 16 highway is about what I get

[@thayalansuntharalingam]

@@Fred_Amyett not bad for a motor home

[@Fred_Amyett]

@@thayalansuntharalingam One of the big pros on these vans!

[@nancygebhardt6357]

Don't add the 4th seat, storage is more important.

[@Fred_Amyett]

Might convert bed to safely seat passengers. Will require engineering!

[@shootandcruise]

Bahp bahp bahp, skrrrt

[@Fred_Amyett]

Yes sir

[@rvlifediy]

That Dometic Propane fridge is junk. Your are better off just replacing it with any 12 volt compressor fridge (pricey). I changed out my Dometic with a Novakool that fit in the exact same spot but it was way too expensive. I think Dometic also makes a 12 volt compressor fridge that fits the exact same size that's about $599. I use the same lucas on my 5.9 van but don't drive it much anymore.

[@Fred_Amyett]

I’ve been contemplating what to do for refrigeration on the van… I agree the pilot light randomly going out or having to keep the van level and food spoiling definitely gets old. Considering a compressor fridge once I get solar figured out.

[@ricardoboza9158]

L Estas muy caros ya es un traportecios y las piesa tienes gue mandándole a las gencias pedir si nos estas continuados los repuestos,des motor,tramicion rivertiar tramicion y motor