Eberspacher and central locking

I had the Eberspacher D2 heater fitted a few weeks ago and its fab. My only gripe is that even though it is fitted under the chassis, beneath the drivers seat, you can still hear the pump 'ticking'. But it's a small cost for toasty warmth.

I ask the fitters (Derby Auto Electrics) to leave the hot air vent dangling out the back of the drivers seat so I could build a shelf in which to mount the vent. I did this today at the same time I fixed the central locking fault which affects loads of T5s. The T4 Forum has a great thread on this.

Anyway, as the driver's seat was out I built a small shelf between the fridge and drivers seat.

Photo (left) shows it looking back with the driver's seat out. You can also see my 'fix' of the central locking cable. It is the cable wrepped in the shiny black insulation tape just where the two air vents come through the floor.

The second photo shows the vent as you look through the side door. The shelf will be used to store one of the tables, plus trays etc.

The veneer chipped off the wood a little bit so its not perfect, but generally I am happy with it.

I'd always balked at the price people were charging to install the electrics in vans, but after spending 2 solid days doing this very thing, with my step dad, I can appreciate why now. Even more so when you have narrow cupboards to contend with.

Saying all that everything is now up and running exactly as we planned. The charger/distribution unit, inverter and double socket and hidden at the bottom of the wardrobe behind a little access door, along with my hook up cable.

Quite a bit of the electric equipment came off display boards from boat shows, via ebay. I saved about 80% on RRP this way, and being suitable for marine applications, means its more than suitable for the van. The splash proof switch may be a bit excessive (although the kids do make a mess at breakfast) but I have to say alot of the switches on offer aren't very aesthetic. I like the design of ours.

The two cigar lighter sockets were in the van when I bought it, so they get re-used. The switch was from Wilko's!

I think my favourite thing is the battery monitor. It tells you what % the battery is charged at, and also how many amps its using, or if its charging then at what rate. At the moment only the leisure battery is connected, but I'll add the starter battery too. The monitor sits above the fridge so you can open the slide door and check capacity

I've put the switch for the main lights beside the sliding door on the left. This means I can tuck my hand in to the left and switch it on when coming into the van, and at night its within reach, without having to move when in bed.
I 've put 4 LEDs in the roof and another into the pop top, which can only be switched on if the main switch panel is one. This stops the kids turning the light on unless we want them too - ahh the power!

I will soon add a light over the worktop, which can also be used for ambient lighting in the evening.