Oh the Places You’ll Go

A blog about our travels across Europe, the Balkans, Morocco, and Canary Islands

  • The van electrical system is state-of-the art installed by Titan Vans of Boulder. It has 3 -200 amp-hour LiFePO4 batteries. They are charged four different ways: 1). off the grid up to 3600 watts, 2) via dual alternators at 300 amps total or also 3600 watts, 3) a Victron Phoenix European Charger at 750 watts, 4) by two solar panels at 230 watts. So the main cabin runs essentially off of electrical power.

    The van electrical system is state-of-the art installed by Titan Vans of Boulder. It has 3 -200 amp-hour LiFePO4 batteries. They are charged four different ways: 1). off the grid up to 3600 watts, 2) via dual alternators at 300 amps total or also 3600 watts, 3) a Victron Phoenix European Charger at 750 watts, 4) by two solar panels at 230 watts. So the main cabin runs essentially off of electrical power.

    There are 5 100v ac lines coming from the inverter. Microwave, AC/Heatpump, hotter heater, convection cooktop, and miscellaneous outlets.

    Heating is three ways: Webasto diesel heater, electrical heat pump, or diesel engine (have never used more than the Webasto).

    Cooling three ways: exhaust fan (usually used if nights are cool), AC powered air conditioner, or engine ac.

    Four ways to cook: Conduction cook top, microwave, insta-pot, JetBoil outside burner.

    Controls: Most all devices can be controlled remotely via an iPhone. Temps, burners, hotter heater, outlets, etc… Further the van can be started or stopped remotely or “halted – killed” if stolen. Naturally remote locks, alarms too.

    Automation: The Cerbo computer monitors and controls two main systems. Cabin over temp where it will auto start engine to provide emergency cooling, and battery state of charge monitoring. If house batteries drop below 30%, the engine will start at high idle to recharge the house batteries. All of this monitored and controllable via iPhone.

    Solar charger and fuses
    Three 200 amp/hr LifePo batteries (2 shown).
    Victron inverter
    Installed Victron Phoenix charger for European power grid.
    Installed Victron Cerbo GX computer controller and panel.
  • The adventure begins…

    The adventure begins…

    Ok we are a go. Pulling out of STB. Planning 1 stop on the way to NWA to see the kids! We’ve planned for 4 months. Wish the dogs were with us, they are in spirit!

  • Photos for shipping

    Photos for shipping

    We had to limit what’s inside to ship due to regulations, so this is “as shipped”

    Plastic over mattress
    Galley
    Cassette Toilet below (tub just sitting on top). This works very well. Pull out at night (also as a step stool). Clean 3 gallons on top. Black water below. Top lifts off, bottom seals and carry into a bathroom to empty every few days. No mess no smell then restore.
    Storage and microwave above galley. 14 gallon fresh water with electric heater. 3 gallon gray water.
    White Kobalt cabinet is kitchenette above, current season closes below.
    WAN system for communications. Starlink, European eSIM, Verizon US hotspot. Whichever is better coverage.
    Emptied storage containers for shipping. Easy access and separation. Note shower connections in left. It pulls out with sprayer. More later on that.
  • Van photos outside

    Van photos outside

    These are outside photos at time of departure

    Slick lock – Extra security
    Second Alternator – switch on to use as a backup else it only is used as a shore battery charger