Hello all!
Followed the forums for a long time (despite never having owned a vehicle before)
Finally i have purchased my first "car" a Long wheel base, high top, Iveco Daily mk3 (35s13v) 2.8TD van from 2000! If you were to design the worst aerodynamic frontal area possible, you would design this van!
My plans might be a little bit different from other builds as I am trying to improve the efficiency both as a vehicle and a home. for example using coolant to heat hot water when engine temperature is high.
an early goal is 10L/100km consistant
longer term goal 8L/100km
Initial plans are:
Running on vegetable oil - i will be running on used vegetable oil using a two tank system. vegetable oil has less energy than diesel unfortunately, but is free from my work or very cheap if i collect from other places. i don't care about any downsides to this as i will only drive a carbon neutral vehicle (i'm aware of the embodied carbon and other environmental problems cased by driving). This is just a personal choice.
Scangauge or cheap bluetooth OBD reader
alternator delete - power from 48v house battery with DC-DC step down
experiment with front grill blocking -
air conditioning delete - possibly install 48v electric motor on compressor to use as AC for the home
EU "A rated" van tyres - similar to Continental VanContact Eco, maybe up the diameter to increase gearing and if possible narrower
Total belly pan - maybe it will also help protect against corrosion?
Electric radiator fan -
Install rooftop solar - the roof has space for 4x 350w sunpower PV panels so 1.4kw maximum when i can afford it. this will affect aerodynamics but will replace alternator and possibly AC
Engine preheater - running from house battery and external when needed
Be weight conscious when build the living area -
With a very heavy un-aerodynamic box - DRIVE SLOW!
And any other suggestions you have for me!
Thanks for reading and thanks for making this forum a fantastic online resource!
(not mine but same size)