Camperise & Towing Info please, wanna buy Deli asap

[TardisDeli]

Hi All, what a great website, I have been up way too late the last few days reading the posts, I feel I found a buncha long lost cousins.

I am Christine, along with Jay The Spousal Unit. Looking to buy a Deli soon, to camperise and use to tow our boats. Plural. The "Boat Trash of Burnaby" I say. I was into sailing, Jay was into power boats, we met and have since added kayaks and canoes to the family instead of kids. So, need a Tardis Mobile for our camping / boating / kayak Mothership adventures.

I see there is a factory camperised version, presume its rare. Does anyone have one we can see (or see photos)? Will camperise it ourselves, have camperised boats so know the hassles.

QUESTIONS:
Is Deli 12v or 24 volt, presume 12 volt, but I saw a note about someone's problem with 24volt.

Webasto Heater: worth while? I remember with horror trying to fix a Webasto on a sailboat, only 1 shop in Vancouver serviced them or carried parts, big hassle. Any other ideas, as will install ac/dc inverter 1000 watts so can run small heater.

"Winterised" EXACTLY what is it, is it another at-purchase item rather than model specific? I had a 1984 VW Jetta Diesel, winterised was block heater, and I used treated diesel in winter. From the postings seems maybe Deli also Webasto Heater, and pre glow plug heater? And? Help please. Anything that we could not add easily ourselves, if so then make sure I buy Winterised model?

2nd Battery: do all models have room for 2nd battery. Will wire one for starting, 1 for accessory use (must have tea kettle and DVD player).

Bush Bars: some pictures have a swoopy arm out each side to protect more of the front grill and lights. Is this a local add on? Not chrome bars as easier to fix paint dings ourselves.

Tow Hitch: seen the postings. Will install the Princess Auto universal fit (used on 2 other vans, great). But, the postings say need to remove rear sway bar (I think), doesnt this affect handling and cornering hence the numerous posts on improving the ride for passengers. Opinions?

Tyre alignment: do most dealers do it? Presume best to alter camber and toe-in for Canada roads?

VIN Number: seen the postings. What do people means when say "waiting for my Vin Number"?

Microwave: anyone seen a very tiny microwave, surely they have them in Japan as houses smaller. I can use a step-up converter to run it on 110 ac in the Deli. Anyone able to check Japanese websites?

Cooler: seems to be an add-on and and Super Exceed item. Are they worth it? since have to run the AC or heater full blast to affect it? Maybe just buy a 12 V Koolatron at Crappy Tire?

Kitchenette: has any locally got one, so I can mock it up in cardboard then Jay The Spouse can make it in plywood and fibreglass it. Any one tried it? Anyone else interested in planning the Perfect Kitchenette?

Winch: for the front. Does it need a special mount (ie front tow hitch which then lowers the undercarriage clearance), or are the existing bars / bumper enough? Do we need a special model of Deli that is reinforced? Not that we expect to need to winch ourselves out but it is soo-o-o embarrasing to phone friends to come winch you out.

Thanks to all the greater Vancouver owners who have patiently answered our questions. Especially the guy on the ferry who we cornered for ages, he couldnt very well drive away from our questions as we were mid ocean.

Cheers, Christine.

[Green1]

long list... most answers are around if you search, but here goes:

- 12V, they are all 12V, the dual batteries seem to confuse people, but it's all 12V
- All have room for 2 batteries, and most have dual batteries fitted, but not all.
- "winterized" is a bigger alternator, dual batteries, and a "quick" glowplug system
- block heaters are not offered from the factory, and only one person has claimed success adding one.
- webasto heaters are the "ultimate" winter accessory for these vehicles to get them started at whatever temperature, however in Vancouver it never gets cold enough to need one.
- bush bars from the factory were just narrow until about 1990, and after that extend the full width of the vehicle, some people have custom extensions that reach higher on the sides as well, but generally they all came from Japan the way you see 'em
- tow hitch involves removing the rear bush bar, this is NOT a performance affecting part and is generally just cosmetic.
- wheel alignment, do a search on this site and the specs are available, any place that does wheel alignments can do it.
- VIN numbers, under the OLD system in BC ICBC had to issue a VIN for these vehicles, this is no longer the case, they now use the existing VIN issued at the factory by mitsubishi
- microwave, look at camper shops, they even make 12V ones.
- cooler, the cool box is great, you have to turn the AC on to use the cool function and the heat for the heater function, however it gets cold enough in there to make ice... up to you.
- kitchenette, home depot and some creativity is all you need.
- winch, most people say you should do some reinforcing before attaching it directly to the bush bar... personally I can't see any reason why you'd need to, that bush bar is held on pretty well, and the manual even advises towing the vehicle by the bush bar... but I'm no authority on winches.

hope that helps...

[niekt]

Hi Christine,

Welcome to the club.

as will install ac/dc inverter 1000 watts so can run small heater.

1000 watt/12v means 83 amp !, you 'll need a large battery......
Have a Webasto ourselves and it runs for 6 years in the L300 without any problems, wouldn't want to do without it.

[Green1]

as will install ac/dc inverter 1000 watts so can run small heater.

Inverter should always be a last resort for any item as most things are available in 12V as well and will be more efficient (granted for a heater it doesn't really matter as the inefficiencies are translated to heat anyway, but for other things you get the idea)

[jrman]

Hi there and welcome fellow wetcoaster.
Green1 covered the majority and is a true resource!
The only thing I would add is that the cost of adding a receiver hitch is estimated at about 400-500 CAD which is pretty steep compared to units from Canadian Tire or Uhaul. There is a shop in Burnaby - cannot recall exact name but it's posted here somewhere (check E&H Towing Hitch). Apparently it's an awesome setup - I only need a bike rack so went with Steve Mitchell's setup off the bull bar - by the way, to anyone reading, Mitch can prefab the bits and do the install in 45 minutes and 3 beers (the other half of the 6 is for the owner)....works perfectly and sooooo stealth!!!! But, if you have to have receiver...then go for the E&H option.
Anyway - it's diesel, and lots of torque, so towing won't be a problem - but you won't get anywhere quickly!!!!! Good luck and all the best.

[Schwa]

I got the E&H custom hitch, they don't remove the sway bars, but it does use the same bolt holes.

[BCDelica]

Wow awesome replys guys!

You may want to check Malahat Auto wreckes, he buys up all wrecked westies. Great collection of interoir parts, tanks, etc.

Kev

[Adam]

You could check with EricN for a cheaper custom built tow hitch. They sure look like they get the job done, now if only I had something to tow. http://www.delica.ca/forum/trailer-hitch-1129.html

[TardisDeli]

Hello all, thank you each for your reponses. Very valuable info, now I sound like I know what I'm talking about as I see each Deli. I have been busy out looking and test driving this week, and think I have found a private sale that I like. I was fortunate to meet John of Rocky Mountain Import as he was delivering parts to a dealership. He took the time to show us on 2 delis (that were already bought) what problems to look for, and what good features to look for, how to assess true mileage and rust etc etc. cheers, Christine.