Just Purchased a 2003 TVan Mk1

[ValueRider67]

Hi there

Brand new to Tvan, and just took delivery of a 2003 Mk1. I am now needing to familiarize myself with where everything is and how everything works. I think I can work out how to set up the main tent section (4 minute setup). But I can't find any instructional videos of setting up the sail awning and full awning for the original Mk1. Any suggestions?

Also, were is the fuse box or where are the fuses located for all of the 12V circuits?

Fairly soon, I plan to upgrade to 120Ah lithium via Kings BatBlock. It has inbuilt DCDC converter and separate andserson plug inputs for alternator and solar charging. I will need to re-route the existing 12V circuits to the new BatBlock, and will need to replace the old battery charger with a LiFePO4 compatible 240V charger when using shore power. I will probably also add a 1000W inverter with new cabling from BatBlock to the rear of the van.
I plan to install the BatBlock on the draw bar where the gas bottles are currently located. I don't use gas - I prefer to do all my non firepit cooking with Coleman dual fuel stoves.

Good the check in with you all. Happy to hear about any suggestions, particularly on how to videos for 2003 Mk1 Tvan.

[robstevens]

Can't help with the awning setup, as I have a Mk4. But if the fuses are anything like the same as mine, they are all auto-reset fuses hidden behind the control box area (where the switches and gauges are)... I personally don't think these type of fuses are a good idea, as if there's a problem, the fuse will cut out, then cool down, then reset, and cut out again,... rather than letting you know there's a problem straight away.

Some day I'll get around to rewiring it to have "real" fuses, which blow and stay blown, and this in a neat fusebox I can actually get to!

[ValueRider67]

Thanks for the info about the fuses. Good to know.

I am wondering how many Mk1 owners are still out there and active on this forum. I would be really helpful if someone can do a video of how they set up the sail awning and full awning. I am surprised that there are no tutorial videos on the Mk1 on youtube.

[robstevens]

Not sure what your full awning is like, but this describes my setup...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU1iIY4s_5g

[ValueRider67]

Thanks @robstevens. I have seen this video. The setup of the Mk1 is different. We did a trip over the last couple of days and I practiced the setup of the sail awning and the full annex. Finally worked it out after a lot of trial and error - but i did break a couple of eyelets on the canvas because i set the annex up in the wrong order and put too much pressure on the canvas when trying to zip to the main tent. Lesson learned I guess!