The ModVans CV1 is a modern and modular camper van designed for various camping and travel needs. It functions as a recreational vehicle (RV) built on a Ford Transit chassis, offering both driving and living functionalities.
Function Description:
The ModVans CV1 serves as a versatile camper van, providing a mobile living space with essential amenities for travel and camping. It features a popup top for expanded interior space and sleeping arrangements, a fresh water system with a sink and optional exterior shower, a propane system for cooking and heating, and a 12V/120V electrical system to power various appliances and devices. The modular design allows for customization and removal of certain components like cabinets and seating to adapt to different usage scenarios.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: The CV1 is 8'4" tall (approximately 13' tall with the cell phone booster antenna raised) and 20' long.
- Load Carrying Capacity: The original load carrying capacity has been reduced by 603 kg or 1330 lbs due to modifications.
- Water Fording Depth: Do not drive into water exceeding 12" in depth, as the electrical inverter is mounted under the RV floor and is splash resistant but not waterproof.
- 12V System:
- Batteries: Two 12V batteries: a chassis battery (for engine start and chassis systems) and a house battery (for RV camping equipment).
- Automatic Charging Relay (ACR): Automatically connects/disconnects chassis and house batteries for charging when the engine is running and separates them when off. Manual override switches are available.
- House Battery Voltage: Above 13V (charging), 12V-13V (fully charged), below 11V (depleted – requires charging to prevent damage).
- Optional High Capacity Battery: A large, sealed AGM battery weighing 150 lbs, installed under the floor on the passenger side. Requires no special maintenance.
- 120V System:
- Inverter/Charger/Transfer Switch: Integrated 2000W unit.
- Shore Power: Compatible with 120V 30A RV park receptacles. Can also use standard 120A 15A or 20A wall outlets with adapters, but these may not support running the rooftop A/C.
- Rooftop A/C: Requires 120V power. Can be run via shore power or by running the chassis engine (alternator acts as a generator). The house battery alone cannot run the A/C.
- Fresh Water System:
- Tank Capacity: Standard 25-gallon tank (located in the driver's side storage cabinet).
- Water Pump: 12V pump, automatically stops and starts as needed.
- Propane System:
- Tank Location: Outside, under the RV floor on the driver's side.
- Fill Capacity: Should never be filled more than 80% to allow for expansion.
- Control: Solenoid (electrical valve) controlled by a combination CO and propane detector. Automatically closes if CO or propane is sensed.
- Furnace: Propane-powered with adjustable temperature and fan speeds (ECO, HIGH, BOOST, VENT). Three hot air outlets and a cold air return.
- Refrigerator: Runs off the house battery and 12V system. Automatically shuts off if house battery voltage falls below 11V.
- USB Ports: Two fast-charging (2.1A) USB ports in the control panel (powered by house battery). Two additional USB ports in the dash (powered by chassis battery, not fast charging).
- LED Cabin Lights: 9 LED lights divided into 2 zones (Main Lights and Bed Lights), each with independent switches.
- Optional Water Heater: Propane-powered with 3 modes: ECO (104F), HOT (140F), and BOOST (prioritizes water heat). Takes about 30 minutes to heat a tank of water.
- Optional Cell Phone Booster: Antenna mounted on the roof, requires 3/8" wrenches/sockets to raise/lower. Inside antenna can be positioned 18”-36” from the cellular device.
- Optional Awning: Controlled by switches in the ceiling panel. Features LED lights. Retracts automatically in excessive wind.
- Optional Power Running Boards: Operate automatically with door opening/closing. Can be overridden by unplugging from the OBD-II Diagnostic Port.
Usage Features:
- Driving: Drive with the popup top lowered. Be aware of the 8'4" height and 20' length. Avoid water deeper than 12".
- Popup Top: Raised and lowered via a rocker switch on the Control Panel. Ensure straps are detached and clear of obstacles before raising/lowering.
- Beds: Upstairs bed (6.5' x 4') and downstairs bed (6'x4'). Both consist of rails, panels, and cushions. Cushions have memory foam on one side and standard foam on the other.
- Seating:
- 2nd Row Seating: Standard 3-person seating with driver's side captain's chair (with cupholders), passenger's side captain's chair, and a middle seat. Configurable in Camp Mode (facing slider door), Transport Mode (facing forward), and Dinette Mode (passenger chair only, further back). Middle seat is removable.
- Front Row Swivel Seats: Passenger side swivel seat standard, driver side optional. Manually operated seats slide forward, tilt seatback, and swivel. Powered seats must be raised as high as possible before swiveling.
- Cabinets: Three removable interior cabinets: galley (stove/sink), driver's side storage (fresh water tank), and passenger's side storage (refrigerator).
- Propane Stove: Turn on LP Gas switch, then knob to high and push/hold to light. Never leave a burner lit without a pot/pan.
- Sink: Requires fresh water and water pump on. Faucet lever controls temperature (cold towards front, hot away). Drain cover is decorative; push button to plug/unplug. Drains onto ground; a bucket can be placed underneath. Pump-action liquid soap dispenser.
- Popup Countertop: To the left of the sink, lifts up and locks into place. Squeeze tabs to lower.
- Toilet: Integrated fresh water tank, black water tank, and battery-operated pump. Requires initial setup and adding deodorant. Remove by detaching top half, pulling plastic tab, and sliding forward.
- Privacy Curtain: Available for the toilet area and exterior shower. Attaches to ceiling/door.
- Solar Charging System (Optional): Solar Panel on roof, Solar Charge Controller, and Battery Monitor. Monitor battery status (voltage, current, capacity percentage) via Control Panel or Bluetooth app. Solar Panel can be turned off via switch.
- Inverter Use: Turn on for 120V power (including when plugged into shore power). Turn off when not needed to conserve power.
- Water Heater Use: Turn on LP Gas switch and set desired temperature via Control Panel.
- Exterior Shower Use: Requires fresh water and water pump on. Turn on LP Gas and water heater for hot water. Knobs control hot/cold water. Squeeze trigger on shower head. Disconnect hose by turning fitting.
Maintenance Features:
- Popup Top Lift Mechanism: Apply white grease to bearings and surfaces if squeaking or shuddering.
- Fresh Water System:
- Sanitization: Sanitize tank and plumbing every 3 months or after prolonged storage using a chlorine (bleach)/fresh water rinse (1½ cups regular bleach in 2 gallons water for a 25-gallon tank).
- Draining: Turn water pump on, open hot water TPR valve and cold water drain valve (under RV, front corner of furnace box), open all faucets and tank fill doors. Turn off pump when water stops. Close all valves/faucets/fill doors.
- Cold Weather Operation: Drain water system completely to prevent freezing damage. Damage due to freezing is NOT covered under warranty. If running in sub-freezing conditions, do not let the water heater run out of propane or 12V electricity.
- Chassis Maintenance: Follow Ford Transit chassis manufacturer's recommendations.
- Storage: Drain fresh water system. Turn off House Battery and optional Solar Panel switches. Prepare chassis for storage (gas deterioration/oxidation, tires). Run CV1 for 30 minutes monthly with chassis A/C on and House Battery switch on, then turn House Battery switch off.
- Smoke Alarm: Test after storage, before each trip, and at least once a week during use.
- Cleaning: Popup top and rooftop A/C housing are automotive-painted; use same cleaners as chassis body. Do NOT use glass cleaner on popup top plastic windows. Avoid closing popup top when wet to prevent mildew. Wash popup top canvas with soap, not detergent.
- House Battery Conservation (Troubleshooting): Minimize 120V inverter use (turn off when not in use). Turn off fridge when not in use, or set thermostat to middle range and keep full. Turn off furnace or use ECO setting. Turn off hot water heater. Turn off LP Gas switch when furnace/stove not in use (solenoid uses battery power).
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