[Ken]

I've been considering getting a van mount system for a while. I currently use a static ro/di set-up to fill jerrycans which then supply my shurflo backpack. New work means that I am now struggling to carry sufficient water for a day's work and so thoughts have turned to a 600-650 litre van mount. Whilst I would love to get a Gardiners Zero system, I can't justify £4k for it when I already have a number of the necessary components at home. My plan is to fit a 650 flat tank in to a Transit-size van, then add my existing pre-filter, 4040 ro (with new membrane) and 7 litre di vessel, and use a Shurflo/Varistream combo powered by a leisure battery (which I also own already). I also hope to run a 500w inverter off this, which I will use to power a 260 w caravan radiator, particularly in the winter. As I also like to go camping/mountain biking/surfing, I then intend to install a false floor over the whole lot (with removable panels to allow access to filters, tank lid etc) and a front panel to neaten it all up, which will allow me to use the rest of the space for storage/sleeping if I go away. I figure with a bit of planning, paint and ducting I can make this look very neat indeed. Now my questions:

1. What type of hose would you use to link all these bits together? And where connections are needed, what type of connectors would you suggest?
2. What type of wire/cable would you use to link the pump/battery/varistream? I will get the battery wired in with a split charging thingy.
3. The tank will need to be strapped down. I realise that I can't use the load loops in the van, so I am assuming (and you know what they say about that...) that I would need to cut holes in the floor and run a goodly number of 5 tonne ratchet straps round the chassis. Yes or no? How would you stop the straps fraying on the edges of the cut hole? Could you line the hole with a section of hose that had been sliced along it's length?

Any thoughts gratefully appreciated, and if you think I've missed anything please shout!

Ken

[Frankybadboy]

phone any company like purefreedom or gardiners and ask them to supply just tank and frame,then add all your parts.

fully system fitted by purefreedom is 2k so saving 2k and less stress

[formb]

1. We use john guest up until the reel when its microbore and rectus.

2. Get a combined varistream and split charge:

 http://www.cleaningspot.co.uk/acatalog/water_pumps.html

It comes with the wires.

3. Personally I'd say no. Our tanks have a 50X50 angle frame bolted to the chassis. Had a guy run into a ditch at 50mph. Without the frame he'd be dead.

[Tom White]

Ken, a quick fix to your water carrying problem is to use a 5/6 litre DI bottle.  Put it in a crate (so it doesn't leak all over the place) and it doesn't take much room.  I'll take 5 barrels to work and always carry the DI for if I need extra.  I also always have a spare backpack battery.

It's a very quick way to produce pure water on site; of course you need an outside tap where you are; but with a little bit of forethought it's not a problem.

[R W C™]

4K  Its £2650 and its a no brainer really considering its crash tested..

[dd]

I would keep your static system and use it to fill your van mount. Less bits to fit and carry on van.

RWC you have to add VAT to gardiners price and I think Ken was comparing the RO system which is around 4k with the VAT.

[Roy Harding]

This is how I did mine Ken.

[Ken]

I would keep your static system and use it to fill your van mount. Less bits to fit and carry on van.

RWC you have to add VAT to gardiners price and I think Ken was comparing the RO system which is around 4k with the VAT.

I do like the option of filling on site for larger jobs, and yes I was looking at the +vat of the 610 litre Ro/Di unit!

[prestigeclean]

pure freedom quoted me £2000 + vat for a delivery only system , 650 litres 2 man set up regards alan

[R W C™]

pure freedom quoted me £2000 + vat for a delivery only system , 650 litres 2 man set up regards alan

Really, I paid a little more then that and got the resin tank, 4040 Ro, and filters....

[chopsie]

here are some pics of mine and how i fitted my tank http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=93552.0

[prestigeclean]

just checked the email 2 man 650l delivery only system £1929 incl vat includes reels and hose and fitting with stainless stel cage regards alan

[Ken]

Cost-wise, I think a tank, pump and controller, protectacoat, new membrane & resin and connecting hose, with a contingency of £250 for straps, bolts, fixings, clips, timber and whatever will come in at around £1k...

[Ken]

Thanks for all the tips, there's plenty for me to think about there! As and when I get round to doing it I'll post the pics etc up.

[SPE]

braided clear 1/2" hose and geka brass connectors throughout is what I'd choose.
If I was fitting my van from scratch I'd also consider a custom made tank that would fill the entire floor space (these are also sectionally baffled) the false floor would be a lot lower then and give much more useable space, in hindsight I wish I had done that myself.
Simon