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rv:build:cardboard [2021/06/07 21:36]
frater_secessus [power in the "van"]
rv:build:cardboard [2023/10/19 14:47] (current)
frater_secessus [power in the "van"]
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 Cardboard Aided Design((a play on Computer Aided Design, or CAD)) is a method to **model a van's living space**((cargo area)) at actual scale.  It is a mock-up you can stand in, sit in, //live// in.  it does not require one to actually own a van yet.  The area is marked off and actual objects or cardboard mock-ups are moved into the space.  Cardboard Aided Design((a play on Computer Aided Design, or CAD)) is a method to **model a van's living space**((cargo area)) at actual scale.  It is a mock-up you can stand in, sit in, //live// in.  it does not require one to actually own a van yet.  The area is marked off and actual objects or cardboard mock-ups are moved into the space. 
  
-A similar scale model idea is expressed by lennyflank when he, perhaps jokingly, advises mildly interested newcomers to "live in your bathroom for a month."+A similar scale model idea is expressed by lennyflank when he, only half-jokingly, advises mildly interested newcomers to "live in your bathroom for a month, but without using the toilet, running water, or grid power."
  
  
 ===== defining the space ===== ===== defining the space =====
-{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GBchGYUfL._AC_UL320_ML3_.jpg?75}}The first step is to mock up the van's cargo area((your new home!)) on the floor using [[https://amzn.to/2FJobhE|painter's tape]] or other non-permanent method.  The tape will prevent cheating and wishful thinking about what will actually fit in the space -- the  tape edge is the steel walls of your van.+{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GBchGYUfL._AC_UL320_ML3_.jpg?75}}The first step is to mock up the van's cargo area((your new home!)) on the floor using [[https://amzn.to/2FJobhE|painter's tape]] or other non-permanent method.  The tape will prevent cheating and wishful thinking about what will actually fit in the space -- the  tape edge is the steel walls of your van.  Mark the cab pass-through, side door[s], and rear doors as applicable and only enter the space through them; no cheating!
  
 **Full size cargo vans** usually have living spaces ~10ft for regular wheel base(("RWB")) and ~12ft for long wheel base(("LWB")).  Extended body vans can be even longer.  The cargo area is typically ~6ft wide.   **Full size cargo vans** usually have living spaces ~10ft for regular wheel base(("RWB")) and ~12ft for long wheel base(("LWB")).  Extended body vans can be even longer.  The cargo area is typically ~6ft wide.  
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   * put a Home Depot bucket in there -- it will either model the toilet or [[toilet:bucket|be the toilet]] later on  :-)   * put a Home Depot bucket in there -- it will either model the toilet or [[toilet:bucket|be the toilet]] later on  :-)
   * stack your actual rubbermaid bins (food, clothes, cooking gear, hygiene, etc)) or other storage in place.  Label them.  Start putting your stuff in there.     * stack your actual rubbermaid bins (food, clothes, cooking gear, hygiene, etc)) or other storage in place.  Label them.  Start putting your stuff in there.  
-  * use cardboard boxes((of the appropriate shape and size)) to represent any medium or large objects you don't have yet:  [[food:refrigeration|fridge]], [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery bank]], [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controllers]], [[water:start|water jugs]], etc.   Use a marker and write "fresh water jug" or other apprpri+  * use cardboard boxes((of the appropriate shape and size)) to represent any medium or large objects you don't have yet:  [[food:refrigeration|fridge]], [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery bank]], [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controllers]], [[water:start|water jugs]], etc.   Use a marker and write "fresh water jug" or other apprpriate label.  Things like fridges and cabinets have doors that open and need clearance.  
   * sawhorses can hold up galley surfaces, bed decks,  or other horizontal spaces.  Later during the build you can use the horses for their actual carpentry purposes.    * sawhorses can hold up galley surfaces, bed decks,  or other horizontal spaces.  Later during the build you can use the horses for their actual carpentry purposes. 
  
 ===== power in the "van" =====  ===== power in the "van" ===== 
  
-[[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FOAk4UA5L._AC_UL320_.jpg?75}}]] 
-If you are going to run 120vac ([[electrical:inverter|inverter]]) loads, get a power strip and plug it into [[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|a kill-a-watt meter]].  Note what every device draws, and how much power you consume every 24hrs.  Add 10%-20% for inverter losses, depending on which inverter you buy.  
  
-For 12v loads, get your bank set up and charge it only in the daytime.  At night it gets drawn down just like in a real van when the sun goes down and the solar stops working.  +For 12v loads, get your bank set up and charge it only in the daytime.  At night it gets drawn down just like in a real van when the sun goes down and the solar stops working.  [[electrical:12v:battery_monitor|A battery monitor]] will be helpful. 
 + 
 +[[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FOAk4UA5L._AC_UL320_.jpg?75}}]] 
 +If you are going to run 120vac ([[electrical:inverter|inverter]]) loads, get a power strip and plug it into [[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|a kill-a-watt meter]].  Note what every device draws, and how much power you consume every 24hrs.  Add 10%-20% for inverter losses, depending on which inverter you buy. For added accuracy actually run all your 120vac loads off the inverter from your bank.  
  
  
rv/build/cardboard.1623116200.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/06/07 21:36 by frater_secessus