Fitout Progressing

Progress...

The fit-out is progressing, and is at the point now where the vehicle is habitable.

It's very basic, and is limited by three factors. The first is my capacity to do the work, which is subject to aging and lack of joinery skills and experience. That process is largely trial and error, with more error than trial.

Other limits are cost and time. So far, the only cost involved has been the installation of the 240 volt connection allowing stopovers in caravan parks. That cost $500, and provided two interior sockets and a fuse, which is a standard caravan setup. 

I will eventually get an off-grid installation (second battery, inverter and charger) but need to research that further, and find an installer. I am OK with basic carpentry and joinery, but draw the line at electrical work. With my skills, the result would likely be smoke and ash. 

The steps were -

1. Installation of the floor. See previous post.

2. Construction and installation of a bed. This involved the acquisition of a door, and fabricating a bed using leftover timber I had in my garage. The result is not very pretty, but it works and is relatively light. There is storage under, and it can be removed in 10 minutes. I found somebody on facebook asking to have a single bed innerspring mattress removed, so I helped out. The mattress was new and of good quality, and with a mattress topper, is very comfortable.

Fabricating the bed from a door

Assembled

Bed with doona

Bed & bookshelves

3. Installation of shelving. This involved a set of drawers left over from a desk I had given away. I attached the shelving to the floor using screws and brackets, and used the same process with an old bookcase. The shelves opened themselves when driving, but octopus straps through the handles fixed that. I'm yet to come up with a way of keeping objects on the bookshelf. 

Somewhere to sit

Occy straps locate the drawers
                    

4. Water storage. Again, the simplest solution was the best. I bought a plastic storage tank and set it up with a tap on the bottom. It can be positioned so that the tap empties into whatever I'm using (kettle etc). The tank is located by straps which essentially keep it in place.

240 plug

Sockets and fuse

5. Somewhere to sit. I had a basic office chair available. It's on runners and can be moved around easily. Once again, I use octopus straps to locate it when driving. The ceiling is high enough to allow comfortable seating. This will be handy if the weather is bad.

In summary then, the setup is rough and basic, but has cost very little because I've used mostly repurposed material.

Because I had no history for the vehicle, I booked it in for a complete service and mechanical check, and a wheel alignment and balance. The mechanic said it is one of the cleanest Hiaces he's seen. He probably wants me to continue to use his services.

The wheel alignment and balance improved the driving experience, as did adding weight to the vehicle with the installations. It's designed to carry 1000kg, after all. 

I need to do a brief trip to iron out the bugs.

Stay tuned.