Spring Update #5

I received the Isotherm Smart Energy Control (SEC). The box contains the control unit, temp probe, and control dial.





Here is the SEC control unit next to the terminal block for the Danfoss/Secop control unit.



The female spade connectors on the back are quite tight. In order to get the SEC unit to fully seat I had to gently spread the terminals open and apply dielectric grease.



The SEC temp control comes with its own mounting box. But its big and ugly. The stock control knob/thermostat can be removed on my fridge (Vitrifrigo). I used the knob extension with the SEC knob in conjunction with the stock mounting plate. This allowed me to use the digital control in the same location as the stock mechanical one. I cut and spliced the harness to remove the extra length. I completely removed the old thermostat. The SEC is lightyears ahead of the clunky mechanical unit. This should be a stock option on all Danfoss fridge units.













The temperature probe is a thermistor. The instructions say to mount near the bottom and away from the evaporator. The housing was small enough to fit behind the shelving. Two 0.25” holes for mounting and 1 clear through for the wiring.






I reused the original cover and connected everything up. The original harness has splitters on the power feed for the interior lights. It was a tight fit, but a bit of material off the SEC case made them fit. I filled the holes in the fridge insulation with the supplied mastic/putty.







I have the unit connected and running currently. Once it gets down to temp I will check the interior temperature. If necessary, the offset can be adjusted. The reason for this is because during the overcool cycle the fridge gets to about 33F. Any drift in the thermistor will result in frozen food.


I finished remaking the passenger side wall panel. I used 5mm plywood for the base. I needed a 2.375” offset to clear the bed at full swing. Due to the thin material fasteners were not an option. The panels size made clamping difficult. I opted to use CA glue with accelerator. This allow me to bond the edging in a matter of minutes with no clamping. Pretty strong stuff! I guess CA glues are popular with woodworkers to reduce assembly times.













I added a shower mixer and disconnect above the bench seat. I used the following mixer combined with valved quick disconnects from McMaster Carr.

http://amzn.to/1Lu7MHY







The Lift Kit, shocks, and Struts arrived! So I will likely be attempting installation shortly. Estimates put the installation around 16 hours. Hopefully I can beat that. I have the fridge spacers made, once they are painted I can button up the Galley for hopefully the last time...

Spring Update #4

I have the add-on fuel filters in hand. I am working on possible mounting locations. Looks like the only place with decent room is under the driver’s feet. The right filter is a 10 micron with synthetic water separation media. The left filter is a 3 micron final filter. I looked into centrifugal, and vortex coalescing filters, but finding a unit with the correct flow rate and pressure rating was nearly impossible. Well, if I have 1000$ to spend, maybe...



In order to allow the bed to clear the sidewall on the passenger side the panel needs a relief area. Unfortunately, I made a measuring error and the relief is not tall enough. So I will need to remake this panel.





I installed a new head unit as well. This model is a few years old, as it was retained from our last van. It has HD radio, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity so it meets our needs. I ran 14 gauge wires for 4 speakers. I am not sure where the rear units will be mounted at this point. The install was fairly routine. I wired the unit for constant power so it can be used via a remote with the ignition off.



I also have the galley and fridge test fitted in the van, and the fridge running. All the wiring and fans work. I do have an issue where the fridge will not seat completely. It protrudes about 3/16”.

Spring Update #3

I received the fittings for the spin on filters, still waiting on the filters themselves.







The roof lights are mounted. I ended up using CA (super) glue to bond them. The waterproof silicone casing is incompatible with most adhesives.





I installed some 6x9 Speakers in the over-cab cabinet.

http://amzn.to/1WYnnWT







The Galley Drawers have been made and mounted.







The Sink and Cooktop are screwed/glued down and sealed.



I did a final fit check of the fridge and finalized the wiring in the galley. There was enough room to install ¾” foam insulation on the sides and ½” on the top of the fridge.