Expanda Mods
- Thread starter skippy
- Start date
No I've been quite slack. I have taken photos of most things so once I get this toolbox on, gas bottles moved and spare wheel moved down the back I might put them all on at once.
I have a question that you guys might be able to help me with.
I am trying to do a query to look for 14' Series Expandas because that is what I have got and I want to see what others are doing with their 14.44-5 OB. It refuses to accept 14.44 or any numbers eg 14' or whatever. Is there any way around that?
Is there a moderator amongst you that can help?
I am trying to do a query to look for 14' Series Expandas because that is what I have got and I want to see what others are doing with their 14.44-5 OB. It refuses to accept 14.44 or any numbers eg 14' or whatever. Is there any way around that?
Is there a moderator amongst you that can help?
Good question Marv. I tried doing the same when I was researching my van and couldn't get it to work. Hopefully a mod can help out. Sorry.
Recently added a pole carrier to the Expanda. Used 150mm pipe sourced from a plumbing outlet. Mounting hardware - had to modifiy some hangars that I picked up from Bunnings. Will likely put a hasp on to make it lockable. Wanted to get it mounted before heading off to Seal Rocks this coming weekend.
Only had mine for a few months but while my tow has been getting hail fixes done, I have replaced all interior lights with LED's ($90), really well lit now, added a couple of downlights for reading lights at the table ($10), got my fridge working so it's not a food warmer, proper venting with a couple of fans ($5.75), I can turn the whole thing into a freezer when it's 30c outside. Made a stone guard for the front and underslung the axle as it couldn't get up my driveway (low range needed) without dragging it's bum and have sorted out the plumbing underneath so it won't chaff holes in itself as it was a shoddy job originally. Fitted a battery and wired up an Anderson plug outside to plug in my Solar Panels and the only job outstanding is to move the spare to the back and maybe look at fitting a grey water tank.
But after reading this thread, I'm sure there are a few more mods to do, glad I have just retired as it would be painfull to have to go to work while so much fun could be had with the Van.
Have pics of some mods here http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/drovers-14-44-3.4502/
But after reading this thread, I'm sure there are a few more mods to do, glad I have just retired as it would be painfull to have to go to work while so much fun could be had with the Van.
Have pics of some mods here http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/drovers-14-44-3.4502/
Hi Drover
Wondered if I could push you for more info on how you fixed your fridge.
Been reading on this forum about fridges freezing but that's not my problem.
Even allowing for the fact that I live (and holiday) in Queensland I can't remember not having the fridge on maximum and even then the beer is not cold cold (not a typo).
Any instructions would be greatly appreciated.
Wondered if I could push you for more info on how you fixed your fridge.
Been reading on this forum about fridges freezing but that's not my problem.
Even allowing for the fact that I live (and holiday) in Queensland I can't remember not having the fridge on maximum and even then the beer is not cold cold (not a typo).
Any instructions would be greatly appreciated.
Hey john,
My fridge was turning the bench top into a hot plate, it was like a food warmer when it was over 30c so I pulled off the outside vents and found that the rear of the fridge was venting into the open space around the fridge, it is supposed to be sealed up so the hot air vents to outside. What I did was fill the cavity above the fridge with some roof batt stuff then panelled it in with ply so the air will be vented to the outside, to help this along I mounted 2 computer fans which you can see here; http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/drovers-14-44-3.4502/ I found some 12v power and hooked them into it via a 70c thermo switch which I got from Jaycar for $5.75 it clips onto the condensor fins and switches on when needed, there are also open cable runs at the top and bottom vent areas which will need to be filled in, styro in a can or silastic will do, as the hot air will blow into your cupboards space you need the air to come in at the bottom and run straight thru the fins and outside quickly, thus the 2 fans. I actually think a 60c or 50c thermo switch might be better bt you need the one which closes at these temps. I have found on 30+c days my fridge is set at 3 maybe 4, I have yet to test it out when it hits 40c but it's colder now at 3 than it ever was at 7. I can't take credit for this mod though as I got the info from on here and other forums, luckily I had most of the bits needed so it only cost me $5.75. But it is well worth the effort no special tools needed , a bit of ply or thin alloy, some cable, zip ties, silastic, thermo switch, cable joiner, spade joints, 2 computer fans and I used some square conduit cut to size to mount them. I also put an in line fuse for the fans and mounted them so if one craps out it is easy to replace .
I thought I had a pic of when I'd finished the panelling but can't find it.
My fridge was turning the bench top into a hot plate, it was like a food warmer when it was over 30c so I pulled off the outside vents and found that the rear of the fridge was venting into the open space around the fridge, it is supposed to be sealed up so the hot air vents to outside. What I did was fill the cavity above the fridge with some roof batt stuff then panelled it in with ply so the air will be vented to the outside, to help this along I mounted 2 computer fans which you can see here; http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/drovers-14-44-3.4502/ I found some 12v power and hooked them into it via a 70c thermo switch which I got from Jaycar for $5.75 it clips onto the condensor fins and switches on when needed, there are also open cable runs at the top and bottom vent areas which will need to be filled in, styro in a can or silastic will do, as the hot air will blow into your cupboards space you need the air to come in at the bottom and run straight thru the fins and outside quickly, thus the 2 fans. I actually think a 60c or 50c thermo switch might be better bt you need the one which closes at these temps. I have found on 30+c days my fridge is set at 3 maybe 4, I have yet to test it out when it hits 40c but it's colder now at 3 than it ever was at 7. I can't take credit for this mod though as I got the info from on here and other forums, luckily I had most of the bits needed so it only cost me $5.75. But it is well worth the effort no special tools needed , a bit of ply or thin alloy, some cable, zip ties, silastic, thermo switch, cable joiner, spade joints, 2 computer fans and I used some square conduit cut to size to mount them. I also put an in line fuse for the fans and mounted them so if one craps out it is easy to replace .
I thought I had a pic of when I'd finished the panelling but can't find it.
Hi jvp. Gavin was partly correct; it is a weber cover but no weber hiding underneath. Its a mod suggested by my wife's cousin when I was a very new van only and very naive. In hindsight, it probably was not a good mod due to the negative effect it could have on towball weight. It's a mod to carry the spare wheel vertically mounted and also to carry a bike rack for a couple of bikes. Haven't used it for bikes yet. Thinking now it could be a good place to locate a flat surface to sit a small BBQ. Will take a photo and post it when I can.
Cheers.
Hi all here are the some of the photos from the rear bed end mod the 2 new mattress will be her Thursday or Friday I will post new photo's once they are in their new home. I still cannot work out why Jayco does just fit the bed ends of flush to start with is this the million dollar question?
Attachments
Nice job @rojoberry, it looks like you have replaced the plywood at the front with a taller piece? If so where did you get it from.....it's a great match!
Just checked email mattress ready fro pick up Thursday, can now start on the front bed and then the 12 volt pump for sink.
Only the ply through Jayco the mattress was through Slumber Rest same colour material as my original mattress 180mm thick, 750mm wide and standard length.
Hey Burnsy pick up the new mattress today they sit up about 40mm as I said these are 180mm thick they are so nice to lie down on. Only a couple of games to go in cricket and we will have so time to get the Expanda back out. I'm getting prices for mattress for the bunks.
