Van to RV conversion

This topic has moved to front row and center lately.  I've been doing some stuff in regards to it, so this post is to take notes of that for future reference.  Of course, other concerns may move this topic out of the picture, so that's why the notes are needed.

There's a bit of a debate between making the whole thing, or salvaging pieces around the apartment, and then using those pieces for the conversion.  Yesterday, I wondered if it may be best to build it from scratch.  However, I could still use the computer desk and metal shelving as materials.  But these will have to be de-constructed and then reconstructed so as to do what I want it to do.

I want to use the driver's side for a clothes closet.  Heavy clothes will be needed for wintry weather.  It will have to be stored somewhere, as well as the usual clothes.  Using the computer desk as is won't match up well with this goal.  Hence, the need to tear down the desk and use it for parts.

The passenger side can be used for tools since the tire changing tool is on that side.  This should be near the rear doors for easy access.

I had an idea for where to place the toilet, and it is a bit humorous.  However, it may conflict with other ideas, so that may not be a practical idea.  Between the seats!  But that won't work.  Actually, I want to put the freezer against the cage, but that creates an access difficulty between the front and back.  The freezer is 28" wide and it will have to sit in the middle where the cage door is.  I can offset it towards the side doors, but that eliminates the possibility of using that area for the batteries.

Just now I realized that there may be a space problem.  I'd like to use the freezer to store a lot of water, which can be frozen into ice and used for food preservation on the ranch.  But the freezer is large.  It will have to take up all of the area that it occupies and cannot be used for multiple uses.

If the door to the front is to be used, then that space must be reserved.  Incidentally, I could still put the toilet there, with a screen for privacy.  The toilet and the screen must be in place and/or easily removable.  In a pinch, that may take too much time.

I'd really like to be able to use all of the space available.  There may be a way to do that with the toilet.

If the toilet is to be in the doorway, then the batteries will have be next to the side doors.

A quick look at the computer desk makes me think that to cut it up would not be a good thing.

Could try using wood fencing and 2x4's to connect them together.  Not an elegant solution, but looks cheap.
Probably less than $100 will do the trick in terms of lumber.  Use plywood doors and plain old hinges.  Plus a latch to keep them shut.  Shelving inside?  Can possibly still use the metal shelving, but that would be good only for one side.  The other side will be like a closet anyway,  Will want to attach some kind of bar to hang clothes on.  These cabinents won't be but 36" tall, so there's not going to be a lot of storage space added.  Is it worth it?

This will go into construction subseries of the off-the-grid main series of posts.

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