Its taken a lot longer than I thought it would (which is kinda normal for "big" projects everywhere :) ), but the truck is now "good enough to go"...
All critical systems are installed and working and ready to go. The last two big installs were the Air-Conditioning system for the habitation unit (as distinct from the truck cab), and building and installing a good rear bumper and winch system... But there have been lots of other things done over the last year too... see the big list below.
Rear bumper and 5 tonne winch
Kitchen cabinets completed
Kitchen with coffee machine pull-out and AC vents above
External AirCon mounted ahead of hab' over the cab (so the truck isnt made any taller than necessary)
I guess the biggest learning from the project so far is that I now know why these "overland truck rigs" cost so damn much if you want to buy one from a outfitter or commercial producer (usually $250K or more)... It simply because there is so much time involved in putting all the systems together... Yes, the equipment and components do end up costing a lot too, but its the TIME spent putting it all together that really costs.
Anyway, Ive been having a great time working out all the issues and putting it all together for the past couple of years and now, its more or less "Ready".
The last time I took it out for a shake-down run was last summer in September, and since then Ive been working solidly on it any chance I get, with allowances for generally living a life in the mean time as well... and Vancouver winters are not very conducive to working outside too.
But, all that other stuff aside, I think I did pretty well to get stuff done, and none too soon, as Im tking it out for another week long shakedown trip into south-central BC.
The big list of tasks that has been completed since last update is:
Done:
fix steering damper mounts
build hw tank support frame
truck ac fix/fill
rear view mirror mount fix
rear view camera reverse wire add
fix faulty light switch
install shower window x
new whiskers make n fit
fix table locking position
install maxxfan x
roof-rack handles fit x
entry ladder build n fit
cab lift lock mechanism adjust
get garage sled plywood x
build garage sled
install garage sled
extendable pole xx
engine kill switch install x
wash brush x
install laptop mount x
arrange n adjust drawers
fridge n pass-though ledge padding x
water line support channels
kapton tape on awning lights x
grey tank valve n wire n switch install
mud screens mounts build n paint
mud screens fit x
test hydronic heater x
solar water tank piping install
cut n paint drawer faces
cut n fit under seat box panels
fit switch panel cutouts
build hydronic heater mount n box
fit cabinet shelf panels n bases
mount hydronic coolant tank
seat back clothes hangers
remove diesel air heater
fit drawer locks n pulls
install hydronic heater
build n mount heater rad/fan
build pantry v-drawers x
plumb in hydronic system
shower caddy x
buy AC x
connect power to hydronic
prime n test hydronic system
wall hooks x
finish hydronic install
weld exhaust leak
build AC mount frame
build AC duct
build pantry n install v-shelves
build doorway caddy panel
install doorway caddy panel
weld stair feet locks
build n instal kitchen side wall
cut fit pantry face panels
build kitchen oh cab. 13+8h=34*21"* 12"d
build n install coffee nook
instal koh cabinet
instal hab' door hand rail
koh cabinet tiled side panel
install backsplash tile
heater/plumbing cabinet access panel
under shower access panel
add broader ladder steps
extend bed shelves n add fences
install coffee machine
trim hab door screen tabs
install cab cup holders x
build final drawer height extension
paint pantry face panels x7
install cab door hand grips
edges and tiles for koh panel
build cab window vents
install hab' door hand grips
water tank front panel
kick boards under stove
coffee hutch drawer build n install
build n fit koh cabinet doors
get spare bearings set
build electrical/fuse board
clean up n secure wire routing
run 3x cables to AC area (12,12,50)
fix hab heater fans wiring
mount 12-48 charger
label hab wiring n fuses
clean shower wall corners
paint n install shower mirror
mount vacuum
mount fire extinguisher
install shower light
install garage light
cut n install shower shelf tile x
build garage sled railing 25.75, 24, 18
secure toilet
clothes cabinet dividers 11*12
repair rear hatch door
repair rear sled mounts
install AirCon mount n duct
install AirCon on duct
build over window cabinet 12.25*37*7.5
buy rear 12k winch X
install wiring n test AirCon
install over window cabinet
install starlink
test starlink
wire in starlink switch
fix cab shovel and tank mounts
install cab roof grab
build AC interior vent box
remove rear bumper
install rear winch cradle
build n install new rear bumper
reposition rear lights n plate
wire n test rear winch
install sled on new slides X
fan n 12v socket wiring in seats
extend solar panel wires
install sled safety lock system
new bed ventilation underlay
seal front fender joints
wire exterior 12v takeoff lugs
wire n test 12-48v charger n breaker
repair awning wiring
fit oh cabinet hinges n door
seat back bolsters
wire rear plate light
build n fit covers for rear winch
auxiliary counter build
And the now significantly smaller list of things that remains to be done is:
To Do:
passthrough curtain n hanger rail
build cutting board rack in kitchen
build garage shelf
hang garage tools
change spotlight wiring to HBeam activated
install cab window security film x
get cab window blinds
caulk shower walls - silicon
clothes racks n mounts in shower x
install cab door remote locks x
shower privacy curtain
install bed oh reading lights n usb ports
install dinette floor heating wire
install auxiliary underbody diesel tank (20gal) x
dust proof boxes
build fluids cradle
build compressor case stand
install compressor tank
build torque multiplier box
build spare brake shoes box
build spare bearings n tie rods box
hang towbar plates on rear bumper
weld n paint towbar to side plates
wire towbar electrics
water tank fill gauge?
exterior usb n 12v n 120v points
exterior water outlet
box locks - electric?
get garmin screen for driver
diff vents install
diff protector weld
build rear lift deck
install rear lift deck
Add underbody reserve water tank (SS keg)
