So...if I kept my T5...what could I do to spend money on it?

[Gold Coaster]

Or solar panels to recharge your auxillary batteries (as mentioned in T5 interior light options) for recharging all your IT items.

Rather than fasten them to the roof you could do as AALocksmiths suggested and buy portables.

[aSimpleLife]

Sunroof ?

Thanks but I can't imagine how I could justify that as a business expense?
And I'd find it hard to cut a hole in a perfectly good roof
Fortunately my personal vehicle is a little old convertible...so I already get to take the roof off sometimes.

[aSimpleLife]

Yes that's a good one. Actually works well with the 2 x 12v batteries I have under the front seats. And I would need to also get a battery charger to link it all together? Maybe the Redarc BCD1240 40A or BCD1225LV 25A or the cheaper CTEK D250S?

[aSimpleLife]

I was also wondering if it might be worth pre purchasing any of the likely future big expense items if they can be found for a good price - either 2nd hand - or imported - where you would never have the time to do it when something goes wrong.
Of course - nothing may ever go wrong either
Maybe even pre-purchase servicing...from someone.

[Sunny43.5]

Well you could explain that you can't leave the air con running to keep your IT gear cool so a sunroof may suffice ?

Thanks but I can't imagine how I could justify that as a business expense?
And I'd find it hard to cut a hole in a perfectly good roof
Fortunately my personal vehicle is a little old convertible...so I already get to take the roof off sometimes.

[AALocksmiths]

I have thought about that one many times...but I just can't work out how to justify it as part of doing IT technician work
Yes I should probably just save my money for the future repair bills

Are you out on the road all day in your mobile office? What do you do to keep your water and sandwiches cold

Remember there are bosses out there with boats and multiple cars for "work". If you have something in your van that you use for work then it is a work expense, it's not like you are trying to buy a camper trailer so you can have a nap while at jobs

[aSimpleLife]

Yes...but only the poor people ever really get caught
The rich can't be paying tax.

OK...I think I am convinced about the fridge...I've got this 3 way Finch fridge which I used every day for 6 months back in 1985, but have never used since, have been lugging it around for 30 years, but have just noticed the top door is now twisted out of shape from the latest storage, so maybe it's time to pension it off for something more modern.

Now I've got to choose something. Might need another thread just for the fridge
I suppose an Engel or Waeco?

EDIT - Maybe one of these? - Engel ECLIPSE 38 Litre Fridge MR40F

Or the Waeco CFX-35?

Or take a punt on an Ebay 40L Danfoss compressor model?
40 Litre CAR Fridge Freezer CF 40 AC 12V 24V Portable | eBay

[Seano]

Engel...always an Engel. Make sure you get the travel cover that goes with the fridge as well.

[aSimpleLife]

Yep - got the Engel transit bag with the 40 Litre Fridge/Freezer - Digital Platinum Series
Goodness but it's big - have already put a shoulder out lifting it in - I probably don't need that much for my own purposes but 40 litres seems to be the optimum size - and it's done now - for anyone who's interested saved $250 + $125 for the bag by price matching a WA Engel online shop at Rays in VIC.

Have also decided to invest in a 20-25amp battery charger (still tossing up between Projecta, Ctek & Redarc), 180w of portable solar panels, the light bar spot flood for the front bumper and an interior led light bar that were recommended elsewhere here.
Just can't bring myself to cut a hole in a perfectly good roof though...but thanks for the sunroof suggestion anyway

[Red Bicycle]

H&R sway bars - approx $1000 plus fitting. I think having had B14 first and then H&R's I would have put the sway bars on first as best bang for the buck and absolutely makes the ride more enjoyable without the firmness of the coilovers.