1 Critical Camper Van Conversion MISTAKE to Avoid

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great News!! Join me on Patreon for exclusive content and a chance to have your questions answered in detail. I might even whip up a short video to dive deeper into the topic! If you want to support the channel and connect with me on a more personal level, this is your chance! Thank you for your amazing support. Mel patreon.com/bigvansmallworld Everything I use in my camper van is available in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld - remember, this is an affiliate link, so every purchase helps keep these awesome videos coming at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Check out Beck's Channel www.youtube.com/@SACREDTRAVELLER .

[@michaelskillington9298]

Hi Mel. I had a Chevrolet Express Explorer conversion van. It had all the luxury accessories, leather heated captain chairs all electric, flatscreen tv, bluetooth headphones and much more. As you can imagine this needed a lot of kilowatts. The standard alternator was replaced with one with a higher kilowatt output. The drive wheel was larger and the crankshaft pulley was also larger than the standard one. The drive belt was therefore longer than the standard belt. These customisations reduced the strain on the engine. Which of course made for much lower revving engine.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for sharing your experience with your Chevrolet Express conversion van! It sounds like you made some impressive upgrades to ensure a smooth ride while maintaining all those luxury features.

[@ianbambury3717]

Mel you need to check your fan belt tensioner, we repair a lot of sprinters, 90% of the time it’s caused by the tensioner. If you lay underneath and look up it will be running of centre. We always replace belt and tensioner at the same time.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the tip! It's always good to hear from someone with experience. I'll definitely check the fan belt tensioner on my next inspection.

[@kevinhartle4494]

Great video, as usual Mel. I have been told by Tech from Roamer Batteries to not exceed 40% of the alternators rated output when charging lithium batteries.This should prevent you from cooking the alternator.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh interesting that thank you 🫶🤓👍

[@TheAdenau]

Hi Mel, you should also bear in mind when your alternator is under more load, you should avoid prolonged idling due to the speed of the alternator fan not cooling enough at low rpm. 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great point! My friend thank you 🫶🤓👍

[@ianwheeler7903]

Great video Mel. I will be doing two things before I go away again in the van. One, get a spare serpentine belt and Two, do a drawing of how it runs around the pulleys etc.

[@peterince5394]

That’s a very good point Mel, which I’d already considered but there is a second point to consider alternators are not designed to produce maximum power draw on tick over because the fan isn’t spinning fast enough therefore the alternator isn’t cooling at the correct right Victron did a whole video on this and you actually see a normal alternator go into coil meltdown. I think your videos are great. Please Keep the fantastic work up👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh that’s interesting video I should try to find that one thank you 🙏

[@peterburgess4637]

We have a Sterling b2b and I have it switched, so short runs I turn it off so it doesn`t drain the vehicle battery, if I forget to turn it on.. worst case is only solar in the leisure battery, great idea about the belt..getting one asap.

[@jimnyjolly278]

My belt came undone and there was a lot of wind to. Luckily I was sat on the toilet at the time.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hahaha 😝

[@maxwest720]

Suggest waiting a half hour to let chassis battery charge before adding other loads. Easy to add a switch.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great 💡

[@pbsm4127]

Take a picture... 😊😊😊

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

Or he could even video it, and put it on KZbin for safe keeping 🤣🤣🤣

[@zenzen9131]

Can Mel fix it ? Yes he can !

[@patrickvanreeth7355]

I actually used my AC to provide extra engine breaking going downhill (Small turbocharged diesel) 😊

[@barrymcmahon469]

Enjoying your content. On my third van build now! I used to restore old splitscreen vw's, I don't miss all the rust!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh i have had a couple of bay windows and yeah I don’t miss the rust 🫶👍

[@danielcliff2070]

Hi Mel my vw did this it was the Clutch😂 pulley on my alternator that had failed causing it to shred. I was very unlucky as it took out my cam belt and 4 valves as well it’s worth a check

[@martinph9052]

Interesting video Mel. Initially the alternator was only designed to run the vehicle and the designers tune the parts accordingly. Someone sticks a 50amp dc to dc and the work the alternator has to do is increased. Add an 800W powerbank charger and you’ve now added a further 70 amps. My Sargent system uses around 20 to 30 amps which is probably running on a standard alternator system. The potential load on the updated system is 4 times higher. It all seems a great idea to add the increased charging capability but does it make sense? I’m going to fit a lithium battery, probably 300 amps therefore I will need to change the charging system to suit lithium but I’m only going to install a 25amp size, maybe smaller because the large battery will allow me to be off grid for a good while even with low sunlight and I will be quite happy to go a site and recharge everything there, after all the toilet will probably need emptying and I’ll need water which in most cases are the limiting factors. That’s how I look at it others may disagree. Cheers Martin

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Sounds like you got it figured out hope it works well for you 🫶🤓👍

[@ScotlandPictured]

I suspect the belt deterioration was age related (wear and tear). The drop in engine tone is because of the current draw on the alternator. If current is being drawn there is a resultant voltage drop but don't think that would cause physical wear on the belt.

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

I think it’s just a coincidence Mel!!! Possibly fit a better quality belt that is better suited for the load you need.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah maybe 🤓👍

[@carlsadventures2361]

Great video Mel I know you'll say it doesn't make a lot of difference but Isn't a serpentine belt a serviceable item and should be done every so often on a service

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes absolutely 👍 maybe I should have said that in my video and made it clear to everyone that my belt was only a year old 🤔

[@DaveTheDasher77]

I blew an alternator only days after adding a dc-dc charger once . I replaced it with a higher output alternator,touch wood, have not had any dramas

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh my goodness me! I think if mine did Go I would do the same thing makes sense to upgrade 🫶🤓👍🇦🇺

[@Chaz.c]

I had my belt snap on me due to power steering pump pulley to break down and cut through the belt. Found diagram on the internet and now carry a spare

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

See how it goes Mel, just keep an eye on it. Possibly the belt was ready for breaking due to age and use and then the extra strain did finish it off. Great that you can turn the charger on and off via the app, can keep it turned off until needed perhaps?

[@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957]

Liam the terrible had similar,belts breaking on Land Rover. Had a big B2B fitted, and only single thin V belt. I told him not up to the job.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh yeah that’s true I remember now 🫶👍

[@curnock]

Speak to your local ice cream man and see how he copes

[@chrismajor2501]

The bearings in your alternator are getting tired, time for a new one. Upgrade amps too.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a good call my friend thank you 🙏

[@RoaminRob]

Im having engine problems currently 😢 wish i was as handy as yourself 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good luck with it take your time to think about what you’re facing and how everything works together to make an engine run smoothly. There’s lots of great KZbin videos on the platform that you can learn from so you’re in the right place good luck my friend don’t give up 🫶🤓👍

[@stevenwilcox3061]

I have a 17 seater Ford minibus and my belt snapped unfortunately I was on a roundabout which was a pain in the ass because I lost all power steering.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh god yeah that’s the worst thing about it 👍🍻

[@stevenwilcox3061]

@BigVanSmallWorld to be honest the belt normally screeches when it's about to go but they don't all do it that's the problem but keep up the good work you and your wonderful lady and little Monty.

[@NuttersInCyprus]

First time seeing this channel, have just liked and subscribed...Love the idea of van life!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Awesome! Thank you! I’ve watched so many of your videos about moving to Cyprus I used to visit every September for my birthday before the pandemic and was there this year for the first time since didn’t realise how much I missed it thanks for the subscription really appreciate your support 🫶🤓👍🍻

[@colinmackenzie6644]

Hi Mel, I recon that you would not be using the air Con in the winter and you’ll probably use solar in the summer, only rarely using both at the same time. So I recon the strain on the belt wouldn’t be any different?

[@Dave.london]

The alternater could possibly be getting a lot warmer due to the larger load it's under im not mechanic but worth thinking about

[@nonlostsouls]

Great advice thanks Mel.. 😊 🙏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You're so welcome!😉 🫶🤓👍💕

[@lemdixon01]

My fan belt broke but I managed to buy another one in the town that it broke down in and my friend came out to help fit it. I gave him a diagram that I googled for a Ford transit. He fixed it and I managed to drive back home but the route cause was the tensioner is knackered so I had to get a new one fitted at a garage. Now it is fine. Then I had to change the glow plugs because it wouldn't start properly when it started getting cold....

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Sound like you have a good mate there 👍

[@lemdixon01]

@BigVanSmallWorld yes he definatley is, came out to help. And he said there might be a problem with the tensioner because we noticed that it was louder than normal and was starting to split the belt in the middle. Gettng the tensioner replaced fixed it.

[@jsimes1]

I hope it wasn't the Bluetti Charger 1 that cause that! I haven't even fitted mine yet! 😆

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I don’t think so but thought it was worth the mention

[@DA11NOON]

Great vlog 👍 thanks Mel 👌

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Flossy_tops]

Not another distraction 🙄 … Will we ever see that luxurious Vario finished? 😉

[@peterince5394]

This is a window into Mel‘s life and as you can see like all our lives stuff just gets in the way thanks for sharing Mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha I know right life doesn’t always revolve around just one project and just Incas you haven’t noticed I have decided to start uploading more videos a week now so I can include more content about the reality of my life I do hope you enjoy the new format maybe i should make a video talking about it 😀🫶🍻👍

[@Flossy_tops]

@@BigVanSmallWorld bloody hell Mel, making videos about the reality of Mels life is a whole new channel entirely ! 😂😘

[@SingletrackScene]

Fan belt? - Auxillary/Alternator belt? Nightmare to have to do in the storm!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah wasn’t fun at all 🤓👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

Oh I need to do this drawing too, poor Mary and bucks to the rescue 💙💙 I’m worried about mine now, think I need to buy a belt I had the last one replaced 2019, but I just won’t today off Dave’s video the ech flow alternator charger I better go buy a spare belt thank you bud for this video😊😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hay buddy always carry a new belt they have a habit of breaking when it’s dark raining and you’re in the middle of nowhere it could be the best £20 you spent this year 🫶🤓👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

@ yeah will definitely buy one to behonest I never thought about them plus i didn’t realize how easy that is to charge your self I thought you have to take the whole front end off 💙

Hi mel 🤔🤔🤔 why didn't you just picture

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s impossible to get your hands up there with a camera

[@robertanderson2142]

a higher charge altinator mel

[@markmcsharr8777]

Should watch a KZbin video on how it's done it only takes to seconds 😬😡😭🤣

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I did 😂🤣😂👍

[@bjarnepost5913]

Hav yesteday Tandrem og vaterpump and div.skiftet. 😂

[@barrymcmahon469]

Even better than a sketch, take video/pics with phone. I do it with everything!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a great idea why on earth didn’t I think about that maybe because I’ve been doing this before mobile phones where invented lol 😂

[@barrymcmahon469]

@@BigVanSmallWorld My first phone might not have fitted down that engine bay!

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good night Becky and Mel i love watching your you tube videos on your you tube channels I hope both of you are well Please mel can you reply back to last weeks comments on your you tube channel it was nice to see Becky again o I hope that you are enjoying your new camper build please both of you keep safe and warm please keep up your you tube channels are you ready for Christmas yet

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment unfortunately I’m starting to struggle with keeping up with the comments on my channel that’s why I have started patreon I will talk more about this in the new year thank you for all the love and support really means the world 🫶🤓👍

[@monaghanpete]

Imagine a device we could hold in our hand that would allow us to take a picture for our future self to use for such a job hmm!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good luck doing that

[@peterstama3465]

Does the alternator charger have a soft start mode like a home air conditioner with inverter control? It sounded like the charger came on abruptly and started to put full load instantaneously onto the alternator

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a great point I’m not sure though

[@truth3358]

How long you been. Converting this van ? Time for a new van 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah it’s been a long process and and expensive one too 🫶🤓👍

[@travelingchalksworld5138]

Bad maintenance 😂 🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️

[@PRESTIGEANDCLASSIC]

Has your van got a smart alternator ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

No it’s as dumb as me 😂🤓👍

[@PRESTIGEANDCLASSIC]

@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤣

[@jamiemurphy3404]

Not the alternator old worn belt

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It was only a year old

[@Antonymorris1.6]

Oh no it couid been alot worse .ty god

[@grahaml334]

The belt was probably old.... When did you last change belt?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Actually it wasn’t that long ago that I changed it when I did the radiator last summer

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vlog on channel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks so much 🫶👍🤓

[@Motrus01]

Mel, what you call a flywheel is actually a crank shaft pulley. The flywheel is the other end of the crankshaft. Housed in the bell housing. (Front of the gear box). While you’re at it, you might want to replace the pollen filter.

[@cameronelder1404]

Grow up!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@Crypto-Live]

Pulley diagram is a bit of a time waster considering you can find one online in a flash

[@timstradling7764]

I had a fan belt go on my old mk1 Sprinter. Garage pulled up Merc service sheets and there were 27 variations of pattern depending on year, power and application. Staggered me. I think Mel with his experience has done exactly the right thing to prevent any future confusion and mis-threading.

[@Crypto-Live]

I think things may have moved on since. I searched the sprinter serpentine belt and got exactly the same diagram as he drew.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Try and find internet connection when you’re in the middle of nowhere with out any service I’d rather have a diagram with my handbook in my glove box

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Tim for your positive comment really appreciate it my friend 🫶🤓👍

[@Crypto-Live]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Presumably, you'd be able to print the internet one off (or better still just save the photo on your phone) at the same time you bought a spare....when you were near civilisation.

[@10niksdad]

How many people just left watching you bumbling along,I love your videos mate,but really just take a pic and save us all of this rubbish

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🖕

[@peterince5394]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJjSeqKZhcyCq8ksi=HzHXIPFm1-RItOKQ This is the Victron overheating alternator video

[@stum8374]

Mel your in britain its drive belt stop pandering to america please.......i dont like it the yters think they are america 😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I disagree my friend it’s not a drive belt I’ve always called it a fan belt and or an auxiliary belt as for Americans I’ll have to ask my good friends snow and curt go check out their KZbin channel if you want to see what Americans say about us brits if there is any British left in Britain

[@mickmorgan5104]

SIGN THE PLEDGE YOUNG MEL TO GET OUR COUNTRY BACK AND VOTE REFORM IN MAY. CHEERS MEL AND TAKE CARE.

[@KennyRoberts-w3z]

Get a grip you melt

[@bjarnepost5913]

Thanks for Update lovly hello from Lolland Denmark xpost Bjarne 🏞🗽🚐🚍🇬🇧🇩🇰