The EASIEST Propane Box and Water Heater Install | Ford Transit Conversion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- Ford Transit Van Build Australia | Vanlife Australia Episode 7
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This is the 7th build episode where I install the gas instant hot water unit and gas box in the side of the van. In Australia to legally register your van as a motorhome which allows you to insure the van for much much more (including all the build and accessories), you need to have the gas cylinder in a box that vents only to the outside. The gas hot water unit must also be certified for indoor use which rules out using the cheaper camping style gas hot water systems. The gas plumbing must also be done by a registered gas fitter. Remember to consult your local government gas regulations to comply with the standards!
I appreciate all comments, feedback and constructive criticism along the way!
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PARTS USED
Here is the list of parts and items we have used on the van build is this episode and thus far. These are affiliate links for which I may be compensated if you purchase from the link.
THIS BUILD EPISODE
Gas hot water heater ebay.us/XbUpHq
Kreg Pocket hole jig amzn.to/3xUEcKA
Gas box www.tinyurl.co...
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FROM THE REST OF THE BUILD
Electrical
Circuit breaker amzn.to/3ah2iWz
2000w Pure Sine Wave inverter amzn.to/2P231Dr
DCDC 50amp charger amzn.to/3vS6B3x
Battery Monitor amzn.to/3cbsfrR
Circuit breaker amzn.to/3ah2iWz
Double Pole GPO outlet ebay.us/PsH4Jf
12v Switch Panel amzn.to/31r1z3M
Isolator switch amzn.to/3v01Vr9
70 Amp Fuse amzn.to/32TOLnb
135Ah Lithium Battery ebay.us/jPiXow
Blade fuse box amzn.to/3xgz1Fo
Wire connector kit amzn.to/3EYDnU9
100m wire roll 12AWG ebay.us/VOijcB
Split loom wire protector amzn.to/3nUtbal
30Amp relay amzn.to/3tHIlQ8
In line fuse holder amzn.to/3syyISC
12v LED downlights amzn.to/3lH7NCh
Dc-Dc 12v To 5v convertor amzn.to/3yOtxRB
12v USB charging port amzn.to/3G0sQsR
Solar Setup
100w solar panel ebay.us/N3rl0G
Large panel solar panels ebay.us/sWUKuw
Solar Cable Entry Housing Mount amzn.to/2QrvliZ
Solar Inline fuse amzn.to/2SZB15t
Solar Cable Extension amzn.to/3gZFPQj
Water System
85L Freshwater tank bit.ly/3locE9W
43L Grey water tank ebay.us/BgNneX
Water filler port amzn.to/2Q29jDz
12V water pump amzn.to/3lDV0Rd
Gas hot water heater ebay.us/XbUpHq
Water level gauge ebay.us/2QFPmN
Toilet ebay.us/eeG6wD
Kitchen Unit
65L Fridge ebay.us/gPZTbs
3 Burner Stove and Oven ebay.us/mk1Xnb
Kitchen Drawer slides amzn.to/2RkdOJW
Draw Handles amzn.to/2QOPTT9
Kitchen Mixer Tap amzn.to/3zwxnPR
Sink amzn.to/3ePVKQ2
Insulation
Foil Board Insulation tinyurl.com/28...
Sound Deadener ebay.us/FJxrxG
Polyester Insulation tinyurl.com/yb...
Windows
Pop out window www.tinyurl.co...
Sliding window www.tinyurl.co...
Handy Tools
Rivnut Set amzn.to/3u92wqy
Contour Gauge amzn.to/3eaIbvj
Gas Soldering Iron amzn.to/2PGQkOK
Kreg Pocket hole jig amzn.to/3xUEcKA
Stainless Wire Brush ebay.us/UGNEg3
Brazing Rods ebay.us/rTSkSD
Mapp Gas Torch amzn.to/3xHEKDi
Silicone Finishing Gauges amzn.to/3sC8U9N
Sausage Gun amzn.to/2XAG9z5
Notched Trowel amzn.to/3nWgvja
Ventilation
12v Exhaust Vent and fan amzn.to/3JJ7QsY
Sirroco II fan amzn.to/3nIZt7r
Other
Diesel Heater amzn.to/3nHepl3
Hard plastic shims tinyurl.com/y5...
Heavy Duty Drawer Slides amzn.to/3z67RkY
Gas box www.tinyurl.co...
Gas struts amzn.to/39aUx3P
Push button locks amzn.to/3cc9cxK
Smart Projector amzn.to/3h62ueO
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA W2D5 | Fall | พลาดวันนี้ จะต้องเสียใจ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A5-Cuo12p6A/mqdefault.jpg)
Absolutely incredible. The fact that you're also filming everything, editing, and then creating these videos, man that takes a lot of patience, dedication, and perseverance. Your channel is amazing. I so appreciate it!!
Thank you!
Man that roof is so nice. Great job
Thanks 👍
one of the best most descriptive vid series with informative narrations i have seen. Well done.
Wow, thanks!
Great job buddy. You have taught me a couple of new tricks. There’s only one thing I’d add to the gas bottle cabinet and that would be some 3mm reinforced rubber to the base of the box or bottle. No matter how well it’s secured vibration will wear the fibreglass away ay. Regards, Mario.
Thanks! Glad you got some use of out it. Yes! I was going to add the rubber mat but I did actually forget before I made the video. Yes it wouldn’t take long to wear through the gel coat and then the rest of the fibreglass.
Dude, love your work and the attention to detail. Currently in the middle of a Hiace fit out & your video on making the roof ribs with 12mm ply was a gem. I've gotta say your dedication to making quality videos is admirable. I have done a little myself & they are so time-consuming. Cheers
Awesome, thank you!
Awesome Stuff you guys! Always impressed by your creative solutions and crafting skills Marcel!
Thanks Moritz! Glad you are enjoying the vids! hope you have been well!
Great job mate!
Cheers!
Love your tutorials man ❤️ making me keeen for our build!
Thanks man! glad you are liking them!
What a great tutorial. Looks pro!
Thanks mate!
Awesome work! Love watching your videos. Going to buy a Toyota Hiace Commuter and plan to convert it to a camper. Have been watching your videos to try and get a better understanding of the steps. Be great to see a future video covering the Australian certification process of the van as a camper. All the best!
Very nice. You can't go wrong with a HiAce! Yes for sure we can create a video about the certification process when we get to that stage! Stay tuned!
Awesome thanx bro u are so easy too understand.xx
Happy to help
Well done sir!
Thanks mate!
Good stuff mate!
Glad you enjoyed it
hinge to the bottom, then the door doesn't get in your way when you're changing the gas bottle
Not a bad suggestion!
And thank you
You didn't show us gas plumbing! That would be just as interesting. Great job BTW!
great tips!!!
Thanks Ali
All of the thumbs up!
Thank you!
Perfect
Thank you 😊
Great job. Have you progressed with registering the Van as a campervan in NSW? If so, who has done the paperwork and issued the supplementary vehicle plate?
Yes I have. I made a whole video on it!
Were there any regulations that you needed to comply with regarding the distance of your water heater to the gas storage unit itself?
I believe there was a minimum distance between gas bottle and fire source. Don’t quote me but maybe something like 700mm. I think it also varies by state so best check the state regulations
Thanks for the great vid's. Now that you have had the Propane box and water heater box installed for a year and a half, how is the sikalfex gasket seal you make holding up? it is really thick and I would think there would be differential expansion and contraction between the Metal van body, the plastic van trim and the box material (fiberglass), plus a load of vibration. I would be worried about water getting in the van wall and rust setting in where you would not even see it?
The siklaflex is holding up structurally perfect. Its rock solid and air tight. The only thing i have notices is that the colour is changing. The rubbery nature means dust and dirt stick to it easily so the white colour turns grey/darker overtime. But this comes back to normal with some elbow grease.
Been binge watching since yesterday! Some great stuff going on....I noticed you've changed the passenger seat from a double to a single and I haven't been able to find any info on that in the videos. I am just about to change from a mk7 to a mk8 transit if all goes well but I dont know if a drivers side base and seat will swap, like my mk7 did. I'm in Qld, so as you know not easy to get a lot of parts here in Aus! Any info will be really helpful , Thanks mate, Steve
Hi yes the drivers seat mount fits perfectly in the passenger side. You will have to tap a thread on one of the bolt holes that was left blank with a plastic cover on it though, M8 thread from memory. Be cautious though as a drivers side seat in Australia will have the airbag on the incorrect side for a passenger side.
@@SALTYVANVENTURES Thanks for that, all I have to do now id find some time to get started! Keep up the good work..................
no worries, good luck!
Stroooth mate .. this is bigger than ben hur and his charriotts..😁pip pips and carryon pilgrims
Yeh she's a biiig job! Just about finished now.
Where did you get the hindge for the gas box ? Thanks
It comes with the box when you buy it
Hi mate .what brand is the hot water system and about how much was it .
Thanks shane
GIRARD ENDLESS HOT WATER UNIT GSWH2
Wow clean addition, very nice. Just a three lb tank? How is that working for you? I believe those hold close to two half lbs of propane.. i like the lighter weight although i think the 5lb will last up to a month..choices choices 🤔
In Australia they are 4.5kg cylinders so that’s around 10lbs of propane in the cylinder. It’s last us about 1.5-2 months
@@SALTYVANVENTURES got it.
She’s cute! 🏆🏆🏆
Marcel, how did you go with certification for the gas? I'm apprehensive about installing (exactly the same way as you) as I'm concerned that it won't be certified if I cut a hole in the van myself. Who did your certification? Thank you! Love your videos as always, some of the most concise and well explained videos out there.
Aleesha
Firslty thank you for the feedback! I had my gas plumbing installed by a local plumber here in Sydney's northern beaches. I can't remember their name but they advertised caravans gas work on their web site. They filled in their end of the certification paperwork and gave it to me so when I get the van certified as a camper I just take that paper to the engineer who issues the gas plate. Well that's how I am told it works anyway. Hope that helps
I love your videos but can you tell me are you concerned at all cutting into the unibody structures for this gas box. What are the tradeoffs for rigidity?.
Not at all. Cutting holes in the side paneling doesn't effect the structural integrity of the van, especially when you are gluing something back in like the gas box or the water heater
Awesome job again mate. So if it’s vented t through the floor. What’s stopping you from just building an airtight box in the van and venting the same way? Only asking as that’s what I’m going to do. Is it a legality thing here? Cheers mate
I know that in most states in Australia, the gas box must not be able to be opened from inside the van. I have seen people make it so the door for the box is right up against the rear door so that it can only be opened from the outside
Yeah right. Well, thanks again ☺️ appreciate the reply
A
Re you happy with the instant hot water system you have chosen? Does it deliver?
Thanks
Yes and yes,
How's aluminum roof rack holding up?
Great, not a problem so far, i have been driving around with it now for 6 months and its holding up well. On highway speeds i cannot even hear any wind noise which i was expecting to so i'm very pleased
@@SALTYVANVENTURES Awesome! I like your setup it looks cleaner than my rack using Unistrut for 4 solar panels.
What is you experience with the heater in the winter?
Works great! Heats up the van in minutes!
Will be starting my ford transit van build soon and tossing up a few things - how long does a bottle of gas last you for your hot water and cooking?
Lasts us about a month. The hot water uses barely any compared to cooking just by pure time being used
@@SALTYVANVENTURES Thanks mate, super helpful
Were did you get your gas bottle holder from.
I simply just cut out some plywood and used a tie down strap to hold in in position.
Hi, I have installed the same hot water system as you have. Do you have any advice on getting in started running it as I can get the water to drawer through the hot water pipes? I assume I need to get water in the pipes and then it will trigger the pump to start (it’s fine pumping cold pipes but not hot)
Thanks and love your work!
Once connecting the water pump, gas and power for the control unit you should be set to got. Have you also checked, I think there is an on/off switch inside the box that needs to be turned on too.
@@SALTYVANVENTURES Thanks. I finally worked it out with a bit of trial and error. I put in a one way valve the wrong way round. All fixed and lovely hot water now :)
Thanks mate sos had a male look
No problem 👍
You installed the Camec hot water heater…I’ve been contemplating getting
One myself but the reviews aren’t that great.
How has your system done for you any issue at with yours
I actually installed the Girard instant hot water unit not the Camec unit. No complaints thus far
Hey! I am thinking of getting the same water heater, what is your review of it so far? Would you recommend it? 😊
The water heater itself has been great, No problems. The door for the heater though has started to show some surface rust which is a bit disappointing for a product not that old. We do live at the beach though.
Hi Marcel, are you using gas for cooking too? I am looking at the Girrard hot water as well as a gas cooktop and a bit worried that 4kg gas bottle won't last long. Can you carry a spare bottle in the van or does it have to be in the gas box as well in Aus? Thanks mate, Steve
Yes we have installed a Thetford 3 burner gas stove and oven as well as the gas water heater. From our last van where we used gas to cook every day, out of a 4kg bottle we got about a months use before we needed to fill it up. With a gas heater thrown in I'm expecting to get about 3 weeks or so. The gas hot water won't use too much as it's only on for a short period as you don't have an endless water supply anyway and shower are short and sweet. As for storing the additional bottle out of a specific box, I'm not 100% sure of the legality but I would want to avoid it. The company that this gas box came from makes a double 4.5kg boxes for some models that you can look at installing.
I checked with a gas bloke , all bottles have to be in a box. I did look at that diyrv company a while back for a shower enclosure, not cheap!! The gas boxes do look quite good though........I might leave enough space for an oven at a later date, anything that's specifically rv/caravan related seems to triple in price from the 'normal' product price unfortunately. I thought I was prepared for the cost of a build out!! :) @@SALTYVANVENTURES
@@makeoverseas1369 Yes you will find anythign related to caravans and RV triple price which can really rack the price of a build up. There are many ways to save back some money though buy buying non RV specific items that do that same thing. Ebay is a great place to get items at a great discount
Would this void the warranty on a new van do you think?
Honestly I'm not sure. I bought this van second hand with no Warranty. Best to ask the dealership or the manufacturer.
Great video, love your work, however….. there is no way in this wide world I would cut through structural bracing to instal gas boxes and hot water systems. Also you’re wrong about the gas box having to vent to the outside only. It has to be gas tight and have a dropout vent in the base but it can legally be completely internal.
It can only be installed internally if you cannot access the bottle from inside. I have seen others install a gas box flush with rear barn doors so it is only possible to access the bottle from the outside still.