VW Eurovan "Cargo" Camper Conversion!

[Victorian]

Hi Folks,

Thought you guys may like that:

Two weeks ago I started outfitting my long wheelbase Eurovan with cabinetry.
It proved to be way more difficult then I anticipated... All surfaces, except the floor had some type of curving, extruding metal studs and other nasty objects in the way...
Anyhow, the goal of this conversion was to make the interior as non-toxic (think about formaldehyde in RV cabinetry) and sustainable as possible. The other big part was the "stealth" factor. Other campers have tons of windows all around... I see them as invitations for break ins! Also living on the West Coast of Canada, there are many places were you are not allowed to park your camper over night... Not looking like a camper will make live easier!
Anyhow, we still have to make sure that we are getting enough light and airflow inside. Therefore I'm currently sourcing sunroofs and/or Marine hatches for ontop of the roof.
To keep it easy to maintain and to avoid expensive modifications, I didn't include a fridge or fancy stove. We can use a plug in cooler box as a fridge down the road and use one of our trusty Trangia alcohol stoves to cook/ heat.

Anyhow, here are some pics. Not done yet, but getting there! Will be ordering the upholstery today.

Cheers,
Andreas

 

[ersatzknarf]

Hi Andreas,
Very nice work and very stealthy !
What kind of "non-toxic" materials did you use ?
I would like to avoid that, also.

Cheers,
Frank

 

[Victorian]

I have been using all FSC certified building materials with no added formaldehyde.
http://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/PureBond.aspx (the plywood)
http://www.teragren.com/environmental.html (bamboo)
http://www.kireiusa.com/kirei_viewer/kirei.html (cabinet top)
http://www.afmsafecoat.com/products.php?page=3 (the finish)

Cheers,
Andreas

 

[haven]

Welcome to ExPo, Victorian! Looks like you've got serious
skills in the cabinetry department.

Be extra careful if you plan to use an alcohol stove in the
confined space of the camper. It's very easy to get carbon
monoxide poisoning!

CHip Haven

 

[ersatzknarf]

Thank you for posting all those links, Andreas.
The bamboo was for the flooring, correct ?

Chip is right on both counts; good ventilation is critical and the cabinetry work is outstanding !


Cheers,
Frank

 

[ersatzknarf]

I'd love to see a before/after shot of the whole back of the van, like the second photo.

(OT: Any progress on the composite box idea, Andreas ?)

I have been looking at Monopan, lately...


Cheers,
Frank

 

[Victorian]

Another small bit done today...

Fold out shelf


Folded away...


Rear end... Not done yet... Have to replace the piano hinge on the right side bench... bought a 3/4 one by accident.. need a 5/8.
Upholstery will be ready by next week.
I also still have to fit the rest of the sleeping platform...

 

[Victorian]

I'd love to see a before/after shot of the whole back of the van, like the second photo.

(OT: Any progress on the composite box idea, Andreas ?)

I have been looking at Monopan, lately...


Cheers,
Frank

PM send!

 

[Victorian]

Welcome to ExPo, Victorian! Looks like you've got serious
skills in the cabinetry department.

Be extra careful if you plan to use an alcohol stove in the
confined space of the camper. It's very easy to get carbon
monoxide poisoning!

CHip Haven

That you for your kind words! Till a month ago, I was running my own cabinet shop

I'm aware of the carbon... I'm trying to find a way to get reliable ventilation going...

 

[Victorian]

Haven wrote:


He's been around here for a while. Andreas also used to work for Unicat.

Good job man!

Well.... outfitting my van is certainly WAY below the level of craftmans ship that goes into a Unicat! But then, Unicats are square and straight... Mine isn't

 

[Victorian]

Here are some pics of the table assembly

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I have been using all FSC certified building materials with no added formaldehyde.
http://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/PureBond.aspx (the plywood)
http://www.teragren.com/environmental.html (bamboo)
http://www.kireiusa.com/kirei_viewer/kirei.html (cabinet top)
http://www.afmsafecoat.com/products.php?page=3 (the finish)

Cheers,
Andreas

Thanks for posting the links.
I really like your use and the look of these environmental smart materials.

What are environmental friendly materials like to work with compared to traditional material?

 

[ersatzknarf]

Very nice.
I have not seen one like that, before.
Have been looking around boat supply sites, but not yet seen one as nice as that...

Cheers,
Frank

Here are some pics of the table assembly

 

[ersatzknarf]

Hi again Andreas,

Is the table part of the sleeping platform ?
I am still trying to come up with a table idea and like the idea of using the center support for it, but because of the narrow area, probably will end up with a flip-up table, from the side...

This is a great thread ! Stealthy is the way to go ! ! !

Cheers,
Frank

I also still have to fit the rest of the sleeping platform...

 

[Victorian]

Thanks for posting the links.
I really like your use and the look of these environmental smart materials.

What are environmental friendly materials like to work with compared to traditional material?

Overall, they work the same as the "conventional" materials. But as with different types of wood you have to adjust to the different properties of each material. By that I mean movement and machining.
The finishes (I usually only use oil and wax) are way easier to apply then let's say a polyfinish.
As for the quality of (most) eco - friendly materials: It's way better! Less flaws in the sheet goods=less waste=less money spend!

Anyhow, another benefit of buying green is that most of those products are manufactured in America. That means the money stays in the country and people stay employed.

Cheers