almost final plan for a '60s Caravel

[urbanfood]

i wanted to make this one a separate post because i wanted people to see it (i think the other one got buried in the posts).

i moved the ref next to the stove. i really don't care for seeing the shower pan, i'd like that space back there feel more like living space.

so what i've done is put the sink in the middle, nice cabinetry, storage below with the toilet and shower on opposite sides with their own door. the sink can then serve as the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and be part of the living space, an extension of the kitchen. i really like this idea and the sink is still close enough to the stove and ref. to be convenient.

when you need the privacy, you can pull the curtain (i'd want to do some sort of pocket for the curtain to hide it when not in use).

does anyone know the length of the interior dimension? i think i may be a little short.

the black tank can go above the floor, underneath the toilet. 12 gallons?

the gray tank - should i try and put this in the floor just behind the axle? i don't know what the depth of the floor framing is, would it hang down? i know have the belly pan underneath. 12 gallons?

fresh water tank - this is probably too big to put in the floor. i'm thinking 30 gallons. would that fit under the dinette seating?

where would you put the heater?

i wouldn't go with a/c. i prefer fresh air even if it is warm outside. plus i'll have good cross ventilation. p.s. i go up to the mountains in the summer time, desert in the winter time.

are there certain systems that need to be in a specific location based on trailer layout and access doors?

thanks,

david

[urbanfood]

wow, this worked. click on it for an enlarged plan.

[InsideOut]

A thirty gallon fresh water tank will fit under the fold-out gaucho better than the dinette, unless you plan on losing more foot space. But be aware, there is also a wheel well under the couch, so I'm not sure exactly how big of a tank will fit unless it's custom shaped. Our '64 GlobeTrotter which is bigger than a carvel, has a 20 gallon tank under the side gaucho.

The exact length can vary from year to year, especially if you are comparing say an early 60's to a late 60's...do you have a specific year in mind?

One other thing to keep in mind, is balancing your weight distribution from side to side...

Besides those couple of things...looks like you are well on your way ~ good luck!

Shari

[Janet H]

Our minuet with a layout similar to the one you are leaning towards, has a 35 gal tank under the front window.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Janet

Our minuet with a layout similar to the one you are leaning towards, has a 35 gal tank under the front window.

Does it encroach on your foot space Janet? I would guess that your distance from the door edge to the front wall is longer in a Minuet than a Caravel...

Shari

[Janet H]

yes - about 7 inches. It comes up to the seat level. there is a platform that a bolster rests on - forming part of the bed (when table is dropped) The rest of bed is made by dinette cushions and backs. The tank itself is thin and mounted on edge... The loss of foot space doesn't seem to be an issue for us as our shoulders are wider than our feet. we have had 4 at this table - tight but workable.

[Bradjun1]

If you are going to use the trailer in moderate climates you might want to consider the use of a catalitic heater instead of a furnace. There would be a savings in weight,space, 12volt power used and LP consumed. I like your plan. Brad

[urbanfood]

janet, i like the idea of mounting it upfront. not sure i would have the room, but it's nice it keeps it centered over the frame. do you know the dimension from the end of the table to the front of the tank? also how thick/deep is your tank?

shari, i thought about under the gaucho but then i do have the wheel well and i'm not crazy about having all that weight on one side(filled tank) when i start out on a trip (although maybe it balances out with the stove/ref. on the other side. hmm have to think about that one.

[Janet H]

I'm not sure i understand your question ... but
The table goes over the tank and they both snug up against the wall. The tank is about 4 inches deep, as wide as the interior of trailer(almost) and as tall as the seat bottom of dinette. The tank is protected by an aluminum "bench" seat that runs under the table across the front of trailer. You can sort of see the brown part of that seat in the lower photo.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by urbanfood

shari, i thought about under the gaucho but then i do have the wheel well and i'm not crazy about having all that weight on one side(filled tank) when i start out on a trip (although maybe it balances out with the stove/ref. on the other side. hmm have to think about that one.

I think it HELPS in balancing the weight side to side...your appliances and the food inside the fridge actually are quite heavy when taking off on a trip too.

I'm almost certain the distance from the door to the front is greater in Janet's Argosy than it would be in a Caravel...but again, it will depend on the year.

Shari

[urbanfood]

yes janet, my question was confusing. i just re-read it. sorry, but you did answer it.

shari, i think you're right about the side to side weight. i'll have to do a little more digging to see how i can fit a tank on that side with the wheel well. thanks.