A few minor "speed bumps" with the new van. There are some issues around wheel alignment and condensation with the new Silverlines.
I have always been a "tyre concious" person and would have quickly picked up on tyre wear issues if it was me - particularly with the Outback version which with the raised chassis does leave the wheels exposed and easy to inspect. Nothing wrong with the design, just an oversight in the pre delivery checks by the dealer that should be part of every new vehicle delivery.
A new wall to roof joint extrusion will be used by the time our van is produced, and an effective repair has been approved as a "recall" for all existing Silverlines to solve the condensation problem.
Our specification is evolving, as by eliminating the rear bedroom roof hatch I have room to fit 980w X 24v solar, feed it into an eTracer 60 amp MPPT controller, and will also double up the lithium battery bank to a total of 400Amp Hrs. I will split the panels into two banks, individually switched so that the controller does not get overloaded during the summer months.
Unfortunately the "Drifter" electronic control panel which is an excellent device including a 100 amp shunt for accurate SOC battery management as well as tank monitoring and pump/12v switching, cannot be upgraded to cope with the higher load required to run our 1200w PSW inverter. I will still need to fit another monitor / battery management system. ( Will run with Votronic with 200Amp shunt)
Terry, although you will not agree with my choice of panels/controller, you will be pleased to know the the cell logger will be installed to monitor the 8 cells in the new installation
The colours have been chosen along with the the other options including some more 12v and 230v outlets and some USB sockets. No aircon but will have the big 7kg Ariston front loader washer/condenser dryer. Delivery still early - mid Jan 2015.
Cheers Chris