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@Moxadox It's a minivan, it's got all sorts of crap on the floor to fasten the seats, etc. I'll have to take a closer look tomorrow. Strange late night thought - there's no reason the under floor cavities absolutely have to be rigid, right? Is there a reason not to build access above with...

@Moxadox   Thanks for the tip about the packrats! What you suggested is along the lines of my original idea - I'm currently wondering how to adapt that for the super uneven floors of a minivan, so the "floor" can stay level. Any thoughts?

Okay, another beautiful minivan build! Lots of recycled material, etc. It's hippie and functional in a way that demonstrates how you can make your van a space that works for YOU. A couple nifty tricks in there too. :) Also:https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/koermikoermet/ It's pretty...

5 months later and the van is purchased! 2004 Toyota Sienna. Of course, the floor is nowhere near level and my original plans all relied on laying straight edges on a level floor. Huzzah for a rework! What I've seen people do with the minivan floors is use posts and then joists attached to...

A very pretty Safari/Astro found: https://www.instagram.com/p/BW0HN5vgMPP/?tagged=ohmanchestervan I cam across another excellent one with a similar layout recently and forgot to share, I'll see if I can dig it up.

@66788  The gas mileage is a great point, and something I've been considering. On the other hand I do think that the Safari/Astros are significantly larger than a Toyota Sienna (the other vehicle I'm considering) and built on an AWD truck chassis which is handy. The disability comment is a great...

Still thinking about this, though it looks like the van will come to me towards the end of summer for logistic reasons. Considering doing something like this to make the floor look purdy: https://realitydaydream.com/burn-pile-buffetpart-2-using-stain-to/

Thinking about how small a vehicle I can use with the specific design I have in mind. How much headroom do you (yes, you, reading this now) need to be comfortable sitting upright relative to how tall you are? I tried to look for a car industry standard but had no luck.  Especially anyone on the...

@John61CT - Thanks for the search link! That does make it easier.

Update This website has some fascinating options for builds (this takes you to the kitchen layout section but there's more if you keep exploring) neatly complied: http://zenseeker.net/Previa/PreviaCamper-Kitchen.htm

@jonyjoe303 I've been looking into astros because they seem like a happy medium, and also because I adore the dutch doors in the back with the hatchback. I haven't had any luck in my price range, though! They seem to be almost as expensive as the bigger vans if you want one that is reliable and...

@Minivanmotoman - that IS pretty sweet, thanks for the link! It will help inspire my magazine cover worthy build. :P @Cinnamon Girl - it happens. Thanks for the comment! Don't forget to check out the newbie corner thread for tips and rules - I'm still new enough that I double check it, too...

I'm in the process of reconciling my desires for a full sized van with the reality that my budget is more appropriate for a minivan.  The big thing I'm getting hung up on is the sense of beauty, home and permanence that I see more frequently in the larger vans - the handcrafted build outs...

@Minivanmotoman - Liveable? Yes, moving from a Camry (several months at the beginning of last year) to this it will be spacious! I'm currently downsizing (further, I still don't have much that wouldn't fit in my Camry...) so I can lay all my things on the floor and check the depth I would need...

@highdesertranger - Plus the 1x1 could be ~3/4 from the top of the plywood and serve as support for the hatches made with 3/4 plywood. Hit the top with a sander to smooth out any little whoopsies and bada-boom! @Almost There - Thanks for all the tips, I feel like I have a solid (floor) plan! :P...

@TMG51 - I sure will! @Cheroki - Thanks! @Deal Breaker - I will definitely be looking into those if I'm staying in the van over winter. I read that since they burn dry they solve any potential condensation issues. Plus the ambiance is magical, takes me back to being a kid in the mountains...

@karl I hope to see you come summer!

I work for a couple months straight with a short half-time period in between over the summer. I'll be flush but not so sure about the free time. :P I'm on half-time until mid April though, so I should be able to put in some good hours if I can muster the cash... back and forth, back and forth...

Oh, and what if the plywood got wet ever? If it's supporting weight and swells or the bonding is affected... not good... Thanks for your patience with the multiple posts, I'm still figuring out how to use the forum.

I'm hoping to avoid going outside when it's rainy or snowy, which is why I'm looking at simple hatches. I'm thinking about putting a kitchen chuck to the rear and leaving the cavity you described below it for things I don't use much, but for the rest I would really like to avoid opening the...