On this Sunday, November 24, 2024, we are hard at work to begin work on the VroumVroum!
But what will it really look like?

Our goal is to build a cell that is as discreet as possible, that is to say less than two meters from the ground, that does not exceed the width of the cabin, and that is as light as possible while remaining solid and reliable.
What a challenge!

So in the video below, we think about it, fumble around, and then we come to the conclusion that we must start by sawing the essential wood for the frame, which we will then place in situation to get a better idea.

We work without a real plan. Of course, 3D software would be of relative help, but Marie doesn't know how to use it and I can't be bothered to get started, relying on my intuition, patience and tenacity.

The scribbles on pieces of cardboard that fall into our hands, combined with a good pair of scissors and numerous discussions, clarify the outlines of our imaginations and enlighten us on the reasonable options...

Marie works on the surface calculations, budget obliges, while I raise a few objections when the solidity of the structure seems more or less compromised to me..

We are a couple based on action. All these theories, these hypothetical simulations are overwhelming us. So to remedy this, there is nothing like rolling up our sleeves.

In the following video, we begin cutting some chestnut trunks to make beams. These trees were cut down three years ago, in the old moon of February, in the middle of winter. Sometimes, when I return to this cut, I notice that the young trees that were spared (the saplings) have benefited from the light that has become accessible since the departure of their elders.
Such is life; some arrive when others leave.

Marie will begin stripping the bark with the plane, a tool well known to our elders. For my part, squaring will be my mission...

It is in the noise, the dust and the smell of exhaust from the chainsaw that we operate. Far from the offices that Marie has known until now in her professional life. Far from the world too, because our mountain shelters only us over a two-kilometer radius, and that is very good..

Despite these few drawbacks, despite some aches and pains and rheumatism, our morale remains high and our motivation unwavering, especially when the results live up to our expectations..

Once the wood is edged, we need to plane it to eliminate its rough sawn appearance and bring it in successive passes to the desired section.
Since we have no electricity other than solar, and the planer requires a lot of power, we are obliged to use the generator which backfires and pollutes us, but that's the price to pay.

In the following video, you will get a little preview, but without the smells!

Chestnut is a wood with many qualities. It can be used in cooperage, cladding along walls, shingles for roofs, fence posts, stakes, framework, heating, parquet flooring, joinery, not to mention that it produces delicious fruits (for humans and animals!) and that it benefits from rapid growth which allows cutting periods of sixteen to twenty years when it takes more than double that for other hardwoods such as oak for example.

In our case, we will have to sand this chestnut after planing. This step is essential if we want the wood to be more resistant to bad weather, especially rain. When the time comes, Marie will apply two to three coats of Tung oil (organic) on all the pieces of wood before assembling them so that we will avoid the mold problems due to condensation so common in vanlife and in 4x4 cells..

A few days later, we received the 45-litre fridge and the two 280A batteries each. We immediately rushed to install them in the locations we had planned in order to check if the theory matched the practice.

Banco! After a few adjustments, trial and error and tests, we created a floor under which the batteries are parked. The fridge itself rests on top of it on the driver and passenger sides. We secured it with a strap that uses the seat belt fasteners and the fridge handles. So far we are satisfied with the process but it is when we go on bumpy roads that we will really take the measure of its effectiveness.

For lithium batteries, they must be accessible without too much difficulty. A "blade" of the floor remains removable for this purpose.
They must also be properly ventilated. Given their weight, 30 kg each, they rest on 2x3cm cleats that allow air to circulate. Same on the sides.
They will be connected in parallel and I will take photos later on the electrical installation itself. For the moment, we have not yet found a satisfactory attachment system so your ideas and opinions are welcome in the comments below.