1 Critical Camper Van Conversion MISTAKE to Avoid

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 120

  • @BigVanSmallWorld
    @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @GerhardVanwyk-z1f
    @GerhardVanwyk-z1f หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Yes I think Ian is right. If the belt is worn like that, it might be the tensioner bearing putting stress on the belt

  • @kevinhartle4494
    @kevinhartle4494 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh interesting that thank you 🫶🤓👍

  • @barrymcmahon469
    @barrymcmahon469 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Adventwore
    @Adventwore หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    If you connect an obd diagnostic scanner you can maybe check the alternator data, it will show how many amp is being pulled.

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Oh really that’s a great idea 🫶🍻👍

  • @pbsm4127
    @pbsm4127 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    Take a picture... 😊😊😊

    • @theonlywoody2shoes
      @theonlywoody2shoes หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Or he could even video it, and put it on TH-cam for safe keeping 🤣🤣🤣

  • @jimnyjolly278
    @jimnyjolly278 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

  • @ianwheeler7903
    @ianwheeler7903 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

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

  • @TheAdenau
    @TheAdenau หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Great point! My friend thank you 🫶🤓👍

  • @michaelskillington9298
    @michaelskillington9298 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @peterince5394
    @peterince5394 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @peterburgess4637
      @peterburgess4637 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @ianbambury3717
    @ianbambury3717 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @danielcliff2070
    @danielcliff2070 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @dieselbushcraft1299
    @dieselbushcraft1299 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @NuttersInCyprus
    @NuttersInCyprus หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Chaz.c
    @Chaz.c หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @stevenwilcox3061
    @stevenwilcox3061 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @stevenwilcox3061
      @stevenwilcox3061 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @nonlostsouls
    @nonlostsouls หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great advice thanks Mel.. 😊 🙏

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're so welcome!😉 🫶🤓👍💕

  • @bazzahead7282
    @bazzahead7282 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The are so good a this Mel ! 👍

  • @DaveTheDasher77
    @DaveTheDasher77 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957
    @richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh yeah that’s true I remember now 🫶👍

  • @WhipperdeetsAdventures
    @WhipperdeetsAdventures หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @WhipperdeetsAdventures
      @WhipperdeetsAdventures หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @RoaminRob
    @RoaminRob หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @Dave.london
    @Dave.london หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @colinmackenzie6644
    @colinmackenzie6644 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @carlsadventures2361
    @carlsadventures2361 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @zenzen9131
    @zenzen9131 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Can Mel fix it ? Yes he can !

  • @livingthedreambuildingthedream
    @livingthedreambuildingthedream หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @chrismajor2501
    @chrismajor2501 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      That’s a good call my friend thank you 🙏

  • @martinph9052
    @martinph9052 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @beaulunaedvantures
    @beaulunaedvantures หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Mel great video. I just wanted to say that this videos had 10k views and you have 1k likes for it! That’s 10% which is incredible! I have a couple of channels and look at getting 1% likes 🤣🤣

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh thank you for the encouragement really appreciate it good luck with your channel it’s not easy but worth it in the end 🫶👍

  • @curnock
    @curnock หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

  • @jsimes1
    @jsimes1 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @DA11NOON
    @DA11NOON หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great vlog 👍 thanks Mel 👌

  • @robertanderson2142
    @robertanderson2142 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    a higher charge altinator mel

  • @peterstama3465
    @peterstama3465 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @SingletrackScene
    @SingletrackScene หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah wasn’t fun at all 🤓👍

  • @Flossy_tops
    @Flossy_tops หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @peterince5394
      @peterince5394 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @Flossy_tops
      @Flossy_tops หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @markmcsharr8777
    @markmcsharr8777 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @truth3358
    @truth3358 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @truth3358
      @truth3358 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@BigVanSmallWorldi feel for ye

  •  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @jamiemurphy3404
    @jamiemurphy3404 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Not the alternator old worn belt

  • @Cheekymonkey1
    @Cheekymonkey1 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Prestigeandclassic
    @Prestigeandclassic หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Has your van got a smart alternator ?

  • @barrymcmahon469
    @barrymcmahon469 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @barrymcmahon469
      @barrymcmahon469 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @Motrus01
    @Motrus01 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

  • @bjarnepost5913
    @bjarnepost5913 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hav yesteday Tandrem og vaterpump and div.skiftet. 😂

  • @monaghanpete
    @monaghanpete หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @travelingchalksworld5138
    @travelingchalksworld5138 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204
    @anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 หลายเดือนก่อน

    great vlog on channel

  • @Antonymorris1.6
    @Antonymorris1.6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Oh no it couid been alot worse .ty god

  • @10niksdad
    @10niksdad หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🖕

  • @maxwest720
    @maxwest720 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @lemdixon01
    @lemdixon01 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Sound like you have a good mate there 👍

    • @lemdixon01
      @lemdixon01 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @peterince5394
    @peterince5394 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    th-cam.com/video/jgoIocPgOug/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HzHXIPFm1-RItOKQ
    This is the Victron overheating alternator video

  • @patrickvanreeth7355
    @patrickvanreeth7355 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @Crypto-Live
    @Crypto-Live หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @timstradling7764
      @timstradling7764 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @Crypto-Live
      @Crypto-Live หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @Crypto-Live
      @Crypto-Live หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @stum8374
    @stum8374 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @BigVanSmallWorld
      @BigVanSmallWorld  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @mickmorgan5104
    @mickmorgan5104 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

  • @bjarnepost5913
    @bjarnepost5913 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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