Winter camping in the GC600

[berg86]

Hey!
Just got around to winter equipping the GC.
I opted for Nokian Hakapeliitta CR4 (non studded) changed over on my current wheels, I will be upgrading my summer tyres by spring.
Also installed a new AGM fresh battery since the previous owned hade replaced the original with and SMF battery...
I also ordered fully isolating magnetic blinds (outside for the cabin and inside for living area), but they have not arrived yet.

Just spent two nights in cold temps to try out the battery situation, I knew it would be kind of a gamble how the battery would last running heat (propane) and fridge etc.
First night I had temps of -1 to -6, and with these temps I'd reckon I could manage two nights.
Second night was -13 to -21, and by now I think roughly 24-30hrs and I'd need to run the engine or go for a drive!

Other than that, it was surprisingly comfortable running the heater, the windows did not leak as much as I though, most cold draft was coming from the underside of the sliding door. I put my down jacket stuffed there during the coldest night!

And, since I don't have the diesel heater I just ordered and engine block heater, I didn't not like the sound of this engine cold starting and since I drive it regularly this was a non-negotiable.

Anyone else winter camping in the GC?

 

[reimajarvinen]

Hey!
Just got around to winter equipping the GC.
I opted for Nokian Hakapeliitta CR4 (non studded) changed over on my current wheels, I will be upgrading my summer tyres by spring.
Also installed a new AGM fresh battery since the previous owned hade replaced the original with and SMF battery...
I also ordered fully isolating magnetic blinds (outside for the cabin and inside for living area), but they have not arrived yet.

Just spent two nights in cold temps to try out the battery situation, I knew it would be kind of a gamble how the battery would last running heat (propane) and fridge etc.
First night I had temps of -1 to -6, and with these temps I'd reckon I could manage two nights.
Second night was -13 to -21, and by now I think roughly 24-30hrs and I'd need to run the engine or go for a drive!

Other than that, it was surprisingly comfortable running the heater, the windows did not leak as much as I though, most cold draft was coming from the underside of the sliding door. I put my down jacket stuffed there during the coldest night!

And, since I don't have the diesel heater I just ordered and engine block heater, I didn't not like the sound of this engine cold starting and since I drive it regularly this was a non-negotiable.

Anyone else winter camping in the GC?

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The fridge uses a lot from battery. I normally freeze couple of plastic bottles outside and put those in fridge. Do not have to put on the fridge.

 

[sidepod]

Does the van not have the auxiliary coolant heater? Surely this can be configured to pre-heat the engine before starting?

 

[berg86]

Does the van not have the auxiliary coolant heater? Surely this can be configured to pre-heat the engine before starting?

No, since I have the gas heater there is no diesel heater / parking heater installed.

 

[Truman]

Wow, we are in York ATM it's snowing and freezing. You can't beat taking the dog for a walk and coming back to a warm van. Enjoy your stay, but get yourself a diesel heater mate. Pictures are great.

 

[berg86]

Wow, we are in York ATM it's snowing and freezing. You can't beat taking the dog for a walk and coming back to a warm van. Enjoy your stay, but get yourself a diesel heater mate. Pictures are great.

Yes, I am trying to find out what the cost is for retrofitting diesel parking heater but so far no luck.
Maybe I'll just wind up finding a new GC eventually, might be cheaper than all the conversions.

And I'd really like the 4motion but that would involve getting an upgraded drivers license too..

The van will go into warranty replacement of the gear box in two weeks, luckily I got it acknowledged 5 days before the warranty ran out

 

[sidepod]

No, since I have the gas heater there is no diesel heater / parking heater installed.

I’m not talking about the parking heater.

Your engine will have an auxiliary heater that activates usually at -5 when you start it.
These can sometimes be configured to run independently of the engine to warm the engine and cooling loop before you start it.
In other words, no need for a block heater.

 

[berg86]

I’m not talking about the parking heater.

Your engine will have an auxiliary heater that activates usually at -5 when you start it.
These can sometimes be configured to run independently of the engine to warm the engine and cooling loop before you start it.
In other words, no need for a block heater.

I see!
Well it takes a really long time for the engine to run hot so I’m not sure on this one.

On another note, the electric heating of the Truma is really low effect (1800w on the 10A setting?) so anyone thinking of hook-up will still need to factor in mixed running with gas in colder temperatures.
-17 here now and been running 5hrs, still -3 inside (electric only).

 

[G-A-R-Y]

I’m not talking about the parking heater.

Your engine will have an auxiliary heater that activates usually at -5 when you start it.
These can sometimes be configured to run independently of the engine to warm the engine and cooling loop before you start it.
In other words, no need for a block heater.

Are we talking about the Grand, I have the aux diesel heater option (VL7) that blows air through the screen vents, it's 5kw, it can also be used as an auxiliary engine heater/booster once in motion and engine is running by simply pressing the button. I don't think/know how it could be used as a block heater as it would need a pump to circulate the coolant. It would be a useful function. Once running it get too hot quickly. I've heard people mention that they use it for five minutes to warm the van but diesel heater don't like that.

 

[sidepod]

It does have an electric circulation pump.

The diesel heater is plumbed into the coolant circuit.
It takes a D+ signal from the alternator which effectively tells the unit the engine is running. It also takes an input from the external temp sensor, usually set at sub 5deg. It outputs a supply to the electric water pump.

There should be a harness/controller kit that allows you to do all of the above before/without the engine running.

 

[sidepod]

This is the Cali unit. Item 7

 

[G-A-R-Y]

Perhaps ask on the Crafter forum.

Crafter TGE Forum

VW Crafter Man TGE Forum - Home to the largest Volkswagen Crafter Man TGE community. Advice, events, campervan chat, mods, stories and news

craftertgeforum.com

 

[Deise13]

Yes, I am trying to find out what the cost is for retrofitting diesel parking heater but so far no luck.
Maybe I'll just wind up finding a new GC eventually, might be cheaper than all the conversions.

And I'd really like the 4motion but that would involve getting an upgraded drivers license too..

The van will go into warranty replacement of the gear box in two weeks, luckily I got it acknowledged 5 days before the warranty ran out

 

[Deise13]

Sorry, not too go of topic, but just wondering what the gearbox symptoms were?

 

[berg86]

Sorry, not too go of topic, but just wondering what the gearbox symptoms were?

A weird mechanical buzz on the fifth gear.

I actually found some threads with similar symtoms on a few threads here but regarding T5/T6 calis.

They also found some metal scrap in the oil.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

You could always change the Truma Combi for the Diesel Electric version instead of the Gas Electric