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M109A3 conversion in progress, setting the standard

n2ojunkie

Member
75
0
6
Location
clio, mi
Mike, nice build, just looked it up. Kind of discouraging to year it doesn't cool as much as I thought it would. I wanted to get a 5000btu unit because I can pick one up for $99 at the local home depot, and the measurements would let it fit in the standard window and still have room. I do like how you used the tubing to brace it, I don't think of doing that, thanks.

Sorry for the hyjack, back to your great build :beer:
 
81
4
8
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
Furnace in my M109A3

To N20junkie,

Ya, the rv furnace will drain your batteries down badly. I talked to my RV repair friend and he suggested I use a catalytic heater and do a quick disconnect hose to my propane lines. He said it will keep me nice and warm and i do not have to run my generator all night and my batteries will not go dead.
SO, that is what i am going to do with mine!
 

n2ojunkie

Member
75
0
6
Location
clio, mi
Ya I have 10,000 btu radiant heater as a back up, due to the rv furnace being out of a older rv with unknown maintenance. The problem with it is, it's either on or off. Low will cook you out if left on all night. High is great to get get it warm but you can't stay ion it for more than 10 min, lol. I have a CO2 detector so I'm not worries. About that ;)
 
81
4
8
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
Well, maybe a 5000 btu would be better for you? Not too hot or not too cold??? it's worth experimenting with that rather then running a generator all night or draining your batteries, right?
You might want to install a thermostat in that unit????
good luck!
 
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81
4
8
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
update

1. I removed the original boarding ladder and acquired an Aluminum boarding ladder with a handrail! I had to cut it down to proper length and also cut down the handrail. It is very light and easy to lift up and mount!! The handrail is a big plus!!!
The width is wider too! So, i needed to relocate the mounting clip on the rear of the box.
2. I installed a flush mount deadbolt on the rear door, now i can lock it from the inside and it has a lockset on the outside of door.
I wanted to install it without chopping up the rear door seal, so i welded a metal stop on the inside of the vertical bolt latching bar. It works just fine!
3. I just completed the cabinet ,counter top and little closet at the right side rear of the box, at the entry of the box.
I finished the hardwood flooring at the cabinet and got the base shoe trim on.
In the cabinet, at the bottom shelf, it is removable to hide things on the floor. This cabinet will be to stow all the pillows,blankets,sheets for the bed.
Yes, the closet is very small, but i will take what i can! It iwll hold 6 shirts or pants on an hanger and broom and dust pan is in there too. And don't forget the Ruger .458 magnum rifle!
I installed a outside light on top of the box at each side with a lighted switch over the generator switch
4. I installed a stereo radio in the overhead cabinet above the dinette.

IMG_0777.JPG IMG_0778.JPG IMG_0779.JPG IMG_0780.JPG IMG_0781.JPG IMG_0782.JPG IMG_0783.JPG IMG_0784.JPG
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mangus580

New member
6,010
282
0
Location
Western NY
To N20junkie,

Ya, the rv furnace will drain your batteries down badly. I talked to my RV repair friend and he suggested I use a catalytic heater and do a quick disconnect hose to my propane lines. He said it will keep me nice and warm and i do not have to run my generator all night and my batteries will not go dead.
SO, that is what i am going to do with mine!
The other option would be to make your 'house' batteries better... say a pair of 6v golf cart batteries wired in series.
 

n2ojunkie

Member
75
0
6
Location
clio, mi
Well I did a search on golf cart batteries, and I saw they offer them in 6 and 12 volt. Would 2 6volts be better than 2 12 volts? And if so why? I looked at the price and there not much more than regular deep cycles so if there that much better I will get those instead. Thanks.
 

Tow4

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
2,096
646
113
Location
Orlando, FL
Looks good mastergunner53. I really like the way you have done the cabinets. Keep the pictures coming.

On the house batteries. I have 2 deep cycle 12V in parallel in my RV. They will run the furnace all night with no problem. The furnace in my RV is 20K BTU, the RV is 28 feet. If you can, I would install a thermostat because you don't need it running all the time. You also want to set the thermostat temperature lower when you are sleeping to minimize fuel consumption.

You have room to use any size battery you want so there shouldn't be a problem having plenty of battery capacity.
 
81
4
8
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
Batteries

n2ojunkie

Yes, Using 2- 6 volt batteries is much better than 2-12 volt batteries.
golf cart batteries ARE deep cycle batteries!
the 6 volt deep cycle batteries are built much better and have much bigger,thicker plates than a 12 volt battery!
Check the weight of a deep cycle battery YOURSELF!!!!
Ask the battery supplier about what i said!
You will get much more amp hours of service using 2- 6volt deep cycle batteries!
Interstate battery dealer should be able to explain everything about it!
 
81
4
8
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
RV furnace

To TOW4,

Thanks for the nice complements!! The cabinets took some doing since I don't do that everyday! haha.
Sometimes i get a little anal and do not know when to stop! haha
But , it always comes down to the money, that puts a halt to things sometimes!
I cannot wait to get my bathroom/shower done and take it out for a weekend!

Sounds like you have a great set up with your furnace! I'm happy it's working good for you!
I only have a 12' box and I'm in Socialist state of California, so it does not get real cold here like back east.
I agree with you about using a thermostat with the furnace!!!!!!!
I'm going to use a catalytic propane heater for my needs.
It was n2ojunkie who was inquiring about the batteries and furnace set up for his truck.
I think n2ojunkie should install a thermostat too!
I really do not need a furnace in my little box, I blow enough hot air to warm it up! haha!

:grd:
 
81
4
8
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
to m35beastandahalf

m35beastandahalf

Thanks for the nice words!!
I am looking forward to seeing your thread on your conversion!!!
Put some pics on your thread!!!
I love seeing all the great ideas and variations of an M109 conversion, I have seen so many good ideas from other guy's conversions on this site!!!

Thanks again!
 

n2ojunkie

Member
75
0
6
Location
clio, mi
Sorry about the hijack, You do havea great build and do really nice work.

Yes we do all build our truck to our own liking, I used other members ideas on my truck also. I have a couple of pics on here of mine, Ive owned it for almost 3 yrs now and still dont have it finished. For me its just a matter of time and money to do small things before I close everything in with paneling. I know I need to start my own build thread but wanted to wait till I was finished instead of never being able to post updates and the finished product.

Just one last update about mine and I am finished I promise. I have a thermostat and the furnace will keep it nice and toasty. The batteries will last about 6 hrs. thats why I need to upgrade them. They are deep cycle but I think they are just getting old.

Now on to your updates.
 

Lextreme

New member
244
0
0
Location
SGV Ca.
Nice build... Looks completely professional. I am about 15 miles away, let me know when i can come by and take a look in person.
 

BEANBELLY

New member
22
0
0
Location
eastern wa.
Great build, please keep pics comeing. Iam hopeing to start my m109 this winter. Cat heater is best way to go. Ive used one for years elk hunting in snow stay toasty. Drys clothes good. Rv heaters run batteries down to fast . Ive stayed 12 days easy in cold wheather useing cat heater. Only ran gen once in while to watch a movie. Had two 6 volt bat. Keep up the pics good job. Beanbelly
 
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