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

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">&nbsp;I like the idea of having a dual purpose vehicle, when i originally built my motorhome/truck I planned to use the whole back for transporting stone and other building materials as I knew I would always be building something.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I built my truck with a hinged entrance wall on one side and a removable kitchen unit,(same side)&nbsp;and a&nbsp;removable tub chair the idea was to be able to fit 8 X 4 sheets of ply straight in as this would be the largest size object i would need to transport.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">On the left side the lounge and shower/toilet compartment are fixed giving room to carry stuff centrally along the floor and rightside. (making an even load)</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Elevating the bed at the front allows for permanent bike/ tools storage under and forward, &nbsp;being a box 12ft long X 7ft 11in wide allowed me to have&nbsp;permanent storage forward, a crossways bed above, giving that valuable floor cargo area (with galley/chair removed) of&nbsp;9 X 6ft. My computer deck is built on the hinged back wall. The desk has a built in fill down Canon printer 4 X 12V outlets and a flip up lid which allows the wall to hinge back against the inside side wall of the box.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">This all became rather pointless after I built it, I acquired the second truck which I now use&nbsp;on smaller jobs&nbsp;carrying stone, building materials and towing a gooseneck drop deck trailer. </SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I know you all like pictures....Below pictures show the original concept I had, the removable galley, the computer table on the hinged wall.</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[MrNoodly]

Hmmmmmm, this has me thinking about modular units.

 

[vagari]

I was thinking about a cot as well. There are some very comfortable camping cots nowadays. <br><br id="tinymce" class="mceContentBody ">This one by Teton sports has good reviews and is 85x40 is $114. <br>http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Outfitter-XXL-Cot/dp/B000P6BGYI/<br><br>There is also a matching pad for another $103<br>http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Outfitter-XXL-Camp/dp/B000P6DJ8O<br><br><br>I also was thinking about a twin XL bed I could fold/lean up against the wall and secure with a couple chains/ropes while not in use. <br><br>

 

[MrNoodly]

I had to sleep on cots like that when I was young and spry. I was never comfortable. Just looking at them now makes my body ache.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Or how about a fold up bed on gas rams. This is my other trucks living space, everything in a&nbsp;sleeper cab&nbsp;of 7 1/2ft X 5ft with standing headroom. Gas rams are pretty cheap and can be made easily to support a fold down bed setup.<BR>Had to think long and hard on this one, to be able to have the comfort in a small space but still be able to haul stone aboard and be able also to hook up a gooseneck. In the picture on right bed is hinged above crawl through on rams but when down sits on shelf supports. The galley on the right has the sink under the bench which hinges out saving space. Bookshelf under crawl through consists of my stereo system, shoe/boot storage and has a hinge up table. The lounge has fixed storage under including vented battery storage forward.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[Dorcas]

Nice to see some interest in the topic! &nbsp;I had an idea of securing the foldaways in a special holders (that would need to be custom built) over the wheelwells.<br><br>Cot:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-B...st-Bed-Cot-with-Memory-Foam-Mattress/21961402" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-B...st-Bed-Cot-with-Memory-Foam-Mattress/21961402<br></a>Table:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-34-Square-Folding-Table-Black/16489477" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-34-Square-Folding-Table-Black/16489477<br></a>chair:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Flash-Furniture-Hercules-Series-Folding-Chair-with-Padded-Seat/19642670" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Flash-Furniture-Hercules-Series-Folding-Chair-with-Padded-Seat/19642670<br><br></a><br><br><br>

 

[DollarJoe67]

I will be using a hammock.&nbsp; I've tested it in my bedroom and I sleep fine.&nbsp; Yesterday I stretched it corner to corner in my van and it worked fine.&nbsp; However, I don't think it is going to save any space because as was posted before, the only way to save space is to not fill the vehicle.&nbsp; Anything I need in the van will still be in the van.&nbsp; This may help me to keep my bed clean though.&nbsp; I plan to be on the beach and sand gets everywhere.

 

[Dorcas]

Yes, that stuff will still be in the van, so it doesn't save weight...but definitely a table and chair that can be put away, before popping the cot out, that makes two rooms in one...dining room and bedroom! &nbsp;Actually, I did this kind of thing in my tiny apartment...everyone else in my building had a queen bed, tables, shelves etc. crammed into the 260 sq ft, but my place always looked so open and spacious.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp; Of course I am not expecting the same kind of airy spaciousness in a van, but it would be great to be able to take the table and chair outside too...

 

[DollarJoe67]

I see your point.&nbsp; Get the less used items out of the way when not in use.&nbsp; There are lots of multi use items/furniture on the market.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

These are hard choices. You will never have enough space in your van compared to a small apartment. You will have more than a backpacker. What you put in there should not move when hitting the brakes hard.(that's no fun, did that). Best if it does not move in an accident. Those are rare. The next is "what you need and now long you will need it before resupply". Tough choices. Everyone is different. For a lot of people enough food for&nbsp; a week is fine and 2 season cloths. a place for one to sleep. One long bed on the side with a kitchen on the other. The bed is not much wider than a couch. Very pretty inside. Others put a queen bed and turn the chairs around. Stay outside except in bad weather.&nbsp; You can really load these up with stuff when you travel for a few months.<br><br>I have the bed from side to side in the back and find it acceptable to crawl in at night. Use the chair turned around to dress. More storage than I need for more than 30 days without restock. Cloths for 4 seasons.<br><br>Choose well, you can always change. Most people build or have build stuff for their van. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[VanFan]

When considering fold up/down items for your van, you will want to think about the space needed to deploy those items, as well as the space they take once set up.&nbsp; Wrestling a card table inside might be more of a challenge than it first appears--especially if you are hot and tired or in a standard height van.<br><br>You might also want to think about how durable the items are in case you want to use them outside on occasion.&nbsp; Chances are they will get wet at least once if you do.<br><br>Vickie

 

[blueberry]

Another thing about standard height vans is that you probably won't be able to sit upright on a standard height chair. A folding beach chair with six-inch legs would probably work better.

 

[blueberry]

Dorcas, I'm planning to try a hammock too. I tested it in my apartment (though I haven't actually slept in it yet--that's next) but I don't have my van yet, so I don't know how that will work for me. My idea was to have hooks welded to the opposite corners of the van, and then when the hammock isn't in use, hang the two ends on one of the hooks so it doesn't take up any space. It's true, my stuff will still be there. I'll just have to wait until I have the van and can try it and see what makes the most sense for me.

 

[VanFan]

Bag chairs work fine.&nbsp; You can use your driver's/passenger seats to get an idea.<br><br>The little table we have is height adjustable, which can be very nice.&nbsp; It's like this one, although I think I paid around half the price shown.&nbsp; This size will fit between the front seats to be used there or get it out of the way for a minute.<br><br>http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lifetime-Personal-Table-in-Almond/13449271?findingMethod=rr<br><br>It is stored in the rear side door well, with the legs strapped to a passenger assist handle.&nbsp; Our porta privy shelter rides there, too.&nbsp; We don't open that door.<br><br>Vickie

 

[blueberry]

VanFan, that table looks perfect, thanks. I've got it on my wishlist now. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I sat fine in a regular folding lawn chair from the dollar general in a standard height van, and i think it sits a little higher than those plastic and fabric jobs that you put in a carry bag (im too heavy for them, give me good ole steel any day <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" class="bbc_img">)&nbsp; In fact i used it when i put in the insulation.<br><br> <br><br>They sit surprisingly low..