Both sides previous revision
Previous revision
Next revision
|
Previous revision
|
rv:build:cardboard [2021/06/07 21:39] frater_secessus [arranging objects] |
rv:build:cardboard [2024/04/09 11:24] frater_secessus [arranging objects] |
Cardboard Aided Design((a play on Computer Aided Design, or CAD)) is a method to **model a van's living space**((cargo area)) at actual scale. It is a mock-up you can stand in, sit in, //live// in. it does not require one to actually own a van yet. The area is marked off and actual objects or cardboard mock-ups are moved into the space. | Cardboard Aided Design((a play on Computer Aided Design, or CAD)) is a method to **model a van's living space**((cargo area)) at actual scale. It is a mock-up you can stand in, sit in, //live// in. it does not require one to actually own a van yet. The area is marked off and actual objects or cardboard mock-ups are moved into the space. |
| |
A similar scale model idea is expressed by lennyflank when he, perhaps jokingly, advises mildly interested newcomers to "live in your bathroom for a month." | A similar scale model idea is expressed by lennyflank when he, only half-jokingly, advises mildly interested newcomers to "live in your bathroom for a month, but without using the toilet, running water, or grid power." |
| |
| |
===== defining the space ===== | ===== defining the space ===== |
{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GBchGYUfL._AC_UL320_ML3_.jpg?75}}The first step is to mock up the van's cargo area((your new home!)) on the floor using [[https://amzn.to/2FJobhE|painter's tape]] or other non-permanent method. The tape will prevent cheating and wishful thinking about what will actually fit in the space -- the tape edge is the steel walls of your van. Mark the cab pass-through, side door[s], and rear doors as applicable and only enter the space through them. | {{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GBchGYUfL._AC_UL320_ML3_.jpg?75}}The first step is to mock up the van's cargo area((your new home!)) on the floor using [[https://amzn.to/2FJobhE|painter's tape]] or other non-permanent method. The tape will prevent cheating and wishful thinking about what will actually fit in the space -- the tape edge is the steel walls of your van. Mark the cab pass-through, side door[s], and rear doors as applicable and only enter the space through them; no cheating! |
| |
**Full size cargo vans** usually have living spaces ~10ft for regular wheel base(("RWB")) and ~12ft for long wheel base(("LWB")). Extended body vans can be even longer. The cargo area is typically ~6ft wide. | **Full size cargo vans** usually have living spaces ~10ft for regular wheel base(("RWB")) and ~12ft for long wheel base(("LWB")). Extended body vans can be even longer. The cargo area is typically ~6ft wide. |
| |
Ideas: | Ideas: |
* **Everything that is going with you must fit in this bathroom-sized space**. Seriously. Your van's steel walls will not let you cheat. Your van doesn't care what you want to bring. | * **Everything that is going with you must fit within this space**. Seriously. Your van's steel walls will not let you cheat. Your van doesn't care what you want to bring. |
* start moving your possessions into the space. Realize [[lifestyle:downsizing|how much stuff has to go]].((like 95% of everything you own)). | * start moving your possessions into the space. Realize [[lifestyle:downsizing|how much stuff has to go]].((like 95% of everything you own)). |
* make aggressive use of vertical space | * make aggressive use of vertical space |
* put a Home Depot bucket in there -- it will either model the toilet or [[toilet:bucket|be the toilet]] later on :-) | * put a Home Depot bucket in there -- it will either model the toilet or [[toilet:bucket|be the toilet]] later on :-) |
* stack your actual rubbermaid bins (food, clothes, cooking gear, hygiene, etc)) or other storage in place. Label them. Start putting your stuff in there. | * stack your actual rubbermaid bins (food, clothes, cooking gear, hygiene, etc)) or other storage in place. Label them. Start putting your stuff in there. |
* use cardboard boxes((of the appropriate shape and size)) to represent any medium or large objects you don't have yet: [[food:refrigeration|fridge]], [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery bank]], [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controllers]], [[water:start|water jugs]], etc. Use a marker and write "fresh water jug" or other apprpriate label. Things like fridges and cabinets have doors thta open and need clearance. | * use cardboard boxes((of the appropriate shape and size)) to represent any medium or large objects you don't have yet: [[food:refrigeration|fridge]], [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery bank]], [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controllers]], [[water:start|water jugs]], etc. Use a marker and write "fresh water jug" or other apprpriate label. Things like fridges and cabinets have doors that open and need clearance. |
* sawhorses can hold up galley surfaces, bed decks, or other horizontal spaces. Later during the build you can use the horses for their actual carpentry purposes. | * sawhorses can hold up galley surfaces, bed decks, or other horizontal spaces. Later during the build you can use the horses for their actual carpentry purposes. |
| |
===== power in the "van" ===== | ===== power in the "van" ===== |
| |
[[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FOAk4UA5L._AC_UL320_.jpg?75}}]] | |
If you are going to run 120vac ([[electrical:inverter|inverter]]) loads, get a power strip and plug it into [[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|a kill-a-watt meter]]. Note what every device draws, and how much power you consume every 24hrs. Add 10%-20% for inverter losses, depending on which inverter you buy. | |
| |
For 12v loads, get your bank set up and charge it only in the daytime. At night it gets drawn down just like in a real van when the sun goes down and the solar stops working. | For 12v loads, get your bank set up and charge it only in the daytime. At night it gets drawn down just like in a real van when the sun goes down and the solar stops working. [[electrical:12v:battery_monitor|A battery monitor]] will be helpful. |
| |
| [[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FOAk4UA5L._AC_UL320_.jpg?75}}]] |
| If you are going to run 120vac ([[electrical:inverter|inverter]]) loads, get a power strip and plug it into [[https://amzn.to/3ptHIbX|a kill-a-watt meter]]. Note what every device draws, and how much power you consume every 24hrs. Add 10%-20% for inverter losses, depending on which inverter you buy. For added accuracy actually run all your 120vac loads off the inverter from your bank. |
| |
| |