Changing a thermostat on a VW T4 Transporter 2.4D
Following on from replacing the radiator fan switch, I next turned my attention to the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the water temperature in the engine. When the engine is cold, the thermostat blocks cooled water from entering the engine and just allows the water to circulate around the engine - allowing it to warm up quicker. As soon as the water warms up (usually around 88 degrees Celsius), the thermostat opens, and allows cooled water to flow from the radiator into the engine. A faulty thermostat will mean the water runs hot if it's stuck closed, or cold if stuck…
Fitting the roof vent – Vauxhall Movano Camper Van Conversion
So I was hoping to write a blog post about how easy it was to install a roof light in my self build campervan, but instead I will be writing about the problems I encountered. Looking online, a lot of people said they fitted a roof vent to their vans in about 3 hours. For me, that should read nearly 3 days. You see, the company which used to own the van let their work guys walk all over the roof of the van, and this has stretched the strengthening "ridges" in the metal and left me with a floppy…
Stickerbomb your T4 Transporter!
Ok, first up, I cheated! Yes I know I should have collected the stickers and added them over the course of time, but instead I bought a pre-printed vinyl sheet from eBay and "sticker bombed" my interior the lazy way. Having said that, it has come out great, and added a nice bit of colour to the otherwise dull grey/black carpet in the back of the van. So the first thing I sticker bombed was the doors to the kitchen unit. To do this I took the doors off the unit and applied the sheet in the garage. I cut…
Using 2 stroke oil in your diesel VW Transporter
I have noticed some debate online about adding 2 stroke oil to diesel fuel. By adding a small amount of 2 stoke in around a 300:1 ratio, users are reporting a much smoother, quieter engine, and with less smoke from the exhaust. Modern diesel fuel sold in the UK is ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD), and sulphur was traditionally used to help lubricate the injection pump and injectors on a diesel engine. With ULSD, the thinking is by adding 2 stroke to the diesel, you are giving back the lubrication to the fuel whilst also have a cleaning effect on…
Building a camper interior in a VW T4 Transporter
With the floor laid in the back of the van, my attention over the past few weeks has turned to building the inside of the van into a comfortable camper. It wasn't as straight forward as a normal camper would be, as I had to accommodate climbing equipment that I will be wanting to carry. Chief amongst the problems was were to store the bouldering mats. I have 2 bouldering mats, which are used to cushion falls when rock climbing at low level (around 4metres or less). They are approx, 1 metre in width, 1.4 metres in length and 10cm…
Vanlife: How to change over the gas bottles
So the time was going to come when I run out of gas. And that time was when I was trying to make a cup of tea whilst the wind and drizzle battered the side of the van. So what better time to make a video about changing over the gas bottles, even if it meant me getting cold and wet! Luckily, when I bought the van it with 2 full bottles of gas - this was back in June 2015. It was now December so the bottle of gas lasted me well. Admittedly my gas use was much lower…
Fitting all terrain tyres to a VW T4 Transporter
As you may have spotted in some previous posts, I have changed the suspension, wheels and tyres on the van for something a little chunkier. I must admit it was a tough decision to make, as I really like the lowered look with 18 inch alloys, its part of the reason I bought it after all. But now, about 2 months into ownership of the T4 van, it was starting to dawn on me that the lowered look and alloys are not the best choice for the way I use the van. You see, I spend a lot of time…
Installing a split charge kit in a VW T4 Transporter
Having completed the camper interior of the van, it was time to hook up a second battery to provide power in the back of the van. To install a second battery, or leisure battery as it is commonly called, you need to wire it in with a split charge kit. This is how I went about fitting it in my VW T4 van. What is a split charge kit? A split charge kit consists of a special relay that joins both batteries together (the main starter battery and leisure battery) when the ignition is on and the engine running. This…
Fridge Installation: Dometic Coolfreeze CDF-18
It was time to bite the bullet, the fifty quid coolbox from Halfords was not longer going to cut it anymore, it was just too power hungry on the leisure battery - and it wasn't chilling my cider enough! So I summoned up the courage and parted with 400 quid for a 12 volt compressor fridge by Dometic! Dometic make various sizes of their Coolfreeze fridges, but I went for one of the smaller sizes so I could fit it under my seat. I wanted a portable fridge so I can take it out the van if need be, and…
How to install a hammock in a campervan
Ive been wanting to install a hammock in the van for some time, but never got around to doing it. But now I have, and here is how I did it! Firstly, you are going to want to install the eye bolts into the main body structure of the van. Its got to be solid, there's no point in installing it into your wood cladding - it just wont be strong enough to take the weight of a person. The last thing you want is the hammock pulling out the eye bolts, and you come crashing to the floor! Choosing…
