VW Crafter Self Built Camper Conversion UK. EP6: Fitting the Maxxair Fans

A van self build series for anyone interested in converting a VW Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit or any other large van to be honest. Subscribe to the channel and watch us make the mistakes so you don't have to.
If you love vanlife, Campers, VWs, self built, van conversions, CHPT3s, Airedale Terriers or general toil and sweat, this series may be for you. Join us whilst we build our dream and have a few adventures along the way. Some tips and advice may help you on your journey and some of our adventures may appeal to you. Come and join us, there may even be a Brompton cycle ride or two.

[@Deepthought-42]

6.15 The notch in the worktop gave you away 🤣

[@CampervanHabitude]

😂

[@Professionalmoochers]

Ruth is a VERY understanding wife! 😂

[@CampervanHabitude]

I would agree with that. 😆

[@HaveVaneXplore]

Hi Both I like yourself have a KZbin channel “ Have Van Explore “ And have watched many of your videos on builds bits and more. I would like to ask if you would like to do a van tour video of my crafter when it’s finished and collaborate on future Van stuff?? Regards Jason

[@CampervanHabitude]

Hi Jason, many thanks for this. Good to know you're watching. I shall take a look at your channel and subscribe. TBH, I'm not sure I'm ready to include van tour videos on our channel just yet. That said, it may be something we include as the channel progresses or if we stumble upon a VW whilst out and about on our travels. Therefore, we may get that opportunity when we actually get this beast finished. With that in mind, where about are you in the UK?

[@CampervanHabitude]

😆Just checked and note I follow you already. Sorry, I'm terrible on channel names. I've now pressed the bell to get reminders. 👍

[@HaveVaneXplore]

No problem and good job with the max fans I’m getting some rattles from mine as the tinted cowl vibrates when going over bumps. I hope yours are quieter 🤞 I’m near Stratford upon Avon.

[@CampervanHabitude]

@@HaveVaneXplore not too far away at all then, we are in Shropshire. Hopefully our paths will c4oss and I can film your van at a show or something. That may feel a bit more natural and fit in with the style of our vlogs.

[@HaveVaneXplore]

That sounds like a good idea keep us posted when your next at a show 👍🏻

[@exploresandtosummit]

Hi Great job, looks nice and neat, where did you order them from? Your electrics kit look like you got them from Rayne automotive! Am I right??

[@CampervanHabitude]

Oh blimey, we actually got the fans a few months ago now and have ordered so much stuff since that I'm losing track. I think it was Just Kampers. I know I was looking around for a good deal and they came up as one of the cheapest at the time. Yes, the electrics were Rayne Automotive. We initially contacted Energy Monkey but, sadly, they never got back to us for two weeks despite promising they would every time we called them. We've actually used Rayne before and they were great but, I didn't realise they used Victron until I tried them after Energy Monkey. As was the case last time, James from Rayne sorted everything and was so helpful.

[@exploresandtosummit]

@@CampervanHabitude thanks for the info. I used Rayne for my T6 build definitely going to use them for my Crafter build next. Keep up the good work.👍

[@CampervanHabitude]

@@exploresandtosummit Yes, my previous was for my T6 but, be prepared for a whole lot more with a Crafter. It can be quite daunting. Good luck.

[@danrawson8515]

Looks a Quality job! Any idea what's the most solar you can have on a van your size ..

[@CampervanHabitude]

Hi Dan, to be honest, there are too many variables there for me to answer. It will depend on what size panels you get - such as a couple of large ones or three or four smaller panels. Importantly, you'll have to consider how many fans you are looking to install - don't forget to factor in a shower fan you may fit or any wifi or TV antennas. You may want to have space on a roof rack for other things you wish to carry also. This will all impact on how many panels you can squeeze in. I have already purchased two 130w solar panels, which I'll be fitting in the coming weeks. I'm not as smart as many on here, who can tell you exactly how much power they will generate. I just know I had a 100w panel on my T6, which topped up my battery sufficiently for what I needed. Don't forget, power banks such as Jackery could be very useful off grid solution too. They can be charged via their own solar or your 12v socket whilst driving. That's a great back up plan to have if you run out of power in the van. Cheers.

[@danrawson8515]

@@CampervanHabitude that's ok thanks for the reply .. I'll measure up when get van and check out the size of the panels and work it out.. I was thinking of getting a wood burner instead of the diesel heater as you can turn the heat from the stove with a thermoelectric device to charge the off grid batterys .. so if solar is not great in winter you have well charged batterys.. and you have wood everywhere which is free .. Thanks for the videos always good to see them and will definitely help others.. all the best!

[@CampervanHabitude]

@@danrawson8515 That sounds like a plan. I have always loved the look of a wood burner in the van and, if they can charge batteries, all the better. Good luck with your build and let me know how you get on. Cheers. Mal.

[@danrawson8515]

@@CampervanHabitude definitely will do mate I'll enjoy your build until I'm ready to start ..

[@cherie24250]

nice job can you give me the overall height of the crafter including fans? Also have you sold the nibbler and powered mastic gun?

[@CampervanHabitude]

I will check in the morning and let you know.

[@CampervanHabitude]

Right, I think I've got t. It is approximately 105 inches (8' 9") in old money, which makes it just shy of 2.7m. That is to the top of the closed fan. As for the tools, 😆I think I'll be keeping the nibbler and mastic gun for now. As they say, 'they'll come in handy if I never use them.'

[@cherie24250]

@@CampervanHabitude great thanks for that , Now i know what height to set the roof on my new Car/ Crafter port on the new place

[@CampervanHabitude]

@@cherie24250 Is that for our visit or for a new project... or both? 😁

[@cherie24250]

@@CampervanHabitude both obviously enjoyed your 3 go mad in France Visit ...but next visit bring tools ;}