New to the van experience

[Jamesordiway]

Hello everyone I'm James Ordiway and i have a 1998 chevy venture I'm converting into a camping rig for now. Been kicking the idea around for awhile now about using pvc pipe for my build instead of wood. I'm planning on a futon style bed and a kitchen that is accessible from the back hatch much like a teardrop.

 

[n0zbh]

Welcome, James sounds like you have a unique idea would love to see photos of what you are doing.

 

[Jamesordiway]

I sure do plan on posting photos as i can't find any plans online for anything i want in my build.

 

[cyndi]

James! Welcome to the CRVL forums!

I've seen PVC plans, somewhere before. I'll see if I can find them.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Cammalu]

I think pvc is a great idea and don’t know why it isn’t used more in builds since it’s super lightweight and parts are easy to find.

 

[RoamerRV428]

yea pvc….cool. a lot of people want wood type structures for 'the furniture type look' I think, but I am a pvc fan and like the more, for lack of a better word, mechanic structural type look of it. No rot, no weight etc.

just google 'van build with pvc youtube' and I hit a few vids with guys building bed frames from pvc...those search words might help ya a bit???

sounds like you are in a good place and ready to get moving into your new adventures.

 

[ckelly78z]

Make the PVC structure as strong as you want by adding additional upright down both sides. Get one of the Kobalt PVC pipe cutters for truly clean, and almost effortless cutting of pipe up to 1.5". Also buy your 3 way corner connectors in bulk bags to save money.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-5-8-PVC-Pipe-Cutter/3307324

 

[Jamesordiway]

Hopefully i can get a start on my project this weekend if the weather holds out.

 

[maki2]

PVC comes in different strengths of wall thickness. For a bed I would suggest you go with the heavy schedule weight. Also be sure to put a post in the center area directly under where you sit down most times. The goal is to transfer the heaviest weight when sitting directly down to the floor. That will reduce the stress on the other pieces and make the structure last longer. Build for good load distribution and with PVC that means no long spans between vertical pieces because they are what transfer that weight down to the floor.