Blackberry Stealth Camper

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DubVrs
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Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)

Blackberry Stealth Camper

Post by DubVrs »

Hi All

After some consideration and health issues i purchases a Maxi Life about a month ago to turn into a stealth camper as i have issues with nerves and fatigue so if i need a rest i can just get in the back so to speak. Managed to find a 2018 Maxi Life 150 DSG with a couple of extras like upgraded stereo with reverse camera, heated seats, folding mirrors and 17" alloy wheels.

After i got it home and spent a couple of days on it cleaning. Still need some time with a machine polisher in some areas.
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So the modifications started with VCDS.
Audible notification on lock and unlock
Lock doors at a set speed and unlock on removal of key
Close windows if it senses rain
Needle sweep
Digital speedo on centre display

Made a start on stripping the interior and sound proofing.
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Want to hide away most things so it still looks standard inside. 2 Lithium Ion motorcycle race batteries installed behind the rear quarter plastic panel with 3D printed mounting system. Still need to mount the controller for them.
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Started on the wiring and mounting of the fuse box. Printed the fuse box mounts just need to fit them.
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Cable from the fuse box to the tailgate run and started on the tailgate panel. Lights installed.
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Glued on 3D printed VW badge and a Caddy Maxi Life then carpeted over.
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Rear speakers removed to be replaced by some 6x4" JBL. Adaptor ring designed and printed.
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Hopefully get a little further at the weekend and some modification parts still in transit.
Last edited by DubVrs on Wed Nov 24, 2021 9:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
petrev
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Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
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Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by petrev »

Nice looking Caddy.
Good work, and nice ideas.


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GreyLife
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Engine size/power: 1.6 CR TDI (102bhp)

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by GreyLife »

What a great start to a Caddy Camper! I am liking the use of 3D Printed custom parts for your install.

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Simon g taylor
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Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:37 am
Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by Simon g taylor »

Great colour, and the work you’re doing is fab


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Last edited by Giddy on Fri Oct 29, 2021 10:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Removed unnecessary quote
DubVrs
200BHP+
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by DubVrs »

Done a couple of more jobs on the Maxi.

Got the rear speakers all finished in the adapters
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Headlining all back in. Added two extra lights that are separately switched. Used VW T6 led lights. They look OEM and factory fitted.
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Lowering kit has been fitted. Went for the Eibach Sportline springs and Darkside rear shackle kit. Had the rear windows all tinted. Will get pics once its clean and not raining.
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mark1a
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Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by mark1a »

Excellent start, and Maxi Life is a great base for a camper or day van.

Like the idea of the Li-ion batteries, can I ask what capacity Ah they are, and did you use a DC-DC charger, if so which one? The leisure battery system I’m hoping to do soon on mine and was looking at something like golf trolley or mobility scooter batteries wired in parallel to keep the size down.
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
DubVrs
200BHP+
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by DubVrs »

I had the batteries for another project so not even checked the Ah :lol: but i have a Sterling Power Pro Batt Ultra controller.

Got almost all the wiring connected and fuse box mounted. Just the power for the LED lights in the headlining to sort.
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All the wiring to the side panels all colour coded and connectors fitted so makes removing the side panels easy.
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3D printed a small panel for the passenger side rear trim panel. LED lights installed along with 2 switch's, 12v socket and 2 off USD charge points. 1 switch is spare but will have the same setup on the other side panel.
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Last edited by Giddy on Sun Oct 31, 2021 10:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: removed unnecessary quote of previous post
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Giddy
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Engine size/power: 1.4TSI
Location: Gloucestershire, UK

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by Giddy »

Just about can see from the picture 12W 48Wh 240A each.
Caddy 4, Highline, 1.4 TSI
Instagram: @giddywagen
Build thread >>> here <<<
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mark1a
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Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by mark1a »

Yes, you’re right so 48Wh at 12v is 4Ah, x2 so 8Ah. I’ll have to think again in that case, I’m looking at 72Ah or similar so I can run interior lights, head unit and charge devices, etc. Sterling power unit, they’re great but they’ve really shot up in price, wish I’d bought one when they were £180, they’re £275 now…
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
petrev
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Posts: 1944
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
Engine size/power: 1.4TSI

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by petrev »

Sterling Power Pro Batt Ultra
One on eBay at £210
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184915459121

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mark1a
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Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by mark1a »

Cheers 👍
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
petrev
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Posts: 1944
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
Engine size/power: 1.4TSI

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by petrev »

I actually bought and fitted this one in the end as it is waterproof, and I was fitting it in the engine bay. Water drips off the bonnet, whenever opened, right onto it ...

BBW1212 Sterling Power Pro Charge B 12v 20amp Waterproof Battery to Battery Charger

https://simplysplitcharge.co.uk/Battery ... uct_id=672

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mark1a
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Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
Location: Dorset, UK

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by mark1a »

Aha, that solves a problem, installing in the engine bay. On my shopping list!
2017 Blackberry Maxi Life 190TDI 6MT OEM+
Santiago 18” | OE Xenons | Limo tints | Wind deflectors
Remap 190bhp | H&R / Darkside lowering | TRC front & rear splitter | RKD side skirts
Android HU | Focal 2.1+2 audio | Dynamat | 4G WiFi | Wireless phone charge
Build thread here http://caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=34095
petrev
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Posts: 1944
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
Engine size/power: 1.4TSI

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by petrev »

I got everything in the engine bay, but diesels tend to have an air filter where I put my aux Batt !

All cables come with the sealed B2B, but you will probably need to lengthen some ....

https://www.caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic ... 22&t=46885
DubVrs
200BHP+
Posts: 270
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)

Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life

Post by DubVrs »

Been busy trying to get some jobs finished.

Pic of the Caddy since lowering and tints. Will get a better pic once clean.
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Started on the split charge cabling.
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Charge controller mounted and connected up.
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Now the charge controller was all finished got all the interior refitted.
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