Jim’s VW Camper Project
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jims-terrano
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Just search “CTEK D250SE” on eBay or Amazon and it’ll come up. Don’t get me wrong this is an awesome kit and also has a solar panel input but due to my T6 having a smart alternator I needed this type of gadget due to variations of charge rates amd voltages from the alternator.
For a terrano you can buy a split charge kit for £50 that will do a great job.
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I've looked at various kits on the simply split charge website and found this kit for 240 quid.
I want a decent 12 volt system with solar input for off grid use when wild camping.
Plenty of cheaper versions but ctek are a top quality product.
I want a decent 12 volt system with solar input for off grid use when wild camping.
Plenty of cheaper versions but ctek are a top quality product.
jims-terrano
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They are mate, no doubt CTEK are used by a lot of van conversion companies as well as a lot of the Australian over lands too. I bought mine as a complate kit not just the controller so paid a little more but worth it I think. You can buy all kinds of addons too such as a Bluetooth monitor so you can keep an eye on the batteries via an app on your phone.
jims-terrano
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Progress!
Right guys, I haven’t been too great of late so had some time on my hands now the storms have dispersed.
So I have had a little stick from someone about the windows and fitting them. Decided an opportunity to prove them wrong. The openings for the windows are actually easy to know where the cut outs should be as the inner skins are actually cut out already. First job was to mask off the area with masking tape and the sections on the outside that were vulnerable to marks from the jigsaw I covered in gaffer tape too. So cut the corners out with a hole saw as this creates a smoother cut. Then drilled a few small pilot holes along the straight edges and then used a straight edge to draw the lines between the corners. New Bosch jigsaw blades cut through the metal skin with no problem at all. A run round the edges to smooth and flatten off any nasty edges with the flapper disk.
Right guys, I haven’t been too great of late so had some time on my hands now the storms have dispersed.
So I have had a little stick from someone about the windows and fitting them. Decided an opportunity to prove them wrong. The openings for the windows are actually easy to know where the cut outs should be as the inner skins are actually cut out already. First job was to mask off the area with masking tape and the sections on the outside that were vulnerable to marks from the jigsaw I covered in gaffer tape too. So cut the corners out with a hole saw as this creates a smoother cut. Then drilled a few small pilot holes along the straight edges and then used a straight edge to draw the lines between the corners. New Bosch jigsaw blades cut through the metal skin with no problem at all. A run round the edges to smooth and flatten off any nasty edges with the flapper disk.
jims-terrano
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Forgot to add on previous page that I painted the edges of metal with hammerite to protect from rust and then fitted some rubber trim along the opening.
Despite having the tube of adhesive on a radiator for several hours it was very thick and the sealant gun only just coped, something different for the rest. So the first window is fitted and looking great. Got to admit the day after fitting I did mask up along the top and ran a bead of tigerseal just for belt n braces against leaks.
Despite having the tube of adhesive on a radiator for several hours it was very thick and the sealant gun only just coped, something different for the rest. So the first window is fitted and looking great. Got to admit the day after fitting I did mask up along the top and ran a bead of tigerseal just for belt n braces against leaks.
jims-terrano
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So only another three windows to fit, the rear quarter panel on the drivers side is not going to be cut out so just basically to continue the line of the windows.
So next on the list is to get the split charging sorted out. For now the battery Will be fitted underneath the drivers seat. Needed a ignition feed so was a bit worried about this and as VW do not give customers a key to what fuse does what, a little dodgy I think.
Any a little help from a Facebook group and was told that the centre column of fuses are ignition live. Found a spare slot and used a piggyback holder so that I didn’t interfere with vehicle wiring.
Will take more photo tomorrow. For now until the furniture pod is fitted the electrics are semi temporary if that makes sense as there will be a better place for them all later.
So next on the list is to get the split charging sorted out. For now the battery Will be fitted underneath the drivers seat. Needed a ignition feed so was a bit worried about this and as VW do not give customers a key to what fuse does what, a little dodgy I think.
Any a little help from a Facebook group and was told that the centre column of fuses are ignition live. Found a spare slot and used a piggyback holder so that I didn’t interfere with vehicle wiring.
Will take more photo tomorrow. For now until the furniture pod is fitted the electrics are semi temporary if that makes sense as there will be a better place for them all later.
jims-terrano
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Split Split Charge System
Well the wiring of my Ctek D250SE has started. I’m going to place the second battery under the drivers seat for now. This photo shows the connections to the vehicle battery in the engine bay. Most of the wiring came with the kit but I am adding isolation switches for each battery. I think it’s looking quite neat with the corrugated sheaving covering the wires. I have fitted a cable gland through the bulkhead but it’s so dark I didn’t see the point in taking a photo.
Well the wiring of my Ctek D250SE has started. I’m going to place the second battery under the drivers seat for now. This photo shows the connections to the vehicle battery in the engine bay. Most of the wiring came with the kit but I am adding isolation switches for each battery. I think it’s looking quite neat with the corrugated sheaving covering the wires. I have fitted a cable gland through the bulkhead but it’s so dark I didn’t see the point in taking a photo.
jims-terrano
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Have been rained off for today so will see how it goes tomorrow. Interior is masked up now so just need to disconnect battery and cut the bulkhead brackets out but as I’ll need to go near the seatbelt tensioners got to wait for battery disconnect and no rain.
I have been thinking about changing the passenger double seat for a single whilst everything is out of the van. Very costly unless I can get a drivers seat from a left hand drive. I’m looking into getting a drivers seat and converting it. Will have to wait and see about that.
I have been thinking about changing the passenger double seat for a single whilst everything is out of the van. Very costly unless I can get a drivers seat from a left hand drive. I’m looking into getting a drivers seat and converting it. Will have to wait and see about that.
terranosaurusdoug
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Have you seen the rotating double seat bases Jim? Sweet piece of kit.
Have you done any more wiring?, I've just been looking at the CTEK D250SE, the replacement for the SA. Not sure what the differences are the SE is dual input for solar charging though!!
jims-terrano
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Hi Tdoug, yes seen the double seat swivels and it is tempting but i think the single seat is the way forward despite the expense.
To be honest I have no idea about those two models mate, I just thought it was a newer model. Appears to work fine but haven’t been doing much driving.
As for wiring, the little system I’d fitted temporarily has now been removed and the same with the mains electric kit. Reason being I’ve been carpet lining and fitting windows. There’s an update to come in the next few days.
terranosaurusdoug
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jims-terrano
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A sneaky peek just to please our Tdoug :thumbs
terranosaurusdoug
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so many holes :lolCheers mate :thumb2
macabethiel
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Unaccustomed as I am to van door widows.
Okay so why is there a teeny square window with a big black section in the door - it reminds me of those cash in transit type security vans ?
Brave man with the jigsaw cutting out - you must be well skilled to do that !
Okay so why is there a teeny square window with a big black section in the door - it reminds me of those cash in transit type security vans ?
Brave man with the jigsaw cutting out - you must be well skilled to do that !
jims-terrano
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The smaller section of the door window slides open so similar to the description you gave.
To be honest it would be difficult to get the hole wrong as the inner skin is shaped exactly where to cut. It is easier and leaves a better finish using a hole saw at each corner.
To be honest it would be difficult to get the hole wrong as the inner skin is shaped exactly where to cut. It is easier and leaves a better finish using a hole saw at each corner.
macabethiel
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Why cutting holes in vehicle can be scary !
Back in 1978 I worked for a Mitsubishi Main Dealer in Derby - at that time they were sold in the UK under the brand name of Colt. They were actually rebadged in the UK by the dealers for a number of reasons.
Mitsubishi had been imported under their own name back in the 1960's but there was no dealer network. Brand new Mitsubishi Cars were auctioned off at the docks where they found their way onto the forecourt of used car retailers. There was a Fina garage in Mickleover near Derby that had new Mitsubishi Cars for sale.
With a lack of spare parts the dock auctions stopped until Michael & Davis Orr formed Colt Car Company in 1974. The two Orr brothers had worked for the company that imported & distributed BMW's but that situation changed when BMW Germany took over the UK import franchise themselves. A move followed by Mercedes that used to be imported I think by by Thomas Tilling Group (that might have been Audi?).
In 1978 few cars were sold with sun roof options so some windscreen replacement companies and local Coach Trimmers started fitting aftermarket Glass Sunroofs. They did not wind back but mostly you could either tilt it open from the back or removes the glass panel much like a modern T bar. Retailing at £75-£120 fitted they were quite popular as were Vinyl Roofs.
The owner of the dealership where I worked ran a Colt Sigma 2000 GLX demonstrator & he wanted our local Coach Trimmers - the late Stan Chilton nicknamed as Stan Stan the Vinyl man to fit twin sun roofs. Stan knew his stuff and told my Boss that it was not something he would do as it would cut through too many reinforcing stays in the roof.
A few weeks later my Boss decided he would do the job himself so on a Saturday he set about cutting two holes in the roof but instead of going for front & rear sun roof both would be mounted side ways above the front seats to keep the centre brace from front to back in place.
Anyway he cut out the two holes - fitted the glass sun roof panel & it looked okay but as the hinges were at the side it made a lot of wind noise when they were opened - it was much quieter when both panels were removed & put in the boot. He sold it within a few weeks as it looked good especially from the inside.
All was well until the customer kept bringing the car back as it was leaking water when it rained as the glass contours did not match the roof. We ended up fitting a "free" Vinyl Roof to hide the roof contour issue. Eventually we had the car back and sold him a similar vehicle with just the one roof - fitted by Stan. We sold the twin roof motor at Auctions down south the get rid of the problem!
As an aside when the roof on our SL needed replacement due to cracking of the rear screen Stan got a darkish green hood from the USA and fitted it for me about 14 years ago, Photo below shows the unusual green hood.
SL with Green Hood by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr
Back in 1978 I worked for a Mitsubishi Main Dealer in Derby - at that time they were sold in the UK under the brand name of Colt. They were actually rebadged in the UK by the dealers for a number of reasons.
Mitsubishi had been imported under their own name back in the 1960's but there was no dealer network. Brand new Mitsubishi Cars were auctioned off at the docks where they found their way onto the forecourt of used car retailers. There was a Fina garage in Mickleover near Derby that had new Mitsubishi Cars for sale.
With a lack of spare parts the dock auctions stopped until Michael & Davis Orr formed Colt Car Company in 1974. The two Orr brothers had worked for the company that imported & distributed BMW's but that situation changed when BMW Germany took over the UK import franchise themselves. A move followed by Mercedes that used to be imported I think by by Thomas Tilling Group (that might have been Audi?).
In 1978 few cars were sold with sun roof options so some windscreen replacement companies and local Coach Trimmers started fitting aftermarket Glass Sunroofs. They did not wind back but mostly you could either tilt it open from the back or removes the glass panel much like a modern T bar. Retailing at £75-£120 fitted they were quite popular as were Vinyl Roofs.
The owner of the dealership where I worked ran a Colt Sigma 2000 GLX demonstrator & he wanted our local Coach Trimmers - the late Stan Chilton nicknamed as Stan Stan the Vinyl man to fit twin sun roofs. Stan knew his stuff and told my Boss that it was not something he would do as it would cut through too many reinforcing stays in the roof.
A few weeks later my Boss decided he would do the job himself so on a Saturday he set about cutting two holes in the roof but instead of going for front & rear sun roof both would be mounted side ways above the front seats to keep the centre brace from front to back in place.
Anyway he cut out the two holes - fitted the glass sun roof panel & it looked okay but as the hinges were at the side it made a lot of wind noise when they were opened - it was much quieter when both panels were removed & put in the boot. He sold it within a few weeks as it looked good especially from the inside.
All was well until the customer kept bringing the car back as it was leaking water when it rained as the glass contours did not match the roof. We ended up fitting a "free" Vinyl Roof to hide the roof contour issue. Eventually we had the car back and sold him a similar vehicle with just the one roof - fitted by Stan. We sold the twin roof motor at Auctions down south the get rid of the problem!
As an aside when the roof on our SL needed replacement due to cracking of the rear screen Stan got a darkish green hood from the USA and fitted it for me about 14 years ago, Photo below shows the unusual green hood.
SL with Green Hood by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr
