Blackberry Stealth Camper

[DubVrs]

Hi All

After some consideration and health issues i purchases a Maxi Life about a month ago to turn into a stealth camper as i have issues with nerves and fatigue so if i need a rest i can just get in the back so to speak. Managed to find a 2018 Maxi Life 150 DSG with a couple of extras like upgraded stereo with reverse camera, heated seats, folding mirrors and 17" alloy wheels.

After i got it home and spent a couple of days on it cleaning. Still need some time with a machine polisher in some areas.


So the modifications started with VCDS.
Audible notification on lock and unlock
Lock doors at a set speed and unlock on removal of key
Close windows if it senses rain
Needle sweep
Digital speedo on centre display

Made a start on stripping the interior and sound proofing.






Want to hide away most things so it still looks standard inside. 2 Lithium Ion motorcycle race batteries installed behind the rear quarter plastic panel with 3D printed mounting system. Still need to mount the controller for them.


Started on the wiring and mounting of the fuse box. Printed the fuse box mounts just need to fit them.


Cable from the fuse box to the tailgate run and started on the tailgate panel. Lights installed.


Glued on 3D printed VW badge and a Caddy Maxi Life then carpeted over.


Rear speakers removed to be replaced by some 6x4" JBL. Adaptor ring designed and printed.


Hopefully get a little further at the weekend and some modification parts still in transit.

[petrev]

Nice looking Caddy.
Good work, and nice ideas.


Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[GreyLife]

What a great start to a Caddy Camper! I am liking the use of 3D Printed custom parts for your install.

Sent from my Nokia 1 using Tapatalk

[Simon g taylor]

Great colour, and the work you’re doing is fab


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DubVrs]

Done a couple of more jobs on the Maxi.

Got the rear speakers all finished in the adapters


Headlining all back in. Added two extra lights that are separately switched. Used VW T6 led lights. They look OEM and factory fitted.


Lowering kit has been fitted. Went for the Eibach Sportline springs and Darkside rear shackle kit. Had the rear windows all tinted. Will get pics once its clean and not raining.

[mark1a]

Excellent start, and Maxi Life is a great base for a camper or day van.

Like the idea of the Li-ion batteries, can I ask what capacity Ah they are, and did you use a DC-DC charger, if so which one? The leisure battery system I’m hoping to do soon on mine and was looking at something like golf trolley or mobility scooter batteries wired in parallel to keep the size down.

[DubVrs]

I had the batteries for another project so not even checked the Ah but i have a Sterling Power Pro Batt Ultra controller.

Got almost all the wiring connected and fuse box mounted. Just the power for the LED lights in the headlining to sort.


All the wiring to the side panels all colour coded and connectors fitted so makes removing the side panels easy.


3D printed a small panel for the passenger side rear trim panel. LED lights installed along with 2 switch's, 12v socket and 2 off USD charge points. 1 switch is spare but will have the same setup on the other side panel.

[Giddy]

Just about can see from the picture 12W 48Wh 240A each.

[mark1a]

Yes, you’re right so 48Wh at 12v is 4Ah, x2 so 8Ah. I’ll have to think again in that case, I’m looking at 72Ah or similar so I can run interior lights, head unit and charge devices, etc. Sterling power unit, they’re great but they’ve really shot up in price, wish I’d bought one when they were £180, they’re £275 now…

[petrev]

Sterling Power Pro Batt Ultra
One on eBay at £210
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184915459121

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[mark1a]

Cheers

[petrev]

I actually bought and fitted this one in the end as it is waterproof, and I was fitting it in the engine bay. Water drips off the bonnet, whenever opened, right onto it ...

BBW1212 Sterling Power Pro Charge B 12v 20amp Waterproof Battery to Battery Charger

https://simplysplitcharge.co.uk/Battery ... uct_id=672

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[mark1a]

Aha, that solves a problem, installing in the engine bay. On my shopping list!

[petrev]

I got everything in the engine bay, but diesels tend to have an air filter where I put my aux Batt !

All cables come with the sealed B2B, but you will probably need to lengthen some ....

https://www.caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic ... 22&t=46885

[DubVrs]

Been busy trying to get some jobs finished.

Pic of the Caddy since lowering and tints. Will get a better pic once clean.


Started on the split charge cabling.


Charge controller mounted and connected up.


Now the charge controller was all finished got all the interior refitted.