Micro Camper Daily Driver Build

[PJD]

What a great project! I’m in the process of getting myself a white Maxi and plan to turn it into a camper too, do your brilliant thread will be a real help

Thanks for the comment.
Got a few more updates to add soon.
Would be interested to see any build you undertake.

[PJD]

Access panel for the storage in the pull out draw for when the back door is closed.

There are times when you just don't want to have to open the doors to get at stuff.





This shows the bed pulled out. I could have just extended the bed but it's already 1800mm so should be plenty long enough. I did think of extending it but the space at the end of the van means that you can get at the barn door latch and out of the back with the bed pulled out.

[PJD]

View from sliding door. I've added the supporting legs.
Unfortunately the screws are visible but it was the only way to make the legs strong enough.



Full width of bed is 1100mm. For the Caddy not bad. The VW California's bed for comparison is 1160mm

[stu_b]

As always, amazing job

[PJD]

As always, amazing job

Cheers Stu_b appreciate your support while I have been working on this project.

[PJD]

2x 40mm x 1800mm x 550mm firm foam



Bed size is 1100mm wide

[PJD]

The cushion covers are one of the most challenging things I have made for this project.









Made three covers, which were then sewn together to form one concertina cushion. This is so that the gaps in the cushions don't slip when the bed is used. The end cushion has velcro to hold it in place.

Though this is definitely more work it is comfortable and works well.

[PJD]

This was a difficult build because of all the things I wanted to get from the bed section.

Pleased mostly how it's turned out. Campervans are always a compromise between space and function and the Caddy makes this even harder as it's a small van.

[Baldspeed Racing]

looks a really tidy set up though dude, well done. love the seat trim colours

[PJD]

Cheers for that.
The cushion covers were IKEA curtains. Cheap way to get lots of fabric. Thought the plaid design was a bit VW golf and more importantly easier to cut in a straight line.

[PJD]

T track set into some ply for fixing bikes in.


These are eBay bike stands, fitted to the tracks with T bolts. The idea is that there is some adjustment of the stands either side to help fitting.


Still a work in progress but two bikes will fit comfortably. I need to make the distance between the two stands wider to have better clearance for the handlebar clutter.

The finished stand will fix to the cabinets either side with the same thumb bolt arrangement I have used for joining the cabinets. This forms a really secure bond that is easily removed. The tracks will need fitting with bolts so that in the event of an accident there is something more substantial than a couple of 12mm screws holding them down..

[stu_b]

You never cease to amaze
As a thought, and I think of this often when I see people putting bike in their caddy, but why not "69" the bikes ?
Also, why not turn the handles to 90° so the sit perpendicular to the frame n adjust the fork mounting to suit (even if one side of the fork attachment is higher than the other) ????

[PJD]

You never cease to amaze
As a thought, and I think of this often when I see people putting bike in their caddy, but why not "69" the bikes ?
Also, why not turn the handles to 90° so the sit perpendicular to the frame n adjust the fork mounting to suit (even if one side of the fork attachment is higher than the other) ????

'69' the bikes and turning the bars is something I have done in a the side of a different van before to good effect when the front wheels are still in place and no more work than removing wheels. Takes up little space too.

It's the first time I have used these type of wheel out of the bike stands and what's good is they hold the bike upright without the need to clamp the frame like the roof rack types I have used before.

Raising one of these stands above the other is a good idea i didn't consider and might be something I try if getting bikes in and out proves problematic.

[stu_b]

Yeah I just see 69 is the way to go
Makes things more compact
U could always have a tie down latch in the same channel and the for attachment to ratchet (or similar) down to give extra strength to stop them moving

Turning the handle bars 90° imo would also make things more compact and make the other areas usable
ie can still lie on the bed for a power nap and not loose much legroom / head room

Very little if any extra work to install or to carry the bikes
I guess it all depends on frame size / dimension / design

Just my 2c worth

[PJD]

Yeah I just see 69 is the way to go
Makes things more compact
U could always have a tie down latch in the same channel and the for attachment to ratchet (or similar) down to give extra strength to stop them moving

Turning the handle bars 90° imo would also make things more compact and make the other areas usable
ie can still lie on the bed for a power nap and not loose much legroom / head room

Very little if any extra work to install or to carry the bikes
I guess it all depends on frame size / dimension / design

Just my 2c worth

Like the idea of post ride power nap. Using it for putting extra lash down points is a good idea for something other than a bike that might need securing.

Was toying with the idea of flipping the stand and turning it into a table.