We realized doors were not insulated, so we carefully removed cover panels on the back doors and sliding door.We lined the cavities with 2″ thick batt insulation. We are happy with the results as it seems to cut down on cold air drafts as well as hot air infiltration.We used a total 7 rolls of 16″ x 48″ unfaced fiberglass, purchased at the local Home Depot.This is the lower portion of the sliding door. We also used some Great Stuff “Big Gap Filler” insulating foam sealant on the top and bottom 8″ of the sliding door for more efficient seal.This is the back passenger door before insulation. There is option for a storage compartment but we wanted the insulation.This is back driver side door which also shows an option for additional storage.
Henry designed an extension table that is install over the top of the pullout cutting board for the driver’s seat to have a better functioning eating/working area. It is better for using the computer and as an added bonus it provides more work area for the kitchen. It also is closer and at a better angle for the driver seat dining experience. Thanks Mark for helping in building it!It has an L shape notch on the top so that it will not become unhooked over the cutting board. The end of the kitchen cabinet basically holds it in place. It moves in and out with the cutting board to make it easier to get into the driver’s seat.The length was determined by the height of the cabinet under the counter so that it could store easily behind the driver’s seat. Shelf liner is loose on the floor but keeps it from scratching during travel.A wooden latch was also crafted to secure the top edge of the table and is screwed into the cabinet end above the power outlet. It is wrapped with shelf liner so no rattling or scratching.
You know we like our wine o’clocks! Boxed wines work much better in the van than bottles and we found a great way to recycle the boxes. Everything shifts in the overhead cabinets during flight. These sturdy boxes act as dividers as well as create a shelf to put other items (or worn clothes) above.One for tights/belts, one for underwear, one for socks, open area between for pants/capris rolled, one for shorts, one for tank top/swimwuits, etc.Other Boxes act as storage dividers in the drawers; don’t add weight and really help organize toiletries. The trick is that the entire drawer needs to be filled with boxes so that none of them can shift during movement.This makes us feel so organized! And it feels like the drawers hold so much more.All the shelves and drawers have plastic shelf liner under the boxes. This may not be necessary but that was installed before the boxes so it probably helps with bouncing.
The original shower curtain snapped into the top of the wall/ceiling and we had seen that Wincrasher had done a modification that looked more practical. The first curtain hook is “fixed” at the hinge side of the medicine cabinet and it crosses the back doors, the wardrobe and bath pocket doors to end up behind the shower head on the other side of the medicine cabinet. We open the toilet seat while showering to keep it drier, squeegee mirror and floor then microfleece to dry. This has also solved our problem of water flowing down the door track to deposit itself under the wardrobe.
The new rod is “Super More” 5 Meters Bendable Straight Curved Curtain Track Top Side Ceiling Mounting (not all was needed, 19 rollers were used) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B16BHMQ The existing snap locations were used to screw in new L brackets, needed to purchase separately at Ace Hardware. We drilled two new attachment points at Wardrobe in order to accommodate a larger curve in the curtain track.The Shower Curtain Hangers are “Yueton” Pack of 30 Stainless Steel Clips w/ Hook for Curtain, Photos, Home Decoration (20 were used) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01851VE5K The top of the shower curtain was folded over twice before hemming. White iron on fabric stiffener tape was put on in equal locations, folded over the top so the hook doesn’t snag the fabric and gives it extra support. It has laundered several times very well.Medicine cabinet had the one shelf installed in the middle so we lowered it to accommodate full height bottles. Wincrasher did his a bit different but this allows us to put soaps and little travel bottles on the bottom and maximize the top angle on the back wall.The latch on the right side had two holes located perfect for hooking in the small bungee cords without any modifications.On the hinge (left) side, two eye-hooks were screwed in to accept the other end of the bungee cord. Voila – we can now store full height bottles without them spilling!
Wrap It Storage Straps were through bolted to the wardrobe unit with machine screws, washers, and self locking nuts. This one is to hold our 25′ water hose.Two Storage Straps were mounted to secure tire jack on the edge of the pre-formed shower base under the wardrobe. This keeps them dry and out of the way.These are the machine through bolts, and washers on the wardrobe/bath side.Wrap-It Storage Strap XLarge, 6 pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014ONH2EK
Overhead personal shelf was added above each bed to hold our phones, tablets, books, glasses and other misc items at night.We thought an in-basket was about the right size and height. After much research, the Staples Black Wire Mesh Stackable Letter Tray looked durable and relatively easy to mount. To order: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WKZLD7W End closest to cab was mounted with ¾” wood screws and a washer through the existing wood cabinet end brace. The speaker covers were unscrewed to make it easier to attach.End closest to bath was mounted with ½” x ½” angles. First attached angles to letter tray with ½” bolts, washer and a self-locking nut. Then attached to cabinet above with through bolts, washer, and self-locking nut. Holes were pre-drilled through wood cabinet.The front is installed a slightly higher than the back so items will be less likely to fall out if forgotten before movement. The shelf liner was added to keep from scratching our electronics.
Shoe Storage enhancement with 5 black wire mesh wall pockets to mount under long bed – we got the idea to use these file holders from walking around an office supply store.Lorell LLR84144 Mesh Wire Wall Pocket were ordered because they looked durable and the dirt could fall through the mesh. To order: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B8X9WUM Horizontal 1″ x 2″ wood blocking was added in storage area and 1″ wood screws were purchased for installation.Each basket holds a pair of shoes plus depending on the shoe size.One basket added at short end of bed is used to hold small broom and small trash bag.
June 1 we flew to San Antonio, Texas. We were chauffeured by Rick, cousin of Barry Gorden (Motown Music Founder), to KerRVille where our van was waiting. We learned so much about how to operate it from Keith, for which we are very grateful. We also appreciate the small town service of Otis, Todd, Shannon and Keri. Thank you so much!We bought a Winnebago Travato 59K which is a converted RAM 3500 high top extended cargo van. This is the layout of the 21′ length – everything we need!We did not linger in Kerrville because of the intense rains forecast. We drove to Fredericksburg in the rain and spent the night there. We had a pleasant evening but it did rain all night – so we know our van is waterproof!Our first National Park with the Travato is LBJ childhood home. The Texas White house is closed due to flooding but we enjoyed our time here very much. Good movies on both LBJ and Lady Bird – seemed like a good start as they did much to preserve some of the beauty of our country.We took a ranger led tour and sat on the front porch.
We left early and drove to Ft Stockton to skirt all of the storms. We were successful!Our first purchase was this fresh water hose. Newbies trying to figure this out. We love that the Travato is fully self contained and that the solar panels recharge the “house” battery.The little kitchenette, 2 coach seats swivel with airline type trays, overhead cabinets have lots of storage, 2 twin beds that can push together and also tilt for reading/TV viewing. Sliding screen door and lots of windows – good cross breezes.After a visit to Ft Davis Historic Site, and the local library, we headed up into the hills and found this The Nature Conservancy Trail and picnic area.Seemed like a good spot for wine o’clock and then to spend the night.Guadalupe National Park with Chollas blooming.Our camp site for 2 nights. Interior of van is 6′-3″ so Henry does not hit his head.An automatic awning over the picnic table. Wine O’clock in style!We got up early and hiked Guadalupe Peak. A 3,000′ elevation gain!This formation of El Capitan from the top reminded us of Michigan lower peninsula.What lies ahead? We wander into New Mexico.The Mexican Trestle Bridge hike in Cloudcroft where we spent a night.We went to the space museum in Alamogordo. This was the moon model behind Walter Cronkite when he gave all those updates on the astronauts. Pretty interesting that it is preserved here.Capitan is home of Smokey the Bear and they have a museum to him.