Uli. Yet another AWD Chevy Build…

[4Fox]

The rack is a Thule 300 that mounts for gutter rails. Locks in pretty solid. I like the design a little better than the Yakima style.
The cross bars are 65". The awning is a generic 2.5x3m off eBay. I used 2 hose clamps on each bar to attached the provided L brackets.

I also just got a Rhino Rack basket in last week and will use one more Thule cross bar between the two existing to mount the basket. I'm trying to decide how exactly to mount it as I don't want to just put in right on top of the rack. I'd like to put it as low as possible to keep a lower profile. I think I'm going to run the crossbars through the basket to lower it.

 

[4Fox]

Here's what it looks like on the passenger side and how I used hose clamps to attach the awning.

 

[4Fox]

I installed a passenger seat swivel, made by member Johny5. It wasn't quite a straight bolt on operation. I had to do a little modification to include cutting down the bracket that held the seat belt and getting some spacers and longer bolts for the front due to a curvature in the swivel mount. The end result is a little shorter than the stock height by maybe an inch. Overall though, I'm really happy with the swivel. It's smooth and there's a simple collar that is tightened down to secure the swiveling post.

Swivel next to factory mount


1" Spacer up front


Swivel works!


view from the front. Red piece adjusts collar for swivel


Finally had some nice weather to work on the insulation also.
deadening material added to the wheel wells and did one of the side doors. I misplaced my reflectix tape so the insulation and reflectix is just sitting in there

 

[Accrete]

I installed a passenger seat swivel...

Looking good!

The passenger seat swivel was part of our original mod the moth we got our van years ago. I still wish someone had come out with a driver seat swivel that could legally be installed. From what I gathered in my several attempts at finding a source it is the electronics below the driver seat which contain some of the air-bag sensors and such that puts a halt to the project , (

Thom

 

[4Fox]

Yeah, it doesn't look like there a lot of space under the driver side for the same sort of swivel set up.

 

[4Fox]

Man, it's been a busy few months!

Finally had some free time and took care of some more insulation.

Dynamat, Thinsulate and Reflectix


All done here


Rear is pretty much done and I laid out tape for where the benches will go. About 24" wide each. the drivers side bench will have a taper due to the HVAC unit. 24" wide at the forward end and tapers to about 20" by the HVAC. There will be 20" of space between the benches.


Rhino Rack roof basket finally on. I wanted it somewhat recessed to reduce drag but the basket is so deep that there would have only been a 1-2" difference between setting it on the crossbars or lowered.

 

[4Fox]

Things are happening!!

Installed Traxda lift over the last few days. My wife was out of town so it was nice to take my time and work on a little bit at a time each evening. While I was at it, I rattle canned the wheels flat black. makes a HUGE difference!

Half way done






I still need to get it on level ground and adjust the front and get it in for an alignment also.

 

[Mcarpenito89]

I installed a passenger seat swivel, made by member Johny5. It wasn't quite a straight bolt on operation. I had to do a little modification to include cutting down the bracket that held the seat belt and getting some spacers and longer bolts for the front due to a curvature in the swivel mount. The end result is a little shorter than the stock height by maybe an inch. Overall though, I'm really happy with the swivel. It's smooth and there's a simple collar that is tightened down to secure the swiveling post.

Swivel next to factory mount
View attachment 341525

1" Spacer up front
View attachment 341578

Swivel works!
View attachment 341574

view from the front. Red piece adjusts collar for swivel
View attachment 341575

Finally had some nice weather to work on the insulation also.
deadening material added to the wheel wells and did one of the side doors. I misplaced my reflectix tape so the insulation and reflectix is just sitting in there
View attachment 341576

View attachment 341577

If you don't mind me asking does this member still sell the swivel bracket ? I believe there's another bracket that sells for $87.00.

 

[4Fox]

If you don't mind me asking does this member still sell the swivel bracket ? I believe there's another bracket that sells for $87.00.

I'm sure he does as I just bought the swivel a few months ago. I didn't go with the swivel from Discountvantruck as I've heard they aren't the best quality and need some modification to work properly.

 

[iridewheelies]

I'm sure he does as I just bought the swivel a few months ago. I didn't go with the swivel from Discountvantruck as I've heard they aren't the best quality and need some modification to work properly.

Good call. Discountvantruck swivels are no good.

 

[Herbie]

Good call. Discountvantruck swivels are no good.

Quality-wise, they're fine, but they all add 2-3" of height between the seat and pedestal. In my van this put your head in uncomfortable territory. Modifications typically involve cutting down the stock pedestal or making something shorter from scratch.

 

[Accrete]

Yeah, it doesn't look like there a lot of space under the driver side for the same sort of swivel set up.

According to van specialties it is the electronics under the driver seat that is the issue. Part of the issue is the electronics for the air bags...that it would cause issue with any insurance if a swivel were mounted and there was an accident. Don't know how much truth is in that but after a half dozen contacts all saying similar I but the idea to rest.

Thom

 

[4Fox]

So I finally took Uli out on a inaugural trip. Spent Labor day weekend in Pagosa springs and the setup was great.
Here's the (semi) completed interior set up as a single sleep platform:

You can see the drop leaf I put in on the passenger side bench as its only 5ft long due to the barn doors. The leaf folds down out of the way and the strut used to hold it up tucks under it nicely. I'll get a close up of the setup. The other side is 6ft long and I having the cooler secured there was an unexpected bonus for additional length while sleeping.

The center sections has RV table pedestal mounts they they become the table top and base:

The table is a bit high, but the post only comes in either 27 or 19 inches

Some pictures from our site. I have levelers, but there was no need for them this time.

 

[FarmerFrederico]

Nice work, man! Looks good!

 

[christ0pher_m]

Looks good, how tall did you make the benches?