Blackberry Stealth Camper
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- 200BHP+
- Posts: 270
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
- Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)
Blackberry Stealth Camper
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.
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.
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.
Started on the wiring and mounting of the fuse box. Printed the fuse box mounts just need to fit them.
Cable from the fuse box to the tailgate run and started on the tailgate panel. Lights installed.
Glued on 3D printed VW badge and a Caddy Maxi Life then carpeted over.
Rear speakers removed to be replaced by some 6x4" JBL. Adaptor ring designed and printed.
Hopefully get a little further at the weekend and some modification parts still in transit.
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.
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.
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.
Started on the wiring and mounting of the fuse box. Printed the fuse box mounts just need to fit them.
Cable from the fuse box to the tailgate run and started on the tailgate panel. Lights installed.
Glued on 3D printed VW badge and a Caddy Maxi Life then carpeted over.
Rear speakers removed to be replaced by some 6x4" JBL. Adaptor ring designed and printed.
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.
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- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 1953
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
- Engine size/power: 1.4TSI
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
Nice looking Caddy.
Good work, and nice ideas.
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Good work, and nice ideas.
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- GreyLife
- Caddy Fan
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2020 8:28 pm
- Engine size/power: 1.6 CR TDI (102bhp)
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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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Sent from my Nokia 1 using Tapatalk
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- Caddy2k Groupie
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:37 am
- Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
Great colour, and the work you’re doing is fab
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by Giddy on Fri Oct 29, 2021 10:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Removed unnecessary quote
Reason: Removed unnecessary quote
-
- 200BHP+
- Posts: 270
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
- Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
Done a couple of more jobs on the Maxi.
Got the rear speakers all finished in the adapters
Headlining all back in. Added two extra lights that are separately switched. Used VW T6 led lights. They look OEM and factory fitted.
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.
Got the rear speakers all finished in the adapters
Headlining all back in. Added two extra lights that are separately switched. Used VW T6 led lights. They look OEM and factory fitted.
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.
- mark1a
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 732
- Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
- Location: Dorset, UK
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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.
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
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
-
- 200BHP+
- Posts: 270
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
- Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
I had the batteries for another project so not even checked the Ah 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.
All the wiring to the side panels all colour coded and connectors fitted so makes removing the side panels easy.
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.
Got almost all the wiring connected and fuse box mounted. Just the power for the LED lights in the headlining to sort.
All the wiring to the side panels all colour coded and connectors fitted so makes removing the side panels easy.
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.
Last edited by Giddy on Sun Oct 31, 2021 10:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: removed unnecessary quote of previous post
Reason: removed unnecessary quote of previous post
- Giddy
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 2151
- Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2018 5:56 pm
- Engine size/power: 1.4TSI
- Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
Just about can see from the picture 12W 48Wh 240A each.
- mark1a
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 732
- Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
- Location: Dorset, UK
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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
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
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- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 1953
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
- Engine size/power: 1.4TSI
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
Sterling Power Pro Batt Ultra
One on eBay at £210
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184915459121
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One on eBay at £210
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184915459121
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
- mark1a
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 732
- Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
- Location: Dorset, UK
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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
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
-
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 1953
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
- Engine size/power: 1.4TSI
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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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BBW1212 Sterling Power Pro Charge B 12v 20amp Waterproof Battery to Battery Charger
https://simplysplitcharge.co.uk/Battery ... uct_id=672
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
- mark1a
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 732
- Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:34 pm
- Location: Dorset, UK
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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
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
-
- Hyper Poster
- Posts: 1953
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:41 pm
- Engine size/power: 1.4TSI
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
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
All cables come with the sealed B2B, but you will probably need to lengthen some ....
https://www.caddy2k.com/forum/viewtopic ... 22&t=46885
-
- 200BHP+
- Posts: 270
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:05 am
- Engine size/power: 2.0 TDI (140bhp)
Re: Blackberry Maxi Caddy Life
Been busy trying to get some jobs finished.
Pic of the Caddy since lowering and tints. Will get a better pic once clean.
Started on the split charge cabling.
Charge controller mounted and connected up.
Now the charge controller was all finished got all the interior refitted.
Pic of the Caddy since lowering and tints. Will get a better pic once clean.
Started on the split charge cabling.
Charge controller mounted and connected up.
Now the charge controller was all finished got all the interior refitted.