REDNOMADVAN
MANUAL
Hello! Welcome to our home! This project became possible thanks to the support of our friends. It's not a commercial venture, and we kindly ask you to treat the van as a friend's home rather than a rental car. We strive to provide you with an unforgettable experience and an inspiring adventure at a low cost, which helps us maintain the van in good condition. It's customary that everyone who uses the van leaves it in a condition for our other friends to enjoy after you. So, please allocate some time at the end of your trip for cleaning the van and doing the laundry. Thoroughly clean the shower and toilet, and refill the water. Thank you!

Imagine you're driving a double-decker tourist bus with children. The van is long, so when making turns at slow speeds, especially on narrow streets, go a bit further than you initially intend to and then make the turn. I recommend checking the wide-angle mirrors in the direction you're turning. Take your time, even if it causes a little traffic. Drive slowly and leisurely.

On the highway, you can go up to 130 km/h, but the ideal speed for fuel efficiency and comfort is around 100 km/h.

Overall, take your time. You can cover a lot of ground in just 15 minutes and find yourself in a new place. Don't rush to see everything in one go. It's better to travel 100 km in a day than 500 km. Consider the option of not driving at all on some days; that can be a good choice too. Usually, it takes 2-3 days to fully start enjoying van life, and during this time, you may experience some increased stress. Don't worry; it's normal!

Don't hesitate to use the biotoilet in the van; it makes life much easier. However, make sure to empty it as frequently as possible because being in a situation where you can't go to the toilet, and it's raining outside with no bushes around is not ideal.

Choose less crowded places; van life is about freedom, not crowds.

If you break something, don't hesitate to let us know. The van is equipped with plenty of tools, and I can provide remote assistance if needed.

Wishing everyone love and adventures!


Olga and Sergey
VAN BUREAU founders
THE VAN
IVECO DAILY van, manufactured in the year 2013. Prior to becoming a home on wheels, this van served in a delivery service in southern Germany. Given its cargo origins, don't expect extravagant comforts or limitless possibilities from it. However, you will likely find that driving it is easier than you might have anticipated. The high seating position, massive mirrors, and an incredibly small turning radius will make your journey a pleasant one!
HEIGHT LIMIT:
Currently, the height of the van is 2.95 meters. This means that if there's a clearance or an underpass with a height of 3 meters or more, you can proceed. However, if you have any doubts about the clearance, it's advisable not to proceed and find an alternative route. Safety should always be a priority when navigating the van through low-clearance areas.
Rear View Camera:
First, after starting the vehicle, you need to manually activate the rearview camera display. To do this, press "APPS" on the screen and select the yellow "AV IN" icon. On this screen, you can also access the built-in navigation. To do so, press the home icon and then the "NAVI" button. Camera activates everytime when you are selecting R at gearbox.
Basic Functions:
The low beam headlights automatically turn on when the ignition is activated if the appropriate mode is selected on the left steering column switch. You don't need to turn the headlights on and off each time. The high beam is activated by pulling the same lever toward you. The right lever controls the windshield wipers and rear fog lights.
Key and Rear Door:
The key has three buttons. The upper one is for opening the cabin doors, the middle one is for closing the cabin doors and the side door, and the lower one is for opening the side door. Currently, the rear door is locked only from inside the living area.
Climate Control:
Climate control operates as usual. To use the air conditioner, press the "ECO" button until it goes off.
Music Connection:
The music in the cabin plays through the good old stereo system. To connect your phone, select the device "DEH-4600" in the list of new devices and confirm the connection using the buttons on the stereo.
Additional Equipment Switches:
To the left of the driver, slightly below, there are three switches. The left one is for draining the gray water tank, the central one is used for forcibly connecting the living area's battery and the vehicle's battery, and the right switch is for controlling the stereo's mode. The factory settings are indicated with a black background on the labels near the switches.
Engine BRAKE ON HILLS:
Engine braking helps you maintain better control of your van while descending steep hills or tricky terrain. Plus, it reduces wear and tear on your traditional brakes, saving you money in the long run. You'll also enjoy a smoother, safer ride without a risk of overheating brakes. Last time is cost 2000 euro to replace...

Downshift: As you approach the descent or need to slow down, downshift to a lower gear. This will engage your engine and use its compression to help you decelerate. '

Ease Off the Gas: Gradually release the gas pedal while keeping your foot off the clutch. This allows the engine to work its magic without using fuel.

Control Your Speed: Your van's engine will now act like a brake, slowing you down. You can control the speed by downshifting further or slightly pressing the gas if needed.

Stay in Gear: Keep the van in gear until you've safely navigated the descent or terrain. Once you're on level ground or don't need engine braking, you can upshift as necessary. It is ok to run engine up to 3500 rpm like that. It is loud but safe.
Refueling:
The vehicle runs on diesel fuel. To open the fuel cap, insert the key into the cap and turn it counterclockwise. The cap itself does not twist. It closes in the same way. Currently, the cap is not entirely functional and may wiggle when closed.
DPF regeneration:
The van's engine complies with the Euro-5 standard, so it is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF is installed in the exhaust system and collects harmful substances. Approximately every 200 km, the filter enters a regeneration mode, during which the temperature inside it rises to 600 degrees Celsius, causing the harmful substances to break down into safer compounds. When this happens, you may notice thick and unpleasant-smelling white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe (and even from under the right front wheel). If you see this, there's nothing to worry about; just continue driving for approximately 20 more minutes, and the regeneration process will complete.
Insurance:
The vehicle is insured in Slovakia and covers the basic liability of the driver. If you damage the vehicle due to your own fault, you will be responsible for covering the repair expenses and related losses.
Documents:
The documents for the vehicle consist of a green plastic card, which is typically stored in the glove compartment
Flat tire:
If you need to replace a tire, the tools and jack are located under the driver's seat. The spare tire is located under the van's rear floor.
Towing and Jumpstarting:
Cables for jumpstarting and a towing eyelet are located under the driver's seat. The pump is situated between the seats.
Known issues
When you start COLD engine it may show you "CHECK ENGINE" and two warning lamps will blink on the dashboard. It is ok, just little problem with pre heating glows. Please ingore it. If you restart WARM engine it will by no error message.

The key has some mechanical problems right now, but works normally.
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LAYOUT
The living area of the van is designed to accommodate all your needs. Upon entering through the side door, you'll find an entryway with hangers for clothes, a shoe box, and shelves. Storage space is available under the sofa and above the cabin. Moving forward, you'll discover the kitchen and shower, followed by a workspace or dining area. The front sofa and rear table can be converted into double beds. Additionally, there is extra seating in the front with safety belts. Please note that according to documents, this van is certified for driving only in the front cabin for three people.
Front Bed Assembly:
Converting the front sofa into a bed takes less than a minute once you're accustomed to it, but it may require some patience initially. Here are the steps:

Lift the additional seat cushion and secure it with straps (1).
Remove the cushions from the sofa (2).
Detach the part of the seat above the pull-out hatch and place it in an L-shape near the additional seat (3).
Pull the sofa cover toward you so that the groove aligns with the guide (4).
Pull it until it stops, and gently tilt the upper part of the cover over the main part of the sofa (5).
Head towards the shower area, lift the double part of the cover, and unfold it towards the door (6).
Adjust the L-shaped leg so that it fits into the groove in the cover (7).
Place the cushions on top (8).

Reversing the assembly process is done in reverse order.
Place the L-shaped leg onto the narrow part of the sofa so that the groove and guide align (9).
Before putting the cushions on the sofa, lift the backrest support so that it rests on top of the cushions (10).
Rear Bed Assembly:
To convert the workspace in the rear part of the van into a bed, follow these steps:

Unscrew the locks at the rear of the table (1).
Sit on one of the sofas, resting your knees against the opposite sofa, and lift the table near the leg (2).
Place the table on its side on one of the sofas and unscrew the table leg lock, turning the leg counterclockwise (3).
Remove the additional table fastener from the guides (4).
Place the fastener and the table leg on the floor and set the table on the guides (5).
Place the sofa backrest cushions on the table. If the night was chilly, condensation may form due to the temperature difference between the table and the cushions. In such cases, it's recommended to disassemble the bed and set up the table to allow it and the cushions to dry.
Table Assembly:
Lay the table on its side on the left sofa. Insert the table leg into the fastener and make half a turn clockwise until it stops (5). Place the fastener with the label "THIS IS INSIDE" facing inward onto the guides (6). Take the table in your hands, sit on the right sofa, and set the table on the leg, resting it on your knees. Press the upper part of the fastener against the edge of the table from the inside and screw in the bolts. You can slightly open the rear door for better visibility while fastening the bolts.
Wood Care:
The interior features natural materials, which add beauty and aesthetics but require care to prevent scratches and damage. Please be careful and wipe away any water that may come into contact with wooden surfaces.
Storage:
Store personal items conveniently in the shelves located at the rear of the van. Quick-access storage is available on the sofa and above the driver's seat. Backpacks and non-essential items can be placed under the front sofa.
Gas Stove:
For maximum convenience, a portable gas stove is used, stored in a pull-out drawer in the kitchen. To use the stove, pull down the lever for the gas canister connection. If you hear prolonged hissing, it means the canister may have shifted due to vibrations and needs adjusting. To do this, open the canister's cover on the right and lightly touch the canister while pressing the connection lever. To ignite the stove, quickly turn the gas regulator counterclockwise until it stops with force. You will hear a click, and the piezoelectric ignition system will ignite the flame. Please keep the stove clean.
KITCHEN:
Cooking utensils and tableware are stored in the kitchen drawers. Plates and mugs can be found in the top drawer above the sink. Please avoid overloading the drawer with heavy items, as it may open during turns while driving.
Heated Sheet:
For maximum comfort, you can use an electric sheet that operates on 220 volts. To use it, place it under the bedsheet and plug it into an outlet. The connection block is stored in the lower left drawer next to the sink. Since the electric sheet consumes a lot of energy, it's recommended to use it for warming the bed before sleep for 10-20 minutes. The most powerful setting is 1, and the weakest is 3.
Heating:
The van is equipped with a diesel heating system, controlled via the instrument panel. There are two primary modes: Automatic and Manual. The automatic mode activates when the display shows the "T" icon. To switch between modes or turn them on or off, press and hold the "T" button when the heating system is off and not running.

In automatic mode, you can select your desired temperature by pressing the up and down buttons. The heater will then automatically turn on and off to maintain the chosen temperature. However, this mode may result in fluctuations of 3-4 degrees Celsius. For instance, if you set it to +20°C, the heater will turn on at +16°C and off at +23°C, which can be uncomfortable when it gets too warm during the heating cycle. Therefore, this mode is recommended for cases when you leave the van in the cold for a few hours and want to prevent it from getting too cold.

For everyday van life, such as daytime or sleeping, it's recommended to use the manual mode. Ensure that the "T" icon is not displayed on the screen. Turn on the heater manually by pressing the power button and repeatedly press the "*" button until the "M" icon appears. In this mode, you can choose the heater's speed using the up and down buttons. H1 and H2 are recommended for everyday use. For added comfort during the night, leave the cabin windows slightly open by 1-2 cm to allow fresh air in. This way, the heater, located behind the passenger seat, will heat fresh air instead of consuming oxygen from the living area. It's also helpful to keep the roof hatches slightly open for air circulation.

The van has seen various improvements over time, and one of them is the heating system. Currently, the rear part of the van is heated using an unsightly gray pipe. If you don't need to heat the van, you can disassemble the pipe and stow it under the front sofa.
Roof Fan:
A fan is installed in the rear hatch. There's a button on the fan itself to select the rotation direction, and the rotation speed is adjusted using the knob on the panel to the left of the sink.
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WATER
In ordinary circumstances, you won't need to delve too deeply into the intricacies of your van's water system; you can simply enjoy its convenience. However, if you're curious about how it all works, here's a general overview. Water is stored in a 100-liter tank beneath the rear right-side bench, and a pump, activated by a pressure switch, supplies it to the system, ensuring a constant flow under pressure. Hot water is generated by an on-demand gas water heater. In everyday use, the water supply lasts for 2-4 days with economical daily usage, including one shower.
Water Level Indicator:
You can monitor the water level through an indicator located in the right rear bench (1). It can be activated by pressing the nearby button.
The Pump:
The water pump operates entirely automatically, so there's no need to manually activate it before use. However, you can turn it off if the water runs out but the pump continues running. The pump switch is located in the right-hand side of the technical compartment under the left bench (1). After refilling the water, don't forget to switch the pump back on.
Water Refilling:
To replenish the water supply, you need to lift the cushions and lids from the right rear bench (1) and open the tank hatch (2). You can fill the tank using a hose, stored behind the water tank, or with the help of a plastic bucket, which should be rinsed thoroughly beforehand. If you're using a bucket, consider crafting a funnel from a plastic kitchen board and place a cloth beneath it (3). Pour water in as carefully as possible, especially when the tank is nearly full, as the water level rises rapidly around the hatch, increasing the risk of overflow. Always keep an eye on the water level during the refilling process through the hatch. You might notice a small amount of sediment at the tank's bottom, but rest assured, the water is clean, and the filtration system prevents sediment from entering the supply.
Drinking Water:
Theoretically, the water in the tank can be used for drinking, but it is not recommended in hot weather or if the water has not been refreshed for a while. For drinking purposes, a canister with a tap, stored behind an additional seat in the cabin, can be used. Remember to partially open the top lid to ensure a smooth flow from the tap, as a vacuum may form otherwise.
Hot Water:
Hot water is heated by an on-demand water heater located under the sink. It takes a few seconds to warm up, so if you only need a small amount of water, you can use cold water. However, if you intend to use hot water, avoid opening the tap only slightly, as this won't provide enough pressure for proper heating. In the shower, open the tap fully in the hot position, and as the water gradually warms up, gently introduce cold water without reducing the pressure. This way, you'll maintain adequate hot water pressure. The water heater is equipped with a system overheat sensor, and occasionally, it may shut off for about half a minute or less. You might even hear a relay click. If this occurs while you're showering, simply wait for the relay to click again and resume using hot water. In any case, when using the shower, it's a good practice to slightly open both doors under the sink for better ventilation, which prolongs continuous hot water usage.
Grey Tank:
Wastewater from the sink and shower drains into a grey tank located beneath the van's bottom. It has a capacity of 30-40 liters and should be regularly emptied. There is no level indicator for the grey tank, so it's advisable to empty it as often as possible. If the grey tank overflows, water may start to flow from the overflow valve beneath the rear left wheel. To empty the grey tank, raise the switch, which is located near the driver's seat with the ignition on, and wait for 10 seconds until the grey tank valve fully opens (1). You may hear the valve motor running from under the van, around the driver's door area. The water will flow from the same location. To close the valve, lower the same switch and wait for 10 seconds with the ignition on.
Shower:
It's wonderful to have a shower in the van, but it's important to note that it's quite small. This design choice maximizes space inside the van while still providing the convenience of a shower. For added comfort, consider removing the toilet from the shower. To ensure your shower remains fresh, leave the door open whenever possible. At present, the shower door is secured in the open position using a construction clamp.
Toilet:
The portable toilet consists of two parts (1). The upper part contains the water tank used for flushing, while the lower part stores waste. To use the toilet, lift the lid by pulling it upwards with force (2). All business should be conducted while sitting down. Toilet paper should be discarded separately. For hygiene, you can use small bags for used toilet paper. When you're done, close the upper lid, pull the handle towards you, and press the flush button twice (3). Then close the flush valve. To prevent odors, it's essential to thoroughly clean the toilet with soap, ensuring it brings only joy. Don't forget to visually check the lower tank's fill level to avoid reaching a point where there's nowhere left to empty. When it's time to empty the lower tank, detach the upper part from the lower part by pulling the handle at the back of the toilet (4). You may see some water in the lower part; this is because the toilet is positioned in the shower area. Simply drain it. Take the lower tank to a restroom or a designated disposal point for chemical toilets, which are available in many campgrounds. Turn the pipe and remove the cap. Carefully empty the toilet by pressing the air supply button (5). For continued use, add chemicals to the lower tank. To do this, pour blue or green liquid stored near the trash bin (5). Fill the lower part with a small amount of water from the shower (7) and drain it into the lower tank.
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The friDgE
This refrigerator operates on three different power sources: gas, 12 volts, and 220 volts. However, its primary mode is gas. You might find it intriguing how a refrigerator can run on gas, but this type of refrigerator has been in existence for about a century, predating other modern variations. The key distinction from a typical household refrigerator is that it takes a bit more time to begin the cooling process. Therefore, after initiating the refrigerator, it is advisable to allow several hours, or sometimes even overnight, for it to reach the desired cooling temperature.
Activating the Gas Mode:
To initiate the refrigerator in gas mode, you should rotate the mode selector to the gas setting (1), press the temperature control to open the gas supply (2), and depress the ignition button. This will trigger a series of clicking sounds, starting loud and then gradually becoming quieter. Once the flame temperature sensor indicator shifts into the green zone (3), continue holding the ignition for an additional 5 seconds, ensuring that the clicking sounds do not intensify. Release the ignition and verify that the flame temperature indicator (3) remains away from the far-right position. In case of any issues, do not hesitate to restart the process. If ignition fails repeatedly, it is possible that the gas supply is running low, which can be confirmed by attempting to use hot water. If necessary, connect an additional gas cylinder.
Useful Techniques:
For those seeking resource efficiency and a comfortably cool van environment, consider the following trick: place the refrigerator components in the freezer compartment while the fridge is operational. Later, when turning off the fridge for the night, return the components to aid in a quicker cooling process.
Operating on 220 Volts:
If your van is connected to an external power source or your battery indicates a charge level exceeding 95%, and you plan an extended journey, you have the option to switch the refrigerator to 220-volt mode. When connected to external power, there is no need to activate the inverter. However, if you are on the move, activating the inverter is necessary. It is of utmost importance to avoid leaving the refrigerator in this mode for an extended period, as it consumes a significant amount of electricity. Consider setting a phone alarm as a reminder.
Operating on 12 Volts:
This mode is the least efficient, and it is not recommended for extended use. It is advisable to rely on gas or 220 volts for optimal performance.
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Electrical System
Alright, team, we've got a bunch of wires here, over 200 meters of them! But don't sweat the details; all you need to do is make use of it, taking into account the peculiarities of off-grid living. The main rule is to keep an eye on the battery charge level ([photo 7]). They charge themselves when the sun is shining or it's just plain bright outside, and also when the engine is running. If the battery level is low and there are no sunny days or long trips ahead, you can plug into external power, and the batteries will charge!
Solar Power:
We've got 3 solar panels on the roof. Together, they provide a pretty good charge for the batteries. Just remember to keep them clean.
Turning off the power:
If you're planning not to use the van for more than 3 days and there's no sunshine in sight, turn off all consumers in the living area. Press the fuse switch-off button which goes to the fuse box on the right down part. Also, make sure the inverter is off and the forced connection between the living area batteries and the vehicle is disconnected (in the cabin).
Description of 220 Volts:
In the living area, there are 6 sockets with 220-volt power. Two are on the rear left sofa, two on the front, and two in the cabin on the partition with the cab ([photo 11]). They work when the inverter is on or when external 220-volt power is connected.
Please be careful with the sockets as they follow the Italian standard, and large plugs won't fit. Only one socket is expanded to accommodate larger plugs. First, plug in the device, then switch on the inverter. Or at least be mindful not to touch the plug pins when inserting them into the socket. The inverter's total power output is 1000 watts. Remember, you can only use a hairdryer on low power.
Connecting to External Power:
To connect the van to external power, use the socket located under the rear left side of the van. The connection cables are stored in the left rear sofa and can be accessed from outside by opening the right rear door. One cable has a standard blue connector used at campsites, while the other has a regular plug. You can connect both cables to make one long cable. When the van is initially connected to external power, you may hear a relay click on the electrical panel; this means the 220-volt sockets are connected to external power. You don't need to turn on the inverter to use them. It's also a good idea to switch the fridge to 220-volt power mode.
Location of Lights:
In the front area, there's an overhead light that turns on at the entrance and a light on the shelf above the sofa, which you can adjust with the dimmer on the wall. The second dimmer on this shelf is currently not connected. The shower light turns on from the kitchen side, and the second dimmer in this area is also unused. In the two kitchen shelves, the light is turned on with a button on the right side of the shelf. Some of the buttons are not the most reliable, and sometimes the light may flicker. To fix this, simply turn the light on again. In the rear of the van, the lights are installed in the storage shelves and are controlled from the kitchen panel. There, you can also turn on the overhead light and the fan.
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GAS
The van has propane gas system, which comes in handy for running the fridge and heating up water. Typically, one gas cylinder lasts for 2-3 weeks if the fridge is running all the time, and a couple of people are actively using hot water.
Turning On and Off the Gas:
The gas cylinders are tucked away in the rear left sofa. To access them, lift the rear wooden cover. One of the cylinders is connected to the system, and you need to either open or close it. There's an arrow on the cylinder valve indicating which way to turn for the desired result . You don't need to twist the cylinder all the way; a couple of turns will do!
Changing the Cylinder:
If, by any chance, the hot water stops being hot, and the indicator on the fridge shows no flame, it probably means the gas has run out. Not to worry; we've got several more cylinders. Just grab the wrench from the toolbox [photo 3], close the valve on the connected cylinder, unscrew the regulator from the empty cylinder clockwise, and attach it to the full cylinder counterclockwise. Check for leaks using dishwashing liquid and then open the new cylinder a couple of turns. To verify, turn on the hot water. If needed, restart the fridge. Leave empty bas bottle without a plastic cap that it can be inedtified as empty later.
Thank you!
hello.nomad.van@gmail.com
+36 30 165 95 80