Pop Top, Electrics and Night Heater

Collected Edith from DUB Buses today complete with her new hat, electrics and Diesel Night Heater.

I chose to go with Dan and his amazing team at DUB Buses because of the unique vans he builds showcased on the company’s facebook page. I had a chat over messenger and then on the phone and I could tell straight away that he would not only do an awesome job, but that he would not be phased by taking on a Shuttle pop top. Several other places flat out refused to consider a Shuttle, because of the rear heater and complications thrown by the Twin Sliders. Not Dan! He was also happy to take on my unusual layout and work with me to fit the night heater and electrics in the right places to maximise the space in the back when there are no ‘normal’ cupboards to hide everything in. I popped over for a visit to chat things over and decided that they were definitely the converters for me, even though they are a couple of hours away.

After sending over some plans and exchanging a few emails to agree on specs, the following was agreed for fitting. there was an 8 week lead time from Skyline due to the now normal supply chain issues (caused by Brexit, COVD and the Suez Canal blockage!) but that gave me plenty of time to prep the van in advance.

• Pop Top
  • Skyline Aurora in Black with Smoke Scenic Canvas, bi-fold bed, mattress.
• Night Heater
  • 2 KW autoterm diesel heater, mounted externally under the driver’s seat.
• Electrics
  • Under Driver’s Seat
    • 120 amp Leisure battery,
    • B2B charger,
    • Sargent control panel,
    • 2000w Inverter.
  • In rear heater cupboard
    • 240v consumer unit.
  • Throughout Van
    • 2 x 240v plug sockets,
    • 2 USBs,
    • 5 recessed LEDs,
      • 3 on the courtesy light circuit so that they come on when the doors are opened,
      • 2 on a switched circuit off the leisure battery for use when parked up.
  • Externally
    • Super neat hook up located behind the lamp panel,
    • 150 w Solar Panel paired to Victron MPPT Bluetooth charger.

I removed the headlining and vents in advance of dropping the van off and carpeted all exposed metalwork. Dan was super helpful in advance over messenger with pictures and tips to make sure I carpeted high enough to meet the pop-top lining.

Removing the headlining was far simpler than I expected; once the grab handles are unscrewed, it basically just pulls down which is best to do slowly so cables can be disconnected without damage. All the connectors are quick-release.

I had already modified the rear heater so that could just disconnect from the vents. I made sure to label all the cables so it was easier for the team to work with the existing circuits.

One of the big challenges with a Shuttle is the B pillar trim. The headlining is deeper than standard in a Shuttle to allow for the roof vents, so once that is removed, there is a gap. You can replace the B Pillar trim, but that adds extra expense and issues at floor level because it’s a different shape there too so Dan and I agreed that the best option would be to blend the trim at the top ‘somehow’! He did a very neat job using some carpet and insulation.