Post by christina011090 on Aug 7, 2016 14:53:28 GMT -8
So I'm going to be honest in saying that my reno isn't aimed at exact restoration - I fell in love with my camper but had no idea how intensive the renovation would be. I would really like to consider a slightly revised floor plan and clearly this is something to be cautious of with the balance of weight. I'm thinking of adding a partition to divide the bedroom which shouldn't be much of a change from the folding lounge, however I won't be installing the gas stove and would like to move the refrigerator/microwave cabinet to this side. A seating alcove of some sort w/storage below would go adjacent to the bathroom. Is there a way to confirm or calculate things like this?
How much to change the original layout is a common discussion around here. If it makes you happy, change things around.
The issue is support. The cabinets as they were originally installed actually hold the camper together. So keep that in mind as the alterations take shape.
Obviously some original design elements have to be preserved to keep the camper safe. Ceiling has to firmly connect to walls, walls firmly connected to the floor, floor bolted to the frame, cabinets offering support, skin overlaps everything.
I see nothing wrong with a full bed opposed to a sofa/bed in the back. That will work and add support.
And disagree with the tall wardrobe being removed from the street side. It appears to be the only attachment from floor to sealing on that side: ie: holds the wall on.
Please don't consider our opinions harsh. We want to keep you safe and a happy camper.
Post by ladywendolyn on Aug 8, 2016 4:25:18 GMT -8
The last trailer I had, the previous owner had removed the side closet. It caused the frame to twist over times the trailer was going down the highway. The whole front right side of the trailer became separated from the frame and you could see the road though the break. It took a big teardown of that side of the trailer to repair it. So it is super important to be careful about taking a closet out.
Lady Wendolyn
"I don't care how much it cost, I don't care how long it takes. It's a dream and I am doing it right"
I see nothing wrong with a full bed opposed to a sofa/bed in the back. That will work and add support.
And disagree with the tall wardrobe being removed from the street side. It appears to be the only attachment from floor to sealing on that side: ie: holds the wall on.
Please don't consider our opinions harsh. We want to keep you safe and a happy camper.
No offense taken, I came here for the fully honest feedback! Though I'm happy to say I considered this. The bathroom/shower is providing full height wall support on that side - is that enough? Because the original floor plan actually had no walls continuous from floor to ceiling on the kitchen side in the original plan, which surprised me. In my new scenario there will be full height storage on either side.
If the new partition is floor to ceiling that will give you additional support. With the partition, changing the bedding will not be fun back there. You want to keep most of the weight in front of the axle to minimize sway while towing, especially with a small trailer. I'd move the water storage forward.
If the new partition is floor to ceiling that will give you additional support. With the partition, changing the bedding will not be fun back there. You want to keep most of the weight in front of the axle to minimize sway while towing, especially with a small trailer. I'd move the water storage forward.
RinTin, in regards to the water storage - according to the floor plans I've been able to find, it seems this is where the water tank was originally located. The hose connection is in the rear corner on the drivers side. Design flaw or am I misinterpreting?
You do not want to remove that cabinet. The full bed idea is fine but leave that big floor to ceiling cabinet in. It is a major structural member.
If necessary I can do that. How does it work that there is an entire bank of floor to ceiling walls on the passenger side, but not a single on the opposite? Completely open. Would it not be advantageous to provide full height support on both sides?
You do not want to remove that cabinet. The full bed idea is fine but leave that big floor to ceiling cabinet in. It is a major structural member.
If necessary I can do that. How does it work that there is an entire bank of floor to ceiling walls on the passenger side, but not a single on the opposite? Completely open. Would it not be advantageous to provide full height support on both sides?
It's all in the engineers design and they only did what was needed and no more. Many trailers do have floor to ceiling cabinets on both sides. But again I'm not the one who designed these trailers. I'm not an engineer. I just know that what they did worked. That's all I can tell you. Most trailers have the floor to ceiling cabinets on one side only. Seems that with the rest of the stuff that is enough. It's a uni-body design that has worked for almost 100 years.
God grant me the strength to restore the trailers I can, The courage to strip the parts off the ones I can't, And the wisdom to know the difference...
The last trailer I had, the previous owner had removed the side closet. It caused the frame to twist over times the trailer was going down the highway. The whole front right side of the trailer became separated from the frame and you could see the road though the break. It took a big teardown of that side of the trailer to repair it. So it is super important to be careful about taking a closet out.
I don't know if she has to forego the new plan and omit the support from the original design. she can have both!
i see 2 dark lines on the the proposed new plan. one between the double bed and the seating and the other dark line on the curb side between the bed and the kitchen cabinets. I think those dark lines could be used as gussets creating an alcove to the bed. for racking (or lateral support) it doesn't have to be a wide support (like a cabinet) it just needs to go floor to ceiling and be stiff.
due to my lack of skill of adding pictures and laziness, i did a quick search of a random alcove design that might give you an idea of what i'm talking about: www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=121632
do you see the cabinets on both sides of the bed. pretend those are only lets say 1.5" thick and then it extends to ceiling and wraps to the other side. now if those dark lines are on your drawing are 1.5" wide walls that go to your ceiling and wrap to the other side, that would make for rigid lateral support like a rip cage and look good. many designs or cutouts at the near top could make for a dramatic design opportunity. (this design would actually be stronger than the original).
I don't know if she has to forego the new plan and omit the support from the original design. she can have both!
i see 2 dark lines on the the proposed new plan. one between the double bed and the seating and the other dark line on the curb side between the bed and the kitchen cabinets. I think those dark lines could be used as gussets creating an alcove to the bed. for racking (or lateral support) it doesn't have to be a wide support (like a cabinet) it just needs to go floor to ceiling and be stiff.
due to my lack of skill of adding pictures and laziness, i did a quick search of a random alcove design that might give you an idea of what i'm talking about: www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=121632
do you see the cabinets on both sides of the bed. pretend those are only lets say 1.5" thick and then it extends to ceiling and wraps to the other side. now if those dark lines are on your drawing are 1.5" wide walls that go to your ceiling and wrap to the other side, that would make for rigid lateral support like a rip cage and look good. many designs or cutouts at the near top could make for a dramatic design opportunity. (this design would actually be stronger than the original).
hope this idea wasn't confusing.
bev, yes that alcove is exactly what I've been wanting! I decided that it's probably best to stick with the basic layout per everyone's advice (I haven't looked too far into it, but really it only meant sacrificing the nook I had across from the kitchenette and I was willing to do without. It also leaves me with the larger counter space which is probably for the best). But I'll still be doing the partition between the kitchen and rear bed. Upper cabinets will go in the bed nook for added support. I just started modeling the layout so maybe below will give an idea (looking from the front to the rear of the trailer) - on the left is my model and on the right is the original ad. I also am thinking of doing a curved end counter because I came across it on here awhile ago and haven't been able to get it out of my mind... unsure who's design this was? But love it.