Link for the Heater from Aliexpress s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DltLCLj Everything i use in my camper van you will find here in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld this is an affiliate link so every time you make a purchase i make a small commission good news it doesn't cost you any extra but it helps me to continue to make these videos. thank you.
Now you have that behemoth of a Vario, Mel, you need to change the name of the channel to HUGE Van-small world 🙂. Another great video showing warts and all and not one of those jump cut things where someone says "Today I'm fitting XYZ" and ten seconds later its fitted it leaving no clue of all the hard work needed. I've followed you from day one and glad that's never changed. Much respect🙏- Kenny
A wee bit of advice. Having worked in power generation for a good few years, the rubber seal will perish with diesel, so your assumption of fitting a cork seal is spot on. When you fit the cork seal, smear a bit of grease both sides before fitting.
Oh Mel, you film and put whatever content you want in your videos. Doesn’t matter what you do you film there will always be someone that won’t like it, remember the saying “you can please some of the people some of the time but all of the people none of the time”. Actually I don’t mind your cooking videos so mix it up a bit it’s fine. If there’s ever anything I am not interested in I skip that bit or simply don’t watch but I know the chances are your next video will interest me. I have been a subscriber for years now and find your channel to be one of the easier to watch. Looking forward to see how the hob and hot water system work.
IDEA! You may be able to use the extra threads on these four tank bolts and bolt up a skid plate or protector plate. You might want to use a good anti cease or tread treating to limit rusting. 2. Look at the "clocking" of the fuel clamps. with everything in place will you be able to reach in and loosen, tighten or replace it. I always look at clocking when I do radiator hoses too. Sometimes a long flat head screw driver will work, but the clamp has to be pointed to where you can access it. (cooking is cool if it is occasional ... and non pork. 🙂). You're doing a fun fine job. Up by the hose you had the vacuum hand pump connected to, you might put a little on/off valve so the fuel doesn't drain back.. if you have to disconnect it.
Surely the exhaust for that pre heater will get mud and water in it when wheels are turning?? I would also put some rubber on the bars of the tank to help prevent them rubbing through and a metal sheild to stop stones hitting it from the wheel when moving but I enjoyed the video Mel :)
Drill the vent in the neck then seal the hole in the floor,you wil smell diesel in the van if you dont,fuel sloshing about will pump vapour out of the hole
Nice Job Mel. I had a similar idea with a separate diesel tank but ended up welding a frame to hold an outboard engine fuel tank under the van that I could easily remove to refill with Kerosene. They come with a nice quick release fuel line fitting. Might be an option if the plastic tank doesn’t work out. You’ll soon be able to screw down that floor. 👍🏻
Wound an 80ltr plastic sprinter tank under my 614 on the passenger side for heating fuel and a 5 gallon military surplus tank under the back for the Eberspacher for a separate back-up heating system.
Watch that the preheater exhaust doesn't slip and point down towards the front tyre, That could turn into a really bad day as it looks too close for comfort.
Good afternoon Mel good work you are doing on your motor home build you make me happy and smile please keep up the good work up on your videos on your you tube channel i love watching your videos
Well Done Mel. For me the best 2 videos you have ever done. Very well detailed and explained. What an excellent idea for hot water. You are so good at making your videos interesting informative and above all fun to watch well done.
Mel don't listen to what people tell ya buddy I love watching you do cooking I love everything you do on this channel its up to you what you do anyways its your channel do anything you want ill be watching your channel what ever you do its very interesting what ever you do Mel ❤❤
Van looks really good. Could you not have fitted the diesel tank with the screw cap up wards and mounted the filler neck where the screw cap was? You may have been able to shift the tank a bit to get the neck where you want it. Best not to have any openings under the fuel level line on plastic tanks as the move with temperature change etc and will likely leak or sweat up around the cap. Would have been better to fit a filler externally as you a bound to spill a bit when filling. The vent hole in the cap will stink and also weep with the fuel sloshing about.
Great job. Viewers are funny and you’ll NEVER please them all. I’ve read viewer comments complaining bitterly about things I’ve enjoyed watching like the cooking or roadside repairs while traveling. I seem to not like creators friends on the channels quite as often as the creators do. The moral is to design your channel however you want and if some of us don’t appreciate certain elements, we’ll live.
Mel just keeps on being you, I am absolutely loving your filming work and following the luxurious vario build if you want to show off your cooking then do it. 👍
Film doing some of the bolts up Mel. The reason ?I watch is to learn techniques or mistakes so I’m more confident when I do world! Say nay to the haters…
I went AGM initially but have recently installed a Lithium battery from Renogy, the weight difference was 49kg!!! The Renogy website shows what is in the battery too - I think more of the manufacturers are doing this now, along with built in BMS and Bluetooth becoming standard. The prices and availability of the Lithium batteries have come down a lot recently making it about the same price here for the same usable AH. I'm loving my new set up, I have a 600W kettle that I can run off my Inverter, uses 5AH per boil for 2 large mugs of tea/coffee and it boil in 5 mins. Will e3 interested to see how the diesel hob goes, the last one I saw (HughTube) was very slow to boil a kettle 30 mins - which is slower than a 12V kettle!
We used to use those on the side on the end in ambulances for kerosene we fitted in purposefully on their side, so if and when we need to go inside. we could clean out the tank as the filler was once installed underneath everything. the only thing we did different to you was when reinstalling the cap we would put sealant Around the thread of the screw cap which form two purposes would help with vibration, so it didn’t undo itself because we had that on earlier models where the vibrations caused them to undo somewhat would act as an extra sealant to make Sure stop it leaking. If the worst was to happen we had to service these vans and clean out the diesel/kerosene tanks yearly, hence the reason for the side mounted hole/ original filler cap.
Hi Mel loving all your content , I hope you don’t mind me saying, but those sticky pads come unstuck if they get warm I.e summer Or heat from the engine or exhaust I had them on the inside of my van popping off all over the show 🤦♂️ I wouldn’t trust them holding a fuel line . Maybe a drop of silicone on them, belt n braces an all that. all the best mate 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorldYes I have also used those sticky pads on the roof of my van and they keep coming unstuck despite cleaning it properly with acetone first ☹️
Hi Mel...We bought a Eberspacher water heater, but decided against it. We heat our domestic water by a pan on the induction hob or gas, depending on available sunlight. We heat our shower water with a Thermomate gas boiler. We have an outside hose connector, so we can source water from any source, river lake etc, also two collapsable 19 litre water carriers that will do showers for us both. Advantages? We don't carry 38kgs of water, plus the tank and other weight savings, and get our water fresh when we need it. So we have an unused Eberspacher with all kit and controller for sale. Best wishes. Tony and Carolyn. We are Wheely Living!...just like you :)
Brand new unused, still in the box Eberspacher S3 D4E diesel heater, complete with mounting kit and easystart timer, only 600 quid. Maybe we could drop it off, depending on where you live in the UK. Cheers.@@alanhat5252
Hi Mel. We have a female garden hose-type connector underneath the driver's side sill where the line went into the now removed shower water tank. Have a male on the end of a long hard hose we store in the back. This has a funnel on the end to keep it off the river bed with a course filter, as well as a weight to keep it on the bottom. The original pump and inline filter is still on the shower line. We simply attach the gas bottle to the boiler, and have a waterproof pump switch on the outside of the shower. Turn on the pump, and depending on the water flow, the boiler fires up when water is sensed. Shower water goes to ground. We use organic gels and shampoo...If not using open source water, we use our two collapsable tanks, which we cart around on our little sack barrow when full. Soon to be Africa bound with our treasure-hunting and prospecting gear. Best of Wheely wishes. Tony and Carolyn :) @@BigVanSmallWorld
Mel, great video as usual, noticed the pre heater exhaust silencer looks to be pointing upwards which will fill with water thrown up from the tyres in the rain, so I suggest you point it down or extend it with some more exhaust tube away from the tyre spray.
@@BigVanSmallWorld Bit late now but if you search the webs for Eberspacher/Webasto they have pdf installation guides full of spec's for the heaters yours is a knock-off version! I've got the Webasto bolted to my chassis as part of my central heating system.
Hi Mel, the diesel cook top sounds like an awesome idea. Im off on a shopping expedition and not for the £1500 version 😅 I neary bought a used webasto pre heater when I did the conversation and you could pick them up for around £150 used.
Thank you Mel very informative and interesting, you show us what you want buddy , most will enjoy I’m sure . How about a small hinged piece of wood over your filler cap ? just drill a hole in a piece of ply making it level with the top , but not covering the filler cap . Then you can hinge it up to remove the filler cap, you won’t bump it and it won’t cover your breathing hole if you see what I’m saying.well done good luck 👍👍👍🏴🏴🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢
You could fit a air admittance valve to that fuel tank cap. When you break hard you could get fuel and smell up through that little hole you've drilled in the cap?
@@alanhat5252 The fuel sloshing about will create a vacuum pushing out fumes or fuel into the back of a van. A simple breather pipe that rises up then down to a small catch tank under the van would be an option too!
Oh Mel, I had to come back to this video and I've just seen your fuel line. I'd have fitted a proper fuel line since it's under a vehicle and probably more permanent.
Hi Mel, like others not at all sure about the wisdom of where your pre heater exhaust comes out ! Have you not thought about taking the exhaust through a heat exchanger inside your van to make use of that otherwise wasted heat. Lots of people on youtube have run there exhaust through an old cast iron rad in there workshop heater setup , I was thinking a stainless steel towel rad would be a good idea and then take the colder exhaust out further down the van. I might try it myself if I ever get the time 😂
I have absolutely no idea about the technical plumbing and wiring, just installation diy style with a fair bit of experience but not this area. So what stops that water tank from freezing in winter? I'd definitely do it if I could:s :o or for grey water to reverse osmosis
Cracking job, well done buddy, can you ask Becky if she has stickers ready, and I buy her a couple of coffees, would she kindly send me some,, cheers mate
Does the original cap protrude too much to put it at top and attach new filler along from it ? And where’s your anti seize/copper slip for your nuts and studs 😮😮😮
Great video Mel just a thought with regards to the BIG cap on the side of new diesel tank, can you not put some sealant around the thread then tighten it up and maybe even put a very small screw through the side of the cap through the thread so you know it can’t vibrate open over time ?
Fed Ex tracking is a nightmare. I would run the vent outside of the vehicle. A small one way valve so there cannot be any splash back. Diesel is an oil and it will creep if splashed to the hole. It may smell too. By connecting all the fuel lines won't it push diesel through all the devices causing flooding or conversely draw from the other pumps and pull the prime out of the various devices. Does that make sense? I changed out my golf cart batteries with a single LiPo battery. The weight savings alone increased it's towing ability and top speed.
Excellent video Mel :) Did you know that they also do a heat exchanger that heats water fed from the ducting of a Chinese Diesel heater ? You put a 'Y' connector in the ducting with a flap to divert the hot air through the heat exchanger or into the van as normal. As in your case there are two water circuits in the heat exchanger to take hot water from the engine too. This means you can heat your water off the engine hot water when it is running or off diverted hot air from the normal diesel heater when the van is parked up.
Sorry to hear some of your viewers don't appreciate your cooking talents, I tried the sweat chili, cheese and mushroom and loved it. One quick question why didnt you bolt the filler neck to the original cap? That would have given you access if you need it at a later date.
11:33 overtightening plastic distorts it & can lead to a _less_ secure joint. While I'm sure you've got a 'feel' for it those watching may not. Certainly use a tool to undo it if necessary but not to tighten.
Just a thought, I think when you go to places where it gets cold enough to need a pre heater, the diesel is different to ours, therefore you would need to make sure you top up your separate tank with the new diesel, alternatively you may just take the supply for your pre-heater straight from your normal tank
Great, informative as usual Mel, please keep your videos how you wish to do them, if you want to throw in some food, why not its your channel and we love it.. 😊☯️
Great video be interning to see about the cook top that battery looks good my two agm battery cost me £450 150apms each, that’s a lot better, So happy to see that preheated is working and your luxury home is coming along, have a lovely weekend together 💙
If you're t-ing into the same fuel line for all your diesel appliances will you need some non-return valves to stop the pumps from drawing diesel out of each other, emptying the lines and potentially drawing air into the system?
That’s a great question and the answer is quite simple each appliance will have its own fuel pump that will act as a none return valve so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Ahhh, I didn't even consider that the annoying clicky pumps would actually have an advantage over the more traditional variants in this case! Seeing as you have a vacuum tester to hand would it be worth testing drawing it backwards as a sanity check before installing everything? Great video as always Mel!
Mel can I ask you 2 questions because please. 1 why is there not a metal sub floor in your van I have never seen that before. 2 why did you not fit the diesel tank, the correct way up rather than have the screw top on the side. Surely it still would have fit upright with the new filler cap. Hope you don’t mind answering. Regards.
Won’t you need tank baffles in that diesel tank to stop slosh and foaming ? Maybe a sponge filler? Will it also not need a vacuum vent in the cap to allow good flow and not get starved?
@@boyblunder8889 no! Best have a one way vent valve preferably separate from the fill cap, vented to the outside, or when that tank heats up because of hot summer road surfaces the vented valour will enter the van. Very smelly plus dangerous.
@ I mean directly into an underslung tank instead of the round exchange unit style and warming up the engine. I mean a separate system just for shower water only? Or have I missed one of your videos?
Link for the Heater from Aliexpress s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DltLCLj
Everything i use in my camper van you will find here in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld
this is an affiliate link so every time you make a purchase i make a small commission good news it doesn't cost you any extra but it helps me to continue to make these videos.
thank you.
you can use a stepdown regulator to go from 24v to 12v for your diesel heater
Now you have that behemoth of a Vario, Mel, you need to change the name of the channel to HUGE Van-small world 🙂. Another great video showing warts and all and not one of those jump cut things where someone says "Today I'm fitting XYZ" and ten seconds later its fitted it leaving no clue of all the hard work needed. I've followed you from day one and glad that's never changed. Much respect🙏- Kenny
Thank you Kenny 🤓👍
A wee bit of advice. Having worked in power generation for a good few years, the rubber seal will perish with diesel, so your assumption of fitting a cork seal is spot on. When you fit the cork seal, smear a bit of grease both sides before fitting.
I was thinking he should weld the filler cap to the tank with the correct glue. Permanently seal it up.
Thank you ☺️
Oh Mel, you film and put whatever content you want in your videos. Doesn’t matter what you do you film there will always be someone that won’t like it, remember the saying “you can please some of the people some of the time but all of the people none of the time”. Actually I don’t mind your cooking videos so mix it up a bit it’s fine. If there’s ever anything I am not interested in I skip that bit or simply don’t watch but I know the chances are your next video will interest me. I have been a subscriber for years now and find your channel to be one of the easier to watch.
Looking forward to see how the hob and hot water system work.
Thank you so very much for your kind words really means the world to me 😊
@@BigVanSmallWorldyou'll have to do _some_ cooking to prove your new hob works & show how well it works!
IDEA! You may be able to use the extra threads on these four tank bolts and bolt up a skid plate or protector plate. You might want to use a good anti cease or tread treating to limit rusting. 2. Look at the "clocking" of the fuel clamps. with everything in place will you be able to reach in and loosen, tighten or replace it. I always look at clocking when I do radiator hoses too. Sometimes a long flat head screw driver will work, but the clamp has to be pointed to where you can access it. (cooking is cool if it is occasional ... and non pork. 🙂). You're doing a fun fine job. Up by the hose you had the vacuum hand pump connected to, you might put a little on/off valve so the fuel doesn't drain back.. if you have to disconnect it.
Surely the exhaust for that pre heater will get mud and water in it when wheels are turning??
I would also put some rubber on the bars of the tank to help prevent them rubbing through and a metal sheild to stop stones hitting it from the wheel when moving but I enjoyed the video Mel :)
"I'm looking forward to putting this into Mary later" not sure how Becks would feel about that Mel. 😂
🤭 lol 😝
18:50 replace most of the plastic fuel line with brake pipe, cupronickel for preference, with silicon rubber tube joints.
Drill the vent in the neck then seal the hole in the floor,you wil smell diesel in the van if you dont,fuel sloshing about will pump vapour out of the hole
Hi Mel, I watched your fast food videos. As soon as you started cooking I went into fast forward. As for the rest of the vids keep up the good work
I enjoy the cooking just do what makes you happy. ❤❤❤
Yes, 🙏
Nice Job Mel. I had a similar idea with a separate diesel tank but ended up welding a frame to hold an outboard engine fuel tank under the van that I could easily remove to refill with Kerosene. They come with a nice quick release fuel line fitting. Might be an option if the plastic tank doesn’t work out. You’ll soon be able to screw down that floor. 👍🏻
Wound an 80ltr plastic sprinter tank under my 614 on the passenger side for heating fuel and a 5 gallon military surplus tank under the back for the Eberspacher for a separate back-up heating system.
Watch that the preheater exhaust doesn't slip and point down towards the front tyre, That could turn into a really bad day as it looks too close for comfort.
yeah im thinking of moving it thanks 👍🤓👍
Good afternoon Mel good work you are doing on your motor home build you make me happy and smile please keep up the good work up on your videos on your you tube channel i love watching your videos
Thank you that’s very kind of you to say ☺️
We loved seeing your meal creations!! Always very impressed by your healthy eating habits too 💚🥑🥦🥬🍜
Thank you ☺️
Well Done Mel. For me the best 2 videos you have ever done. Very well detailed and explained. What an excellent idea for hot water. You are so good at making your videos interesting informative and above all fun to watch well done.
Thank you very much! That’s very kind of you to say really appreciate that 👍🤓👍🍻
Hi mel. Might be a daft question,( probably is) but why not turn the tank and use the existing filler cap.😊
I did think about that but it’s just impossible to get it through the floor 👍🤓👍
As a side bung it's great for cleaning out if that ever becomes necessary.
Mel don't listen to what people tell ya buddy I love watching you do cooking I love everything you do on this channel its up to you what you do anyways its your channel do anything you want ill be watching your channel what ever you do its very interesting what ever you do Mel ❤❤
Thank you ☺️
I do like the rear end of that, I want that on mine! Will have to see what it is.
So glad you pre heater works Mel. Really intrested to see the diesel cooktop next. Too man keep up the great work 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks! Will be making the video for next week all about the diesel cooker 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld looking forward to it mate. Thanks for everything you do. You’ve saved me £1000s by not having to experiment myself 👍🏻
Well I for one missed your " Lunch Interlude " , I've picked up a few good tips from it . 🤥
Thank you ☺️
Mel, I look every day for your uploads, love all your content from over the years & now! Keep up the good work! All the best - Will
Thank you so much!😊
Wicked good video man. Can’t wait for the next one. 👏 ☕️ cheers
LOVE watching you cook Lunch!!!!!
Yay! Thank you!☺️
Fascinating subject.
Buy a creeper board for working under van. Save struggling . Cheap
That’s a great idea 🤓👍
Van looks really good. Could you not have fitted the diesel tank with the screw cap up wards and mounted the filler neck where the screw cap was? You may have been able to shift the tank a bit to get the neck where you want it. Best not to have any openings under the fuel level line on plastic tanks as the move with temperature change etc and will likely leak or sweat up around the cap. Would have been better to fit a filler externally as you a bound to spill a bit when filling. The vent hole in the cap will stink and also weep with the fuel sloshing about.
Great job. Viewers are funny and you’ll NEVER please them all. I’ve read viewer comments complaining bitterly about things I’ve enjoyed watching like the cooking or roadside repairs while traveling. I seem to not like creators friends on the channels quite as often as the creators do. The moral is to design your channel however you want and if some of us don’t appreciate certain elements, we’ll live.
Great point thank you ☺️
Maybe put heat tape on the exhaust itself.
Do wonder what you had for lunch now 🤔😁
Mel just keeps on being you, I am absolutely loving your filming work and following the luxurious vario build if you want to show off your cooking then do it. 👍
Thank you! Will do!
Bring the meals back on! It was another great video thanks Mel
Coming soon 🤓👍🤭
Great vlog Mel . Great tip with using cut offs , bet it’s lighter too .
Absolutely👍🤓👍
Great stuff Mel,
This is going to be an awesome rig mate.
Thank you ☺️
One of those woke me up when I was camping on a metal detecting weekend , didn't know what it was until now and recognise the sound
Happy hunting hope you had a good day 👍
This particular one is extra loud, for some reason these Chinasse water heaters have a a noisy fan. The air heaters are fine.
@s2000. I have a planar heater from autoterm good price high quality heater never failed me i can't even hear the pump
Film doing some of the bolts up Mel. The reason ?I watch is to learn techniques or mistakes so I’m more confident when I do world! Say nay to the haters…
Work not world
I went AGM initially but have recently installed a Lithium battery from Renogy, the weight difference was 49kg!!! The Renogy website shows what is in the battery too - I think more of the manufacturers are doing this now, along with built in BMS and Bluetooth becoming standard. The prices and availability of the Lithium batteries have come down a lot recently making it about the same price here for the same usable AH. I'm loving my new set up, I have a 600W kettle that I can run off my Inverter, uses 5AH per boil for 2 large mugs of tea/coffee and it boil in 5 mins. Will e3 interested to see how the diesel hob goes, the last one I saw (HughTube) was very slow to boil a kettle 30 mins - which is slower than a 12V kettle!
Hi yah yes I see his video I think he fielded the kettle up that’s why it took so long for it to boil 👍
I love how your mind works. Im not as brave as you. You are so inspirational. I can't wait to buy my new van and I've got so many ideas for it.
Aww thank you that’s really kind of you to say 🤓👍
We used to use those on the side on the end in ambulances for kerosene we fitted in purposefully on their side, so if and when we need to go inside. we could clean out the tank as the filler was once installed underneath everything. the only thing we did different to you was when reinstalling the cap we would put sealant Around the thread of the screw cap which form two purposes would help with vibration, so it didn’t undo itself because we had that on earlier models where the vibrations caused them to undo somewhat would act as an extra sealant to make Sure stop it leaking. If the worst was to happen we had to service these vans and clean out the diesel/kerosene tanks yearly, hence the reason for the side mounted hole/ original filler cap.
Good stuff Mel.
Thank you ☺️
I saw a video of someone fitting a silencer to their diesel heater to make it quieter
A silencer came in the box, it's fitted under the wheelarch, but it does nothing for the mechanical noise of the pumps or for any inlet noise.
Hi Mel loving all your content , I hope you don’t mind me saying, but those sticky pads come unstuck if they get warm I.e summer
Or heat from the engine or exhaust I had them on the inside of my van popping off all over the show 🤦♂️ I wouldn’t trust them holding a fuel line . Maybe a drop of silicone on them, belt n braces an all that. all the best mate 👍
Thanks for the tip!👍👍
@@BigVanSmallWorldYes I have also used those sticky pads on the roof of my van and they keep coming unstuck despite cleaning it properly with acetone first ☹️
I’d bold on a metal (alloy) rock deflector plate around that tank to nothing kicked up from the back tyres punctures that tank
That’s a great idea thank you so very much 👍👍
the wheelarch is directly in front of it, there shouldn't be an issue.
Nice one Mel, very interesting and informative. When this truck is finished its goig to be brilliant. Looking forward to it. Cheers! 👋🇬🇧🇺🇦🇪🇺
Thanks 👍
Hi Mel...We bought a Eberspacher water heater, but decided against it. We heat our domestic water by a pan on the induction hob or gas, depending on available sunlight. We heat our shower water with a Thermomate gas boiler. We have an outside hose connector, so we can source water from any source, river lake etc, also two collapsable 19 litre water carriers that will do showers for us both. Advantages? We don't carry 38kgs of water, plus the tank and other weight savings, and get our water fresh when we need it. So we have an unused Eberspacher with all kit and controller for sale. Best wishes. Tony and Carolyn. We are Wheely Living!...just like you :)
That’s wheely interesting I’d like to see how you feel up from rivers im thinking about going down this route 👍🤓👍
What's your price on the Eberspacher?
Brand new unused, still in the box Eberspacher S3 D4E diesel heater, complete with mounting kit and easystart timer, only 600 quid. Maybe we could drop it off, depending on where you live in the UK. Cheers.@@alanhat5252
Hi Mel. We have a female garden hose-type connector underneath the driver's side sill where the line went into the now removed shower water tank. Have a male on the end of a long hard hose we store in the back. This has a funnel on the end to keep it off the river bed with a course filter, as well as a weight to keep it on the bottom. The original pump and inline filter is still on the shower line. We simply attach the gas bottle to the boiler, and have a waterproof pump switch on the outside of the shower. Turn on the pump, and depending on the water flow, the boiler fires up when water is sensed. Shower water goes to ground. We use organic gels and shampoo...If not using open source water, we use our two collapsable tanks, which we cart around on our little sack barrow when full. Soon to be Africa bound with our treasure-hunting and prospecting gear. Best of Wheely wishes. Tony and Carolyn :) @@BigVanSmallWorld
Mel, great video as usual, noticed the pre heater exhaust silencer looks to be pointing upwards which will fill with water thrown up from the tyres in the rain, so I suggest you point it down or extend it with some more exhaust tube away from the tyre spray.
Good tip! Thanks
@@BigVanSmallWorld Bit late now but if you search the webs for Eberspacher/Webasto they have pdf installation guides full of spec's for the heaters yours is a knock-off version!
I've got the Webasto bolted to my chassis as part of my central heating system.
I enjoy watching you cook , cos I cook pot noodles or boil potatoes
Haha thanks
I would fit a steel plate under the plastic tank otherwise stones etc will puncture the tank
Great vlog Mel
Thank you 😁
Great video I enjoy every one thanks
Glad you like them!
Hi Mel, the diesel cook top sounds like an awesome idea. Im off on a shopping expedition and not for the £1500 version 😅 I neary bought a used webasto pre heater when I did the conversation and you could pick them up for around £150 used.
Sounds great!👍
Hey Mel, if the tank cap on the side do leak.... maybe use pink teflon tape seal... (pink is petroleum/solvent resistant.)
thank you
Thank you Mel very informative and interesting, you show us what you want buddy , most will enjoy I’m sure . How about a small hinged piece of wood over your filler cap ? just drill a hole in a piece of ply making it level with the top , but not covering the filler cap . Then you can hinge it up to remove the filler cap, you won’t bump it and it won’t cover your breathing hole if you see what I’m saying.well done good luck 👍👍👍🏴🏴🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢
Thank you ☺️
You could fit a air admittance valve to that fuel tank cap. When you break hard you could get fuel and smell up through that little hole you've drilled in the cap?
(it's at the back so accelerate not brake but yes).
@@alanhat5252 The fuel sloshing about will create a vacuum pushing out fumes or fuel into the back of a van. A simple breather pipe that rises up then down to a small catch tank under the van would be an option too!
Oh that’s a great idea thank you 🙏
Coming along nicely mel,
Bloody noisey though
Oh Mel, I had to come back to this video and I've just seen your fuel line. I'd have fitted a proper fuel line since it's under a vehicle and probably more permanent.
Hi Mel, like others not at all sure about the wisdom of where your pre heater exhaust comes out ! Have you not thought about taking the exhaust through a heat exchanger inside your van to make use of that otherwise wasted heat. Lots of people on youtube have run there exhaust through an old cast iron rad in there workshop heater setup , I was thinking a stainless steel towel rad would be a good idea and then take the colder exhaust out further down the van. I might try it myself if I ever get the time 😂
Don’t like the idea of that to be honest
I have absolutely no idea about the technical plumbing and wiring, just installation diy style with a fair bit of experience but not this area.
So what stops that water tank from freezing in winter? I'd definitely do it if I could:s :o or for grey water to reverse osmosis
as Will Prowse (see channel) likes to say: 'Lead is dead', and 'In the olden days they used to have lead batteries'
Love it 😊
Well done Mel loved it.
Thank you 🙏
Cracking job, well done buddy, can you ask Becky if she has stickers ready, and I buy her a couple of coffees, would she kindly send me some,, cheers mate
Should of put a rubber padding on metal against plastic
Around tank
the tank support frame?
I think more of a worry is crushing it by overtightening the nuts!
I miss your reviews that are short and sweet.
It’s all longer videos from now on! Better for subscribers and better for the TH-cam algorithm❤
@@SACREDTRAVELLER even when skipping through the video to get to the part you want to see?
Playback speed x2
Does the original cap protrude too much to put it at top and attach new filler along from it ?
And where’s your anti seize/copper slip for your nuts and studs 😮😮😮
Hi Mel, if you are doing a review of batteries you are bound to get both positive and negative comments 😂😂.
Brilliant Mel 👍👍
Great video Mel just a thought with regards to the BIG cap on the side of new diesel tank, can you not put some sealant around the thread then tighten it up and maybe even put a very small screw through the side of the cap through the thread so you know it can’t vibrate open over time ?
Fed Ex tracking is a nightmare. I would run the vent outside of the vehicle. A small one way valve so there cannot be any splash back. Diesel is an oil and it will creep if splashed to the hole. It may smell too. By connecting all the fuel lines won't it push diesel through all the devices causing flooding or conversely draw from the other pumps and pull the prime out of the various devices. Does that make sense? I changed out my golf cart batteries with a single LiPo battery. The weight savings alone increased it's towing ability and top speed.
Mel I've just watched a vlog by Gadget John, it's about a step through electric bike, it may be useful for Becky, all the best buddy
I'll check it out!
Excellent video Mel :) Did you know that they also do a heat exchanger that heats water fed from the ducting of a Chinese Diesel heater ? You put a 'Y' connector in the ducting with a flap to divert the hot air through the heat exchanger or into the van as normal. As in your case there are two water circuits in the heat exchanger to take hot water from the engine too. This means you can heat your water off the engine hot water when it is running or off diverted hot air from the normal diesel heater when the van is parked up.
Brilliant 🤙
Thanks for the battery recommendation I’m looking to go lithium in our VW T5and the 135 amp/hr looks perfect for our needs 👍🏻🇬🇧
No problem 👍
Sorry to hear some of your viewers don't appreciate your cooking talents, I tried the sweat chili, cheese and mushroom and loved it. One quick question why didnt you bolt the filler neck to the original cap? That would have given you access if you need it at a later date.
Maybe you could silicone round it mel with that window bond stuff you showcased few weeks back just a thought mate could add a bit of peace of mind.
silicone around what?
the window bond was probably polyurethane
Hi Mel great build video i'm glad that your pre heater works keep the good work up.
Thanks, will do!
11:33 overtightening plastic distorts it & can lead to a _less_ secure joint. While I'm sure you've got a 'feel' for it those watching may not.
Certainly use a tool to undo it if necessary but not to tighten.
Could you not vent the tank from the neck of the filler under the floor. You would have no diesel leaks or smell coming into the van.
great mod nice one mel
Mel how long have you got until the work shed is being taken down.... Have you got enough time to finish the conversion...?
It’s due to start coming down in June
@@BigVanSmallWorld Touch and go that Mel ....tight for time...get that floor down asap ...
Hi Mel, looking for the overalls you raved over. Can't find it on your Amazon space. Am I missing something?
oh sorry here you go Portwest Texo Contrast Coverall amzn.to/3TQAaAw
similar are found in Screwfix/Toolstation/etc try a few to see what fits best
Are you planning on putting any insulation down on the floor,, because if you are you're going to need a longer filler neck
No problem I’ve got a plan for this
underfloor insulation?
It seems like your silencer will be splashed with water as soon as the front wheel moves… Just an observation 😊
Yes, you are right
One for the radiators
Just a thought, I think when you go to places where it gets cold enough to need a pre heater, the diesel is different to ours, therefore you would need to make sure you top up your separate tank with the new diesel, alternatively you may just take the supply for your pre-heater straight from your normal tank
the UK has different mixes summer vs winter, red Diesel is winter mix.
Great Mel. Loved the video again. ❤
Thank you ☺️
Great, informative as usual Mel, please keep your videos how you wish to do them, if you want to throw in some food, why not its your channel and we love it.. 😊☯️
Love you too 👍🤓👍
Yes I’m going through my comments at 7 am lol 😂
@@BigVanSmallWorld Love you more 🤣
Great video be interning to see about the cook top that battery looks good my two agm battery cost me £450 150apms each, that’s a lot better,
So happy to see that preheated is working and your luxury home is coming along, have a lovely weekend together 💙
Nice one
Another great informative video Mel
Glad you enjoyed it
That's the only thing, when you start messing about with batteries, you'll get a load of negative comments and a lot of positive ones to 😉
Thundervan 1.
Fantastic Mel 🎉
Thank you!! 😊
Couldn't find the tank in your amazing store what one is it mel please great informative vid
ops sorry it from Ebay here you go ebay.us/sAlzbF
@@BigVanSmallWorld cheers mel
2:30 Did you foregt the washers?
Don’t think so
Is there a way to make a switch to either heat the motor or the calorifier instead of both?
I’m sure it would be possible with a couple of taps and tee pieces actually not a bad idea 👍👍
Won't your front wheel throw water into the heater exhaust if you leave it there?
Yeah I’m moving it
If you're t-ing into the same fuel line for all your diesel appliances will you need some non-return valves to stop the pumps from drawing diesel out of each other, emptying the lines and potentially drawing air into the system?
That’s a great question and the answer is quite simple each appliance will have its own fuel pump that will act as a none return valve so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorlddefinitely something to put on your checklist once it's all running though. You may need bigger bore main feed line.
@@BigVanSmallWorld Ahhh, I didn't even consider that the annoying clicky pumps would actually have an advantage over the more traditional variants in this case!
Seeing as you have a vacuum tester to hand would it be worth testing drawing it backwards as a sanity check before installing everything?
Great video as always Mel!
Mel can I ask you 2 questions because please. 1 why is there not a metal sub floor in your van I have never seen that before. 2 why did you not fit the diesel tank, the correct way up rather than have the screw top on the side. Surely it still would have fit upright with the new filler cap. Hope you don’t mind answering. Regards.
1. plywood floors are almost universal on larger commercial vehicles (& busses)
2. answered in other comments
@@alanhat5252 thanks buddy I never knew. 👍👍
People complaining about Mel’s mad meals? No!! I love watching them because you make me laugh. A bit of green s**t make it look pretty 😂😂😂😂
Thank you ☺️
Are you going to put any gasket around the fuel tank to stop rubbing on it?
Won’t you need tank baffles in that diesel tank to stop slosh and foaming ? Maybe a sponge filler? Will it also not need a vacuum vent in the cap to allow good flow and not get starved?
He said he will drill a small hole in the lid for the vent 👍🏻
@@adamshaw1032 a hole isn’t best practice. Best with a rubber flap over the hole
thank you
Is it a good idea to vent that into the van ?
@@boyblunder8889 no! Best have a one way vent valve preferably separate from the fill cap, vented to the outside, or when that tank heats up because of hot summer road surfaces the vented valour will enter the van. Very smelly plus dangerous.
Mel, do you think you could use this heater to heat an underslung tank of water to 40c to use for a shower?
@@69racer69 yes absolutely that’s what I have done 👍
@ I mean directly into an underslung tank instead of the round exchange unit style and warming up the engine. I mean a separate system just for shower water only? Or have I missed one of your videos?
Those sticky pads, rub them on your overalls before you pull the cover off, get a bit of heat in them, they stick better…
Thank you ☺️