Alaskan Camper removable front wall over cab finally becomes reality!

[Motafinga]

Ever since I got my Alaskan myself and my other half have always wished for a way to use the bed in conjunction with having the open air you get just before folding up the walls that open the bed area. If you have or have seen an Alaskan you know what I'm talking about! Maybe somebody has done it but I couldn't find anything online

As you can see in this pic the walls fold inward on the bed for travel mode , so to enjoy this amazing view from inside you have to do so without using the bed. Not a big deal but it sure would be nice to have your cake and eat it too as they say!

 

[Motafinga]

Anyways after much head scratching and a bit of research I learned of 2 piece hinges. They are a simple and inexpensive hinge that has a male and female counter part. They are hard to find in any brick and mortar places though at least near me so I found em online.

 

[Motafinga]

I originally planned on doing all 3 walls with these hinges but for now I'm trying out just the front wall. As an added bonus leaving the side walls intact gives you an excellent place to put the removable front wall!
Now to add in a removable mosquito net and I'll be set!

 

[YukonHunter]

Great idea! I might have to try that on my 71 Alaskan. Looking forward to your bug proofing solution.
John

 

[Motafinga]

Great idea! I might have to try that on my 71 Alaskan. Looking forward to your bug proofing solution.
John

Thanks John, it was really easy and only took about an hour. Its a good idea to offset the inner hinges a bit to make it easier to line up the pins when re-installing the wall.
I think I'll do something similar to the mexi curtains for the bug screen. I used clear adhesive hooks as an attachment point for the bungee cord that goes through a pocket sewn into the curtain. The curtains are just re-purposed Mexican blankets

 

[Motafinga]

I sourced the hinges here >> http://www.hardwaresource.com/hinges/furniture-hinges/lift-off-hinges-loose-joint-hinges/1-3-4-economy-lift-off-hinge-1

 

[ripperj]

Cool idea, I thought of totally removing the fold up walls and having a canvas shop make me a soft wall that was all windows and screens

Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk 2

 

[kerry]

Nice job. One thing I really love about our Northstar is the huge windows all around the fabric sides. If they are all opened it feels like being outside. I didn't give any thought to it until after I purchased it and now I love that feature.

 

[Motafinga]

Thanks! Yeah I got a ton of ventilation compared to before now

 

[Motafinga]

Cool idea, I thought of totally removing the fold up walls and having a canvas shop make me a soft wall that was all windows and screens

Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk 2

I definitely like the idea of retaining the hard (and insulated) sides after camping in sub 20 deg weather in my last canvas side rig ...BRRRrrrr

 

[Motafinga]

Drake seems to like it!