Dave's 2013 17.56-2 OB

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
I there folks.
New here, but I have lurking for a long time gaining helpful info, plus some nice folk else where steered me here when I asked about their Expandas.
Here is our Expanda. It is a 2013 model with simplicity load sharing independent suspension, a very impressive set up underneath.
The extras it has apart from standard are.

.Longer Draw bar
.Simplicity offroad independent load sharing suspension
.ESC, Electronic Stability Control
.Strengthened rear bar with bike rack for 3 bikes.
.Bed Ends have the privacy screens, and storm covers also.
.Each bed has 12 volt power, reading lights. Fans for the fold out beds.
.The main lights have a night light mode.
.TV with DVD player, windguard areial and booster. Stero that plays USB.
.Hyland Coupling
.Drifter Panel.
.2x 120 watt panels, 30 amp controller.
.2 x 105 amp hr batteries
.Outside power, 12 and 240
.Slumberest beds
.BBQ connection

A custom tool box up front, bit of an unusual shape to it, I think I'll be changing it.
Now for some pics.
1st up here she is behind my ol faithful 1999 HZJ 105 poverty pac which is an ongoing project... endless one might say.
33444359956_9e05d587b6_b.jpg

Now on the front drive where it fits, just.
33329590122_a469a9ca42_b.jpg

Here is is with the storm covers, not the best pic, but sure you get the set up.
32646275114_58f89e36eb_o.jpg

Now a few inside

32646274694_f805da50f4_b.jpg

32646274954_7cbc8c01ac_o.jpg

Now underneath. Better ground clearance then the tug.

32710305973_ecd27862fd_b.jpg
There are a few changes I want to make, plus couple of things to repair.
More on this later.
Now, I am under the pump, got 8 days before I leave on a 17 day, 4,500 k's trip, possibly without a test run....
 

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
First job was move the 2nd battery to be below the rear of the front seats.
I don't understand why it is in the front section.
33396376401_a4334da6f7_b.jpg

Now in the new spot.

33367841892_f5376d2be0_b.jpg

Which gives space for more stuff.

33483902536_70bf34b90d_b.jpg

The 3 overhead lights had a intermittent fault where they would be dim.
Some checks lead me to this, must have been done by the work experience kid......

33417292901_0a1e48fb9e_b.jpg

33505156696_c4b5a6649f_b.jpg

33389135662_3b858cfca4_b.jpg

Which also lead me to this fine work where all the positives were connected together.

32702400634_4912fa3a8f_b.jpg

Well, at least I know what I am in for. Doubt Jayco would want me as a new van buyer.....
 

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
I fitted a Ctek 25 amp charger and disconnected the original by simply unplugging the 24 volt supply from the GPO.
The 2 x 120 watt panels up top work very well, via the 30 amp controller. I'll be fitting the power supply from an anderson plug to the batteries for charging when driving.

Another mod I'm in the middle of is the microwave.

33376303251_f4a3e9733d_b.jpg

I pulled it out.

33348373832_a477275738_b.jpg

And will convert this to a cupboard. To do this I'll use some melamine to cover the cables, and have got a cut piece from an original color matched jayco board that the local caravan repairer had in stock and a cabinet maker is putting some edge banding on. I hope to get it tomorrow and mount it all.....

Got a few more mods to go, including a big one.
 

bigcol

Well-Known Member
Nov 22, 2012
6,814
10,164
113
Swan Valley Perth
looking good mate, very nice

yes, it seems to be a never ending saga with Jayco and their electrical apprentice for as long as I have had Jayco's
they have got the "Plug and Pray" cabling sorted, its just the connections themselves that still suck balls
 
  • Like
Reactions: Colin Exley

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
I had a day of tinkering, adjusted the bed end top cover latches to make them close against the hatch seals more firmly.
Crawled about underneath, to admire it, as I found nothing of concern... :)
Then off to the Truck alignment place to give the suspension a good look see, they found a need for a very minor adjustment, and we rotated the wheels, left to right. They charged top $ for it, $350.... but when you got the toys and know how to use them, i guess you can.
I now have piece of mind that it is all good underneath.

33408464802_8511eea89c_c.jpg

Tomorrow I get the door panel for the new cupboard and the BIG bits for the last mod I need to do before we go away.....
 

achjimmy

Well-Known Member
Jan 24, 2011
3,031
3,401
113
Dave when your hardlids open fully just check they don't go too high if that makes sense? There's a point where the curve near the hinge slopes back so water runs to the corner and onto the canvas when it rains I adjusted mine so the hardlid only just cleared the canvas. Then I actually sika'd lollipop sticks from the hinge to the edge to stop the water tracking back get inside in the canvas :) the storm covers should help this now
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wanda

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
Off to Camec this morning to get the new toy.

33198535320_9740a88647_b.jpg

32738833614_0c6b775938_b.jpg

32738821874_e35f5e5c97_b.jpg

Yep, it is a compressor fridge, Danfoss to, with a manual dial temp control. This means less crap to go wrong and a fridge that works to my liking, I am a bit fussy.
If you want more info, here is a link.
http://www.vitrifrigo.com/ww/en/dp150i_internal_cooling_unit_3
I should add, if you are interested, there is a big special on these for the month of march, I just saved $800.
 

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
Starting to think I have taken too much on for completion is such a short time.
Due to be done, dusted, tested and loaded on the road wednesday.
Anyway.
Preparations are happening for the fridge to go in. The original has the 12 volt supply straight from the anderson plug and car due to the high current draw of the fridge when on 12 volt (the reason I am changing it). I have cut into this line and re routed it to the batteries for the new fridge supply from house batteries.
A new anderson plug is being fitted to charge the house batteries on the road from the tug, this will give 3 seperate methods of charging, in addition, with the 60 engle fridge in the tug, the solar or 25 amp Ctek chargers in the van can charge the tugs Aux battery as well when parked up.
I have fitted a Ctek 25 amp charger to the van.
Eventually I'll up the 30 amp solar controller to 40 amps and get 2 x 120 watt projector blankets to have in addition to the 2 x 120 watt panels on the roof for more flexible solar set up.

So it was out with the 3 way fridge,

32740910364_31e3120606_b.jpg


Clean up the fridge space, mount things correctly. The original gas lines are in place, just secured out of the way and safely plugged, and the isolation valve is closed and secured.

33543292946_3f297c304a_b.jpg

Tidy up of the original elecs, not 100% happy but it will do for now. At least the solar panels are connected correctly now.... grin.gif

33454643831_7009ed54a6_b.jpg

The fridge job is coming on well, waiting for the paint to dry in this 99% humidity is a bit tiresome... I have made a board for 2 x 120mm silent fans. These are going to blow air out from the top fridge vent. I.hope to place a filter over the lower inlet vent.
The best fun will be getting the old fridge out and new in. Out via the rear bed is has to be.
Hope my mate next door aint busy in the morning. cheers.gif
 
  • Like
Reactions: davemc and bigcol

NoWorries

Well-Known Member
Sep 28, 2015
806
1,344
93
Perth
www.expandasdownunder.com
You have to take the legs off as well, I can also tell you that the new compressor fridge draws power like a small town
I have 200w of solar 200a/h battery and find myself looking for power after two days. I also removed the gas pipe and drain (you have to get rid of the pink foam) and then got a blanking cap to screw on the stop cock
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigcol

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
I have 240 watt now and soon will have 480 watt of solar.
That can wait till after my 1st 2 week trip as I'l either be in tow or connected.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigcol

Duncanblake36

Active Member
Nov 17, 2016
103
168
43
Doreen
Starting to think I have taken too much on for completion is such a short time.
Due to be done, dusted, tested and loaded on the road wednesday.
Anyway.
Preparations are happening for the fridge to go in. The original has the 12 volt supply straight from the anderson plug and car due to the high current draw of the fridge when on 12 volt (the reason I am changing it). I have cut into this line and re routed it to the batteries for the new fridge supply from house batteries.
A new anderson plug is being fitted to charge the house batteries on the road from the tug, this will give 3 seperate methods of charging, in addition, with the 60 engle fridge in the tug, the solar or 25 amp Ctek chargers in the van can charge the tugs Aux battery as well when parked up.
I have fitted a Ctek 25 amp charger to the van.
Eventually I'll up the 30 amp solar controller to 40 amps and get 2 x 120 watt projector blankets to have in addition to the 2 x 120 watt panels on the roof for more flexible solar set up.

So it was out with the 3 way fridge,

32740910364_31e3120606_b.jpg


Clean up the fridge space, mount things correctly. The original gas lines are in place, just secured out of the way and safely plugged, and the isolation valve is closed and secured.

33543292946_3f297c304a_b.jpg

Tidy up of the original elecs, not 100% happy but it will do for now. At least the solar panels are connected correctly now.... grin.gif

33454643831_7009ed54a6_b.jpg

The fridge job is coming on well, waiting for the paint to dry in this 99% humidity is a bit tiresome... I have made a board for 2 x 120mm silent fans. These are going to blow air out from the top fridge vent. I.hope to place a filter over the lower inlet vent.
The best fun will be getting the old fridge out and new in. Out via the rear bed is has to be.
Hope my mate next door aint busy in the morning. cheers.gif


Yeah thats what mine looked like before I started.

Install a fuse box and terminate them into that. Looks and functions so much better.

26.JPG 27.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigcol

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
A big day outside to be had, I got the fridge in.
I whimped out and got it out through the rear bed, it was easier and I did it on my own.

32758759364_5b1083818f_c.jpg

I mounted a pair of 120 mm fans up the top vent, they are silent and move enough air for the cavity cooling, a relay is in place which turns the fans on when the compressor cycles.

32787342923_87e2360530_c.jpg

Now the outside.

32787340193_8149cb7215_c.jpg

The hard bit was the width of the new fridge is narrow by 70 mm compared to the old. I made alloy strips up to size, gave a lick of paint and secured them in place. The new fridge is held in place with the screws from the front which meant a decent mount face was needed.

33560749786_4683a40f13_c.jpg

Its flash alright, even has a LED light inside.

33560744696_9767839994_c.jpg

I got the microwave cupboard door done also.

33444606702_df5a489570_c.jpg

Still have a few jobs to go, may even get it done tomorrow and go for a test run for sat night out to Canungra, just to get a feel for it before I go sth on wednesday.
 

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
Will do, all depends how today goes and how much I get done.
We go to the show grounds, an easy spot to get to, creek, fire, no white lines on the ground, perfect, unless there is a large organised group there...
 

DaveR

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
287
545
93
Gold Coast
Thanks to a bit of a balls up, no test run trip tonight.
First job of removing the anderson plug for the fridge, then insalling the new 50 amp leads via a circuit braker to the batteries went well. New anderson plug on the lead, I used the flexible conduit for the cable and ran it inside the near side draw bar. That went well, and I silcaflexed the cable ends in the conduit and the hole in the floor.
I had to fit the system to the car to power up the ESC, I used a relay and have a switch on the console to turn it off if needed and ran the new cable neatly down the back and into a red anderson plug holder.

33619426315_34dd381a87_b.jpg

These jobs went well.
The dummy run hook up didn't, I now have learned there are different types of anderson plugs and these don't fit together. The Vans ESC plug wont fit the new one fitted to the car, it is a different shape and it is only a small difference with the center peg. As I can't see what type it is, this morning I'll need to go get another one and change it out on the van.