We're pretty much ready to get our van! At the moment this is a T28 SWB 150DSG 72reg Panel Van with three seats in the front, and a tailgate. It is completely bare inside, no flooring, wall panels or anything.
The plan is where we are going round in circles a bit, and some input would be appreciated. There are three of us, my wife and I and our 5 year old. These are my ideas:
1) 150 rib bed and one small pod behind the drivers seat to house (hopefully) a small sink and a portaloo. Then our boy can sleep on the front seats on a small front seat bed
2) One small pod behind the drivers seat to house (hopefully) a small sink and a portaloo, then a purpose built (probably by me) sideways chair - that folds/slides out into a bed. This would have some storage underneath.
In the first instance I think I will be handing the van over to the converters to insulate, and line the rear cargo area, and possibly install the small pod. Not interested in fridge, or cooking area, but we do want a table somewhere - I'm hoping it could fit onto the small pod. So initially we will use the van by chucking a mattress in the back and sleeping on that. This will hopefully focus us on what is important - i.e. how we ultimately use the van.
I can see benefits to both systems - the 1st option will allow us to carry more passengers, but we'll be sitting facing forwards and I quite like the idea of sitting sideways when parked up - more like a caravan. The 2nd option will allow more floor space (I think) when the bed is not made up. Also, would a front seat bed work with only two captains chairs instead of the bench and drivers seat arrangement?
We are also thinking of not installing side windows at all - is this a mistake or a good idea? Once we've been out a few times it will become evident I suppose, but good to plan ahead a bit when doing the initial lining and insulation?
I am competent at cabinetry/bed making etc, but I’m struggling to see how to attach the bed to the van structure - I’m used to brickwork! How would this work, is there any information available? Especially as this sort of thing would be fitted after the walls and flooring is in, if that makes a difference?
Finally, I’d really like a side awning, what are these like to have on the van permanently - noisy, awkward at all?
Thanks in advance for all your ideas/help. I have lost count of the number of van interior pictures I’ve looked at, I’m slightly overwhelmed!
The plan is where we are going round in circles a bit, and some input would be appreciated. There are three of us, my wife and I and our 5 year old. These are my ideas:
1) 150 rib bed and one small pod behind the drivers seat to house (hopefully) a small sink and a portaloo. Then our boy can sleep on the front seats on a small front seat bed
2) One small pod behind the drivers seat to house (hopefully) a small sink and a portaloo, then a purpose built (probably by me) sideways chair - that folds/slides out into a bed. This would have some storage underneath.
In the first instance I think I will be handing the van over to the converters to insulate, and line the rear cargo area, and possibly install the small pod. Not interested in fridge, or cooking area, but we do want a table somewhere - I'm hoping it could fit onto the small pod. So initially we will use the van by chucking a mattress in the back and sleeping on that. This will hopefully focus us on what is important - i.e. how we ultimately use the van.
I can see benefits to both systems - the 1st option will allow us to carry more passengers, but we'll be sitting facing forwards and I quite like the idea of sitting sideways when parked up - more like a caravan. The 2nd option will allow more floor space (I think) when the bed is not made up. Also, would a front seat bed work with only two captains chairs instead of the bench and drivers seat arrangement?
We are also thinking of not installing side windows at all - is this a mistake or a good idea? Once we've been out a few times it will become evident I suppose, but good to plan ahead a bit when doing the initial lining and insulation?
I am competent at cabinetry/bed making etc, but I’m struggling to see how to attach the bed to the van structure - I’m used to brickwork! How would this work, is there any information available? Especially as this sort of thing would be fitted after the walls and flooring is in, if that makes a difference?
Finally, I’d really like a side awning, what are these like to have on the van permanently - noisy, awkward at all?
Thanks in advance for all your ideas/help. I have lost count of the number of van interior pictures I’ve looked at, I’m slightly overwhelmed!
