When we purchased our 1994 Familia last year the internal water containers had been replaced by a single external container with submersible pump.

The connections comprised a standard garden hose "water-stop" push connection for the water and what I would call a "lawn mower extension" plug-n-socket (the orange 2-pin type) for the 12v supply, both of these were dangling through a hole in the front nearside floor of the van. This lead to a number of issues - the hole was too small to withdraw these dangly bits for towing, so there was always the threat that they would work their way out and drag on the ground. And the female 12v socket, being exposed when not connected, was prone to corrosion.

I quite liked the external water container idea, so set about improving what I had.

On the offside front face of the van there was a 240v inlet flap, so I decided to fit a matching flap on the nearside, but to take the water and 12v connections instead.[img][DSC_2155.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)/img]

First purchase the bits - a blank inlet box/flap to match existing and a water-proof plug/socket replacement. I could have gone down the "Whale" submersible and inlet connection route but that was all way too expensive for me ... [img]DSC_2156.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)[/img] [img]DSC_2157.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)[/img]

To work. Locate and cut the hole - daunting - but using the well documented magnet routine etc and a simple power drill, hacksaw and file soon had a suitable hole cut. [img]DSC_2153.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)[/img]

Next the box and flap. I felt that because of the push/pull forces when connecting the water, that the back plate of the box was too thin and would flex and eventually break So this was reinforced with a piece of aluminium plate (cut from an old Hi-Fi amplifier case kept for the purpose). Then suitable holes were formed in the reinforced backplate to take the hose and cable connectors. Both had to be exactly the correct size for the relevant connector..[img]DSC_2158.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)[/img]

The white box was sprayed black to match and then fitted in the cut-out with Silkaflex and machine screws with nuts on the inside.[img]DSC_2159.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)[/img]

And finally the water pipe and 12v cable were connected and the whole thing tested for leaks.[img]DSC_2161.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)[/img]

Now we can simply disconnect water and 12v close the flap and off we go, no exposed dangly bits anymore, and, because the 12v connector has a cover when dis-connected, there should be no more corrosion.

I hope this will encourage others to plunge in and do a bit of DIY on your van

Dave

A braver man than me. Great job Dave.

Thanks Colin, more like foolhardy methinks

Dave