ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on May 22, 2014 11:06:38 GMT -8
Has anyone on here changed the original layout of their trailer during the refurbishment? I have initially planned to keep mine original, but I am now considering the fact that the bed is really small, and we do not need more than one bed in the trailer. After looking at some modern layouts of trailers I am considering moving the kitchen to the front of the trailer, making the bed bigger. If anyone has change their layout could you link me to your photos.. Thanks
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on May 22, 2014 12:00:27 GMT -8
Many people have changed the layout of their trailer BUT you have to be careful most of the built in structure such as cabinets and closets also serve as bracing to support the walls without them the trailer might collapse sideways on a hard bump. So it takes some planning to not weaken the trailer.
|
|
|
Post by Ross on May 22, 2014 13:03:37 GMT -8
the other thing to keep in mind when you plan on a different layout, is to be mindful of the weight distribution. We changed up the layout of our 1971 Compact a little bit, but still left the kitchen in the front. Just removed a closet and replaced the dinette with a permanent queen size bed and a few other things. 1971 Shasta CompactWe did a few changes to this 1971 Serro Scotty. The layout is about the same, just changed the gaucho to a permanent RV full size bed, added a small wardrobe cabinet and changed up a few cabinets in the kitchen area. 1971 Serro Scotty Sportsman
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on May 22, 2014 14:32:45 GMT -8
Thanks for sharing the photos.. that helps a lot. I am thinking of moving the kitchen to the front.. as in my layout photo below. We don't need a separate booth, and separate couch as it is just my husband and I, and I would like to gain the bigger kitchen. I will work on the placement of the air conditioner and water storage etc. in attempting to balance the load. This is jus a rough sketch I am doing on a design program, I will need to get down to exact measurements down the road, but I think I may do it. Existing upper cabinets would not move at all, and the closet would just be smaller but still there. It's weird, but it has taken me a while to think outside the box on the camper design, as it almost seems wrong to change it, but the truth is if we are going to be doing that much touring around, it may as well be comfort first..
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on May 22, 2014 17:27:15 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on May 22, 2014 17:32:46 GMT -8
here is a very crude drawing of what I have planed
|
|
Hamlet
2K Member
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 924
Currently Offline
|
Post by Hamlet on May 22, 2014 17:34:39 GMT -8
We did a few changes to this 1971 Serro Scotty. The layout is about the same, just changed the gaucho to a permanent RV full size bed, added a small wardrobe cabinet and changed up a few cabinets in the kitchen area. 1971 Serro Scotty SportsmanRoss, the Scotty is FABULOUS!!!!
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on May 22, 2014 17:34:39 GMT -8
and what program did you do your drawing with, I need that.
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on May 22, 2014 17:59:11 GMT -8
It's called "Sweet Home 3D", it is an app I bought for my mac computer $14.00, however there are lots of free online ones anyone can use. I just find them a bit too intensive for what I want. But google free online room design 3D and you will find something.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 574
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on May 22, 2014 18:55:54 GMT -8
I extensively changed our Mallard floor plan during the restoration. We found an original factory brochure that listed three optional floor plans for our 17' size trailer.
We eliminated the bunk bed, narrowed the closet wall and made a new closet door, made a new "pull out" bed that runs "north and south" instead of the original "east west" direction, we installed a toilet in the left rear corner, and built two new walls to separate the kitchen from the new bathroom/bedroom.
Like Lady Wendolyn, with just two of us, we did not need three beds, and the new toilet was a high priority. If you did not know, you would think it came that way from the factory. It's very comfortable for two and our dog.
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on May 22, 2014 19:12:48 GMT -8
Thanks, I found the program, but not sure where you found all the cool items like bench seats the stove sink etc. I still have to play with it some more. this does give you a better idea of my layout
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on May 22, 2014 21:50:44 GMT -8
For sure.. Very cool. I like using the design program because I can see the changes in three dementions . You can also remove one wall and then look at if from the side.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 574
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on May 23, 2014 9:29:34 GMT -8
It is at this point that you appreciate how much more room you have to work with if the trailer is seven foot wide, over the six and a half foot wide width found on shorter trailers. Six inches, times the length of the trailer is huge, and is very useable space.
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on May 23, 2014 11:09:43 GMT -8
My husband measured our trailer and told me it is 7 feet wide, but I realize now that I have no idea where he measured as it gets wider up off the floor. So I am going to need to measure the floor myself in order to determine room for appliances etc. I am really excited to actually be redesigning the interior layout of the trailer. Kinda like building a custom home and choosing everything the way you want it.
|
|
CorvettCrzy
Full Member
Posts: 934
Likes: 273
'58 Corvette, '64 Franklin
Currently Offline
|
Post by CorvettCrzy on Jun 6, 2014 19:44:18 GMT -8
I did look at a small vintage camper for sale here recently and saw a few ideas that might be worth thinking about.
In the closet they used a rev-a-shelf metal sliding drawer in the bottom and set their porta potti in it. Above it they bought IKEA wardrobe baskets and filled it up the rest of the way with sliding storage.
I've certainly seen the porta potti under the bed, but if you have a goucho, I can't figure out how to make that work.
|
|