I'm back.... Looking at a new project

[rodsswag]

Hi all.
I have been away for a few months now, just getting life sorted.
It has not been the best few months but has been quite rewarding.

I have gone back to my trade and looking at building a pop top caravan (yes I know the dark side) but from what I have seen in the last few months this is the best thing for my family and I.

I will be looking at a van no bigger than 4mts in length plus draw bar and rear bar.4

I am looking for ideas of what I could build.

At the moment I am thinking of a queen size bed, 2 single beds that are also tables and chairs, fridge, sink and microwave inside. A slide out kitchen, Webber Q and shower on the off side too.

I would like something as small as possible but able to have the room for a family as well.

I know this might sound contradicting but I will see how it goes.

Any ideas are welcome, I will be starting this build in a few months and start a build thread than.

 

Rod..............

[grafy82]

Glad to see you back mate. I have been toying with this idea myself, but I would need triple bunks and a queen bed. I want it so there is just enough room for the beds and a small space to get changed in, just to keep the overall size down. Everything else wound be done from outside under a huge annex, i.e. slide out kitchen/BBQ and slide out storage draws from the side, etc. Will have to do some sketching. Look forward to seeing your ideas.
Cheers

[D4D]

Welcome back Rod, hope the family is well. Looking forward to seeing your next build.

[edz]

Welcome home, You could build an AT-12 size van with a rear fold out main bed as per the AT-10 and a single side [  AT-12 ] and add a front fold down single same as the rear ..
That way you get the dinette seating all the time without having to remake beds each day.  For us we would go for external kitchen /  toilet / shower  benches etc.
For the internal seating you could use a mixture of  recliner mesh seats and office chairs on a new build base ,with locators on the floor to hold them , that way you can remove them outside when you want and dont have to carry other camping seats.
For cupboards / wardrobes and facias to keep weights down we would use ally + cubelok  frames with a mesh  like shade cloth covering .

[fuji]

Welcome back Rod!

[KingBilly]

Hey big fella, spent the weekend camping and thought of you  . Have to catch up soon

KB

[evolution]

You could use a set up similar to the new lifestyle recon as a basic inspiration and change it to how you need it.
Main reason I say the recon is it is quite short in length but packs quite a lot into it?


Cheers
Evo

[rodsswag]

Thanks for the thoughts.

Will have to soon KB.

This is the start of what I am thinking.

I do not want anything to big and heavy.

The Lifestyle AT-10, AT12 and recon are all fantastic designs, but as some of you now I am a little bit different (like to think outside the box) so that is what I thought I would build.

Hopefully this will be something not seen before.

 

Rod.....

[rodsswag]

What do you all think???

Pop top or full size van?

 

Rod...........

[crappsy]

Rod that will depend on how much/how many people your planning on housing. But I like your layout, might be a little weighty in the backend. That said I'm not much of a designer.

[Coastal Camper]

Glad your back Rod
All the best. With the van.
I would suggest a full size van if you can!
Less moving parts to worry about.
p.s I'm thinking of putting a name plate on my camper trailer stating "manufactured my Rodswag" so that if I ever sell it people will know it was made by the original man himself!