So yeah, what exactly is the plan here?
Given the number of roles that Fessick has to fill, and my thin wallet, I need to be careful with how I go about the build. I don’t want to install something and learn later that I need to remove it because it interferes with another thing, or because I started cheap and later find I need a capability that I hadn’t prepared for.
I’ve owned the truck for almost a year now and I’ve been planning out as much as I can. I use an app from Microsoft called OneNote as a digital notebook. I like it because it works on my laptop, tablet and phone. My notebooks actually live in the cloud, so I can access them from your computer if I wanted to.
Some things I do with paper and pencil because I don’t have the skills for drafting on the computer.
My process, for any project, is basically to brainstorm everything.
Once I have a list of goals, I prioritize them. Each goal gets broken into smaller projects.
For example the “Tow Monster” goal requires a brake controller, suspension, and engine monitoring. Optionally, I’d like to increase the output of the engine and/or improve fuel economy.
Some projects can be broken into sub-projects (suspension is made of air bags and springs). Some projects tie into other goals (brake controller ties into the overall electrical project).
You do have to keep an eye on the end-point in order to avoid feature creep. That’s a topic for another day.
After I have my list of projects, I start looking at options. “Fog lights” just isn’t enough information to start planning anything.
Which fog lights? Where and how are they going to be mounted? Where is the switch going to be installed? How is it going to be wired?
Sometimes a desired goal leads you down ridiculous paths. I’d like to be able to use the truck as a camper, or maybe just a place to sleep off a few too many beers. I know that the VW Vanagon folks install heaters that run directly off the fuel tank so they can sleep in the parking lot of a ski resort. Can I fit a heater into the Excursion without violating Rule 6? (The answer is maybe. )
What about a refrigerator?
I probably have more than a hundred hours on the computer before even ordering a single part.
Then I have to figure out the phasing of the projects. I can’t hang the awning without the roof rack.
Sometimes real life dictates phasing. I needed to install the roof rack before our Memorial Day Weekend camping trip. I’ll probably have the sleeping platform built before July Fourth weekend. Last year’s Mk 1 platform left a lot to be desired.
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Modern Anachronist 