big upgrade on van for summer living

[chrisbouchard]

I am heading up to northern alberta to work oil rigs this summer. In previous years I have lived in a tent with a jeep, in the back of a '00 dodge dakota sport and now I am gearing up the van for summer living. I dont need anything extreme as I will likely be grouped up with a trailer with cooking facilities/water ect. so i just have to be able to move around all my gear and have a place to sleep.

I would like to get this list done before I leave at the end of May

1. new shocks - rancho rs9000 would be ideal, looking for p/o and expected cost
2. tinted windows - looking for advice on tint percentages
3. roof bars for locking ski box on one side and open rack on the other - i have seen people with really beefy bars on the roof of their vans, anyone know who is making them? also, is anyone using a similar set-up and how do they like it?
4. ladder - who makes these ?


I will be holding a lot of gear on the roof (maybe 200 pounds or more) and wondering what other considerations should be made to accommodate all the weight on the roof.

any other cool ideas are welcomed!

-Chris.

[Mr. Flibble]

I think all the ladders come in from Japan unless I am mistaken. I have not seen anyone selling aftermarket made ones in my searches. (I don't have a ladder for my L400 yet either).

[FalcoColumbarius]

RS9000XLs are around $130.00 apiece.
Here is a thread that helps to define my first experiences with them: http://www.delica.ca/forum/pro-comp-900 ... ght=shocks
Since, I have installed a blue-tooth system for adjusting them from the saddle whilst driving. This is very convenient. If I am driving down a highway and the shocks are set at 6/3 for cruising and I get hit by a strong cross wind the I can stiffen up my shocks right then, without stopping. If you are not concerned with resetting your shocks then I you have other choices such as the RS5000s or Procomps.

Regarding tinted windows: My rear four side windows are tinted to "limo". However, if it is dark out and your cabin light is on? They will see you ~ maybe curtains if you're modest.

Ladders: I got a wicked deal on a P25W Chamonix ladder, which I had to strip and repaint (powder coated). CCAutos is good for ladders from time to time, try PMing them. Other wise see what's for sale in the parts section.

Racks: One day I will build one to my own specs. Enviro has some deals, also look in the parts section or places like CC Autos.

Falco.

[steepcreeker]

Hey there,

Look up the cargo rack i have on my L300.Look it up in Cargo rack reviews. I will be modifying it for my L400

[ShaneA]

Regarding window tint: 20% is the darkest legally allowed in most provinces on the sides of the vehicle (not including the driver and passenger window). The rear can be "limo tint" which is 5%.

If you're looking for an installer, I'd highly recommend N-Motion Auto on Boundary Road. I had my Mazda 3 done 4 years ago and the install still looks as good as it did the day it was done. I'm planning to take my L400 there this Spring to replace my old tint.

Regarding roof rack and box: Have you considered a hitch box rather than a roof box? I've read on here that Princess Auto sells an open basket style hitch box. Thule makes a couple of cargo boxes that attach to a 2" hitch receiver. That would save you from trying to find a ladder for your van.

Just some ideas to think about,
Shane

[konadog]

Sounds like an adventurous summer!
I had my aluminum ladder custom made at a local metal fabrication shop... $400.00, but they are known to be over priced. They did do a fabulous job though - first rate stuff with meticulous attention to detail.

[trialsmaster2]

Hey Chris,
For the window tint, I'd go with Sunshine Autographics in Vernon. I had the Celica windows (5% limo tint back 3 windows) and the Delica (35% tint back 5 windows) done there. They do a really good job and their prices aren't all that bad either.

Reversing in the Celica, with the limo tint, at night can be a challenge, since you can't see much out the back windows...good thing for door mirrors :)

The 35% tint on the Delica cuts down some on the heat inside and offers some privacy, although curtains may be a good investment for better privacy.

Aaron

[loki]

curtains may be a good investment for better privacy.

Aaron

This

[jwfchase]

http://www.delica.ca/forum/edit-ladders ... -5459.html

[EnviroImports.com]

I will be having a sale on starting on april 1st Rancho 9000s, for $110/shock.
you have a bit of time to get ready, I have friends the haul the oil rigs from location to location and Im told the spring break up is just getting started, so the whole show should be shut down for about 6 ish weeks while the ground thaws and the mud dries... hard work up there @the blue sky mine, but hard to beat the pay.

[chrisbouchard]

thanks everyone for all the insight. Lots to think about. I am interested in those 9000's on sale, is it still possible to get 3 for the price of 4 deal with this?

Does anyone have plans for a ladder? A good friend has a fab shop in penticton and I would like to give him the business to have one fab'd up

[Adrock]

Regarding window tint: 20% is the darkest legally allowed in most provinces on the sides of the vehicle (not including the driver and passenger window). The rear can be "limo tint" which is 5%.

If the vehicle has 2 side view mirrors (one on each side) all windows behind the drivers shoulders could be spray painted black if you really want to. Think trucks with canopies, cube vans, work vans, this is what the law represents, but it also applies to tinting. You can black out whatever you want behind the drivers shoulders. I think there is a province or 2 that allows no tint, but thats out east. Alberta I think allows some degree even on the front side windows.

[Green1]

Regarding window tint: 20% is the darkest legally allowed in most provinces on the sides of the vehicle (not including the driver and passenger window). The rear can be "limo tint" which is 5%.

If the vehicle has 2 side view mirrors (one on each side) all windows behind the drivers shoulders could be spray painted black if you really want to. Think trucks with canopies, cube vans, work vans, this is what the law represents, but it also applies to tinting. You can black out whatever you want behind the drivers shoulders. I think there is a province or 2 that allows no tint, but thats out east. Alberta I think allows some degree even on the front side windows.

It all varies by province, Alberta allows any amount of tint on all windows except the front side windows and the windshield, but novascotia allows no tint anywhere. The front side windows may be tinted, but only factory tint, never a film or spray, and that is limited to a certain amount (can't remember what)

Most provinces allow any tint you want on the rear and rear-side windows

some more information: http://www.glassessential.com/Window-Fi ... -laws.html

[almac]

RS9000XLs are around $130.00 apiece.
Here is a thread that helps to define my first experiences with them: http://www.delica.ca/forum/pro-comp-900 ... ght=shocks
Since, I have installed a blue-tooth system for adjusting them from the saddle whilst driving. This is very convenient. If I am driving down a highway and the shocks are set at 6/3 for cruising and I get hit by a strong cross wind the I can stiffen up my shocks right then, without stopping. If you are not concerned with resetting your shocks then I you have other choices such as the RS5000s or Procomps.

+1 on the ranchos.
just had 4 installed. havent really 'played around' with the settings yet, but i like how my deli drives so far.
apparently, rancho has a $100 rebate "extreme deal" right now.
do it if you can. you won't be dissappointed.

[Erebus]

Have you considered a hitch box rather than a roof box? I've read on here that Princess Auto sells an open basket style hitch box.

I wouldn't recommend a hitch box if you are going to be driving logging and oil roads. Anything you put there will get covered in dust or mud or both.

Roof rack will help keep it above the junk, unless you tailgate Although I have had mud on the top of the airconditioner mounted on top of a high pickup cap, so the mud can get everywhere.

My rack was made here in Calgary, can carry more weight than the rain gutters can possible support. You can get Thule bars and then mount any pod. The hard part is finding the tall towers, especially if you have a high-roof Delica.

When discussing tinting, keep in mind that some people refer to how much it lets through, others refer to how much is blocked. One person's 5% is another's 95%.

I've just stuck with using my factory curtains. Although I like the very light reflective tint that Green1's new L400 has. Doesn't block much light, but does make it impossible for someone outside to see inside -- during daylight. Once night falls, and you turn on an inside light, tinting makes no difference.