SvanR's Temporary Camper Conversion

[Shaun Van Ramen]

Unlike most Deli owners - I didn't want a permanent camper conversion. Something more part-time was required as I quite often have 5 or more people in Shaun Van Ramen.

The idea occurred to me (After scoping everyone else's mods) to remove the rear bench and bolt something in it's place.

After a few drawings I decided on a split steel frame design for a few reasons;
Easy to get in and out.
Stackable in the back - so middle seats can be used.
Big chunk of material was free.
Total cost - Maybe $60 (*dinner not included)

You might be thinking "Steel - 1.25" sq. tube - must be heavy?"
Has anyone taken out the back bench - Haven't weighed it but the trade-off is close to the same - so no problems there.

It utilized the bench bolts/mounts, Sits 14" off the floor (storage / clear mid-seats) and takes all of 15-20 minutes to install.
I acquired an ATV crate frame from a Honda dealer I know (FREE!!) and a good friend is in to metal fabing. (*That will cost me a dinner for sure).

The Job
I had to cut/grind all the excess tabs and bits off the crate. Cut in half. Making the mounting brackets was about a 3-4 hour job. Then a good coat of New Caterpillar Yellow from Crappy Tire.

All I need now is the plywood deck and she is good to go.

[lrp374]

You got all that square steel from 1 ATV crate??

[Shaun Van Ramen]

Yes - it is the base of the crate for an ATV. I also got the upright supports (Bent 1-1.5" steel tube). Here is the crate base before I went to it with an angle grinder. The red markings are all the bits I had to take off. Ignore the yellow as I ended up cutting in half (not thirds).

The best part was that the base was very close to my needed measurements (off in width by maybe 5" but I could live with that.)

[delicat]

Nice work mate and great find! I'm in the same boat where I can't have a full on camper set up as I have two kids who love to ride with me so compartments or non permanent is the way to go. Well done!

[Shaun Van Ramen]

Here is the finished bed and this weekend we popped SvR's camping cherry.
It worked out nice and by shear coincidence the height is perfect so when I sit up I do not tag my noodle on the roof.

The finished touch was 2 - half sheets of 1/2" ply (fir, one side good) and the old futon.