Hi again,
In response to my last blog about my new campervan, Ramsey Jr, I received requests for specifics for the furniture I used and where I purchased it. Here is a list. I am also inserting my detailed plans and elevations to show you where I placed everything so far.
Note that I am 5′-7.” I barely fit lengthwise in the cargo section when the back seat is tumbled forward. If you are taller, you will need to purchase a cargo van without the back seat. Also, I have included things like lots of water bottles in preparation for boondocking for 7 days in one stretch.
This photo from the Ram ProMaster website shows how the van looks with the seats in place. This is how I need the van to be when I am hauling grandchildren around. Since the main purpose of this van is to visit my grandchildren 400 miles away, this was an important feature for me.
The rest of the drawings illustrate how the furniture is arranged when the back seat is tumbled forward and I am actually camping. The layout allows for a nice open space in the middle, which I really like. It reminds me of the layout for VW Campers, just a wee bit smaller. The ceiling is high enough to walk around in the space hunched over.
For the shelf, I used the IKEA Pinnig ‘bench with shoe storage.’ See my note about installing the middle shelf upside down to give the shelf a lip that holds in drawers/boxes.
As you can see from the next elevation, I can sit on the folded mattress, which serves as a ‘couch.’ The sleeping bag is converted to a back cushion for the ‘couch.’
Here is the listing for the table that I have. I bought it for my Class B. I love it because it can be a coffee table or a dining table, and there are no cross-bars, allowing my knees to fit under the table easily. But the price has gone up considerably on new ones. Sorry about that. Look up Beckworth & Co. They may make a less expensive version now.
Last but not least, something that is very important to us old folks. I double up the plastic bags and bring along a container of hamster shavings to sprinkle on top. The shavings prevent bad smells. During the day, the toilet becomes another convenient surface to place things at a workable height. I know, it sounds gross to use your toilet as a work surface but really….
This last photo, which was in my last post, shows you where I place the canvas bags filled with my clothes. I use a bungee cord to attach them to hooks on the seat belts. A black-out curtain hangs across the front area from a tension rod so that you can’t see in from the front windows.
Hello Mary. I’m a writer working for Do It Yourself RV. I’m working on a post about your fun ProMaster City conversion. Would we be able to post your story and some of your photos on the blog? Thank you!
Of course, as long as you give me credit. Thanks. Mary
Of course! Thank you. I love your simple little City design and as a graphic designer as well, I can appreciate the work that went into the planning. 🙂
Thank you! We were just gifted a 6c dodge van. We’re looking forward to many rambles in it this year.
Hi Mary, I love your set up. I bought a ProMaster City last March. If I had seen your post before then I might have got the one with seats for passengers. I have had a friend help me with building a bed platform and adding a battery and converter. But I really like how you can easily set the foam bed as a chair. I have taken a couple of trips in mine and love the freedom of being able to stop at reststops or truckstops to sleep if needed.
My dog absolutely loves traveling. I would be curious to know where your dog sits while you are driving and if you have found a safe place for him/her.
Thanks,
Linda
Hi Linda. Annie sits/sleeps in the foot area of the passenger seat. Occasionally she sits in the seat, but a quick stop or two reminds her that it isn’t such a safe place and she goes back down to the foot area. I have a small mat there for her. Nice to hear from another City driver. Have you named yours?
Yes, I call her Vanette.
My dog is too big (60 lbs) to fit in the foot area. I have a platform & cushion for the front seat so it gives her more room. (don’t see a way to post a picture here) She also likes to sit on my bed and look out the window. I tried using a halter and restraint when she was in the front seat but she still hops between the seats to the back and then gets stuck.