Sharing a Few Layout Ideas
Over the last 6 months or so, I've done dozens of layout mockups and drawings. While they all have some merit, I've narrowed down a few that I really like so I wanted to share them here and discuss what I like about them. I'd also love to hear any feedback on the designs, as I'm sure those with more experience living in small quarters will be able to point out things that I haven't thought of.
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This is a bed-up-front design with a perpendicular bed layout.
Pros:
- Access to the driver compartment by climbing over bed (could also be a con)
- Bed is beneath skylights for good nighttime views. Can open side barn doors for awesome views as well
- The two center row seats are re-used from the van, facing each other. My early tests show that the stock rear seat belts already work great in this configuration! Not only is this great for traveling with the kids, in my mock-up tests it is very comfortable for two adults, giving options for sitting up comfortable for some face-to-face time (cards, enjoying a conversation, a meal, etc)
- Rear kitchen is usable from outside or from rear seats very comfortably.
- Provides excellent storage above cab, below bed, as well as a horseshoe of upper cabinets around the rear.
Cons:
- Access to driver compartment is only from outside or climbing over the bed
- Bed beneath skylights could be problematic for sleeping in brightly lit areas (could be remedied with blackout covers)
- When re-using the seats in the back, there is little over 1' of space in between the front of the seats. While my tests show that it's still very comfortable for two adults (on persons legs stay together and in between the seats, th other person's legs must spread to have their feet on either side), it could still end up feeling a little cramped in the long run. (see mockup test picture below)
- When entering via the side door, you must climb onto the bed to enter. Again, I've done mockup tests with this, and with a flip-down shelf to aid in shoe removal and storage, it's not bad. But in the long term I can see this turning into an inconvenience. Basically any route in and out of the living quarters of the van involves removing shoes so that the bed doesn't get dirty.
- The thought of carrying a portapotty over the bed to get it outside to dump doesn't sound too appealing
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Mockup of seats facing each other. While the clearance is close, it's surprisingly cozy and comfortable even with two adults. Perhaps smaller folding boat seats would be a better option?
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This is another front-bed layout that I really like, and am leaning towards for various reasons (sorry for the terrible picture quality)
Pros:
- Good views from skylights (could be a con)
- Access to driver compartment by simply stepping over a corner of the bed
- Better layout when considering a swivel passenger seat
- Indoor/outdoor kitchen utilizes existing door hinge for simplicity
- Interior can be entered into from any door on the van
- With extra seats at the rear, the existing "quick release" seat bases can be used so that the seats can be removed very easily for extra storage when extra seating is not needed. Perhaps cabinets can be built that utilize the same seat bases to lock into place?
- Easy portapotty removal out the rear doors
Cons:
- Bed beneath skylights could be problematic when sleeping in well lit areas. Perhaps sleeping with head at opposite end of bed would help?
- Passenger seats all the way in rear may not be very well protected from a rear impact (then again, being belted in sideways isn't the best option either, but better than nothing)
- kitchen partially blocks view out side doors
