The ZR2 SPEC-R3

[LaBalbe]

So what do you guys think of using off the shelf metal cabinets for interior work? Keep in mind this will be quite literally for carrying cutlery, paper towels, shampoo, etc etc

We are talking about $130 vs. "overland price" cabinets. I can attach a wooden top or also wrap it in any type of vinyl if I wanted to (faux wood, carbon fiber, bright pink barbie wallpaper).

I'm trying to hunt down something closer to a maximum depth of 12" - but this one is pretty close.

For clarity; The interior has roughly 51" in width. I know one side is going to have a 24" wide full run sitting bench/bed, so I have about 26" of space to play with over all. If I keep storage depth to 12" that leaves me a good 14" of walking space.

If it works, why not...although, I'd love to see you wrap it in bright pink Barbie wallpaper; that would definitely be the eye-catching focal point of the whole build ?

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[bsr956]

Do bright pink Barbie wallpaper - I double dog dare you!!

 

[OFC Ranger]

So starting to make a build sheet for the 12V system.

Of course the end goal is the standard battery bank charged by solar/alternator combo, but I need to start small as these complete 12v systems can squeeze pennies in a hurry.

The initial setup will be a simple fuse block setup. The shop runs a 6AWG from the battery to the rear for basic setup for all the various cabin lights and usb/12volt outlets. This system will eventually come out (no direct battery draw). I am having them pre-run a 2AWG line from the alternator to the rear and just terminate and cap it for later use when I install the DC to DC charger.

I am also having them install the standard NOCO shorepower plug while I am there.

Exactly what component is available that is an all in one controller? I need something to control solar to DC, DC to DC, and AC to DC. I am well versed in 12v system, but this is the next level up for me to learn. I'm watching videos and reading articles where I can.

My basic list is looking like this;

Batterie(s) (aiming for 300AH)
Charge Controllers (see above)
12v Channel Fuse Block
12v Circuit Breakers
DC to AC Inverter (when shore power unavailable)
Rigid Solar Panels (aiming for 300w minimum)


And then my immediate interior build list within first 30 days;

24" x 72" Benchseat w/integrated storage (also act as secondary bed)
Compact Upright RV Fridge (fit under benchseat)
Laguna Style Table
Faux Wood Flooring (maybe vinyl planking)

Long Term;

Dickinson Propane Furance

 

[Fordup]

Remember you need airspace around the inverter and the fans can be quite loud when a ac load is applied. Cheap components can cause fires so be careful of the cheap Amazon parts. I have been using Victron Energy components and really like the Bluetooth monitoring along with setup parameters that can be adjusted to your battery specs for longer battery life. High quality components but cost a little more. Remember copper is expensive and higher voltage batteries can keep everything cooler and wiring smaller. I also just changed my wife's golfcart to solar and 48 volt 100ah lithium with 2 100 watt panels that always keep it charged. I went with a Renogy boost controller that takes the low voltage panels and boosts it to the 60 volt charging spec. Signature solar has a nice all in one controller/ charger/ inverter but most are going to need at least 100 volt solar string to work. Will Prowse has a great youtube channel and website for accurate reference.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Yea been looking at Victron components. Redarc has some decent prices on some components too

 

[airline tech]

I have a question for you, as I am having issues with the comfort of my driver's seat and considering a trade in on a 24 Colorado Z-71. Have not seen or driven one yet.
But how is the Colorado as compared to your Ranger, Seat Comfort and Drivability and Featured Tech.
I know you are Heavy into the exterior lighting, how are the headlights vs the Ranger? as I am concerned about the narrow design that Chevy Implements.

It's a long story on what I have done to get the seat to a comfortable (set it and forget it) point.
It is not happening with the factory OE cushion. My next step is to have an upholstery shop make / modify the cushion.
If this is a bust, the Ranger has to go.

So, with the Colorado being on the list as a possible trade up, just wanted to get your opinion pros and cons since your trade off

Thanks

 

[OFC Ranger]

I have a question for you, as I am having issues with the comfort of my driver's seat and considering a trade in on a 24 Colorado Z-71. Have not seen or driven one yet.
But how is the Colorado as compared to your Ranger, Seat Comfort and Drivability and Featured Tech.
I know you are Heavy into the exterior lighting, how are the headlights vs the Ranger? as I am concerned about the narrow design that Chevy Implements.

It's a long story on what I have done to get the seat to a comfortable (set it and forget it) point.
It is not happening with the factory OE cushion. My next step is to have an upholstery shop make / modify the cushion.
If this is a bust, the Ranger has to go.

So, with the Colorado being on the list as a possible trade up, just wanted to get your opinion pros and cons since your trade off

Thanks

Well for starters my ranger had halogen lights and my ZR2 has factory LED so the comparison isn't really fair my new truck has for Superior headlights.

I didn't have a problem with my ranger seat and I don't have a problem with the zr2 seat. I'm afraid seat comfort is going to be way too subjective for me to give you anything valuable.

 

[Fordup]

I just built this cart to get some data about solar. It has a 48 volt 100ah battery and 3000 watt inverter with 2 450 watt bifacial panels. I am able to run one of my freezers 24/7 with it and survive 2 overcast rainy days. I would say buy some parts and play to collect data. Buy batteries with ev grade a cells and a good BMS. Low temp cutoff is a good feature to prevent cell damage below 30 degrees. Do not mount them in the living area. Some of the 12bb solar panels are very efficient.

 

[Fordup]

Here's the simple yard power I made. Just strapped a inverter and victron shunt on a 12 volt 200 ah battery and use it to charge ope batteries along with ac tools.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Not much to report.

My Khaya is scheduled to be built the first week of September. Then it takes the long voyage from South Africa to the USA. I was concerned about the looming east coast port worker strike being stirred up in the news, but apparently they do this shit every year and stuff still gets off-loaded from the boats.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Well finally everything that needed to be sold has been sold. I will never use FB marketplace again. I would just assume tape some tannerite to whatever the part is and blow it up.

Peak Suspension 750lb AAL's are on the way.

Also decided I am going to run Bluetti 200MAX to simplify my power needs. The main station comes in at 2048Wh and with battery expansions you can go up to 6,144Wh. One of the few stations on the market with a 30A 12V aviator jack so you can still hardwire it. More than enough to run onboard systems.

Initially just going to set it up for shore power and solar charge, will work in an alternator charger down the road.

https://www.bluettipower.com/products/ac200max-power-station

 

[OFC Ranger]

Small QoL upgrade. Not much, but before and after...

 

[OFC Ranger]

Well some random good news; got a call today that my Khaya unit will be delivered to AVO on 9/20, so as long as no snags install for last week of month scheduled.

Was originally told this week that my queue position for construction was starting - turns out the factory in South Africa already had some basic units built with no assigned allocations so AVO was able to get one of those to save some time. My unit is crossing the ocean as we speak.

Puts me ahead of schedule by a good 30 days.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Can anyone recommend a company that makes wide running boards for trucks? Since I am setting this up more as a touring vehicle I'm looking to ditch the factory rock sliders in favor of something with more day to day utility (for myself and passengers).

 

[Chris M]

Can anyone recommend a company that makes wide running boards for trucks? Since I am setting this up more as a touring vehicle I'm looking to ditch the factory rock sliders in favor of something with more day to day utility (for myself and passengers).

I bought mine from Tyger. I think they're 5+" but don't remember exactly. What I do remember is they came in various widths. And no, I didn't get the ones with the stars on them. I'll go see if I have a pic...

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