I've made a bench for #PaddyTheCaddy.
It pulls out in 2 sections to make 3/4 of a bed. The remaining 1/4 will be at this end and built onto a folded down middle row seat.
Bits aren't straight. Some of the joints and screws are woeful and I've already identified things to improve or correct but, overall, I'm well chuffed with that. Look what I made! 😃
TIL: The NEC has an article on electrical systems in RVs. Article 551 in my rather old copy.
2nd TIL: A lot of #vanconversion folks online have no idea.
😬
I'm starting to believe that I will eventually have a #campervan.
The frame of the bench is secured to the floor.
I've built the small section of pull-out bed. (Subject to some minor additional fettling.)
I'm identifying lessons at every stage. #PaddyTheCaddy2 is going to be AMAZING!!
Something I've learned from my #PaddyTheCaddy #VanConversion is that I simply cannot do anything straight.
I can't saw straight, drill straight, screw straight.
Everything is not quite right. It doesn't help that most of Wickes' wood comes from the boomerang plantation, but it's not ALL their fault.
My job list incudes sanding down wonky joints. One particularly offensive corner may need to be covered in soft furnishings.
Ah, well. I doubt it'll keep me awake when I'm camping. Disappointing, though, as I do try my best! 🤦🏻♀️🙄😁
Couple #vanconversion updates: last weekend I installed the nifty folding bus seat and finished patching all the holes in the floor. Today I bought the 1" XPS foam sheets that will insulate the floor and the 1/2" plywood that will go over that. I'm on the fence whether to install it floating or glue it down. This evening I got some of the butyl sound proofing down.
One of the funnest parts of this project has been working on stuff with my youngest and brainstorming about cool stuff to do with it. Tonight he decided we should put in medical equipment so it can double as an ambulance. 😂
#PaddyTheCaddy's bench seat is coming along. I've made most of the fixed frame. I planned to put 2 more legs in the middle but I'm sitting on the loose slats now and it seems quite sturdy, so I'll have a think about that.
The fixed slats will be spread along the length with gaps between them. The gaps will be filled with a sliding, pull-out set of slats which makes the bench into a bed.
The bench is only just over a metre long as the bed will extend over one of the folded down 2nd row seats.
Some of my woodwork is awful but I've been learning as I go and I wouldn't want it to look TOO professional. 😁
Making this #VanConversion bed for #PaddyTheCaddy reminds me of one of my favourite jokes.
Q: What is the difference between a Duck?
A: One of its legs is too far apart.
I could do with a jig, but this is no time for dancing - I have a bed to build.
Hugo wünscht im Namen von Camper Homes: Einen guten Rutsch ins Jahr 2026!
Ein Jahr voller Planung, Umbau, Tests, Entscheidungen und Fortschritte liegt hinter uns. Alles hat Hugo ein Stück weitergebracht.
Danke an alle, die uns dieses Jahr begleitet haben mit Interesse, Feedback, Fragen oder einfach stillem Mitlesen.
2026 steht schon in den Startlöchern – mit neuen Ideen, neuen Herausforderungen und jeder Menge Lust, weiterzumachen.
Kommt gut rüber und bleibt gesund!
#GutenRutsch #HappyNewYear #Neujahr #Vanlife #VanConversion #Campervan #FiatDucato #Selbstausbau #DIYVan
#Ausbauprojekt
Judith
Brian Davis
Camper Homes