Mercedes Sprinter Campervan - Water Tanks
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Modifying and Installing the fresh water and grey water tanks underneath the chassis of our Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van.
We purchased our Tanks from CAK Tanks Limited www.caktanks.co...
They did not come with any instructions and I have had to make a few minor modifications.
Black Plastic Access Hatch - rover.ebay.com...
40mm Plastic Tank Connector www.ebay.co.uk...
Automatic Wire Strippers - rover.ebay.com...
Hot Air Gun for Heat Shrink - rover.ebay.com...
25w Soldering Iron - rover.ebay.com...
Hammerite Waxoyl - rover.ebay.com...
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#gregvirgoe #vanlife #tinyhome
Job gone - razor gone!
Watching this with about 5 days growth myself.
LOL, it does make me look very scruffy and itches like mad so I don't think ill be growing the compulsory #vanlife beard anytime soon.
Beards are mandatory in 'van life' stuff, Greg...the itchiness soon passes...
Oh, thanks for the explanation bren106, I was beginning to think Greg's head was upside down :o) Sorry Greg. You have a similar "hairdo" to me LOL. I cannot understand how this video got 3 dislikes! What is there to dislike?
Yes Malcolm, I looked at Nomadic movement and Minimal millennials when those guys both left work they were in shirts and clean shaven, but both have full beards and unkempt hair.
Nomadd UK, that make me laugh 😂 loving the way this thread is going so have pinned it for further replies lol
Spent the last few days "binge watching" your whole build series. Hands down the most thorough and best presented build series on YT. Kudos to you for summoning the courage to do what most people only dream about. We are about the same age and I know that the older we get the less likely we are to do something out of the box. Nothing but good wishes and good luck and envy from me to you on your new life of adventure and freedom!
Hi Tim Ash, I don’t know how I missed this comment so sorry for not replying. Huge thanks for such nice words. It is a big step but what do I have to lose? But so much to gain.
More to life, just live it.
Watched this a few months ago and thought “okay I’ve got this”. Climbed under the van with the tank today and it was like an alien landscape. Watched this again and all became clear and tank in 30 minutes later! Thanks Greg
You really are a pleasure to watch and listen to Greg, my only regret is that i have only just just discovered your channel - great work and super attention to detail - we dont see enough of Mrs Greg, she is like a mystery in the background at times - cant wait until you hit them European roads - Italy Switzerland Austria Germany Croatia France and lets not forget my fave Slovenia - Oh bring it on !
You can of course go back to the beginning and catch up, there are over 100 videos on the channel now on various topics 😃
Lou (Miss G) is very camera shy so I'm trying my best to get her more involved and hope to do more on the trip.
Wow Greg. ive watched a few van self build conversion video series, yours is by far the most complete, comprehensive, informative series i've ever come across.
You have a unique ability to create superb content. thanks
That’s really great to hear, thank you very much. Hope you enjoy the rest of the videos. 👍🏼
I may have posted this before, but after watching some other DIY built van videos it's nice to watch one being built by a proper builder. Example: spending the time to jig up a guide for the drain inlet hole saw when someone who doesn't know better would try to drill it freehand and likely make a mess of it.
I try to think ahead and eliminate as many problems before physically doing the work.
Jigs are always a good solution for all sorts of jobs. Thanks for great comment.
You and your videos are simply professional and very clear , well done and please keep doing all these lessons... you must be a teacher
Alexander Cella no I’m not a teacher. I guess I have a knack for explaining things in simple terms 😊👍🏼
Greg Virgoe . In Australia, we are use to say , keep it simple. Make a clear and simple explanation of anything will keep the audience interested. You have a natural gift. Always think that you have someone watching your video who does not have a clue of what you are doing.
Very instructive video. Many thanks. In another Sprinter build series they secured the water tanks using flexible metal strips. A later video showed him reattaching the water tank because the metal straps had broken. Then I noticed another van build series using the same flexible metal strips. Not sure why these other builds are using this method because they looked flimsy from the outset. Glad you're using better solid support for your tanks.
I second the request for info on winterising the tanks. Would be interested in how you'd approach this. Maybe cover this in a future Q n A?
No botch ups, no corners being cut, everything you do is about producing a quality job Greg. I'd like to send a link to the guy that built my Sprinter but I doubt he'd get it. Anyway - after four months of work I've just about sorted all of the problems😱 The next camper will be all done by me with your help - keep up the good work 👍
Oh dear, sorry to hear you’ve had a bad time with your van.
We did love ok at professional build motor homes but for us the cost was out of our reach.
I have spent £7k on the van and a further £8k for the build out but will have a really solid build for third of the cost to buy one similar. Thank you for watching this series.
Again, another job I would have approached in shivers and tremors but you make it look so easy
I thinks it’s best to break things down into manageable chunks. Set yourself one task to complete each day and you get a boost after each one is finished and another tick in the box to being completed. 👍🏼
That heat shrink action gave me such a smile.
well done! a clean, quietly run job. thanks for taking the time to share too!
You are welcome. Are you building your own van 🚐
As ever first class attention to detail...unlike any other van build on UA-cam 👍👍👍
Hi Dave, it's good to be offering something different in this current popular trend of #vanlife.
It's very nice to know that the detail is appreciated and comes across well received.
Another great video Greg. Beware using acetoxy silicone on plastics. When I fit shower wastes I have to use low modulus neutral cure silicone as the acetoxy variety eats away at the plastic and causes it to go brittle. Over time it turns the waste yellow and it falls apart...takes months but it does damage it
Thanks, David, yes maybe in hindsight some "plumbers mait" would have been the better choice.
Mate I am loving your videos. Whilst I know most of what you are sharing I really enjoy watching them. This is without doubt the best conversion series on YT and it is like watching a visual book. You clearly explain everything for the viewers step by step and not just what you are doing but why you are doing it. Very well thought out conversion. Having fun watching it, maybe you would consider writing a book for converting Van's. I have just been to the dealer on Friday and signed papers for a MWB Sprinter. Plan on using it for a couple of years for day to day work and then converting and selling once done. Already done a conversion on VW T5 LWB Mid roof and just a few finishing touches left to finish her off. Your videos are making me want to start straight away on the next one. I thought I did things belt and braces with double shrink wrap on cables but your sealant on the contacts of the waste tank is a nice touch. Tempted to skip to the end to see that van finished because I know it will be awesome but I must resist the urge. Just a quick tip for others on here, you can warm up some Vaseline and pour into under body channels/sections/door panels etc. to work the same as wax oil if you can't get it in some countries. Cheers Jerry
Hello Jerry, it makes my day to recurve a comment like yours. Thank you very much. I would like to produce a book and it’s something I must find the time to produce. I have really enjoyed the whole conversion process and helping others too. It a great community of people.
Good luck with your future conversion. Best wishes
I reckon you take more care in putting together your campervan than professional coach builders. Nice!
I would like to think so too ;D
Good timing. I am expecting my tank any day now in the post! I am going to mount my fressh water tank inside the van to avoid freezing.
Our trip around Europe is planned to avoid the cold climates and to be in countries where temperatures will be more favourable.
I'm not sure they do a insulating jacket for these. If you plan very cold trips you may want to consider an internal water tank.
@ 3:15 The music is AWESOME!!! Another great video! Thanks Greg, for all your work and education.
That you so much I learnt so much from you videos look forward to the next
I’m really pleased you are enjoying them. Thank you Susan 🙏🏼😃
This guy is my hero wired everything and plumed everything with the help from Mr leisure thanks a bunch
You're welcome I'm pleased that I have helped you
Considering changing the "Lew" facilities in my Winnebago View Preview on a Mercedes 3500 diesel chassis. Considering eliminating propane and black water tanks in favor of increased diesel and water capacity. Thanks for your video's encouragement.
Hi Greg, The waste valves you are using eventually sieze up, as on my Motorhome, I fitted lever metal taps, so much easier to use.
Yes Brian, to be honest I was not impressed by how they are all plastic and don’t operate easy at all. I think I will swap them out. Not a proper solution you are right. 👍🏼
Nice to see you supporting a local store with your purchase of the silicon :)
Sadly they are no longer there. I called in for toilet rolls to find a locked gate and empty yard.
I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do! I’m in awe!
I'll have a go at anything Tamara and try to do it to the best of my ability,
what I don't know I will research and practice makes perfect.
Sure I make a few silly mistakes along the way but that's part of the process.
Thank you for the lovely comment.
Greg Virgoe make sure you tell your wife how incredibly sexy you are!
I've been with my girlfriend for 18yrs now and I do mention it quite often but I'm sure she sees it quite differently LOL, but I very much appreciate the compliment. :D
Hi Greg, your videos are brilliant. You have the ability to make every task you do look really easy. For anyone doing their own conversion they have to be the first point of reference.
Its nice you have said that as was trying to give good factual videos
Another nice neat job! Some tips on insulating waste tanks for winter usage would be very useful.
Greg your timing is impeccable. I just got home from work having ordered my tanks this afternoon. Am looking forward to your Truma Combi Installation.
That’s a stroke of luck Tracey, I’m on it every day now so it’s progressing much faster. 😊
Tracy, I'm guessing that about half the van world is waiting for the truma installation 😊
Another excellent video Greg. You hit all the items that I would have done.
1. Using the scrap ply as a guide for the new hole for the waste water inlet. Also useful if you need to fit larger downlighters where you have an existing fitting in a ceiling
2. Swapping out the plain nuts for nylocs ( who thought plain nuts with no anti-vibration washers was a good idea on a vehicle??)
3. Similarly- crappest connectors ever for an externally mounted tank doh!!. as others have said the glue lined heat shrink is a really good idea.
Sound advice and also nice to reassure everyone that the quality of the products aren’t great sometimes and need adjusting to suit 👍
The stubble shows you were hard at work. Great video. Thumbs up!
About to start a sprinter conversion so finding your videos a great help with lots of detail
Love your attention to detail and pre planning.
I must admit I like the way you work and your attention to detail first class 👍👍👍
Howard Tennant thank you were much 👍🏼😃
Hey Greg, having a Sunday morning binge as I'm a few vids behind. You give such a lot of forethought to your build. You won't want to be fixing stuff when you're travelling might be closer to 40°C!
Great idea for the holesaw jig. I had a similar task to make a bird box hole bigger........ It wasn't pretty, and they still didn't get any birds in there. 🤷♂️
I've been criticised for overthinking things and not just getting on with it.
I find when I do just get on with it that I make a lot more mistakes.
It takes me much longer but i only do it once, most of the time lol
Take your time, Greg! Travelwithjaz had his fresh water tank fall off during his travels - luckily while refilling and not while driving! 😳
Before I even watch the video, I got excited about it.. your a master Greg.
That made me smile, thank you for a great comment Ed 😃
So to help you if you make a plywood template up with 114mm hole in it and two drop down pieces either side you can use a router with a plate guide to make it the entry hole for the cover.
And a deck plate lid will mean less work.
No silicone needed for lid
Thanks Greg, your videos are just the best!
I’m glad you like them 🤩👍🏼
Thanks for your teaching
You’re welcome ☺️
Hi Greg, hope you are having a great time travelling, just wanted to let you know, I have now fit my waste water tank from Caktanks, managed to fit it behind the drivers area next to the diesel tank. Can't fit the fresh water tank just yet as to fit the water pronged sensor, I need to cut a 60mm hole, but the hex shaft in my hole cutting kit is 3/8" and too big for my drill, so had to order a 1/4" hex shank.
Hey Greg! Thank you so much for all the videos! It is so helpful! Keep it up! Cheers! 💪🏼🙏🏼
Thank you 🙏 so much this is the best video I have ever seen, very easy explanation easy language speaking very slow and soft no music very smart and careful about safety, thank you again , I’m about to make my own motor van and I really need to lear how how fresh water tank and waste water tank and water pump and shower heater and battery are all connected together kindly, could you please make next video about it ? And would be more appropriated if you make it outside like I can understand how it works before I install it to van , or if you can visit me in Japan and teach me about this things I will be very happy to welcome here and pay for your visit
Kamal Kamalino wow what a wonderful offer. What type of van do you have and can you find the parts and equipment easily where you are. 👍🏼😀
Greg Virgoe thank you very much for your kind reply, yeah it’s my pleasure to have you here , as for part I didn’t check yet about wc and shower and heater , that’s the only thing I’m not sure if they have it here but the rest yeah they have it’s Japan but don’t worry everything is in Amazon and eBay, anyway I’m thinking to do this business with you here in japan , it’s olympics in 2022 and Tokyo is getting full and the rent is so expensive here, anyway I will be so happy if you contact me in my what’s up like that we keep in touch for this project and I have have some good ideas for UA-cam to reach 2 million followers, here is my what’s up +818084927475
Hi Greg....a first class job as usual......I just cant believe you will give up that workshop 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The workshop is in my father in laws garage, so that's not going anywhere 👍🏼😃
Think of it as an extended holiday. I know he will be pleased to get it back for a while.
As I've been taking over for the last year.
Superbly done and explained. Again! Great work and much appreciated you sharing all this in detail.
Thank you Mark, appreciate the regular support. Cheers
Great job. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Thank you very much
Excellent videos, really good camera work and lots of hints and tips, especially how to make a really good, long lasting job of everything. Well done Greg!
Thank you very much i'm glad you found them to be useful.
Hi
I know time has passed, but you could have screwed a smaller holesaw onto the arbor of the bigger holesaw ( 2 together) and used that as a centre guide Greg !
That's an interesting hack, is there enough thread to do that safely?
gotta be one of the best van builders on youtube! you make this look so easy and it all makes sense.
Looks a lot better than the guy that did the van I just brought it’s got same idea but with blue water tanks,problem is they hang to low and ground out a lot
So might look at doing what u did
Just a case of using the original connections.
CAK tanks make a huge range of tanks to fit every van 🚐👍🏼
Another great video ,thanks Greg
Very thorough! Thanks for the information. I have zero experience but plan to build on my own.
I was in the same position Paula, I have never converted a van before. Done hundreds of hours of research and applied bit of knowledge but it’s totally achievable I think.
As always a really informative video. Happy travels Mr Leisure!!!
Thank you very much Roger
If I am drilling a hole like your tank inlet, i.e. With a bigger hole than drill, I slip a short piece (pieces?) of plastic tube over the drill to fill the original hole. Worked for me 99% of the time...
Bob Hardy
Nicely done, Mr V👍🏻
Glad you like it Don, thank you
You may think it's over kill but I would have used thin strips of rubber on the tank bracket and anywhere the plastic tank meets the body. I'm thinking about dirt roads and vibration that can stress the plastic or wear through it. As always a great video with great tips.
Such as an old bicycle inner tube.
Yes that would work, but I was thinking rubber a little bit thicker and spongier to absorb some shock as well as protect plastic.
Hi Karl, I asked that very question to the tank manufacturer, I suggested a sticky back high-density foam.
But they strongly advised not to use anything as that would over time compressor work lose and the tank would fall out.
Now it is fitted you would be amazed at how solid it is and its built to fit inside the main chassis members so it has no sideways movement. The tanks are about 1/4" thick so very robust.
Ah yes, I guess my thinking is I would be under there checking the condition and tension in the straps often, but the manufacturer knows that people are more likely to blame them than themselves. I'm now sure you've done the best for needs :)
Thanks for taking the time to make these videos Greg, Im a cpl months away from a sprinter conversion myself and trying to gain some confidence to take on such a big project! really appreciate it and will be sure to donate when I start my build. liked and subbed.
Thanks mate ..
Very professional..
Thank you very much 👍🏼😃
Thanks Again Greg, still enjoying you videos
I always enjoy the thorough attention to detail in your work.
You may be using it already but may I recommend glue lined heat shrink for outside wiring? It has an inner layer which seals tight and prevents water and dust from getting into connections.
I wasn't aware they did such a thing, so thank you for that tip and i'll look out for some.
Thanks Phillip very much.
I have used both recently and noticed a big difference. You can actually see the glue bubbling out the ends.
tip, check that silicone actually adheres to tank plastic as a lot of diy ones don't . especially shower tray & bathroom plastics
Hi Greg, I’m currently converting a Mk8 Transit Jumbo and have watched most of your videos now, thank you for the great detail you go in to, your advice is so valuable! I just noticed your silicon had a Mondys sticker on there.. I live in Witham Essex, didn’t realise you was so close 😂👍
Greg, you always impress me with your work as well as the quality of your video!
Great to see a perfectionist work! Also very practical and helpful.
Really appreciate your kind words, thank you
Great watching these. I will be building my van out between Essex and Cz republic later on this year so feel free to drop me a line if you’re travelling close by to either.
Datplan CyberControl thats very kind of you. Thank you
Great video Greg, I was nervous before starting my build and now I'm just plain scared! Altering waste tanks!!!
Learned some great things in this video. Thanks so much!
Hey Greg, thanks for all the great content! Couple of questions? 1. Do you vent your waste water tank so as to prevent air locks and slow drainage? 2. Do you use any sort of filtration on your waste water so as to prevent food waste or anything chunky getting into the tank and potentially blocking the small drainage tap? Thanks again!
No, we normally wipe the plates into the bin first before washing.
@@GregVirgoe thanks Greg! I just saw your other video on your water tank setup ... thanks for being so thorough! Didn’t see any mention of venting the waste water tank though... is it necessary in your experience?
Nice clean workmanship as always 👌
Great Job on the Sprinter. Now I want to get a sprinter. May I make a suggestion on the soldering of the cables? Since the splice will be under the van, before sliding the larger heat shrink tubing, I put a little silicon in it before shrinking the larger tubes since would help just in case moisture get in.
Another great video Greg, well done my friend....it’s all coming together quicker now..👍🏼
those tanks brings back memories of taking off and installing petrol tanks when I was in the car body trade, your knees became your friends when lifting into place.. LOL....😊
Hi Marc, I’ve got one of those boards on casters that you lie on and roll around but as I couldn’t get it off the ground my chest wouldn’t fit under the skirt of the van, so resorted to a dust sheet and lots of shuffling 😥
Greg The other option would be to use a car jack (trolly jack) though those tanks aren’t as heavy as petrol tanks, you can still manoeuvre it into place leaving your arms free for the straps etc....still, all done now...👍🏼😉
another great one there Greg, its coming along now.
Loving all these video's Gregg even though I don't own a van, great attention to detail...Maybe one day I will use some of what I have learned here and put into practice...One day!
Big BRAVO for nice work!!!
Thanks Greg some cool info there.
Watching with a full set beard.
LOL, sorry Mike, I can't do it.
It gets too itchy after 4-5days. Will be one of the few clean shaven vanlifers
I did grow one a while ago when I broke my leg and was in plaster for two months
Until someone said I look like Peter Sutcliffe, then it came straight off again lol
great video, great idea for the scrap wood
It was the only way I thought of to keep the drill steady, cheers
You are my hero, I am learning so much. Thank you
You are welcome, thank you
Thanks for the soldering advice.
You are welcome Kevin
Looks really good. Might I suggest a blob or three of silicone one the clean out hatch to make sure that it doesn't rattle out on a road trip? Just to lock it in place.
alanwestport 18months of driving and 13000 miles later and still there. 😊
Another great video!!!! Thank you
You’re welcome 😇
best video on UA-cam thanks for bringing good nolig and just is it live are 2 n tow the switch
Sorry I’m not sure I understand your question 😊
Yet another excellent video 👍
Thank you Kat, glad you liked it :D
Greg Virgoe 👍
Yet another excellent video Greg. Now get on with the internal cupboards because I need that one lol
Fantastic job.... subbed
Thank you and welcome to the channel 😃
Well presented Greg great video and very useful thanks.
Another top video Greg. I like your attention to detail. I have a thought tho about the tanks. Are you considering covering them with any insulation for the winter time. Also a silver heat shield would be an advantage to protect them from the exhaust heat. This is because when the particulate filter in the exhaust doesn’t a regeneration they glow cherry red with the heat and burn off the soot build up at anything from 600 to 1200 degrees
Doesn’t need to be to much just a bit of tin to deflect the heat especially on the waste tank 👍
Love the videos greg! I'm planning to live in my van in the UK. I was thinking to put the tanks underneath but only just thought about UK winter temperatures. What could you do to stop them freezing?
Brilliant video, thank you!
You showed the two contact points for the waste water sensor but where are the contact points for the fresh water sensor?
Perhaps a thin sheet metal in front of and underneath tanks to protect from road debris.
Kevin Burkett, that would be an idea if planning to do any off road driving, the tanks are very thick 1/4" - 3/8" so are very tough already 😊
With the amount of work you had to do to modify these tanks, I hope they were cheap! I'm on the hunt for some less labour intensive versions!
It only took half an hour 😃👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe Should have known hahaha ;)
The spade connection could be filled a heat proof silicone
Neither the less great job
I think your work and van build product selection is superb. Have a few ancillary thoughts though. When I see all that wonderful equipment you add under your vehicle, I wonder if placement of such equipment could possibly create potential conflicts with normal vehicle maintenance and repair work. Wondering if it make sense for you to have a master vehicle mechanic watch over your shoulder to warn you of potential problems resulting when your van must be worked on by a mechanic? Thinking of a apprentice mechanic being inattentive or careless.
Over many decades I have at times driven my vehicles over or through tall grass, short brush, and hard snow and Ice. Knowing the strength of what's normally underneath, I never much worried about it. I wonder if any area's under your van might need some shielding also installed. Not advocating for idiot proofing, but we are all creatures of habit.
One final thought, when I watch your YT's and observe your attention to detail and manner, I wonder if it would ever make sense for you to grab a few able-bodied veterans with the proper attitude and aptitude, and start a camper-van customization company. With growing numbers of people operating out of camper-vans worldwide, why not you use the Henry Ford approach to start a business that helps veterans with jobs and training, and that makes you a profit as you do something you obviously enjoy? There is much government support available to help vets and businesses that support vets. I assume this is true in the UK as well. If not, seek an audience with Prince Harry.
Hello Preston, That's a very valid point. It's wise to make sure you have enough disconnection pints built in so things can be removed easily if they have to. Most things on campers are secured with jubilee clips and push fit fittings to make it easy.
I shall avoid any off roading altogether as mine is only 2 wheel drive anyway. I like the idea of sharing my ideas on here and inspiring others and it still gives me the freedom to enjoy my early retirement. I don't know how I found the time to go to work.
A great series of videos Greg
Great video Greg , thanks. One question - why put manhole on top of waste tank? As you say, it will need cleaning more than fresh but you will need to drop waste to clean.
I thought there was more chance of it leaking if it was constantly submerged.
@@GregVirgoe thanks for your reply. One more question - when you drop the tanks to clean, how does it work with electrical connection? obviously cannot un-plug now.. Thanks
@@1anonlyedwiltshire it would be wise to remove the two bolt probes and check their condition or replace with new at that time you clean the tank. Cutting a few cable ties would give you enough flex to drop the tank. 👍🏼
Very nice job Greg.👍 Cannot sau I would favour those tank suspension hooks but cannot think of another option.🤔
Hi Norman, they do work very well though and will not come out now the nuts are done up tight.
Greg Virgoe , what is the name for tank suspension hooks? Where did you get yours?
Well done John bloody awesome work well done Mate :-)
John? Do you have me confused with a very famous snooker player? lol
I like your videos. Very usefull
Thank you 🙏🏼
Good job and thanks for all your info 👏👏👏👍
thanks for making these pal.. so inspiring
Intersting british speach and yermonology. Would help to include american deminisions of size or temp.
Having these two tanks outside without insulation certainly means that you do not plan to go to cold areas (below 0 ° C).
I just saw the Winnebago Revel Sprinter has a pump-filled (not gravity) grey water tank. Perhaps that explains the small grey tank inlet.
Hi Marion, from what I’ve seen most camper wastes are installed in 3/4” flexible pipes and that would fit around the connection. But for waste it would be prone to blocking and I’m just not comfortable fitting it. Hence my alteration.
Another pump is another thing to power and go wrong? 😊
no the fresh water tank needs access because you MUST chlorinate it or you will be struck down with various bacteria that will grow in your fresh water tank , you must remember that bacteria multiplies very quickly between 20-40 degrees and that why you dont use stored drinking water in your home
Firsteerr Lastmwwew, watch my water services video, you will see I have a separate drinking water system in my kitchen unit. I will not be drinking the water from the tank under the van, it is only for washing with. The water tank has the big red access hatch you see in the photo.
I dealt with water treatment and chlorination on a daily basis as part of my job which is why I have installed separate drinking water system.