Monday 26 June 2023

hooking up Propex to 907 bottle and Portable hob/grill unit.

Let the faff on beginπŸ˜‚
907 LPG bottle installed into cabinet next to Propex heater. LPG pipe fitted with quick release unit. 
Turned on LPG plenty of air no LPG! Quick release checked ok, tried without the quick release and got LPG! Put it back nope! After a bit of fiddling it worked guess the quick release was just a bit sticky! 
Short run to Propex put propex on no fire up, fan only, was a hot day so maybe not cold enough for thermostat?? Let it run cold air whilst I fitted up the hose for the grill n hob unit. 
Turned off/ on still no ignition! Checked to make sure I'd fitted the quick release the right way around yep! Checked a free hose definitely getting LPG thru from cyclinder!
Did the propex restart shenanigans ( turn dial between off, on, heat and back 3 X, about a second or so between clicks.) Worked, all working! Let it run for a few minutes, turned it off waited again, then back on ! Successful!
Another job done.
Just need to add LPG pipe and quick release to the portable grill n hobs. 
And fit a couple of battons and a strap to secure the 907 bottle! 
And we're functioning!

Meanwhile I've got a motorcycle to get reacquainted with! πŸ˜‚

Boxing in rear units nearly finished

The new lightweight floor units, have been a pain to complete due to hassles with provider. Finally sorted and fitted. 
Decided to butt fit to the wheel arches and the fit end panel to tidy up. This gives us extra storage behind them. 
We've paired everything down to what we actually need. 
Kept the propex heater.
Removed the underslung LPG tank it is becoming increasingly difficult to find garages that have LPG filling points. I'm guessing it's around the increase in electric vehicles. So will use a 907 LPG bottle, refillable and still easy to source. We've never used the camper in the winter and only use the propex for 5-10 mins on a morning! 
Idea is to fit LPG hoose with a quick release system so we can switch the bottle between the portable camping double stove n grill and the propex, along with be able to cook outdoors weather permitting, best of all worlds from our point of view.
The 2 base units storage at back allows the table, table leg, portable stove to be stored behind them, with easy access. 
The wall unit will have our clothes etc in keeping high weight to a minimum. 
We also have storage under the RIB Seats. 
The freezer box is 12v/240v and have fitted a usb, cigar socket on side of floor unit to be used whilst traveling to keep stuff cool. Along with mains when in hookup. 
100 watt solar panel is wired to Victron MPPT 75/15 with main and leisure batteries wired in parallel. The T6 main battery cannot be left off charge for more than a week because of the " new tech" in engine etc. Regen brakes, smart alternator, and various computers that monitor all in sundry! 
Wiring batteries in parallel allows the Victron MPPT to charge as one. I've been experimenting with connecting and disconnecting liesure battery from main battery when traveling. No problems have been found. So both batteries are wired in series permanently.
The Victron can be adjusted/ monitored via Bluetooth app. As the smart alternator throws a lot of volts to battery on startup 15v+ I've lowered cutoff to 14v on the MPPT. 
Minor bonus is the regen braking will now help both batteries. 

Not been able to use the camper for several months both batteries are in very good condition. Whereas previously main battery having to keep all the electronics going had gone flat! As said monitored by the Victron MPPT I can monitor from the house! 

So just a few small adjustments in the van and all is ready for the road.
No thanks to the idiot suppliers of the floor units who couldn't be arsed to supply me with the missing panels! Cost them £250 in the end via chargeback! Instead of £20,! πŸ™„