Vanabode Construction Questions
Written by admin on February 7, 2010 – 2:29 pm -Owners of Vanabode may ask questions here that are related to the construction, layout, and design strategies for van conversions ONLY. Click the hyperlinked TITLE of this post. Then scroll down and type your comment or question in the “Post a Comment” box. Then I am typically able to respond within 3 days. If your question is about a different topic choose the appropriate “category” on the right and post your question there intead. You may also find Vanabode Interior Layout helpful.
Posted in Construction Questions | 4 Comments »
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By Misty on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
I bought your book. Loved it! You guys have the bed cross ways accross the back of the van. I’m 5′3″ and I don’t think I would even fit comfortably laying accross the back of the van that way, let alone my hubby who is 6 foot. What is the dimensions on the inside across the back there where you have the bed from head to foot? Have you had any of your readers put the bed in lengthwise and how did that work out for them?
By admin on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
Yes, Misty you can turn the bed longways. For us it is perfect the way it is because neither of us is taller than 5′7″ and the van interior is 6′ wide as long as you do not have sidewalls installed.
By Bradley on Jun 2, 2010 | Reply
Thanks- cool pics! On page 70 of your book and its worth the $37 already. In addition to some creative suggestions, what I really like is that you address this all from a balanced lifestyle perspective – that’s been my biggest concern – and draw – in jumping into the lifestyle. If U have a sec for a few more questions… 1) STEALTH
I’ll be playing shows in college towns, cities, etc. and parking on street a lot…do you think the stealth will be enough w/ a high top conversion van? What are the high security places you mentioned to avoid?
2) SHOWER – Need to shower up for gigs, etc…intrigued by your shower plastic storage bin idea…How big of a bin are you using? Where do you dump it?
Was thinking of getting a 2 gallon pressurized garden sprayer for a shower. Would you feel comfortable driving around w/ 2 or 4 gallons of waste water until you found a spot to dump? Was thinking of adding a a shower floor and hole draining to a grey water tank under my vehicle – and everyone’s been saying just buy the damn class B RV! Do you really find the simple van lifestyle preferable than a small RV? – Thanks so much for the input!
Best, Bradley, Music Producer
By admin on Jun 2, 2010 | Reply
1) high top vans with lots of windows will afford more room but will never be stealthy. You will always have way more problems due to them looking like “rvs” than you do with my pure vanabode approach.
2) You can dump the water right on the asphalt or wherever, as long as it does not contain fecal content, it is not pollution. I switched from the large storage bin to the largest cooler they sell at walmart for my bathtub. It is sturdier, bigger, can be used as a seat when lid is down and used to store clothes when not holding bath water. We use a $95 portable hot water heating device that pumps water through a shower wand. We purchased this from Walmart.
3) A class B rv will cost you thousands of dollares more up front and thousands of dollars more per year to operate due to campground fees, etc. They are of course the most comfortable of the small rvs. See this page for more info on rv choices verses vanabode – http://www.rvforsaleguide.com/rv-types.htm