Overlapping Doors and Flush Cranked Hinges

[@grahamhorne2504]

Just discovered these videos.....this guy is by far , far away the best producer of videos regarding van conversions....great tips and real detail.....brilliant

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Graham, thank you very much. Glad you like the videos 😁

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

Greatest cabinet video on KZbin for camper building thanks a million

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much. Really appreciated 👍🏼😃

[@Haze1434]

You're a life saver sir, thank you. I'm making a mud kitchen for my son, for Christmas, and I could not for the life of me find a hinge that would do the job for the cupboard doors on the front of it. The hinge you suggested, the flush fitting cranked hinge, is perfect. Couldn't find it anywhere else. Cheers :)

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m pleased you found the video. They do work very well 👌🏼 there are some links in the video description. Hope your son likes his present 🎁🤩🎉👍🏼

[@grahaml8838]

Greg, you're the Bob Ross of camper conversions! Thanks for these videos, you're making me pay much more attention to detail!

[@GregVirgoe]

RIP Bob Ross god bless him he was a legend. 😃👍🏼

[@nuklearpuppy]

Just got a sprinter and looking at various methods of door hanging. You explain in great detail on all you survey. Fantastic tips and I am very grateful for the time you take to help others Greg. Subbed 😁

[@GregVirgoe]

Best wishes for all your adventures 👍🏼😊

[@NaudiaVillalba]

You are an absolute genius! Every van conversion video you have is very informative and professional. My husband and I are going to use every video when we build our van in a year or two. Thank you!

[@GregVirgoe]

I'm really pleased that you have found them to be useful. What are your campervan plans for the future?

[@NaudiaVillalba]

We are going to buy a Mercedes sprinter 170" WB extended with a high roof and convert it for full time living. This is going to be our first place together since we live with his parents right now

[@GregVirgoe]

That's fantastic, concentrate your efforts on making the living area spacious and comfortable as you will spend most of your time in that area. Personally I think a permanent bed setup in my own preference is you have a LWB anything shorter than that then go for seat that make up Best wishes with your build and give me a shout if you need any advise

[@paulking8055]

36000 people are needing a bigger workshop because of you Mr Virgoe.....

[@GregVirgoe]

Ours is in a converted single garage, main door removed and bricked up years ago. Not many use their garage to store their car.

[@gardesano693]

Your work is such a high precision, that I really hope that some camper builder will see these tutorials to realize how people want jobs done when they spend their money !!

[@iangadget3848]

Great attention to detail as usual. Love that you matched the wood grain. Thanks, Greg.

[@GregVirgoe]

Is this the same Ian Lindsay that I went to school with, many years ago? :D

[@iangadget3848]

@@GregVirgoe No. I'm the one in Perth, Western Australia.

[@GregVirgoe]

Ian Lindsay, my apologies, 7 billion people in the world, what are the odds 😂

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Thank you. I dont need that knowledge at a moment but i really enjoy learning from your videos 🙂 You have some very calm teaching tehnique. Its so calming to see how right tempo you can show us what you do plus the tricks you show how to be sure that otcome is purrrfect 😸 Thank you, thank you, thank YOU

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Do you teach somewhere or have a degree to do that? 😅😅😅

[@GregVirgoe]

Hello Kristiina, what a lovely comment, very nice of you to say so. I do not have any qualifications in teaching, this is just my nature. I'm really pleased that the videos come across well, thank you.

[@kepu26]

Your videos are amazing and your work too. I can't get enough. It feels like my dad explained me how to build something when i was a child. Greetings from Germany! :)

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much 👍🏼😊

[@johnhayesuk]

Greg you’re such a perfectionist, and a joy to watch thanks again

[@GregVirgoe]

John Hayes thanks you very much. I’m pleased you are enjoying them.

[@jasonpetley2836]

Wish I had a school teacher like you all those years ago

[@GregVirgoe]

That's very nice of you to say so , thanks

[@jasondesignmedia7495]

I searched youtube and this video popped up in the DIY store and was exactly what I needed to help thanks :)

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m really pleased about that. Thanks for watching

[@davidburns5027]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve just been battling to get a satisfactory result with a flush door, because I though overlapping doors might look crappy. Watched your video, and now I have a very neat looking overlapping door, and much less stress in my life!

[@GregVirgoe]

Really glad it has helped you out. 👍🏼😃

[@richardbinnie]

You sir, are an artist and a genius. Simply a joy to watch.

[@patrickmball]

That paint can round corner trick is the best.

[@poppops62]

I needed this video as I’m about to put similar doors on a cabinet for my boat. Thank you. 👍

[@johnmaskell1]

It’s coming together nicely now And I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the completed conversion. good luck mate john

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks, John, I'm excited about the final van tour video, I'm thrilled with the finish for a guy that's never done a van before. It's been a massive learning curve and some elements have given me sleepless nights but the satisfaction is worth it.

[@snoman1999]

That little hand held router is worth its weight in gold.. Also my favorite piece of kit :))

[@GregVirgoe]

It's a fab bit of kit, used it on so many aspects of this build.

[@wilko527]

I self built my T4 and all those little pointers, like test panels and leaving slot gaps where you fix hinges I learned the hard way. Excellent tutorial. I’m about to start my T5 and you’ve inspired me to take my time and do it right this time.

[@josephconnors4338]

You are gifted and an excellent teacher

[@GregVirgoe]

Joseph Connors thank you 😊

[@josephconnors4338]

@@GregVirgoe gonna attempt a 5 berth conversion on a fiat ducato lwb 2014

[@davetherave2807]

great craftsmanship greg its looking stunning

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Hello from the USA! Greg I must say every part of this conversion is top self! Your choices of materials and supplies are equally great! You will have, in the end, a conversion that will rival a super high-priced van from a conversion company, at a fraction of the cost, and have all the equipment and amenities you want! Is a win-win for you! Thank you so much for sharing your build. My Promaster build has just began and I am in no hurry to finish mine so I can learn as much as I can and design my conversion exactly the way I want it to work for me. Your video production is top notch and your step by step explanation of each portion of your conversion is very helpful. Can't wait to see the next video. Only wish I were in the U.K. to come to the meet you talked about. Will find one here in the USA. Thanxz

[@jamienorris1122]

Greg you are a legend. Love all your vids. I love your tip about cutting the masking tape back with a knife when using the belt sander. Many a time come across this with a disc sander and guessing the final line as it’s hidden in masking tape blur. Cracking build keep it coming 👍🏼

[@katcankan7129]

Yet again master carpentry skills. I love the camp Quirky youtube video's. They are a great source for anyone doing a self build.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Absolute Craftsman Greg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you mate 👍🏼😃

[@courtneydunn7583]

Guys brilliant I recommend watching him to everyone

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s very kind of you 😃 thank you 🙏🏼

[@davewood7078]

Hi Greg, I've come to your channel very late so apologies for that, but I have to say what a channel. it's been a real pleasure watching you apply your multi discipline engineer's mind and experience to the build and i'm very impressed with your planning, ease and economy of movement and steady hand. Congratulations for real entertainment .

[@GregVirgoe]

Welcome aboard Dave and thank you very much for such great feedback. hope you continue to enjoy the future videos just as much

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

I had those hinges on my old wardrobe many moons ago......I’m glad you mentioned about cutting the trim about 1mm longer so you can push it into the other end and then flatten it all out...this is a good reason why you do all trims like that, in weather changing hot and cold the rubber seal can open up/shrink which will leave an unsightly gap....also always cut the joint at the bottom of doors etc... Another very informative video my friend, well done 👍🏼😊😉

[@GregVirgoe]

I make you right Marc, always looking for ways to hide a join or not have one at all.

[@carglassservice4251]

Hi Greg your videos are very useful and also we saved so much time making the Camper van

[@cliffp.8396]

Book matching the wood grain is an excellent technique well worth the time and trouble.

[@GregVirgoe]

A lot of people who see the van won't even notice or think about it but it does help to disguise the door rather than make it stand out.

[@ian_morg]

Absolutely perfect, well done! I love the attention to detail in your videos. Matching and lining up the grain makes all the difference. Keep up the awesome work and thanks again for a top video 😎👍🏻

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks Ian, glad you liked it.

[@ian_morg]

@@GregVirgoe as always 😎👍🏻 did you change the push button catches for silver ones after our convo on the black ones on Instagram?

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Ian, I didn’t fit the black ones, the main issue was the feel as they are mostly plastic they just feel like they could break at any point. Going with magnets for now unless I find something more suitable. 👍🏼

[@maryferguson6226]

Thank you for showing the hinge setup in close detail. I now know why a small door on the power board housing on a 31-year-old motor home won't fit properly because some put it on wrong. Bugged the heck out of me and now I can fix it.

[@MrWoodykeys]

Just found you, great tutorial. Thanks for your time.

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad it was helpful! There are lots more useful videos in this build series.

[@stephenroberts7459]

Thanks Greg, I am just starting to plan cupboard doors!

[@johnnyjohnston2214]

Great attention to detail as always Greg 👏

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Johnny

[@ltdasilva93]

Hey Greg your work is an absolute masterpiece. Exactly what I imagined with the layout I imagined. The choice of woods and design are amazing too. Likely what I'll do in the future to keep myself debt free. I would love to live in a van like yours.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Leandro, thank you for those very kind words, much appreciated.

[@re33ce]

Nice work as always, can't wait to see the fished van, I've enjoyed the whole experience thank you 👏👏

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks very much Michael, should make a good tour video.

[@karlbartelt3939]

Always a pleasure watching a Master Craftsman. It seem what ever I'm doing at home I have to stop and watch your new video and as always you've givin us a bunch of small tips we wouldn't have thought of. Camp Quirky looks interesting I just need to fly for 22hrs to get there :P

[@stotas2]

Hi Greg we will be at quirky next year we have the grey 7.5 ton lorry with the raising bed see you there. You build is coming on great, your attention to detail makes for a smart professional looking finish.

[@GregVirgoe]

Your truck was one of the most memorable from that weekend. The engineering in that moving bed is genius. The fact that you have all normal household appliances too makes it a true home from home. Look forward to meeting up again and showing you our van this time 😀👍🏼

[@stotas2]

Greg Virgoe be good to see all your hard work

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Beautiful detail job, Greg! Another superb video!

[@sunnycampers4249]

Great tutorial, as always Greg, thank you. Atho I did router around the entire inside edge of the cabinet opening 😩. Fortunately I have plenty of off cuts that I can trim to size and glue in place. Every days a school day 😊Cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

Don’t worry you are in good company there mate. Because I did exactly the same then had to sand and glue back in some pieces of ply. We all make mistakes Paul including me 😃👍🏼🤣

[@jackwilliams9114]

Excellent instructional video....as always

[@Wastelander13]

Great skill and work. Congrats! 👍👍👍

[@derekgilger6243]

You really do great work love all your videos

[@GregVirgoe]

derek gilger thanks very much 👍🏼😃

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

*Love* the grain match. Also, Vix bits help in skipping a step in marking, then drilling.

[@GregVirgoe]

I do have those self-centring bits John on the window sill of the workshop but I forget to use them. Still for those that don't have them fancy tools this works for everyone :D

[@DustyKorpse]

I'm running out if ways to complement your videos. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@GregVirgoe]

As always, it's a pleasure to read your comment

[@Ballynoes]

Lovely detailed video as always Greg, I wish you had been my teacher at school... might have paid more attention lol.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks very much, Ed, I missed my vocation maybe? lol

[@marks-0-0]

Another first class instructional video thanks.

[@GregVirgoe]

Many thanks Mark

[@marks-0-0]

Greg Virgoe I think it's been said before Greg but you could have some kind of hobby career in video production if you settle down after your travels. Or maybe camper builds for customers 👍

[@geckoklaus]

so well done. you are really an expert.

[@leestewart4064]

Brilliant video again Greg really enjoy the details. I consider myself lucky to be building my van now and following your build. This is simply the best one on the internet period. Also I’m definitely looking to got to camp quirky. Also will be at the nec in a couple of weeks at the motorhome show. Your really need your own workshop there

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Lee, we are at the NEC on Thursday just really to look about and meet a few viewers. I’m going to be doing a workshop at Camp Quirky so will be more involved next year

[@leestewart4064]

Greg Virgoe did you see my pictures I sent you on Facebook messenger matey of my new paint job

[@michaelseemann4305]

just when I thought I saw it all you do this "lets find another scrap piece with same pattern"... awesome ;-)

[@GregVirgoe]

Fortunate that this is a man-made board and the pattern repeats quite often. The only drawback with this type of door is you use twice the materials

[@TrailFinder]

Brilliant watch. Just about to start my conversion so your channel is very informative

[@donjones3355]

Thank you Greg for taking the time to do such detailed videos. I just bought a van and I am ready to get started on the conversion. I sure wish you were my next door neighbor. :-)

[@GregVirgoe]

We'd never get any work done I'm terrible for nattering all day lol

[@petermiller3882]

I like the dust extraction pipe 👌

[@GregVirgoe]

Homemade extract system out of 2" PVC waste pipe and a £15 cyclone bought off eBay. Have videos and free plans on my channel under the workshop projects.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Very nice video, you have given great learning tips. Thank you.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are most welcome, thank you for watching

[@davidleach9407]

Cracking job, great video 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 👍🏼😊

[@customsportsvans]

Excellent, thanks for the tutorial. 😀

[@RAL2010]

Amazing attention to detail!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Ruud. 👍

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

If in doubt give Greg a shout. Thumbs up, subscribe and come along for the ride. Best info in one place for a great build from start to finish that I've seen on youtube so far. Well done Greg and cheers again for sharing!

[@GregVirgoe]

What a wonderful comment, thank you for watching all my videos and for your support. Very much appreciated 😊

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@GregVirgoe 😃😃 You're Very Welcome 😃😃

[@fboest]

nice work as always!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@MITMASA]

Always achieving perfection Greg. I try to see something out of place but without luck xD Once again, great build!!! Cheers from Portugal ;)

[@GregVirgoe]

I've been saving all my mistakes for a bloopers video lol

[@kf-dk5pb]

Another great video thank you Greg

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome Paul

[@neilsparks.4447]

Greg another fantastic vlog, your attention to detail is second to none. How will you manage to spend a year away from your workshop! Can’t wait to see the finished van.

[@GregVirgoe]

I'm trying to think of how I can pack a few tools in the van to do some projects on the road :D

[@johnlimb953]

as always perfect to perfection 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks for the thumbs up John 😊

[@johnlimb953]

least i can do for the campervan conversion king 😂

[@GregVirgoe]

You are too kind 😊

[@trisklist]

Hello greg, I was looking for this information for several weeks ! Wonderful job ! Could tell me what kind of lock you are using to finish this door ? greeting from France ;)

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

You’re a star Greg, hopefully see you at MC next year 😄

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Gary, I’ve been watching a few of your videos this week to brush up on my skills. Glad to see we both use the 1-1 full-size template idea. Enjoyed that celebrity wardrobe build and the oak spiral staircase. Is there a date for MC next year yet? Maybe next year a collab on the cards?

[@josephlewis4194]

Hi Greg I've watched all you sprinter build videos for a lot of months now. I'm just about to start my own and got some great ideas. Ur attention to detail is the best I've seen. Ur finished van will most certainly rival a top of the line shop bought van. Just a thought on the door for the shower and toilet cassette access door. How will u be keeping them shut. So they don't swing open when your driving around.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for those kind words Joseph. We are undecided, the ones we have ordered so far have been cheap plastic and useless. Hoping to finalise this at the NEC show next week.

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Applying a drop of superglue (& activator) helps on the trim ends to reduce their shrinking back over time ... which exposes a gap !

[@GregVirgoe]

I cut them slightly over size and push them in to help prevent that.

[@malteweinreich8755]

Hi Greg , Lovely video well done keep them on coming :-)

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Malte

[@andymcpherson7162]

Hi Greg' very good video and easy to follow. I'm fitting an overlapping shower door to our bus conversion and wondering if the cassette door set up would be suitable for this. Cheers Andy from Cruzar custom Campervans New Zealand.

[@GregVirgoe]

The picture in the thumbnail is my toilet cassette door on the shower wall. Perfect solution 👍🏼😃

[@H4rleyBoy]

I had the same problem to solve on mine and looked at the hinges you show, but on a walk around B&Q I saw metre long stainless steel piano hinges so went with those, they do stick out about 1mm more than yours, but I was okay with that.

[@A.J.Lawson]

Super neat Job!

[@charlesbender3937]

Thank you for all your ideas and detail of your work. Where did you find the router bit to cut your dados for your trim? Thanks again.

[@eastcoastboatfishinguk5987]

Put your trim into the tumble dryer to soften it if its to cold

[@philgroves9635]

Loving your videos. Your attention to detail is second to none. Did you make that fence for your saw yourself? The aluminium one.

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

"....so THAT's how you make those trim groves.... well I'm gunna have to get one of those doovee thingy's for sure!"

[@PlatinumDragonProductions999]

Beautiful work! :-D

[@GregVirgoe]

Many thanks

[@danieljones8290]

Great video. Could you show how you fit the latches? I’m looking at push button style but not sure if this is possible on overlapping doors. Thanks!

[@tianhopkins]

Hi Greg fantastic video, could you tell me what type of handle you used on the overlapping style doors? 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

The shower I used a normal cupboard handle. The small toilet door I didn’t use anything and just grab the edge to open it 👍🏼😃

[@szbarns5924]

Hi Greg! I really enjoy your Videos! I was wondering how are you going to make the door of the shower waterproof? Do you think will the trim keep the joint leakproof while taking a shower? Regards

[@GregVirgoe]

Unfortunately, the overlapping door is on the outside and will not be waterproof. So there are a couple of ways to overcome that. Fit a bi-fold door internally to close off the opening or simply install a shower curtain across the shower door that allows water back into the tray We are installing a shower curtain as this is the easiest to source and install.

[@Steve_MFr]

I really enjoy your vids, Greg.Vicarious van-building before I start my own :-p I am curious, though: with the door on the outside, how do you plan to drain the water back into the shower? (I assume there will be a shower in the bath...)

[@GregVirgoe]

Hi Steve, the way this is dealt with in most camper builds including professional motor homes is to have a shower curtain that you can pull across the inside of the door. We have done the same in our shower room. Video out soon

[@freightshayker]

Hey to Greg, Dave here again. Question: In another Sprinter episode you seem to say, if you had to do over you wouldn't have installed a shower ... ehh, stall. Wondering what you might have done with the extra space? As well, is the "garage door" on the inside of the van big enough or would you have made that bigger? Thanks, great job on this project. You may have helped cargo-van conversions become a serious cottage industry. Amen. God bless.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hey Dave, It would have given us much more needed living space. It may get cramped in there during the rainy days. The internal garage door is big enough to crawl through and to stick the front wheel of a motorbike through if needed.

[@kennethskou5597]

Great video once again Greg. As always it is your attention to details that have me thinking about my own jobs ahead. I am absolute terrible at planning ahead - I just like to switch on the powertools and get going. Now i ponder and wonder - What could Greg possibly find in this particular jobs which will be irritating NOT to have thought about. :-) :-)

[@NelloCambelli]

Like the pace at which you work and attention to detail. Cannot motor across the Atlantic to attend Camp Quirky unless the remodel includes amphibian design.

[@GregVirgoe]

That's a shame Neil, hope you will be there in spirit and do check out the numerous Camp Quirky videos on youtube with some great vans and inspiration

[@Harrie5761]

Dear Greg, thanks for your great videos. I have a question: why did you mill the line in the opening of the cabinet without having to have a cover profile there?

[@GregVirgoe]

I know you don’t see it when the door is closed but I don’t want to see the raw edge of the board when the door is open it just looks neater to trim both edges.

[@Harrie5761]

@@GregVirgoe Thank you Greg. I think it's great that you take the time to answer all questions, and also so quickly. Awesome!

[@GregVirgoe]

Harrie Jonkers I try my best but some slip by as there are so many videos and thousands of viewers 😃

[@daviddunnmusic8323]

Hi Greg I'm building this same style doors but struggling to find catches or locks. May I ask what you used for yours? Many thanks 😊

[@wilker1978]

Another great video as always ! What is the hinges are you using for the door ? I have looked on your part list and did not found it !! Thanks

[@craigmcclure1255]

Absolutely love your videos 👏🏻👏🏻 Using this method to build overhead storage above the cab. What latch / handle would you recommend for keeping it shut tight. Thanks

[@MrWiggleit]

Great work Greg - I'm following your build videos closely and was wondering how many of the 15mm morland furniture boards you have used in your build? I don't want to buy too many as they are fairly expensive.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hey Bob, including closing in the back of the garage I used 7 boards in total.

[@gasgiant7122]

Thank you greg, excellent video, have you done a video on the mini round catches?

[@GregVirgoe]

Gasgiant no we found they have a design flaw in one of the 4 possible orientations they do not work and would not open leaving the door or drawer perm shut. So we went for magnet and door handles.

[@gasgiant7122]

@@GregVirgoe thanks Greg, magnetic catches & handles it is then 😁

[@davidm9643]

tip, anywhere water may get to a raw edge of laminate board you can seal by rubbing silicone along with your finger. also cut edges of worktops

[@turbokiller1999]

Nice work

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks

[@benvanmaanen7059]

Hi Greg. Loving all the videos so far. Hoping to get van and convert it early in the new year. Getting lots of ideas that I would never have thought of. One quick question please. I have selected the link for the Mercedes Sprinter Conversion - FULL BUILD SERIES and found there is a private video between Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van - Shower Build and Overlapping Doors and Flush Cranked Hinges. Am I missing a video or is just a glitch somewhere? Keep up the good work, I'm learning a lot.

[@GregVirgoe]

Nothing is missing, I do upload private videos to send to family, friends or sponsors for approval prior to release. But they always get converted to public or deleted. If that's, not the case then just do a refresh of your browser to update the cache.

[@guntherpommer6433]

Great work Greg ..you know where to source that PVC trim? Cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

I got ours from Moreland UK you can also get it from other motorhome spares suppliers too 😃

[@davidparker2724]

Have you got any advice for managing to cut this plywood laminate by hand (jigsaw) without getting splintered edges????

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes, if cutting with circular saw use a laminate blade which has a high tooth count 80 teeth is what you need and a good make is Freud. For jigsaw again a laminate blade new and sharp. Use masking tape on your cut lines. Don’t try to go fast as that increases the chance of chip out. Both types of saw normally cut upwards so have your good side facing down so any chips are on the back and will not be seen.

[@kevgermany]

Super. Just wondering why you went for overlapping doors. Guess they're wood movement proof, but any other reason?

[@GregVirgoe]

For the Shower and Toilet cassette door, I wanted to place a seal between the door and the frame. For the shower to keep the humidity inside and for the toilet to prevent any odours from leaking out. In the next shower video, you will see these seals in place.

[@MrTurd-mc4ee]

Cool. Have you got any plans or drawing you could share with me. Really want to make one but I'm not very good with getting right mesuarments

[@AbdulAbulbulAmir]

Greg, just watched the vid on the 100W solar panel. I don't have a van as yet so I'd just like to fly an idea past you. I watched most of Charles Sterlings of Sterling Power, videos on Battery to Battery Chargers (BBC's). First, solar panels are out. I still don't understand why new vans still have a 20A fuse to the leisure batteries because what Charles says makes perfect sense to me. He takes a thickish cable from the 200A alternator direct to the BBC. The BBC sits next to the leisure batteries say 2 x 96Ah. Say the batteries are .2c. The BBC is intelligent enough to provide the correct charging current to the batteries irrespective of what's going on at the alternator i.e taking care of the starter battery and regeneration on E6 engines. Suppose you discharge the leisure batteries to 80% each day. The BBC can charge at .2c that's 5 hours for a full charge but only 1 hour for 20% charge. In other words, a 1 hour trip to the shops could replenish your daily need. Or you could just run the diesel for 1 hour at low speed. Next, you could have a small generator for emergencies. Again, you only need 1 hour. For me this beats solar panels but like I said, I haven't tried it out yet.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hello Jeff, After the initial capital cost, (£1/w) solar energy is free. :D It won't do your van engine any good to let it idle for long periods. An hour in a van is at least two gallons of fuel a day, that sounds very expensive to me. You would spend the cost of a 100watt solar panel on fuel in just two weeks. I wasn't aware of BBC when I did my selections so can't pass comment on them good or bad.