Temporary bulkhead while traveling?

[bigsallysmom]

I'm searching for a van right now.  I like the idea of a bulkhead with entry to the back, and would probably add one if it didn't have one.  But I intend to put the passenger chair on a swivel so I can use it as my primary sitting space.  That would require some sort of moveable bulkhead on the passenger side.  I'm thinking
Sliding
Bifold
hinged door swing against the wall


Move it into place before driving.  Move it out of the way when parked.
Anyone currently using something similar?

 

[mert6706]

I'm searching for a van right now.  I like the idea of a bulkhead with entry to the back, and would probably add one if it didn't have one.  But I intend to put the passenger chair on a swivel so I can use it as my primary sitting space.  That would require some sort of moveable bulkhead on the passenger side.  I'm thinking
Sliding
Bifold
hinged door swing against the wall


Move it into place before driving.  Move it out of the way when parked.
Anyone currently using something similar?

That is exactly what I am planning to do, but without a bulkhead. Check out Bob's Utube channel, where a lady did just that. She went to a junkyard and found the swivel base and took it to her mechanic who installed it. She doesn't have a bulkheaed, though. Not sure how you would overcome that. I'll be interested in the responses you get. I'm pretty sure I want a cargo van and realize they do come with bulkheads. Where there's a will there's a way, and I have found these vandwellers have many genius ideas!

 

[highdesertranger]

I would only put the bulk head behind the driver seat. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

If the only reason you're doing a bulkhead is to protect the driver from flying debris when on the road then a partial bulkhead solves the problem.

I ended up with what is essentially a bulkhead behind the drivers' seat by placing my floor to ceiling pantry cupboard directly behind the drivers' seat.

A swinging door bulkhead that closes off the entire living space from the driving compartment is going to take up very valuable space in the living quarters when it's open. 

A sliding door makes more sense from that perspective but will still take up some space whether open or closed, inherent in it's design. Also, unless it's 2 part sliding, it will only open up half way across making getting from the drivers' seat to the living quarters difficult if not impossible.

Perhaps some more information on what you hope to achieve with the bulkhead would be in order. We're quite inventive here if we know what the desired end achievement is to be.

 

[karl]

Another vote for partial bulkhead.
I've toyed with the idea of both sliding and hinged doors, and actually had two step vans with sliders, but they have always interfered with swiveling the passenger seat.
I keep returning to a bulkhead behind the driver and appliance blanket curtains parted in the center of the remaining space. They overlap, and are attached at the walls, and closed with a combination of velcro and hooks at the ceiling. To open they are rolled and secured at each side with small bungey cords.

They can be closed with the seat in either position

 

[bigsallysmom]

^^ just trying to separate myself from stuff that may go flying in an accident. half is better than none. I like the ^appliance blanket idea. will have to check it out.

 

[MrNoodly]

All bulkheads are moveable with the use of wrenches.

 

[John61CT]

I prefer designing the furniture and storage so there is no chance of anything flying around in an accident.

 

[karl]

I prefer designing the furniture and storage so there is no chance of anything flying around in an accident.

And there is added safety with doing both. "Someone" is occasionally forgetting to put away my tea kettle, or the peanut butter, or .

My bulkhead also serves as a coat rack and has a clip for the walking stick between it and the seat.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I think the most practical answer is a partial bulkhead behind the driver's seat for protection, and a curtain you can pull across for privacy when needed.  Maybe something like a shower curtain rod that goes from one side to the other.

 

[Weight]

In the war the bomber pilot's seat was armor plate. To increase pay-load, no other part of the fuselage was armored. The pilot was the important personnel.