March 2009 - Despite not being able to travel over the last year I have still had work done on my van and carried out a series of modifications myself in preparation for this summer.

In an attempt to get fit again I have taken up mountain biking, so I decided to get a bike rack fitted. The type I went for was a fiamma carry bike pro - 2 bike model. see:-

http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/erol.html#3045X0

Its quite a sturdy design and very easy to use. It can also be used to carry a fiamma back box, for extra storage (sadly it cant carry a bike and a storage box at the same time!)

With the bike rack installed I realised that the view through the rear view camera is compromised whilst carrying a bike. Not happy with this I decided to have a reversing sensor fitted. This is a really useful piece of kit. It comprises of 4 sensors mounted along the length of my rear "bumper" ,a control box (which can basically be mounted any where - Its mounted beneath my wardrobe, behind the trauma heater) and a graphic display and audible alarm unit mounted on my dashboard.

As soon as I engage reverse gear the sensor starts up, it sensors anything within 2m of the rear of the van and indicates which sensor (right or left) the obstacle is closest to. On testing its very accurate and used in conjunction with the camera is very useful indeed.

There are many makes and models of these reversing sensors available. After some careful research I chose a "Dolphin display sensor" @ £69.99 from:-

http://www.parkingsensors.co.uk/dolphin_display_reversing_sensors.asp

I've made several internal modifications based upon thoughts and ideas from previous trips. I've laid a new carpet over the top of the original one - darker in colour and so more practical and easier to keep clean. To the cab of the van I have laid vinyl flooring (again over the original carpet) with mats in the foot wells - again for me more practical and much better for storing muddy boots and the like!

The factory fitted TV/DVD player whilst a very nice feature is a little small to watch for any length of time. So I decided to buy a portable flat screen TV/ DVD and install a bracket in a more central location in the living area.

There are many portable LCD TV/DVD combos available. I eventually chose an August 11 inch TV/DVD combo (analogue and freeview) with usb port (plays usb/mp3 player through its jukebox software - very impressive!). Bought from Amazon - See http://www.amazon.co.uk/August-DA110BD-Freeview-Analogue-Player/dp/B000YOZDC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238105260&sr=8-1

Location needed careful consideration because obviously it involved installing a new power point (12v cigarette lighter socket) and a new TV Arial socket. The nature of my van - given the L shaped sofa area which converts to an opposing seated dinette, made the location of these sockets tricky. Whilst I do not envisage ever wanting to use the opposing seated dinette configuration, I did not want to compromise its possibility. Hence routing of cables was awkward given the "swivelling" seating unit. Despite installing a duel 12v & TV Arial socket (as I had already bought it) I decided to run the Arial cable direct from the Arial to the TV. The combination socket was installed on the forward facing aspect of the wardrobe and a cigarette lighter extension socket permanently routed from the new socket to the TV. It sounds like a strange if not overcomplicated configuration I know! but in practice it works very well. It means that I can also use the 12v socket to power my laptop and comfortably work from the cab table. The laptop and newly installed TV can also be hooked up to the rear sound system with a permanently installed audio cable. The TV is easily removed from its bracket for use at the bed area of the van and indeed for storage.

I "tested" my new multimedia set up whilst away in Scotland. I am more than happy with the location, versatility and picture quality of my new TV and the ability to view my Ipod videos through it (via a docking station). This set up is far superior to the factory fitted cab set up. However I did feel that the sound set up could be improved upon. I have there fore built another set of speaker boxes and mounted a set of 6 inch (180w) speakers in the living area to compliment the 250w units in the sleeping area. I have also installed a speaker switch box so the front and rear speakers can be used independently or together. The sound quality is brilliant and this set up is much more versatile - now the whole multimedia set up is complete - Well almost ROFL! I would still like to integrate the Ipod dock further - A blue tooth (or otherwise wireless dock) would be good - but I'm not sure one is available!

The heavy winds on this trip highlighted several serious draught issues - mainly around the fridge and under sink storage units - Whilst it is the case that good ventilation is essential to prevent condensation, the draught was so severe as to compromise my comfort and waste energy. These draught spots have since been addressed.

Given the weather in the third week of the April / May trip - I had the opportunity to "test" for the first time the clothes airer I initially adapted to sit on the wardrobe door - I have really discounted it as a practical solution to the problem. It is cumbersome and prevents access to the wardrobe whilst in use and could also lead to condensation. The shower cubicle however proved to be the most logical and ideal drying area. Given the confined space and blown air outlet it is the hottest area of the van - isolated from the living area - thus no condensation problem. I have therefore adapted the wasted space above the toilet by adapting the clothes airer. This is a much better solution to the problem and does not compromise either toilet usage or living comfort. The clothes etc. also dry very quickly.

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