Configurating Moby Dick

Summer Adventure On the Road 2011

In order to make our van, Moby Dick, versatile for our trip, we decided to build a loft behind the passenger seats.  The loft would accommodate a bed or a rest area, and below would serve as a storage space.

To create the loft I bought a piece of plywood from Lowes and had it cut to a 4' by 7' foot plank. The 3/4" thickness seemed durable for our purposes.  Then, I found six milk crates when placed on their sides would serve to hold up the plank and be high enough to allow space for storage.  We placed three crates spaced equally on each side of the van and put the plank on top.  It seemed quite sturdy even driving down the street.  Below there was enough room on both sides to slip in two suit cases as well as the golf bags.

                                                      John is ready for a test drive!

                                                 Plenty of room for stuff!

Perfect place to take rest!

Setting up the sleeping quarters was the next task to accomplish.  I went to the fabric store and found 2" foam strips measuring 2' by 6' long.  I bought two and sewed a blanket all around it to make a perfect mattress measuring 4' by 6' and placed it on the top of the plank.  With a throw blanket, bedspread, and some pillows, our sleeping loft is cozy enough for a nap.  Although, we plan to sleep in our niftyTriceritops Tent, we know if the weather gets nasty, we can scurry onto our loft!