Thinking about an easy and flexible way to convert a van...

[Dorcas]

I was thinking about a possible way to handle the small space of a van...<br><br>Nearly all the conversions I see have some permanent stuff built in, like a bed platform with storage under it, and some counter-like surfaces. &nbsp;<br><br>What about using folding furniture that can be put away after use, and neatly secured for travel? &nbsp;<br><br>Like a fold up cot bed, folding table, chair and chaise, that kind of thing. &nbsp;It is a little inconvenient to put &nbsp;stuff and take it out, but it would allow for more space, and a neater interior...I personally hate having my bedding visible during the day, it looks a little disheveled, no matter how tidy I try to make it. &nbsp;I guess another advantage is that the stuff could be removed from the vehicle to use outside, or even as regular furniture if you are moving indoors for the winter...<br><br>I used to live in a really small apt (260 sq Ft) and I had a fold-away be that I put away every morning, as well as a folding table that I could set up wherever I needed for cooking in the kitchen, sewing projects, etc.<br><br>Anyone try this? &nbsp;It would also be a good way to get started with vandwelling, since you don't need any building skills, and you could experiment with different layouts.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

I couldn't do the fold away bed (good bed setup is an important need for bad back issues) but everything else mentioned would be cool. <br><br>However, it might be a little noisy setting up for the night - not a good thing if you're van dwelling in the city and trying to avoid the possibility of others hearing you in the vehicle. <br><br>But then again..... if being stealthy is not a concern, an air mattress would be perfect - even for me and my bum back.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

You could do a bunk style bed that folds away to the side wall.&nbsp; Unless you are hauling stuff, i dont see a point in everything being put away though.&nbsp; I like the idea of a bed that converts to a sitting area though.&nbsp; <br><br>Ive seen pretty cool build that was almost completely self contained, and could be removed in one piece (conversion van in a box <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" class="bbc_img"> ).

 

[Stargazer]

At first glance, I can see the appeal of that setup. Seems it would give more space to move around when the furniture isn't in use.

However, in a less-than-100-sf space, it might be cumbersome to set up and take down. You'd have other items getting in the way? Drawers for storage? Or even duffel bags? Where would you stow the cot, table, chair? There's no closet. Against the wall, somehow attached to keep it in place when folded? It isn't so much that people have storage under the bed as they put the bed atop the storage. Storage is always a primary concern. If you build or buy and install some sort of storage, that will use much space, where would you temporarily place the cot? I tried the cot idea and ditched it because it was 10" longer than I needed (never trust a tall person ...) and I wanted that extra 10" x 28" for other things. If you designate space for a cot folded, that is space that can't be used for anything else. Hmmm...just thinking out loud here.

One thought for sure...it's easy to "lose" something in this small area. I've found that the more often I move things around, the more time I spend looking for them later.

This is an interesting idea that I would not do myself (my van is all set up and I love it) but now you have me thinking about how it could be done.

 

[wagoneer]

I will be doing a non build , as it is as well a work truck perhaps the only removable furniture will be a bed/couch and aluminum closet cooking outdoor with a StoveTec double door in nice weather and a butane single burner in winter with my little buddy.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

If it is only you, Your bed could be a 3/4 bed, also called quarter berth, day bed, hospital bed. Basically it is a little wider than a couch. Use throw cushions and take off when sleeping. Each van is very personal. IF you want a lot of storage, you may want to go with a raised bed with lots of space under. Curtains on the windows. <br><br>Make sure nothing will move when hitting the brakes hard or a 20 mph accident. Sudden stop.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[wagoneer]

Great point and yes it is only me. A month away from retiring.

 

[MrNoodly]

<strong>"</strong><span style="line-height: 20px;"><strong>It is a little inconvenient to put stuff and take it out, but it would allow for more space, and a neater interior."</strong><br></span><br>Unless you have a way of removing the void between molecules, or you have a handy wormhole to toss things into, stuff takes up the same amount of room wherever you put it. Move something from one part of the van to another and it's still in the van, taking up exactly the same cubic volume. Storing something doesn't make it go away. It just changes its location. If you want more empty space, then you need to put less stuff in the space you have. And, like playing Tetris, the things you have should pack with as little dead space as possible.<br><br>For most vandwellers, the bed is neatly "stored" flat atop boxes of clothing, supplies, tools and such. The bed acts like the top of a storage cabinet, except it's more comfy.<br><br><strong>"</strong><strong style="line-height: 20px;">I personally hate having my bedding visible during the day, it looks a little disheveled, no matter how tidy I try to make it."</strong><br><br><span style="line-height: 20px;">Grab a corner of the bedding, twirl it up around your arms, stuff it in a duffle, a storage box or some cranny. Or use a "travel space bag." &nbsp;They're like giant zip-lock bags you sit on to press out the air.</span><br><br>

 

[Ziggy Moon]

@ <strong>MrNoodly</strong> - Do ya know where I can get me one of those wormholes!? <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[wrcsixeight]

Wise Space management is key to long term van dwelling.<br><br>When I unload my interior into a 2 car garage, it turns into a one car garage, and nobody, myself included, believes everything fits and still allows such a large amount of living space.<br><br>I would not sacrifice bed and sleeping comfort, but I can still remove it and all the contents underneath in about 15 minutes and load the interior with many sheets of 4x8' plywood.<br><br>I am not really a fan of having the bed visible. &nbsp;But an easy to make bed helps greatly. &nbsp;When I was a kid me and mom battled over the making of the bed. &nbsp;I never saw the point, but now it is one of the &nbsp;first things I do in the morning. Sometimes I roll up the mattress with all the bedding still on it and tie it off to the side. &nbsp;I have various methods to lift the mattress so that condensation can evaporate from it. &nbsp;<br><br>I hate driving around and hearing things rattling around in back. &nbsp;I'd hate to have the whole interior lashed down while driving and then to reset it when stopped then lash it down again. &nbsp;Perhaps when starting out to get an idea of what is possible and preferred this would be tolerable, but when stealthing, I just want to find a parking spot and climb under the covers.

 

[David]

I made a post a few days ago about sleeping in a hammock. I think that has to be one of the most space saving ways to go about it. I have a class B van right now, so it has a bed built into it, but I will eventually be down sizing into a regular van this summer. I'm toying with testing the waters with using a good quality hammock&nbsp;instead&nbsp;of a full time bed once I do.

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">James, in case you were wondering,</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Quarter berths is so named after the bed area set under the rear quarters of a yacht.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">No matter what, &nbsp;the last thing I want to do went I feel sleepy is make up&nbsp;the bed. this is the reason why I like a permanent fixed bed.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">With across ways fitted bed (front or rear mounted) you can draw curtains across it to hide it, if you think it looks untidy.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[Guest]

I have gone a fairly simple route for my van design and though I have limited experience stealthing it so far, things are working well. Here it is.

A simple bed running across the back with a good foam mattress for my grumpy back. Can be built in a couple of hours and comes out easily as one piece when needed to. Under it are 4 containers for most my stuff. The real gem is a theatrical trunk along the driver's wall, also easy to remove once unbolted from the floor. Bam, done! Well, there's a little more to it but I consider them luxuries. It's as simple as I am comfortable with and looks clean and neat at all times. Get back to me in a few months and we'll see if its still working out. Simplicity is just beautiful!

 

[James AKA Lynx]

rokguy - I agree. Keeping the bed made for me is a must. I can always go outside for more space. Not everybody is this way but for long term living it is a must for me.<br><br> Safety and Function first. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[MrNoodly]

One way to keep a bed looking neat is to not use bedding. Instead, wear sleeping clothing that keeps you as warm and cozy.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[VanFan]

Yes, yes, yes!&nbsp; We do this, and find it works very well.&nbsp; Nothing is built in, everything is secure (no shifting* or rattles), storage is accessible from inside or out without too much shuffling, and the bed is super comfortable and easily moved.&nbsp; On a rainy day, the bed can be placed on top of the storage area in the rear and a folding table and chairs set up.&nbsp; When needed, the whole set up can be unloaded in a few minutes.<br><br>All that said, we do not cook inside and the cooler has to be moved between the front seats to set up the bed.&nbsp; We do not have a battery bank or large water storage tanks.&nbsp; We do not live in our van, and have not spent more than 14 nights in it at a time.<br><br>I am sure many folks would not be happy with it, but every time we go somewhere, I am reminded how sweet this arrangement is and deterred from considering built-ins.&nbsp; I would encourage you to follow your inclinations, give it a try and go from there.<br><br>Enjoy!<br><br>Vickie<br><br>*The van had to be towed day before yesterday, and nothing was out of place on arrival.&nbsp; Good test, I'd say.

 

[VanFan]

Okay, I do tend to go on...<br><br>I thought I would mention that even with the bed "put up" and everything neat and tidy, the two of us can have a good nap in L-shaped lounge mode.&nbsp; My husband usually takes the width-wise segment across the back behind the side doors.&nbsp; I usually stretch out on the section against the driver's side wall.<br><br>Have I said lately how much I love the van?!!<br><br>Vickie

 

[Terry]

I have found that since Cathy is no longer able to keep up with chores, my bed only gets made when I change the sheets. Was the same when I worked out of town and stayed in the/a van by myself. I kinda like just crawling up amongst the bed clothes and kicking everything around till I'm comfortable. I'm a very poor house keeper and don't have any ambition to become better.

 

[Spirituallifetime]

Experiment with your van and find how the set up works for you. I was looking a plastic storage unit at Home Depot, had shelves and another had drawers. I like the idea of cot bed it can be take out and set up under a canopy when it's to hot in the van.

 

[blueberry]

I am also planning on a non-built-in set up, with a cot, a pair of folding tv tables and a folding camp chair.<br><br>I've slept on a cot for years due to chemical sensitivity. I can't tolerate the foam or flame retardants in regular mattresses and futons. It's fairly comfortable with a homemade, thick mattress pad made of wool batting. I plan on moving it into the van I will buy in the fall, and storing things underneath it in large plastic tubs. Even 5-gallon buckets fit underneath (except the middle, where it sags a bit) so I can tuck my makeshift toilet in there too. Plus, it should fit right over one of the wheel wells. It's a big hassle to take apart and put back together, so I don't plan to fold it when I'm not sleeping in it. I will have a tent, though, and plan to use that when I'm boondocking and the weather is good. The cot is light and will be easy to lift out of the van whenever I want.<br><br>The main drawback, to me, is that the cot (extra long and wide) is a little too high and deep to use comfortably as a sofa during the day. The metal frame hits right behind the knee. But I guess with some cushions, it might work ok. Hmm... I guess I should try to figure that out now while I'm saving up for the van!