Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

Print | Close

Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: Screwtape on 06/08/15 10:35am

Some more pics for your viewing pleasure. Starting with the rear view. I hate that hole from the original furnace. I've got a couple ideas for making less of an eyesore, we'll see. New tail lights that are as big as possible to hide the total butchered up mess I inherited [emoticon]

New stove and range hood, storage where the oven used to be. [image]

Seating arrangement as executed by PO, actually pretty comfortable for two people to lounge here. I may just leave it like this. [image]

The shower was taken out by the previous owner. This was a stupid thing to have done IMHO, but it's a pretty decent crapper as it sits. Camper showers are seldom very good though and after a few days I need to empty and fill everything anyhow so I can grab a shower at that point. [image]

New converter and three group 29 batteries. [image]

* This post was last edited 06/08/15 11:12am by Screwtape *

Avion C10
2002 Silverado 2500HD 6.0L

KEEP ON TRUCKIN'

Posted By: 67avion on 06/08/15 12:53pm

Screwtape. That sure looks like paint coming off the wall and ceiling. I couldn't make out if there were two layers or what?

Are the Group 29 batteries AGM's?

Posted By: Screwtape on 06/08/15 01:55pm

There are two layers there, I assume one is the zolatone. If it were up to me I'd just sticker bomb the ceiling but the boss doesn't share my ratty aesthetic. I'll likely end up taping everything off, prepping the surface to the best of my ability, and painting it white.

The batteries aren't AGM. There pretty well vented to the outside but I'd like to seal them off from the inside a bit better. We'll see.

Posted By: Dave Pete on 06/08/15 02:45pm

Screwtape, ticki2 on this site has lots of good input and helped inform me recently about not having the batteries and converter in the same compartment due to explosive fumes. Even AGMs could create that in certain overcharge conditions.

My solution was to relocate the batteries to a different compartment (I'm doing a huge remod). But in your case with more height available, you might be able to solve the situation with three large vented battery cases (isolates from the converter) and direct vent them out to an exterior.

Here's an example. Large Box

Posted By: Screwtape on 06/08/15 02:57pm

Dave Pete wrote:

I've given this matter a bit of consideration and those boxes aren't a bad idea. As it is ASHRAE and NFPA-111 recommend a minimum of two air changes per hour to remove gases generated by vented batteries during charging. When I'm charging there is a fan going in the compartment that meets this need. When in a state of discharge there is little to no gas coming off the battery. I'm pretty comfortable with this setup as it is.

Posted By: Dave Pete on 06/08/15 07:07pm

That's good enough for me [emoticon]

I believe there's more than one way to skin a cat. (Oh man I hope I'm not offending any cat owners).

Posted By: Screwtape on 06/08/15 07:51pm

I sure hope it's good enough! I'm pretty screwed if it isn't! [emoticon]

Hydrogen becomes dangerous at a concentration of 4%. I guess I could contact the manufacturer of the batteries in order to determine the gassing rate and do the math to make myself more confident but I'm not worried, I'm sure the cigarettes and beer are gonna get me first.

Posted By: ticki2 on 06/08/15 09:49pm

Screwtape wrote:

I sure hope it's good enough! I'm pretty screwed if it isn't! [emoticon]

It's not only that the inhalation of the hydrogen is dangerous but the proximity of the electrical panel and the chance of a spark causing an explosion .

Since you have the battery compartment ventilated perhaps a metal shield on the back of the panel to isolate it from the batteries would do . I would also recommend putting the batteries in a plastic tray as a minimum to protect the surrounding area from acid spill .

'68 Avion C-11
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed

Posted By: 67avion on 06/09/15 06:10am

I don't want to sound like a scold, but there is a lot of experience here from making our own mistakes. I would only put AGM batteries in a space where you sleep. However, it may be worthwhile to post it as a separate string on this forum and get people's advice.

Posted By: Screwtape on 06/09/15 07:22am

This is a bit like the conversations around the use of the Olympian Wave heaters. Some folks feel very strongly about the potential for dangerous situations, others argue that it doesn't take much ventilation to make the dangers negligible.

I know batteries can cause small explosions from hydrogen, I've heard of flashlights doing it, but I'm not worried about it. My old Miata had a fire in the trunk from a failed battery and it was a sealed battery, I don't know exactly what happened to cause the fire, but I put the fire out with my buddies shirt and now I always carry an extinguisher.

My point is that I'm relatively certain, with the precautions I've taken, everything will be ok. Thank you for your concern.

I do like the plastic tray idea to protect from corrosive spills.

Print | Close