Wildcat Lodge

[Diesel Dan]

Thanks for the mattress link and bed framing pics! I snagged a copy of those pics for future reference! My beds will be very similar.

[Wildcat]

I just realized i hadn't posted updated exterior pics

[Wildcat]

progress on the rear closet and drawer unit

[browncrown]

Your cabinets and the progress look great!

[Wildcat]

more progress pics

[Wildcat]

shower - next step frp paneling and fixtures. And the front cabinet to hold house batteries and 110v/12v/30amp charger panel

[Jarlaxle]

Your "supervisor" looks SO impressed, I must say!

But...wood paneling in the shower? Or is that just something you put there temporarily to get it out of the way?

[Wildcat]

But...wood paneling in the shower? Or is that just something you put there temporarily to get it out of the way?

The wood paneling is just the backer for the fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) to be adhered to. The panels are only $12 per 4x8 sheet and will allow the shower surrond to be affixed much more secure.

[Wildcat]

Here is the dinette in place. Next task to finish the other dinette (two person across from the four person), fillin with kitchen cabinets and begin the couches in the front.

[Diesel Dan]

So am I seeing correctly that you were able to fit the dinette in the span of 2.5 windows? I was thinking that I would have to allow 3 full window spaces for a dinette, but I would be psyched to save that extra space for a larger kitchen. Will the table overlap the seat bottoms, or be able to fold down between the seats?

[Wildcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel Dan

So am I seeing correctly that you were able to fit the dinette in the span of 2.5 windows? I was thinking that I would have to allow 3 full window spaces for a dinette, but I would be psyched to save that extra space for a larger kitchen. Will the table overlap the seat bottoms, or be able to fold down between the seats?

The dinette has an overall length of 72". because the backs are straight and the cushions are inset into the framing, the sleeping length when the table is in the lower (bed) position is approximately 70" which is perfect for the kido's or shorter folk which works given my four bunks are 6'8" in length. There should be enough lateral support when in the table configuration as the backs will be supported by the framing and either the couch end (rear facing) or the kitchen cabinet (fwd facing). I stole the design from our living quarter horse trailer which was designed for a compact space.

[sportyrick]

I think you should reconsider the volume of your water tanks. A 36 gallon black water tank is HUGE, I have an 18 gallon tank and we have never come close to filling it. My tank sizes are 55 fresh, 38 gray and 18 black, this way you use all your fresh water up and your other tanks are full, unless you hook up to water then all bets are off. Washing dishes uses more water then anything, navy showers use very little really, neither does the toilet. Have you decided what kind of tanks you are going to use? sportyrick

[Wildcat]

Originally Posted by sportyrick

I think you should reconsider the volume of your water tanks. A 36 gallon black water tank is HUGE, I have an 18 gallon tank and we have never come close to filling it. My tank sizes are 55 fresh, 38 gray and 18 black, this way you use all your fresh water up and your other tanks are full, unless you hook up to water then all bets are off. Washing dishes uses more water then anything, navy showers use very little really, neither does the toilet. Have you decided what kind of tanks you are going to use? sportyrick

I agree with you. We have made that change to the plans. I ordered the tanks from Tri State Rock your world and the grey/black water tanks come in 38gal size. We are going to cut one down and weld in half for the black water tank. This will allow the tanks to fit under the bus, outside the frame rail, behind the back axle. They will face each other and drain to one outlet. Thanks for looking out for me and hopefully I won't fill up the black tank, if so I have other problems to deal with

[Wildcat]

Well we got the front driver's side couch framed in last night. Under the couch is the 40gal fresh water and an over the road heating unit I am reusing.

[browncrown]

Man that looks nice! Keep the pics comming.

[Wildcat]

I have some help so we are making pretty good progress, plus I am able to skip out of work early. Here are pics of the passenger side couch in progress and the other side of the dinette which relies on the long couch (7'+) as the rear facing seat. Both dinettes will have matching tables which can be lowered. This picture also shows a good look down the center of the bus and out the back.

[Wildcat]

picture of passeger side kitchen cabinets mocked up along with front couch

[Wildcat]

Question - We can't decide on the flooring. Ultimately we will go with a vinyl covering given some of the nasty places we will be going (That's another thread ). I am leaning to red rosin paper with 1/2" plywood screwed. One school of thought is just put the vinly/carpet down on the metal subfloor. We don't want to sacrafice headroom so moar forma of rigid insulation are out.

All the cabinet /couch work is just mocked in placed for now, so it all comes out except for the bunkwalls and shower.

Toughts are much appreciated.

[Jarlaxle]

I used foam insulation sprayed from underneath...it works really well, uses zero headroom.

[RazorCityDen]

Excellent job!

I've been pondering flooring myself.

Right now I'm leaning towards the "snap together" laminate style that floats over a 1/4" closed cell foam underlayment right now, but haven't decided for sure yet.

Jaraxle how bought some details on the foam insulation!

Take care,
Den