Dan's most popular photos

Another try at storing a bed cushion as a back cushion...we have a better solution awaiting some hardware arrival...

2009-02-21T10:22:13Z

Dan
Another try at storing a bed cushion as a back cushion...we have a better solution awaiting some hardware arrival...

The passenger side rack is 6' long, allowing one to step through the side or back door with full ceiling height. There are many ways to secure items; we used about 40 bungees when on the ro ...

2009-07-26T07:55:41Z

Dan
The passenger side rack is 6' long, allowing one to step through the side or back door with full ceiling height. There are many ways to secure items; we used about 40 bungees when on the ro ...

The massive Rakk bench leg mounted with a simple adaptor plate

2009-02-21T10:15:27Z

Dan
The massive Rakk bench leg mounted with a simple adaptor plate

24 lbs for a pair

2009-02-21T11:18:24Z

Dan
24 lbs for a pair

P1000236.JPG

2009-11-19T06:18:14Z

Dan
P1000236.JPG

Female hinge

2009-06-24T07:08:36Z

Dan
Female hinge

The 18' of upper storage rack

2009-02-09T14:38:50Z

Dan
The 18' of upper storage rack

My Sprinter with everything removed from the L-track except the swivel speakers.

2009-02-09T14:38:20Z

Dan
My Sprinter with everything removed from the L-track except the swivel speakers.

Dan's photo

2009-09-01T04:16:27Z

Dan

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2009-09-01T05:33:35Z

Dan

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2009-10-09T20:23:31Z

Dan

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2009-10-09T20:06:17Z

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2009-10-09T19:42:17Z

Dan

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2009-10-09T19:55:27Z

Dan

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2009-08-13T09:33:29Z

Dan

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2009-07-13T07:41:53Z

Dan

Dan's photo

2009-08-13T09:33:29Z

Dan

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2009-08-18T11:45:00Z

Dan

Dan's photo

2009-10-09T19:58:25Z

Dan

This is Kelty "medium" canopy bought cheap at a close out price. It is well engineered.

2009-07-13T07:41:53Z

Dan
This is Kelty "medium" canopy bought cheap at a close out price. It is well engineered.

Dan's photo

2009-08-13T09:33:29Z

Dan

Dan's photo

2009-08-03T06:17:18Z

Dan

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2009-08-03T05:51:11Z

Dan

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2009-08-03T05:23:11Z

Dan

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2009-08-03T05:24:28Z

Dan

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2009-08-02T20:13:44Z

Dan

We'll try our August trip with the bed net. The next version will be a "screen room" magnetically sealed to the inside door edges. This will also be used as a rear screen door when the bed ...

2009-08-02T20:05:36Z

Dan
We'll try our August trip with the bed net. The next version will be a "screen room" magnetically sealed to the inside door edges. This will also be used as a rear screen door when the bed ...

The present mosquito net clips in a few seconds to carabiners to provide a quick shelter. It is easy to seal to a bed bottom, though. The black spot is a too-feeble magnet.

2009-07-09T03:07:22Z

Dan
The present mosquito net clips in a few seconds to carabiners to provide a quick shelter. It is easy to seal to a bed bottom, though. The black spot is a too-feeble magnet.

The mosquito bed net is easy enough to hang. We used to use it over the bed in an Econoline with the doors open in hot weather. I'll order a slightly larger canopy version and rotate it so ...

2009-08-02T19:43:13Z

Dan
The mosquito bed net is easy enough to hang. We used to use it over the bed in an Econoline with the doors open in hot weather. I'll order a slightly larger canopy version and rotate it so ...

A view of the happy DW under the awning structure.

2009-08-02T19:54:35Z

Dan
A view of the happy DW under the awning structure.

I'll have to add a few grommets to the edges in order to "batten the hatches". The poles arch readily and I think I can avoid the dreaded tarp rain puddling.

2009-08-02T20:00:52Z

Dan
I'll have to add a few grommets to the edges in order to "batten the hatches". The poles arch readily and I think I can avoid the dreaded tarp rain puddling.

Here's an improved version made from a 126x116 silicone/nylon tent footprint. About $30 from an online Sierra Trading Post close-out. The footprint is waterproof like a tent fly and hangs ...

2009-08-02T20:07:41Z

Dan
Here's an improved version made from a 126x116 silicone/nylon tent footprint. About $30 from an online Sierra Trading Post close-out. The footprint is waterproof like a tent fly and hangs ...

The many border grommets provide lots of ways to secure the tarp against wind.

2009-08-02T20:05:00Z

Dan
The many border grommets provide lots of ways to secure the tarp against wind.

Back view of the tarp and poles. I've hung an old no-see-um bed net to provide mosquito-proofing while we sleep.

2009-08-02T20:23:38Z

Dan
Back view of the tarp and poles. I've hung an old no-see-um bed net to provide mosquito-proofing while we sleep.

First trial with a cheap 100" x 138" tarp that I had on hand. The bungees are easy to tension to narrow the weather exposure.

2009-08-02T20:39:12Z

Dan
First trial with a cheap 100" x 138" tarp that I had on hand. The bungees are easy to tension to narrow the weather exposure.

Looking up at the conduit bungeed to the door crossbar.

2009-08-02T20:14:25Z

Dan
Looking up at the conduit bungeed to the door crossbar.

The conduit is simply bungeed together. The junctions are reasonably strong and secure. This is meant to provide working dimensions for an improved sleeved tent-pole final version. Of cou ...

2009-08-02T20:02:06Z

Dan
The conduit is simply bungeed together. The junctions are reasonably strong and secure. This is meant to provide working dimensions for an improved sleeved tent-pole final version. Of cou ...

There is a metal crossbar connecting the doors. I had some 8' lengths of plastic electrical conduit on hand and used four to form a crosshatch. The 1/2" i.d. conduit has similar flex to he ...

2009-08-02T20:04:15Z

Dan
There is a metal crossbar connecting the doors. I had some 8' lengths of plastic electrical conduit on hand and used four to form a crosshatch. The 1/2" i.d. conduit has similar flex to he ...

I did not think the 3 ramps---1950 lb capacity---were stiff enough for comfort. I added a couple of quick-release 45 degree oak supports to take some bounce out of the cantilever.

2009-07-09T03:49:32Z

Dan
I did not think the 3 ramps---1950 lb capacity---were stiff enough for comfort. I added a couple of quick-release 45 degree oak supports to take some bounce out of the cantilever.

I've modified my bench/sofa/bed to allow it to extend out the back the length of the 30" doors. Just a construction photo---the cushion is not on the passenger side bench and myriad tools cl ...

2009-08-02T19:56:35Z

Dan
I've modified my bench/sofa/bed to allow it to extend out the back the length of the 30" doors. Just a construction photo---the cushion is not on the passenger side bench and myriad tools cl ...

Boondocking is such a rough life! The white tables are Tablemate ll's from a TV ad...first time I ever responded. They fold pretty compactly and can be set to different heights and tilts. ...

2009-07-26T09:08:50Z

Dan
Boondocking is such a rough life! The white tables are Tablemate ll's from a TV ad...first time I ever responded. They fold pretty compactly and can be set to different heights and tilts. ...

The white Sterilites fit very well in the luggage racks. The translucent blue boxes are sized to slide under the bed. I'm afraid I was too good at figuring out how much I could fit in...

2009-07-26T08:41:18Z

Dan
The white Sterilites fit very well in the luggage racks. The translucent blue boxes are sized to slide under the bed. I'm afraid I was too good at figuring out how much I could fit in...

Our first trip meant repacking once in a while as we got better at it.

2009-07-26T14:41:39Z

Dan
Our first trip meant repacking once in a while as we got better at it.

The real reason for the rack is to hold 3 canoes...lovely to walk on.

2009-07-26T08:16:49Z

Dan
The real reason for the rack is to hold 3 canoes...lovely to walk on.

Dan's photo

2009-07-26T08:22:02Z

Dan

Extra water carriers and a rolling gray-water tank. We found we could manage on about 10 gallons for about 3 days.

2009-07-26T10:12:06Z

Dan
Extra water carriers and a rolling gray-water tank. We found we could manage on about 10 gallons for about 3 days.

We have a Teepee shower tent and our large 9x10 cabin tent up here.

2009-07-26T09:22:30Z

Dan
We have a Teepee shower tent and our large 9x10 cabin tent up here.

Dan's photo

2009-07-26T08:06:41Z

Dan

Oops, forgot the two wire baskets that make the fridge easier to use.

2009-02-21T05:08:15Z

Dan
Oops, forgot the two wire baskets that make the fridge easier to use.

The deluxe bathroom fit our minimal requirements.

2009-07-26T09:19:32Z

Dan
The deluxe bathroom fit our minimal requirements.

The driver side luggage rack is 12' long and still leaves almost 2' at the back door. The swivel speakers at the front worked well. We could turn them to the side door for picnic table mu ...

2009-02-21T05:10:04Z

Dan
The driver side luggage rack is 12' long and still leaves almost 2' at the back door. The swivel speakers at the front worked well. We could turn them to the side door for picnic table mu ...

Lots of cargo space!

2009-02-21T05:08:49Z

Dan
Lots of cargo space!

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T05:12:00Z

Dan

Storing the last cushion

2009-02-21T05:11:57Z

Dan
Storing the last cushion

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T05:12:35Z

Dan

Swinging the leg back under the bench.

2009-02-21T05:10:44Z

Dan
Swinging the leg back under the bench.

Light and easy to handle

2009-02-21T05:08:52Z

Dan
Light and easy to handle

Two pins secure the ramps to the swing-out legs.

2009-02-21T05:07:44Z

Dan
Two pins secure the ramps to the swing-out legs.

There are big bench supports at each wall. That makes it easy to convert the full bed into two 30" twins.

2009-02-21T05:13:18Z

Dan
There are big bench supports at each wall. That makes it easy to convert the full bed into two 30" twins.

My wife gets credit for figuring out the propane cabinet made a pretty secure cabinet as well!

2009-02-21T05:08:16Z

Dan
My wife gets credit for figuring out the propane cabinet made a pretty secure cabinet as well!

The 20 lb propane bottle is stored inside the gasketed cabinet. There is a floor drain in case of a heavier-than-air propane leak and also a wall vent at the top.

2009-02-21T05:10:52Z

Dan
The 20 lb propane bottle is stored inside the gasketed cabinet. There is a floor drain in case of a heavier-than-air propane leak and also a wall vent at the top.

The Prosine inverter and the rest of the electricals are in the vented box.

2009-02-21T05:13:42Z

Dan
The Prosine inverter and the rest of the electricals are in the vented box.

The yellow bungees secured extra baggage in the two feet beyond the bed. I took most of the bungees down for the pix. You can see a few of the blue swivel track rings. A joy to use as the ...

2009-07-26T08:38:48Z

Dan
The yellow bungees secured extra baggage in the two feet beyond the bed. I took most of the bungees down for the pix. You can see a few of the blue swivel track rings. A joy to use as the ...

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T05:13:02Z

Dan

The two-cushion version of this makes a nice sofa.

2009-02-21T05:11:49Z

Dan
The two-cushion version of this makes a nice sofa.

The bed is very stable; I think the 650-lb rated ramp sections worked well.

2009-02-21T05:12:59Z

Dan
The bed is very stable; I think the 650-lb rated ramp sections worked well.

The memory foam and bedding is rolled up. The unfinished denim you see will be sewn into a more finished bottom cover.

2009-07-26T08:04:05Z

Dan
The memory foam and bedding is rolled up. The unfinished denim you see will be sewn into a more finished bottom cover.

The shelf at left was used to store the bed; it was very handy when the bed was deployed.

2009-02-21T05:10:10Z

Dan
The shelf at left was used to store the bed; it was very handy when the bed was deployed.

The rolling luggage bags were $10 Target specials.

2009-02-21T05:12:03Z

Dan
The rolling luggage bags were $10 Target specials.

The memory foam over bench cushions made a terrific bed.

2009-02-21T05:07:07Z

Dan
The memory foam over bench cushions made a terrific bed.

Our lonely Honda eu2000 wasn't needed for the trip. The fridge, fan, heater and lights were efficient enough for several days without hookups or driving.

2009-02-21T05:10:39Z

Dan
Our lonely Honda eu2000 wasn't needed for the trip. The fridge, fan, heater and lights were efficient enough for several days without hookups or driving.

An odd angle: looking down at the Engel chest fridge by the sliding door.

2009-02-21T05:11:01Z

Dan
An odd angle: looking down at the Engel chest fridge by the sliding door.

The red Coleman is oversized, puts out 15000 btu per burner and has a set of legs. We always used it outside. The induction burner and microwave sufficed for our few indoor meals.

2009-02-21T05:09:03Z

Dan
The red Coleman is oversized, puts out 15000 btu per burner and has a set of legs. We always used it outside. The induction burner and microwave sufficed for our few indoor meals.

The small white appliance atop the propane locker is our neat induction cooktop.

2009-02-21T05:11:21Z

Dan
The small white appliance atop the propane locker is our neat induction cooktop.

This is the start of a pix series showing the van with supplies from its first shakedown trip...of 8000 miles!

2009-02-21T05:06:53Z

Dan
This is the start of a pix series showing the van with supplies from its first shakedown trip...of 8000 miles!

First storage attempt was to stack the bed ramps on the passenger side bench. An alternative would be to clip them to the luggage rack undersides.

2009-02-21T10:20:05Z

Dan
First storage attempt was to stack the bed ramps on the passenger side bench. An alternative would be to clip them to the luggage rack undersides.

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T10:18:35Z

Dan

How the other two ramps are supported

2009-02-21T10:14:51Z

Dan
How the other two ramps are supported

Bed leg halfway out

2009-02-21T10:16:41Z

Dan
Bed leg halfway out

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T10:15:09Z

Dan

Swing-out supports to convert to a 45" bed

2009-02-21T10:21:31Z

Dan
Swing-out supports to convert to a 45" bed

Still working on the thermostat mount...

2009-02-21T10:20:50Z

Dan
Still working on the thermostat mount...

Before all the beds, benches and shelving.

2009-07-07T21:04:27Z

Dan
Before all the beds, benches and shelving.

Curtains by Lois hung on L-track by Dan

2009-08-09T14:21:22Z

Dan
Curtains by Lois hung on L-track by Dan

End view of the circuit breaker panels. The heater on the floorstill needs a small enclosure of its own.

2009-07-23T23:12:43Z

Dan
End view of the circuit breaker panels. The heater on the floorstill needs a small enclosure of its own.

The electrical panels, inverter-charger, and the battery bank are in the ply box. The blue propane cabinet was modified with a lock for double-duty as a safe!

2009-06-06T12:22:23Z

Dan
The electrical panels, inverter-charger, and the battery bank are in the ply box. The blue propane cabinet was modified with a lock for double-duty as a safe!

The front speakers pivoted for camping use

2009-02-21T10:19:47Z

Dan
The front speakers pivoted for camping use

dc and ac outlets all-around

2009-02-21T10:14:56Z

Dan
dc and ac outlets all-around

The 4 puck lights are excellent 10w xenons. The fabled Fantastic Fan in the middle. A super-efficient cold cathode fluorescent is the "kitchen" light.

2009-02-21T10:15:44Z

Dan
The 4 puck lights are excellent 10w xenons. The fabled Fantastic Fan in the middle. A super-efficient cold cathode fluorescent is the "kitchen" light.

How the van looks with everything removable out, except the speakers!

2009-02-21T10:18:00Z

Dan
How the van looks with everything removable out, except the speakers!

My luggage rack strapping bent easily in the vise...how hard could it be to bend some corner braces?....Hah!..it was a job for superdan...

2009-02-21T10:19:26Z

Dan
My luggage rack strapping bent easily in the vise...how hard could it be to bend some corner braces?....Hah!..it was a job for superdan...

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T10:21:10Z

Dan

It'll be curtains for you!

2009-02-21T10:20:20Z

Dan
It'll be curtains for you!

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T11:20:32Z

Dan

The installed rivnuts will take legs or shelf brackets

2009-02-21T11:25:59Z

Dan
The installed rivnuts will take legs or shelf brackets

I haven't cut off the ramp fingers. My cushions are long enough to hide them.

2009-06-06T09:54:45Z

Dan
I haven't cut off the ramp fingers. My cushions are long enough to hide them.

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T11:19:54Z

Dan

End view; the cushions are not attached yet.

2009-02-21T11:16:41Z

Dan
End view; the cushions are not attached yet.

Dan's photo

2009-02-21T11:17:31Z

Dan

Folding in progress!

2009-02-21T11:30:18Z

Dan
Folding in progress!