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Kota · 10-15-2013, 04:22 PM

I really like the rear bedroom with the exception of the lack of space around the bed. Its really cramped. There is adequate space on the sides but only about a foot between the foot of the bed and the door/wall. I've been pondering moving it back since I bought it and due to winter storms, closed national parks, poor year for fall colors, and the flood, I spent my fall vacation working on projects.

I couldn't see any reason not to move the bed aft into the wasted space behind the bed. Everything came out pretty easy and the project went well without any gotchas. I'll keep updating the progress.

The rear bulkhead wasn't very structural and I cut the top square tube out. I reinforced it with an aluminum member across the back. Its as strong or stronger than the origional design.

Kota · 10-15-2013, 04:27 PM

I built the new rear shelf out of 3/4 oak plywood and aluminum. I had to move a couple of things in the engine service compartment but there is plenty of room and it wont interfere with and access.

The new foot board sits about 2 inches ahead of the plywood engine box. I filled the gap with foam which really quiets the engine and road noises.

Kota · 10-15-2013, 04:49 PM

Ooops! Looks like I'm out of upload space. Tried to upgrade my account but I don't use paypal which appears to be the only option to donate.

I'll try to find a way to link to the photos.

Air Dog · 10-16-2013, 07:09 AM

Air Dog (the actual "Dakota") agreed to post some pictures for me. Not trying to be cheap but Pay Pal is out of the question after getting scammed on ebay/pay pal in the early days.

Air Dog · 10-16-2013, 07:17 AM

I applied Duct Insulation from Home Depot on the bottom of the shelf. Its the self adhesive foam backed foil.

There is plenty of room to service everything and I can not imagine any interference issues with checking or servicing the fluids. I had to move the power relay box down a few inches. The wires and flex conduit were long enough to do it without having to disconnect any wires. The air/water purge control panel is now mounted to the side. Again, the wires didn't have to be disconnected.

You can see the aluminum reinforcement that goes from side to side. There was a thin walled steel tube across the top that was cut to accommodate the bed well.

Kota · 10-16-2013, 07:28 AM

I did find some air leeks around the back that had caused soiling of the wall covering and some loose cabinetry on the sides of the beds. I filled some body gaps with automotive 3M expanding flexible foam. Its pricy but the right product for the job.

I'm going to replace the wall covering and carpeting. That will have to wait for some more free time next month. I have to build the bed up about an 1 1/4" over the engine cover. I'll do that with 2 layers of 5/8" carpet pad. It should further insulate engine noise.

I've very happy with the extra room at the foot of the bed. It actually turns it into a room vs the berth in a submarine feel it had. We gave up a hard to use 4 square foot drawer at the foot of the bed. I like sleeping farther aft as you have a panoramic view with the drapes open. It doesn't feel crowded and there are not any headroom issues.

I'll post the finished job when I can git-r-dun!

Dave...

Vycan · 04-15-2014, 07:03 PM

you have pics yet? I am very interested in this modification.

Kota · 04-15-2014, 08:05 PM

Interesting timing! Finished up some engine projects this afternoon. And started on the wall and floor carpeting. Should have that done and the cabinets back in tomorrow. I'll shoot some pictures. I really like the extra room at the foot of the bed. It makes it feel more like a room instead of a berth in a sub. It's not a difficult job but not one for the weak of heart. You really have to dig into it with a mission in mind.

crazeevw · 04-15-2014, 08:40 PM

Looks like an excellent and professional modification. Always wondered if the East/West queen bed in my 345 could be turned to have the headboard at back window, simply because of the 8" of 'walk-around' space....
Thanks! Can't wait to see final pix.
Derek

Vycan · 04-16-2014, 12:05 AM

Dakota,

I am doing bodywork on my back corner of the airstream. However to get the last bit I have to remove that back board. I see about four screws going straight down on the headboard (forward) end, and nothing else holding it down. What pitfalls did you come across removing that piece?

Kota · 04-16-2014, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vycan

Dakota,

I am doing bodywork on my back corner of the airstream. However to get the last bit I have to remove that back board. I see about four screws going straight down on the headboard (forward) end, and nothing else holding it down. What pitfalls did you come across removing that piece?

Not many. Bottom curtain rail, window trim, there are screws in from the bottom across the back that are accessible from the engine service door. Some calk from the bottom around the rear.

You will have to pull the inner skin to get access to the outer.

Good time to do the bed move.

Of all the nice wood in the AS, that rear shelf is particle board with fake wood grain.

Kota · 04-17-2014, 11:42 AM

Little setback. Work called yesterday and I'm in Costa Rica for 4 days. Making it difficult to get ready for our spring trip on the 23rd. I post some pictures when I get home. Got the carpeting on the walls and the trim back up. Gotta carpet the floor reinstall the cabinets.

I was hoping to redo the headliner and do the job from the top down. The right way! Headliner will have to wait until after the camping season.

Kota · 04-21-2014, 04:20 PM

Been sealing and reinforcing gaps today. If you look at the first few pictures in the thread you will notice some big black stains on the wall covering and carpet. These are from dust and dirt that come in through the gaps in the corners around the engine enclosure. AS did a pretty poor gob of sealing and reinforcing them.

Air Dog · 04-23-2014, 06:22 PM

Wrapped up the project today. I'm happy with the way it came out. I'm not a carpet layer and it shows. I had a guy scheduled but he had to go to a real job. I may pull it out and have him do it when we get back. A $25 remenant is all that is at stake.

It really makes it feel more like a room and its much easier to move around the bed. We gave up a small amount of storage in the drawer that was at the foot of the bed be it was hard to access anyway. It also refused to stay closed in motion. It was too finmsy to get latches to work.

Loading up tomorrow and heading north and east for a month. Hopefully no snow this year.

Dave....