Vanagon upgrades and future wants! HELP!
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- MY COMPREHENSIVE NORWAY GUIDE AVAILABLE HERE:
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Sharing our latest Vanagon / VW T3 upgrades. Now we need your help to get further ideas/suggestions on improvements we should consider. We experience a lack of space and a need for a more efficient battery/power system. Would love to hear your ideas in the comment section! Stay tuned for the upcoming videos from this extensive van life season in Norway!🇳🇴
/ benedikteroness
/ simonbraeck
/ huskyzulu
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Storage ideas: What about a hightop ? Cupboards up there or even sleep there and keep downstairs for storage? Also adding a high cabinet behind the drivers seat adds a bunch of storage. Under floor water tanks unless you have them already. Raise the bed and have more storage above engine.
Good advice. We have a limited garage clearance so a high top won't work for us at the moment.
@@SimonBraeck i see! Can't wait to see what you decide on! Where are you guys at the moment?
Koni shocks, T3 techics suspension up grades, heavy duty front sway bar. "Proper rated tires " not car tires...Propex heater. Small trailer will make your life so much better catch all for everything in your way, free up your in side space..use a ultraviolet light that makes ozone to kill mold..
Glad to see you're back! The van Norris sure likes to be maintained. How about adding a small trailer for storage?
Indeed, a creature of luxury! Hoping it will work out well now, he seems satisfied after 3000km. Not sure about the trailer up steep mountain passes etc, but who knows, at least it will add a ton of extra storage.
We're seriously thinking of a trailer for all the stuff we carry with us to avoid having to pack and repack the boot. We travel with 2 young kids, and the biggest challenge is storing their car seats when in camping mode, so a trailer with a lockable hard top might be the best option for us!
Oh wow, that sounds like a bigger challenge than we have! It might be the solution though, I am just worried about the lacking power of these old things, especially on steep mountain roads. Will add tons of useful storage though!
Suggestion:
Replace yr fridge for a compressor-type. They take a fraction of the energy an absorption-type uses. Compressor-camping-fridges are quite expensive I know, but the comfort they give you for not-using up yr battery is priceless 😂
I bought secondhand a compressor fridge from a truckdriver. They have these slide-fridges underneath their driverseat. I am really really happy with it. Very practical in everyday use!
You both are always so relaxed and cute. It would be so nice meeting you once a time when we are in Norge again.
Still the best country in europe 🥰 🇳🇴 😘 and one of the best in the world.
Hadet 😊
Haha, thanks! Be sure to wave at us if you see the blue smurf van of ours cruising on a road near you!
Hello from Danes in Norway. Saw you in the ferry queue going from Kvaløya to Senja. We came in a VW California T6.1 going the other. Nice to see the T3 on the road.
V sign here as well :)
Loving the adventure, so good to see you guys back! Can’t wait to see where you get to next.😃
Thanks! I truly look forward to posting proper travel videos of the van again :)
Can't wait for the new episodes! According to Benedikte's Stories, it's gonna be epic! And perhaps we'll cross your path somewhere along our trip up north ;) YAY for the upgrades (also consider a roof rack instead of a ski box, it's a bit more versatile)!!!!
Hi! True, her teasers is showing what you can expect from the finished videos! :) Thanks, we haven't decided anything yet, so it will be exciting to explore all the different options.
Stop in Nord Statland to visit the Utvorda Festning.....interesting part of history. You may meet some of my family there
Thanks, I will have a look😊
And for storage you might consider a small trailer behind yr van. Gives a lot of storageroom plús you can put yr kayak on top of the the trailer, among other things.
For now these are my ideas on this. Good luck, safe journeys and mighty views!!👍
Hi! Love your information and travels. I have a Country Homes Camper on a Vanagon GL. It has the same roof tent as you have. What I did was get some dowels and cut them to extended size to support the roof as I had a yakima rack on it and a canoe several times. I didn't pop it with the canoe on top but just the weight of the rack made it sag a bit. The oak dowels stored right where the tent is so they weren't in the way. It's worked really well. I also have the Westfalia with the pop-top. I like the tent for the CHC as there is so much more room in it and all the windows. Also, its kind of clausterphobic at the back in the westfalia so we have to sleep with the head to the front of the van. This is less private and I had to make a small platform to fit and extend the bed so the darn pillow wouldn't fall off the bed. :) So, in all there are pros and cons to both. On the Westfalia I have the lift because I have the yakima rack up there and it came down on my head once....ouch! Even with the lifts it's still pretty heavy.
As you have a tow bar get and ERDA trailer to store the things you don't need every day or only when you park up, we did this even had an Avon inflatable boat and outboard engine all kept in the Trailer. works well and should you get to a dead end just unhitch the trailer turn the van round and re attach the trailer. Good luck and come visit the U.K. soon! P.S. Get the lockable lid on the trailer and at least one wheel clamp for when you leave it on a camp site and go off to town. Keep it on the black stuff!!
We want to drive into Norway from Sweden in July, not sure if the Mexican beer situation will let us though, cross the fingers, hold the thumbs !
Haha, that Mexican beer is causing so many headaches! Fingers crossed :)
So glad you are all back on the road 👏🏻
It's fantastic to see you two back on the road! Enjoy the adventures and keep the videos coming :-)
Thank you! Thrilled to be back and having a van that we can rely on.
So glad you guys are back ✨✨✨✨✨✨
Thank you🤗
good to see again, waiting your new route and journey ♥️
Cheers, will be uploading more frequently soon! 😊
Thanks for sharing! It's pleasure to see high quality works from you guys!
My pleasure, more proper travel videos soon to come :)
YAY! you are back on wheels, love love.
It took some time, but its worth it every time we get to travel in the van! :-)
Can't wait to see your future videos. Benedikte's stories look quite amazing!! We wanna explore Norway too :D
nice to have you back ✌
i am so exited. cant wait for the next video ❤
Thanks mate, more good stuff coming! :)
Appreciate your content ✨ All the best from southern Sweden
Thanks Fabian :)
Great to see you on the road and looking good .Can not wait to new videos.
Thanks! Looking forward to sharing videos from this journey soon.
congrats on getting out! Can't wait to see the videos of your travels.
Thanks! Looking forward to share these videos soon!
Heeeeeyyyyy..... Glad to see your back!!!
Hey, thank you!
I made a custom made basket for above the cabin instead of the bag you are using. It can hold more stuff. Let me know if you want pics.
Sounds clever! Would love to see it
@@SimonBraeck what is your email adres so i can send some pics?
Great update video. Can’t wait to see the journey with the new motor. Good storage tips, too, especially under driver’s seat.
Thanks, it has been doing us good so far, knock on wood :)
Love your channel, One thing is for sure with a van build and especially vintage VW builds, the project never ends. ✌
I have missed so much your posts and input. Delighted to see you back again Simon. Looking forward to your future adventures!
Thank you very much, I hope the coming videos will make up for the low upload frequency! :)
Buen vídeo chicos!
Nos encantan vuestras aventuras
Saludos desde España 🌅🚌
So happy to see you on road .... Excited for your cinematic vlog .... Wait so much to see your videos.... Best of luck for your future journey... And your upgrade plan is good you definitely do that upgreds.
Thank you! I have high hopes of the coming vlogs showing the true travel experiences we have had this far :-)
Simon , where were you both ?
Please don't do this again remember people like me are always anxiously waiting for your beautiful Vedio..! Lots of upgrades with VW all the best..! Put more Vedio s of North Norway 👍
We were trying to fix the van, haha! More videos from beautiful Norway is coming up, shortly... :)
Hello..glad you're bck. Always looking forward for your new adventures from the other side of the world. You're both very resourceful in customizing your van. Stay safe..greetings from Las Vegas 🇺🇲
Thank you! We try our best and learn along the way. This summer's journey will be a good one, can't wait to share it here!
I noticed a trailer hitch! You may want to consider a light weight trailer to store the stuff!
Love the videos! Normally not a huge fan of vanlife videos (I feel like they get too much hype and the difficulties are not shown as often) but you guys have a good balance. Currently working on my own VW build (‘81 air cooled, Utah USA). Lots of great ideas. Happy trails!
The question is whether or not your current roof structure will work with a westfalia pop top . The Westy pop top roof has a defined roof to accept the recessed bed board
I know, haven't found out all the details as of now. Let's see what we end up doing.
So good to see you guys out and about. The Insta reels tell me the vids from the trip north are going to be awesome. Love, as always, to that gorgeous hound Z
Thank you Martin, we are having a blast although the Norwegian summer is a bit disappointing still... :)
@@SimonBraeck bad weather is all part of the adventure, or at least that’s what we kid ourselves saying here in the UK 😉😜
We have found the box on top was very helpful. We have a 87 Westy. This winter the solar panel and electrical system went in. Looking forward to your next episodes.
I can imagine, we will explore all the different options on the coming time. Thanks :)
Great to see you travelling again and producing your fantastic videos. Our VW T6 has a 175w solar panel on the pop top, 110amh leisure agm battery under the seat and victron solar charger controller and victron dc to dc charge controller from the alternator, this keeps the fridge and interior lighting going and several USB ports for charging electronics. Every time we go away like you we feel there is something else needed or got rid of as it’s not being used, we found large plastic boxes useful to keep kit in as you can store them out side under the van when stopped for the night.
Thank you. That sounds like a nice setup, we are considering adding lithium batteries to extend our off-grid time.
Looking forward to seeing your roof update! We are considering the same thing.
Nice work you are doing (and don't worry, a too short list of things to do gets boring ;) )
I know, kinda nice to have a planned upgrades list lying around ;)
Maybe the vibration when you brake is because you need some leveling and alignment on the wheels.
Awesome guys 👌🏻
Thank you!
Good to know the engine is running better.
Feels good to finally be able to rely on it starting and running every time we need it!
Keep making video.... I am indonesian and i like your topic
Thank you very much, I’ll keep it up🎬
Oh that is great, back on the road, even if you haven’t quite finished upgrading etc. The scenery is fabulous and I’m looking forward to seeing much more of it.
Yes indeed, more upgrades will happen once we are back. Now we are busy enjoying the scenery :)
@@SimonBraeck good idea, who wouldn’t?!!
Hi Simon, have you considered a roof cabinet? I am converting a VW T3 transporter myself and the roof cabinet gives a lot of extra space. I personaly designed it so i can access it from the back and the front. This way you don't have to reach al the way to the back for some stuff. Have a nice trip and good luck with the van!
Great video so glad to see you back! Uk company that ships worldwide is campervan culture. Some of their products suit your plans and may give some inspo. Love the plans can’t wait to see your travels and Norris’ transformation 🚌
Thanks for the advice, have been looking into their site and some of the products looks promising.
So excited you are both enjoying the open road again!!! Look forward to future videos and upgrades to the van!!!
Also are you feeling the vibration in the pedal or in the van itself shaking?
Thanks! It's only noticeable via the pedal.
@@SimonBraeck try only applying the hand brake lever lightly while driving around 20mph. If you feel vibration in the handle its likely the rear drums.
Then you can try and loosen the lug nuts and tourque them evenly to the required spec. If a garage put the rims on they could of un-evenly torqued the lug nuts (with an air gun) and caused the drum housing to bend enough to cause vibrations, when the brakes are applied. Hope this helps!
@@gport27 great advice, will try this asap! thanks!!
Have you considered fitting a high top roof? Loads of storage space and it can be really well insulated. We were really pleased with ours.
It would be smart, but our garage is a limiting factor as the clearance is too low... :/
Really great that your out using your van again, if you want a pop top and more storage have a look at a Carthargo malibu van conversion it's a semi high top so you can stand up with the top down but it lifts as well, your country looks absolutely stunning, definitely somewhere I'll like to tour in my van, enjoy.
I will take a look at that, thanks! More scenic goodies to come in the next couple of videos, I promise😊
Ser ut som Zulu koser seg. Gleder oss til nye videoer.
You bet! Zulu elsker Norris, heldigvis. På tide med noen reisevideoer nå!
After spending significant money restoring our 1992 Volkswagen Eurovan, T4 California, campervan, we made the difficult decision to sell the van as we wanted an adventure rig that gave us greater capabilities to explore places that we couldn't access with the front wheel drive VW. We replaced the van with a 2017 Toyota Tacoma 4x4, which gave us greater opportunities to explore with the 4x4 capabilities. We had a wedge-style pop-top truck topper camper fabricated for the truck as depicted in the attached link: www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-diy-wedge-camper.604686/. This set-up is essentially a pick-up truck version of a westfalia camper, which we refer to as our wedgefalia. Great to see you back on the road adventuring. Fair Winds.
Nay to side ladder, it'll add drag. Put a ladder on the back :)
Great to hear you have found the issue with the engine, from what you said it sounds like it needs fine tuning. Really like the idea of a Westy pop top, we would like one for our van as it's a tin top but we have a roof rack and we keep a lot of stuff on there. We run a 200 ah lithium system on our van and it is awesome but expensive, if you can justify it go for it. We have a 150w solar panel and a CRX50 fridge and in moderate sun the solar will run the fridge and top up the batteries. We fitted swing aways on our other Syncro and found that unless the bodywork is perfect, when you tighten the bolts it deforms the panel as the swing away sandwiches the panel between the plates. It's not really a problem but it did crack the paint on ours. I'll send you an email in the next day or two regarding tuning your fuel pump if you like?
Cheers
Ben
We need to have a closer look once we are back from this journey, I am just super happy we got the engine ready in time! I would love a similar setup, but as you say it is somewhat pricey. Do you have a swing away system on both sides?
Hi there, I had the same problem with vibrations in the brake pedal and nearly changed everything. The solution was to release the handbrake cable completely before adjusting the rear brakes!
At the very end you can readjust the handbrake. Otherwise the tension of the handbrake cable tilts the brake pad carrier and this causes the vibrations during braking.
Hi, this might be the only thing we haven't checked out. Really appreciate the advice, I will check it soon! :)
Hello Simon! Of course, I look forward to new videos of your adventures !!!))
I came up with an idea, maybe a very stupid one .... What if you install a synchro bracket on the back door and hang a trunk there instead of a wheel? The first thing that came to mind.
Good for you!))
Hi :) Thank you for watching! Yes, we have considered a swing away cargo box at the rear, I have also seen those thrasharoo-bags that can hold more cargo on the back of a swing away system. Looking forward to explore all the possibilities!
All the best,
Simon
Cool...
Thanks!
Hey Simon, where did you get those magnetic pockets? Love the videos and enjoy the adventures. Alan
Hey! I got them from gowesty.com and they are made by a brand called Vanstow :)
Go Truck Norris Go!
Norris become most perfect T3 after all this upgrades ;)
I hope so too, haha! :D
Love Norway, often over here (as I am now) for work and plan to bring my T25 over hopefully next year! As for your storage issue, have you thought about over head locker at the rear of the van. A quick Google will show what I mean :)
We actually removed the existing over head locker when we renovated the interior. We might need to add one back in there again, haha. Norway is wonderful! Too bad the summer weather in the north is still missing... :)
I am from india, i ❤ ur travel videos, i❤ u huskey boy ❤😘
Good to see you again! Did you use the jx pump or the tdk pump?
Thanks! We ended up getting a refurbished JX pump
@@SimonBraeck nice! Saves you some trouble with the engine bay cover 😊
Hi, I am assuming your new engine is probably a 1.9 litre which has a taller block than the 1.6. When converting people either lower the engine a bit or lift the engine cover that same amount instead. If your engine is hung slightly lower, I wondered if you had noticed the slight reduction in ground clearance ? When gaining extra torque from the engine change, some people use slightly wider (therefore also taller) tyres to reduce engine revs at cruising speed - if in fact you went with standard tyres presumably you decided against this. Lastly, with modern li-ion batteries you can sustain a high short-term load so I would be tempted to ditch gas cooking and use a small induction ring - easily topped up from a few PV panels or the alternator when moving.
Hi! Correct, we have a 1.9 TDK engine now, but I really can't say we lost any ground clearance to be honest. We will eventually move over to different tires as you suggest, just waiting for new wheels to be available before we can do this swap. In the future, we will be switching to lithium batteries, but I am not sure we will have enough energy to switch over to a induction rig right away. But there is always a possibility in the future... :)
Ship that van to the states and drive the California Coast.
That would be pretty sick
Do you have a link to the string of lightbulbs you have on the roof of the back of the van? My Wife and I think it gives a great warm feel and would love to see what model you went for! Also, I assume the wire has a on/off switch and it is connected straight to the battery? Thanks!
The van seems way too small for two of you and a dog. You need a high roof for all the extra storage space maybe.
ive spent a year and a half looking for a van and your series across europe was what inspired my search. I really want something Diesel, Good mpg and cheap tax bracket so i was thinking of a 1980 T25. Do you recommend something newer for reliability or should i trust my gut?! :)
Cool! I am no expert, but a 1980 model would be air cooled, not water cooled, so it depends on your preference I guess!
Do you know what the part number is for the pump you have fitted? It'll be something like 0 480 494 082, It's hard too see at 1:34 in the video but it looks like it may be an ECO pump with no LDA?
It sounds like a big job to replace the entire roof, Is it not possible to add struts to the current setup? I'm sure you have also considered a hightop, do you dislike the aesthetics? Glad the engine is running well. Nice Photoshops skills btw.
We have a garage clearance limit which makes a pop-top the only option for the time being. The lifting mechanism on the current roof is far from optimal and I can't figure out how struts can solve this problem on this roof type... Thanks ;)
@@SimonBraeck Could you change the hinges so your SCA roof are back hinged like a westfalia or a Reimo? Well you stil need gas struts to lift it, if it is a skiboks on top.
You have had storage under the roof in the back, re-instaal it or make a bigger one. In my Reimo i have RnR hinges for the back seat that are for the T1 and T2 (split and bay) they lift the seats up 16cm when in bed mode. It has given me a storage room under the bed that is 80x150x14cm or 160 liter. The rear left cabinet in my Reimo covers the hole rear left window, lots of storage, could you extend your cabinet? could the rear seat be moved a few centimeter forvards, and may be a few cm up? 5cm forwards gives about 24 liters moore under the seat. Could you move you power bank or instal one 100ah lithium battery behind the drivers seat, so it dont take up space under the back seat? Some people, specialy in the US has made an extra room where the syncro has its fuel tank, behind the rear seat. they have cut a hole in front of the opening for the engine compartement. Some also has made a hole in the floor just inside of the sliding door, also wery good for tools and spare parts.
If you have not looked into how a T3 Reimo is made you are welcome to come to Lommedalen and have a look at mine
What size wheels are you looking at for the future?
We might end up with 215/65/15. We want 15 or 16 inch wheels at least.
@@SimonBraeck sounds good. Little bit bigger but still not too far away from the classic look and feel :) easier to find replacement tyres with 15/16" too
Did i meet you in a not-to-be-named fjord with a glacier not far away from it in the north last week? Or are there more light blue camper vans like it around, hehe
I need a few more details before I can answer this, but it could easily have been us! :D
@@SimonBraeck near Glomfjord :D
@@MadMaxx570 sounds like us, we were in that area!😄
kan lett sveise en sidestige selv. Jeg laget min selv, uten store sveisekunnskaper. Helt like den dere har på bildet :D:D
Tar du oppdrag?? 😄
@@SimonBraeck Det skulle jeg gjerne ha gjort, men jeg har ikke sveisemaskin lengre :( Jeg laget min av vanlig firkantstål ca 25/30mm, tynnvegget.
Sveiset på en liten skråleppe som ligger i takrenna, og et stang som passer inn i bærearmshullet i bunn. Alt er litt i press, sånn at den holder seg på plass, men jeg kan enkelt ta av stigen ved behov/kontroll. Har min på venstre side inn mot mitten av veien. LItt usikker på lovligheten rundt det å kjøre med stigen montert. Aldri blitt stoppet :D MIn stikker ca 10/12 cm ut fra bilens side-
Skjønner! Vi finner sikkert en løsning, og det kan være lurt å gjøre det lett å demontere den, slik at EU-kontroll kanskje går litt mer smertefritt😄
@@SimonBraeck Fikk akkurat min 85, Bensin godkjent. Stigen lå baki :D :D hehe!
@@andreasdahl717 vakkert! sånn skal det være ;)
Have you made any progress on your upgrades list?
Does anyone know when tourists will be allowed in Norway again?
depends from where
@@shelekhov EU
Take the weight off the van and add a trailer!?
Haha, would like to see that up those steep mountain passes!
For all your vanagon questions www.thesamba.com
Hey! Check out 14:47 of this video for a simple and cheap solution to your roof weight issue : ua-cam.com/video/HJQ_EvYIE-I/v-deo.html
Like i said commenting on another video, rebuilding that low mileage motor was a huge waste of time and effort.
Since you knew the motor was more than fine, you should have allocated your time toward going through and optimizing every other system connected to and vital to that motor: Fuel (including pump timing, which is probably off); Intake; Exhaust; Turbo; etc.
You say you have low power. Assuming the motor itself is healthy, which it better be after all of that unnecessary rebuild work, then its all about air, exhaust, and fuel. FLOW, FLOW, FLOW.
That air filter is a piece of shit and its killing you. Get rid of it. Those motors need a MINIMUM of 210CFM intake airflow. Go check that one, its around 120 max. Rip it out and put in a high flow K&N with a fabric prefilter.
Take the van to a TRULY EXPERT vw diesel specialist and have him verify your pump timing is correct.
Get a boost gauge and verify your turbo boost is where it should be, for that build maybe around 15psi max boost. And make sure your turbo oil supply and return lines are adequate.
Your exhaust is pathetic 1.5” low flow garbage from what i can see. Get rid of it and have a custom 2.5” full stainless system made, centered around a Vibrant resonator. Vibrant makes a beautiful stainless one with 2.5” inlet and outlet. The build will be cheap at any GOOD muffler shop, around $250 max total at a US shop.
Verify your fuel screw on your pump is where it should be. Once your intake and exhaust issues are fixed, your timing is right, and your turbo boost is where it should be, play with the fuel screw until you get black smoke coming out the exhaust under light acceleration. Then back it off until you only get a liiiitttle bit under very hard acceleration. That way youll know youre not underfueled.
Watch my vids, and join the Vanagon Diesel Owners Group on facebook. Lots of knowledge on there.
And brush your teeth.