Custom build - 2020 Westfalia Club Joker 4Motion - Offroad build thread

@wildslammer22 , I've been researching for high quality "swamper certified" camp lights. I discovered these after watching some overland videos and people swear by them. Advantages:

- 80 hours runtime
- can light up 360 degrees a full campsite or change to 180 or 90 degrees
- telescoping pole to move it up high and disperse the light, but MORE importantly as bugs are attracted to light the bugs are up high and away while you still have wonderful light over the entire campsite pitch (wild camping or other)
- light filters available like amber light for a more warm light
- Charge via USBc quickly

Disadvantage is they don't pack down extremely small, but might be worth it depending on the location you are traveling too. I'm seriously considering grabbing the 2 light kit with bag and filters:

 
Here’s some photos. That long cable on the right is for the Dometic CFX12. Ignore that.
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Thanks for that, appreciated. Do you know if the Quadlovk mount you have use a standard 1” ball mount? I’m thinking I can use a Ram or generic ball mount to attach it. Like you I’m keen to avoid a suction mount.
 
Thanks for that, appreciated. Do you know if the Quadlovk mount you have use a standard 1” ball mount? I’m thinking I can use a Ram or generic ball mount to attach it. Like you I’m keen to avoid a suction mount.

Not sure, I was considering the same but just went with all Quad lock parts to be sure as I needed something quickly for a long drive to Italy.


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@wildslammer22 , I've been researching for high quality "swamper certified" camp lights. I discovered these after watching some overland videos and people swear by them. Advantages:

- 80 hours runtime
- can light up 360 degrees a full campsite or change to 180 or 90 degrees
- telescoping pole to move it up high and disperse the light, but MORE importantly as bugs are attracted to light the bugs are up high and away while you still have wonderful light over the entire campsite pitch (wild camping or other)
- light filters available like amber light for a more warm light
- Charge via USBc quickly

Disadvantage is they don't pack down extremely small, but might be worth it depending on the location you are traveling too. I'm seriously considering grabbing the 2 light kit with bag and filters:

Tempting! Storage might be an issue for me - I might be able to rig up a roof mount…
 
Is that a Quadlock phone bracket? If so do you recommend, I’ve been trying to decide between quadlock and a Ram mount


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I’ve just got brodit (prezzie so didn’t pay crazy price) with fast charger built in has a special cigar 12v plug. 3m in place, hold iPhone max no probsIMG_6592.png
 
I’ve just got brodit (prezzie so didn’t pay crazy price) with fast charger built in has a special cigar 12v plug. 3m in place, hold iPhone max no probsView attachment 122693

I’ve had Brodit before. Good quality. But I have quad lock mounts on my bike, moto, and around the house. So this was my solution for the car too. The MagSafe case works great with or without quad lock mounts too.


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@Webbah_in_Switzerland have you considered changing the gear selector as part of your upgrades?

Our Beach cane with the same one and I find it very ‘basic’ looking, I much prefer the one on Oceans with chrome accents
 
@Webbah_in_Switzerland have you considered changing the gear selector as part of your upgrades?

Our Beach cane with the same one and I find it very ‘basic’ looking, I much prefer the one on Oceans with chrome accents

I’m more of a chrome delete guy on modern cars and vans myself but van-x has what you’re looking for! Last time I was on their site it was out of stock though. For me chrome is for classic cars. I have a 1964 356C and the chrome on that looks superb.


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@Webbah_in_Switzerland have you considered changing the gear selector as part of your upgrades?

Our Beach cane with the same one and I find it very ‘basic’ looking, I much prefer the one on Oceans with chrome accents

Not sure this would fit a T6.1 as it’s for a T6:



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I assume, once you’ve finished this sledgehammer-to-crack-a-nut, you’ll be driving it round the world, twice? :cheers
I do like your approach.
 
I assume, once you’ve finished this sledgehammer-to-crack-a-nut, you’ll be driving it round the world, twice? :cheers
I do like your approach.

I work from my van 4-5 days a week and need power. But yes, I also prefer wild camping without EHU!


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Unfortunately no, but I can check with my mechanic. He ordered it for me and suggested it vs the Thule seal.


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I note different sizes of tape available. Can you recommend a size? Thanks
 
I note different sizes of tape available. Can you recommend a size? Thanks

It’s Siga Expanding Tape and the size we used expands up to 16mm. You have to remove the awning and then put the tape all along in between the mounts. But don’t do it above or below the mounts.


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I note different sizes of tape available. Can you recommend a size? Thanks

And to be clear we put the tape on the awning and then quickly mounted it before it expanded. It typically takes up to a few hours to fully expand and don’t do it when it’s raining.


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What are you using to charge them - a Victron DC to DC?


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A Victron 100A BuckBoost. We managed to install it under the drivers seat along the backside but had to modify the frame slightly. One of the new Orion 50A’s would suit most people just fine though! My small issue now is the Transporter has an alternator of 180A and when the starter battery is charging, the BuckBoost is cranking full power and the compressor kicks in for air suspension I can hear a voltage drop with the compressor. Not a huge deal as I can turn off the BuckBoost with a switch next to the steering wheel column. But I’ve ordered a Bosch 250A alternator to resolve that.

And then this build is done! (Famous last words)


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A Victron 100A BuckBoost. We managed to install it under the drivers seat along the backside but had to modify the frame slightly. One of the new Orion 50A’s would suit most people just fine though! My small issue now is the Transporter has an alternator of 180A and when the starter battery is charging, the BuckBoost is cranking full power and the compressor kicks in for air suspension I can hear a voltage drop with the compressor. Not a huge deal as I can turn off the BuckBoost with a switch next to the steering wheel column. But I’ve ordered a Bosch 250A alternator to resolve that.

And then this build is done! (Famous last words)


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And you’ll be ready for the apocalypse!


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And you’ll be ready for the apocalypse!


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You guys with Cali’s already have a 250A alternator. I’m jealous! Many will say it’s 210A, but in fact it’s 160-250A rated. With VCDS you can see it’s a 250A.

I’m ready for Iceland, Morroco, Portugal, Pyrenees, Dolomites, etc!


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