Mangrovejack's 2012 VW Caddy Maxi Camper

[mangrovejack]

Installed the rear USB, Anderson plug and 240v outlet. Finally got a chance to test out the inverter (hence the lamp picture) and it all works nicely!

[mangrovejack]

Sprayed the factory badges in matt black for the stealth effect. Came up nicely and in the months I've had it on there, not a problem with paint coming off at all.

[mangrovejack]

Installed roof rails and some Rhino rack cross bars so that I could add the side awning. I needed it up as high as possible so that my head didn't hit the awning when its pulled out.

[mangrovejack]

I got 3 of these Stedi LED mini light bars (in Amber colour) to mount to each side and to the rear. I'm not 100% sold on the location of these for now and may ultimately change up all the whole roof rack system anyway.

These nicely light up to the sides of the van if for example you're looking for a house number. In camp they light up the area without being too crazy bright (the photo makes it seem brighter than it actually is). I picked amber lights as its supposedly better to not attract mozzies and other flying insects, but we'll see.

[mangrovejack]

Small update - added the female USB port directly to the USB "button" via an ABS slurry. I was getting intermittent issues with the plug from the cheap yum-cha USB plug that was there from the Aliexpress button, so used the original Pioneer USB cable instead for no more problems.

[mangrovejack]

Side door time! Added mounting blocks for the door skin to screw into. Added yet more insulation and sound deadening (the hole in the middle of the green insulation is for the shelf in the door).

[mangrovejack]

Building the side pockets and door handle surrounds for the door cards. There is a curve in the door, so I've replicated that in the shelf to ensure a better fit overall.

These shelves will come in very handy for dropping mobile phones, books etc when sleeping at night. Storage is always welcome in a camper van!

[mangrovejack]

Added carpeted and sound deadened panels to the framing for a bit of noise absorbtion (from the fridge mostly) and for the tidy up the wood panels.

[mangrovejack]

Added steps and strengthening to the framing (so it can bear weight without distortion), and added some end panels to hide the framing somewhat and look a lot nicer. I added a 9mm marine grade plywood floor for the part that the fridge will sit on. Finally, I added the threaded nut inserts and L plates to the framing for the semi-permanent install.

[mangrovejack]

Carpeted and installed the side door cards.

[mangrovejack]

Testing out the awning on a nice bright sunny day. Works as advertised!

[mangrovejack]

Gave the Caddy it's first clean! There's a bunch of paint correction that I will need to do once I'm all done and will then put on a ceramic coat.

[mangrovejack]

Added the Rhino racks wind deflector. Boy did this make a huge difference to wind noise! It's literally non-existent anymore with this (despite the awning mounted above it still).

[mangrovejack]

Putting the framing into its home. Added straps secured with aluminium topped with rubber strips to secure the fridge. I used some marine grade carpet on top of the plywood first just in case of any liquid spills.

You can also see where I'm installing the fire extinguisher.

[stu_b]

O.M.G

Where do I start
Mangrove you are a legend - it's official !!
What an update, WOW
I was thinking, he'll be adding a few pics of this or that
NO, it's a complete bl**dy build - well internal mostly !!!!
WELL DONE mate
you have done a sterling job
I am sure the boss has given her paws of approval

a few things I noted looking at all your posts, all over such a short time from, today
1. you workmanship is exemplary
2. your "Aussie safety shoes" are classic Aussie - for those non Aussies you may or man not get the joke - he is wearing thongs, jandals, flip flops to protect his feet hahahaaa
3. your caddy takes pride and place in the garage over the RS3
4. I'm in awe of your knowledge, skill, expertise, tools and the labour of love you have poured in to this project - I salute you

all the work you have done, from the detail to the finesse of the roof LED panel, the wind deflector on the Rhino (haven't seen many out there on any vehicles tbh), the electrical details and consideration, the quality of the trim fit out on the walls and floor, the cut outs here and there and all the different materials used

I for one (and I am sure many others will follow on from this post) say you are a legend of the first degree

If you ever want to show off, brag, or just have someone stand there gawking at your car then hit me up
I am looking to do something similar, although I don't think as far as you have gone but I would definitely like to bend your ear
Feel free to DM or PM or wahtever it is young folk call it these days
Would love to hear from you

Thanks again for all the updates and you caddy is clearly a source of inspiration and jealousy
Stu