[ArgonautVans]

I recommend OnShape (cloud based CAD) or SolidWorks. SolidWorks is available for $100 a year now? OnShape is free if you keep your files publically viewable, with big files like a van build it might be slow though.

youtube intro videos will easily get you started.For a van build, you’ll mostlyjust need to make simple 2D sketches (I.e. a rectangle) and extruding it out into 3D. Works for cabinets, 8020, lots of other things very simply

 

[njvagabond]

Now that you are retired, take the time to learn CAD before starting the conversion. Too late?

My wife is working at it. Better for us divide and conquer and have me do more of the hands on stuff and work on the technical aspects of the systems, She's really good at design, so two heads in that as an iterative process is helpful. She is slowly getting more involved. Funny thing is, that is similar to the way I did line and plant layout at work with the mechanical guys at work.

 

[njvagabond]

For a van build, you’ll mostlyjust need to make simple 2D sketches (I.e. a rectangle) and extruding it out into 3D.

Thing always seem to get wonky when I manipulate stiff. There is something that just never seems to click for me. . Funny thing is never had problems learning other software. (even pre-mouse ) Need to try some more.

 

[orton]

Thing always seem to get wonky when I manipulate stiff. There is something that just never seems to click for me. . Funny thing is never had problems learning other software. (even pre-mouse ) Need to try some more.

Too bad you did not live closer. I could have you doing 2D Cad after 4 hours of free instruction with General Cadd.

 

[societyofrunner]

I'm sure a significant enough front impact would bring things coming toward the cab. I don't know how significant that would need to be. And I sure don't want to find out. But I don't feel LESS safe with my aluminum framed cabinets bolted to the walls than I would in a Winnebago or the like - those things look pretty scary. I'm pretty confident that anyone assuring that any RV-ish setup is auto-manufacturer safe is... uh... wrong.

So... safe priority? Add the partition. RV-like comfort and convenience priority? No partition.

If you do decide to crash-test both, do me a favor and also add a front bumper setup with the big bull-bar things and hit a deer or an elk. I'm really curious how that holds up as well. Thanks!

When comparing an RV to a build, I hadn't thought to consider that the baseline of an RV isn't secure, so that throws that out the windows.

This doesn't fit your holy grail (because only one swivel) but prompted me to type it out anyway. I saw a "van tour" video (is there anything else on youtube anymore? ) where a fellow had made a full bulkhead that was two panels split more or less in the center. The passenger side panel slid over behind the driver's side panel when open, and then you could swivel the passenger seat.

Do you happen to have a link?

Thank you all for your great insight!!

 

[societyofrunner]

Oh... a probably naive follow-up. Cloth vs. wood vs. metal (and each type of them) all have advantages and disadvantages. I don't want to select a brittle piece of wood if I want safety, so what materials for this and other components are good to use?

Since I don't want to take advantage, a better question would be: where would I be able to find learning materials so that I can do the leg work?

 

[Vanaroo]

Do you happen to have a link?

I went and dug it back up. The van owner/converter's name is Ikey Baker. The cab is shown starting at around :51 in the video linked below.

It's obviously not as open and "sociable" as a wide open cab. OTOH, if one is going to have a bulkhead, this at least allows the use of a swivel seat. I thought it was pretty nifty and would definitely consider it.

I had previously seen it in a different video shot by someone else, and had saved these screenshots:

 

[societyofrunner]

Thank you so much!

 

[surly Bill]

Does anyone have opinions on a removable cargo net in place of a solid partition?

Yes, I have opinions! 😁

I was going to mention that option. It's a half and half equation, probably not as good as a solid metal bulkhead, but infinitely better than nothing. The advantage is that it can be detached at the destination and stored in a drawer.

Most of the stuff in DIY rv's is large, bulky junk. A cargo net would capture plywood cabinets, mattresses, bikes, DC refrigerators, TVs, etc. Small impaling things like loose wrenches and pipes and 2x4s found in a work truck would likely find their way through most cargo nets.

 

[Vanaroo]

You are welcome!

Looking at the second still shot, I started thinking that with two people on a trip (and if the cab wasn't roasting or freezing), it looks like one could go up there in the morning, swivel the seat to face the driver's seat, put their feet up, quietly slide the partition closed, and sip their coffee/check the news/etc. while the other person slept. Or maybe at another time of day if one needed to take a call or etc.

I see myself mocking this up in a Transit to try it out (although right now I'd have to mock up the entire Transit since I don't have one yet 🤣 )

 

[njvagabond]

View attachment 169672

Sprinter Van Cargo Nets for Mercedes, Dodge hi-tops or standard roofs, vertical cargo nets

Here is a nice diy installation of a cargo net in a 130 LR
Cargo net partition

 

[gregoryx]

When comparing an RV to a build, I hadn't thought to consider that the baseline of an RV isn't secure, so that throws that out the windows.
...

It's one of the funny things about ALL our safety concerns on building these: none of us are (intentionally) crash-testing them, so we're basically full of crap and betting our lives and our loved-one's on our guesses; and the real-world standard by which we perhaps should be measured (RVs) enjoy little to no testing for the most part. So, yeah... do whatever you feel good with?

 

[njvagabond]

It's one of the funny things about ALL our safety concerns on building these: none of us are (intentionally) crash-testing them, so we're basically full of crap and betting our lives and our loved-one's on our guesses; and the real-world standard by which we perhaps should be measured (RVs) enjoy little to no testing for the most part. So, yeah... do whatever you feel good with?

Says the guy that drives a 4.5 ton vehicle at 83 mph (in the mountains?)

 

[surly Bill]

Well, in an overly generalized Libertarian mindset; individuals are totally responsible for their decisions and actions. Choosing to live dangerously by bolting (or just setting) a bunch of stuff in the back of a van assuming that you will never be in a crash and thus never have that stuff take your head off as it maintains it's momentum even though the van has suddenly ceased moving is totally the responsibility of the person doing it. And if some other person in the van (or outside of it) is harmed or killed, that is also the responsibility of the person who decided to put that stuff in there and go for a drive.

This is why there is "insurance".

 

[gregoryx]

Says the guy that drives a 4.5 ton vehicle at 83 mph (in the mountains?)

While @surly Bill mentions, "overly generalized Libertarian mindset," as a general thing... that's basically my vibe. I am comfortable with my risks; I make them, I prefer them, and I accept the outcome of them. I prefer "eyes wide open" even if it means accepting that I do dangerous stuff at times. I /try/ not to project this on others... so I'm always confused by the over-the-top attempts to make these vans "safe." But I'm a young mid-50s and a lot of folks here are a bit (or a lot) older than that and perhaps more risk-averse. Or just more risk-averse in general.

And 83 is just what the cruise-control is set to. In the mountains. I love to see it hit 95mph when I'm passing. Or 70+ on the snow. 😁

 

[perchancetodream]

The van is my only motor vehicle, and thus must perform both as an iron tent and a cargo wagon. So I opted for safety and installed a WeatherGard steel partition with door. On yet another Home Despot run only a couple hours after installing the bulkhead, I had to stand on the brakes as some idiot ran a red light right in front of me. There was a deafening crash as my 25' Stanley measuring tape took a divot out of the bulkhead enamel a few inches behind my head. Proof of concept.

I covered the cargo / camping side of the partition with 1/4" cork underlayment, and the cab side with charcoal gray trunk liner fabric. Looks good and helps quiet the ride.

 

[societyofrunner]

I d

The van is my only motor vehicle, and thus must perform both as an iron tent and a cargo wagon. So I opted for safety and installed a WeatherGard steel partition with door. On yet another Home Despot run only a couple hours after installing the bulkhead, I had to stand on the brakes as some idiot ran a red light right in front of me. There was a deafening crash as my 25' Stanley measuring tape took a divot out of the bulkhead enamel a few inches behind my head. Proof of concept.

I covered the cargo / camping side of the partition with 1/4" cork underlayment, and the cab side with charcoal gray trunk liner fabric. Looks good and helps quiet the ride.



View attachment 169701



View attachment 169703

I do enjoy the clean look of both the cork and the dark liner, and I love the save it provided from the close call even more.

 

[societyofrunner]

It's one of the funny things about ALL our safety concerns on building these: none of us are (intentionally) crash-testing them, so we're basically full of crap and betting our lives and our loved-one's on our guesses; and the real-world standard by which we perhaps should be measured (RVs) enjoy little to no testing for the most part. So, yeah... do whatever you feel good with?

That’s what I was afraid of, but had a sneaking feeling was going to be the answer. If only there was away to live in both worlds: unlimited safety and unlimited comfort. But I guess that’s why there are politicians and economists.

Well, when my luck inevitably runs out and find myself on the other end of a collision, I’ll update this thread with my results!


Thank you all again!!

 

[orton]

On yet another Home Despot run only a couple hours after installing the bulkhead, I had to stand on the brakes as some idiot ran a red light right in front of me. There was a deafening crash as my 25' Stanley measuring tape took a divot out of the bulkhead enamel a few inches behind my head. Proof of concept.

Thanks.

I have been keeping a 10' tape measure in the tray I have on the front of my sink cabinet. Never thought about that being a hazard. Will remove the tape measure from the tray.

 

[surly Bill]

While @surly Bill mentions, "overly generalized Libertarian mindset," as a general thing... that's basically my vibe. I am comfortable with my risks; I make them, I prefer them, and I accept the outcome of them. I prefer "eyes wide open" even if it means accepting that I do dangerous stuff at times. I /try/ not to project this on others... so I'm always confused by the over-the-top attempts to make these vans "safe." But I'm a young mid-50s and a lot of folks here are a bit (or a lot) older than that and perhaps more risk-averse. Or just more risk-averse in general.

And 83 is just what the cruise-control is set to. In the mountains. I love to see it hit 95mph when I'm passing. Or 70+ on the snow. 😁

I wasn't using Libertarian as a pejorative, but as a description of personal responsibility and consequence. Sadly, political types have co-opted the word (but not the philosophy), and it is now associated with a particular "side" of the dysfunctional bipolar polar system currently dominating Merkuh. In the textbook and classic description, it would greatly overlap both in a Venn diagram as well as having parts that are not present in either side of the spectrum.

I also "take my life in my hands" when I haul some stuff. When I have things that may slide or bounce, I drive accordingly, often leaving a LOT of space between me and the vehicle ahead of me. However, accidents are accidents, not planned. I can't control what other drivers may do, and someone may enter my lane abruptly causing me to slam on the brakes. Or I may need to swerve myself, causing a load to shift. A couple weeks ago I transported the near 1000lb church organ to the theater and back to our rehearsal space, and it was on a dolly, moving the center of gravity up even more. I took back roads and went very slow, because even with it tied down I was concerned it may move inside the van and cause damage. Good thing there wasn't any incident like a cat running out in the road, but I had my eyes peeled for stuff like that, and my slow speed should have allowed me to avoid problems without abrupt maneuvers.