RV PERFORMANCE & BUILD WORKSHOP
Luna Campers offers a specialized technical support workshop for all types of recreational vehicles and especially motorhomes. Maintaining a motorhome in a workshop offers more convenience and access to specialized tools and equipment.
Here is a more detailed list of maintenance tasks that you can do in a workshop:
- Regular and Emergency Van Maintenance
- Regular and Emergency Camper Maintenance
- Equipment Installation and Removal
- Custom Conversions and Modifications
- Space Extension Units
Regular and Emergency Van Maintenance
Oil Change: Replace the filter and old oil with the recommended type of oil.
Cooling System: Flush the radiator, check the pipes and replace the coolant. Check for leaks or cracks in the pipes with pressure equipment to ensure that the system is sealed.
Battery Test: Evaluate the health of the starter battery and auxiliary battery with a charge controller. Replace if they do not maintain a good charge.
Connections: Check the wiring with a multimeter for voltage drops and repair or replace any damaged wiring. Clean the battery terminals.
Tire Rotation: Check the rotation of the tires and tread.
Balance with alignment equipment.
Tire Replacement: If the tread is worn or the tires are old, the workshop undertakes their safe replacement.
Brake Fluid Change: Replace with new ones.
Pads and Discs: Check for wear, measure thickness and replace if necessary.
Check the discs and reset or replace if damaged.
Suspension Check: Check the shock absorbers, struts and other suspension components. Replace any worn parts.
Diagnostic Check: Use OBD-II to check for any error codes related to the engine, transmission or emissions systems.
Exhaust System Check: Check for leaks, rust and obstructions in the exhaust system.
Leak Check: Check connections with leak detection spray. Check regulators, pipes and tanks.
Check Propane Appliances: Including stove, refrigerator and water heater, for proper operation.
Flush Water Heater: Clean from any residue. Check the riser rod and replace if corroded.
Pump and Valve Check: Check pump pressure and valves for leaks.
Replace seals and clean filters if necessary.
Tank Cleaning: Check and replace if necessary.
Valve Check: Check drain valves for any leaks or wear and lubrication as needed.
Roof Sealing: Clean and seal any potential roof leaks, such as around vents or skylights.
Exterior Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the frame, walls, and underside of the chassis for rust or damage. Repair or paint if necessary.
Appliance Inspection: Testing appliances such as air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration.
Filter Replacement: Replacing HVAC filters and water filters and checking for blockages in air ducts.
Safety Checks: Testing smoke, propane, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Replacing batteries and alarms if they are not working or have expired.
Maintenance Record: Keeping a record of all maintenance work performed at the workshop, as well as the dates and details of each job.
Parts Storage: Maintaining a stock of common parts for your vehicle, such as oil filters, belts, hoses, and fuses, to facilitate future maintenance.
Regular and Emergency Camper Maintenance
Equipment Installation and Removal
Installing additional equipment in a motorhome can significantly enhance comfort, convenience, and functionality. Here are some popular equipment installations and instructions for their proper installation:
Solar panels, charge controller, inverter, discharge or lithium batteries, battery isolator, DC-DC charger, fuse box, mounting brackets, high-quality cable wiring.
Fresh water tank, water pump, piping, water heater, sink and faucet.
Drain valve for easy winter storage.
Sink, stove (propane or electric), portable or built-in refrigerator, countertop.
LED lights, 12V outlets, USB chargers, wiring, fuse box.
Portable or built-in toilet, shower stall, water heater, shower curtain or enclosure.
Prefabricated cabinets or wooden pieces, support bases, screws and locks.
- Awning – Shade awning
- Roof or ground air conditioning
- Gas oven
- Refrigerator replacement with electric
- Washing machine
- Built-in generator
- Air bladders
- Hydraulic support legs
- Television
- Motorbike stand
- DAFO fire extinguishing system
- Induction hob
- Starlink WIFI internet
- Rear view monitor and camera
- Side flares – Extended sleeping area on the rear windows of vans
- Towbar
- Screens
- GPS Tracker
- Extra cabin door lock
Budgeting advice
3D design of the layout of the bed, kitchen, bathroom, storage spaces, seating, etc.
Solar, batteries, inverters and water (water tanks, water heating).
Removal of any existing material, linings and components.
Repair of any rust, holes or leaks.
Installation of soundproofing to reduce noise while driving and sleeping.
Installation of insulation materials (e.g. foam, wool, or Thinsulate) on the walls, ceiling and floor.
Installation of subflooring e.g. plywood for the base of the finished floor.
Installation of main floor and installation over the subfloor.
Cutting for windows with proper sealing.
Installation of ventilation and fan.
Installation of insulation around windows to reduce heat loss.
Design and installation of wiring for lights, sockets, fans and other electrical appliances.
Installation of water tanks.
Installation of water pump and piping.
Installation of hot water heater.
Installation of drainage system in the gray water tank.
Creating a bed, kitchen and storage spaces.
Building cabinets and shelves.
Installing a sink and faucet.
Installing a stove and refrigerator.
Building a bed platform or a folding bed that fits the layout.
Installing swivel seats.
Adding cushions and fabrics for comfort and aesthetics.
Painting or varnishing wooden furniture.
Curtains or window coverings.
Custom Conversions and Modifications
Space Extension Units
External Cooking Access: Pull-out kitchens are installed on rails, allowing the kitchen (stove, sink, and prep counter) to be moved to the back or side of the van.
Compact Storage: When not in use, the kitchen retracts back into the van, saving space.
Water and Power Connections: These units typically include quick-connects for water and propane, allowing for both indoor and outdoor use.
Convertible Beds: Some vans feature a bed platform that slides out to create a larger sleeping area and retracts back during the day to save space.
Multi-Purpose: Sliding beds can also serve as seats or storage when not fully extended, ideal for small vans.
Easy to Use: Using rails and locks, these sliding systems offer a safe and smooth transition and stability while driving.
Under-Bed Drawers: These are constructed under the bed platform and slide out for access to items such as clothing, tools or camping equipment.
Sliding Wardrobe: Sliding shelves are perfect for storing food and other kitchen items, keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Heavy-Duty Rails: For larger items or heavy equipment, heavy-duty rails ensure stability and security of the drawers.
Compact Showers: Some vans feature a small shower or toilet area that slides out of a storage area, providing privacy when needed and saving space when not in use.
Hidden Composting Toilet: Composting toilets with a sliding unit allow for easy access and storage, keeping the main living area tidy.
Equipment Storage: The rear “garage” of a campervan (under a fixed bed, for example) can feature sliding trays or shelves for bikes, camping gear, or sports equipment.
Quick Access: Sliding units allow easy access to items without having to remove them or reach for them.
Heavy Duty Trays: Many “garage” units use heavy duty trays that support heavy weight ideal for larger or heavier objects.
Multi-purpose table: Some tables with sliding bases are installed in the kitchen or living areas and can be slid out or rotated for use as a dining table, desk or prep counter.
Space Efficiency: When not in use, the table is stored away, freeing up space and keeping the van organized.
Adjustable Heights: Some sliding tables have a height adjustment option, so they can be used as both a table and a work surface.
Benefits of Sliding Units in Campervans:
- Maximum Space Utilization: Sliding units maximize storage and functionality in limited space, making the van more spacious.
- Better access: Allows easy access to stored items, reducing the need to bend or search.
- Multiple functions: Sliding units allow the same space to serve multiple functions, making a small van more versatile.
Sliding units require careful design for secure installation and strong hardware to prevent movement while driving. These units are valuable additions to campervans, offering convenience, functionality and an organized look to any build.
- Shelves and rails to store tools and equipment. Adjustable shelves are ideal for accommodating tools of different sizes.
- Lockable Cabinets and Drawers to store small tools safely and prevent them from moving around while driving.
- Storage boxes and containers to organize small parts, screws, nails and other loose items. Transparent boxes help to quickly identify the contents.
- Signs and hangers to hang tools such as hammers, pliers and screwdrivers. This keeps them in a visible and easily accessible place.
- Tie-down straps for large items.
- Load bars and dividers to separate different types of tools and materials, keeping everything organized.
- Durable, non-slip flooring, such as rubber flooring or plywood, to protect the interior of the van and prevent tools from sliding around.
- A battery or power supply to power tools, lights, and small appliances inside the van.
- LED lighting or motion-detecting lights for better visibility when working in the dark. This is especially useful when the van doors are open in low-light conditions.
- Power outlets for charging tools or using electrical appliances.
- Ceiling fans or side vents to ensure proper airflow and prevent fumes or heat buildup when working in the van.
- Window screens for additional ventilation, keeping the interior safe from insects and dust.
- Security locks on tool cabinets and doors to deter theft. Consider adding an alarm or tracking system for extra protection.
- Fire extinguisher and first aid kit for safety, especially when working with power tools or flammable materials.
- Reflective markings for better visibility, especially when parked in low-light areas or on roads.
- Maximize vertical space by installing tall shelves or shelving for tools and equipment.
- A foldable workbench that can be set up outside the van when needed and stored inside when not in use.
- Drawers or trays for easy access to tools and equipment without having to remove everything else.
- Labels: Label shelves, drawers, and boxes to keep everything organized and easily accessible. This saves time when you’re in a hurry.
- A foldable bench or seating area for breaks or working inside the van.
- A work surface or surface to make repairs, small assemblies, or prepare materials. This can also be foldable or reclining to save space.
By converting a truck into an efficient cargo and tool storage space, you not only improve your work efficiency but also ensure that your tools are safe and easily accessible. A well-designed truck conversion can save you time, improve productivity and extend the life of your tools by protecting them from damage during transport.
Modifications for Professional Needs
Modifications for professional needs (Filming Production Studio)
- Storage for cameras and other sensitive equipment.
- Lighting and Support Equipment Specialized storage for lighting, stands, and support tools. These can be mounted on walls or ceilings to save space.
- Storage for microphones, boom poles, audio recorders, and other audio equipment so they are easily accessible when needed.
- Accessory Storage for smaller items such as cables, batteries, chargers, filters, and other filming accessories.
- Power Supply with a secondary battery system or inverter that will provide power for lighting, cameras, computers, and other equipment on set.
- Surge Protectors and Outlets to safely power devices and prevent overloading circuits.
- LED lighting throughout the van to ensure visibility when working in low light conditions with adjustable fixtures to adjust the mood of the space.
- Video Editing Desk or footage organization with sufficient space for a laptop or desktop computer.
- Monitor Stand to mount a monitor for reviewing footage or editing at a comfortable viewing angle.
- Storage for Discs and Media, SD cards or tapes used for backing up footage with fireproof and durable boxes.
- Folding or swivel seats for team members so they can rest or work inside the van.
- Air conditioning or heating to maintain comfort for both the equipment and the team.
- Soundproofing to minimize outside noise and create a quiet space, useful for recording or editing.
- Tripods, Jibs and Camera Rails, which should be secured and easily accessible.
- Costume and Prop Storage when you need quick access during production.
- Makeup and Costume Area with a fold-out mirror and bench.
- Wi-Fi and Internet or mobile data to stay connected with the rest of the production team or to upload footage.
- Intercom system to communicate between the team inside and outside the van during filming.
- Storage Locks with locked cabinets or drawers to prevent theft during transport or when the van is parked in public areas.
- Fire extinguisher especially if you use electrical equipment or lighting that produces heat.
- First Aid Kit for emergencies.
- Thermal insulation to keep the van’s temperature stable, especially when filming in hot or cold areas.
- Sound insulation to reduce external noise and create a quieter space for recording or editing.
Converting a van into a mobile film production studio allows you to transport your production equipment to any location, saving time and ensuring that your crew and equipment are always ready for action. With careful planning and organization, a van conversion can provide the ultimate solution for a fully functional and mobile professional production facility.
