Multi-Position Backrest in our Sienna MiniCamperVan

[@DriversofOttawa]

As usual, a van build that always evolves as you use it. You have the best removable mini-van build I have seen yet (and I have watched many!) It would be great if you had build kits or plans for sale!

[@bgribs8378]

and I agree this is by far the nicest most elegant. I wish you had sme plans to purchase. I started tring to draw up somthing but I have to do it in autocad 2000lt wire frame. keep up the beautiful work. thanks Bill

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, Bill, for the nice comment. I appreciate it.

[@BruceParks]

@Drivers of Ottawa Thank you for taking the time to comment. I know I sound like a broken record when I say I wish I could offer plans but life is just too busy at the moment.

[@LS-uv9gg]

It's pleasant to see one change that ends up leading to a few other additional benefits! My changes almost always lead to: "Darn it!" hee hee.

[@BruceParks]

Haha, that happens to me too. A lot.

[@ralphesimpson5627]

Yes, always nice to have options!

[@Saltydog961]

Tks for sharing, Your camper build is the best Ive seen...Cheers!

[@BruceParks]

Wow, thanks! I'm glad you visited my channel.

[@LorenHenriksen]

I like having options! Thanks for the update. From Canada

[@BruceParks]

Yes, options are good. Thanks for checking in!

[@jamesfranzen4186]

It's always good to have options. I like your socks. 😎

[@BruceParks]

Sock style, as per Daniel Radcliffe

[@owenparker6651]

So slick!! Thanks for sharing Bruce

[@BruceParks]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@jerrycarter1928]

Excellent craftsmanship! I wonder how it would look if you finished the wood in a color that closely matched the interior color; I think it would really pop. Jerry

[@BruceParks]

Good point, Jerry! A color-matched finish would be striking. For some, the nice birch wood is striking. Tough choice. Life is good when your tough choices are between nice things. Thanks for commenting!

[@weareallamericans7358]

Bruce, Please offer limited production kits. The funds will help support your van life. I'm sure you will sell out quickly!

[@BruceParks]

I need to find a company that can clone me so one of us can get to work on the kits!

[@salc9114]

Hi Bruce, great job! I was wondering how wide you made your 2 three-quarter inch plywood side panels? Thanks!

[@BruceParks]

The side panels, meaning the upper side cabinets? They are 40" long (front to rear), 13" tall, and 42" span between the left and right faces. The cabinet faces are ½' thick baltic birch plywood and the rest of the case (bottoms, sides, and understructure) are ¾" thick. I hope this answers your question. If not, please reply with more detail. Thanks for asking.

[@coachrobwille4176]

Cool set up. I wish you lived in Victoria where I live. I would hire you to help me make some stuff for my 2015 Dodge Caravan.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, Rob. If I lived near you, I’d be happy to help you.

[@kathy8998]

We are glued to your videos, but how did you deal with those pesky trollies? We are trying to build a floor over them and looking for any ideas you have come up with?

[@BruceParks]

I keep the bed in full length configuration almost 100% of the time, meaning the footboard section is in place and not stowed away. When it's in place, the trollies are hidden. In fact, I designed the two footboard feet to nest into the trollies in such a way as to steady the footboard and make it feel rock solid. When the footboard is stowed under the midboard (for sofa mode or hauling mode), the trollies are exposed. We just live with it. I've thought about building two small boxes that would just cover each trolley but it isn't a priority for how we're using the van at present. I've seen others build a full area flat floor that covers the trollies but they lose so much headroom. When the headroom is already so tight, taking away more makes no sense to me. The last resort, of course, is to remove the trollies. Many have done so and there are tips online on how to do it but it's not easy to do and not easy to reverse. Let me know if you'd like a link to review that process.

[@kathy8998]

@@BruceParks Today we decided to build a floor section over the trollies that is 4 x 5 ft. Our completed floor will be even with the top of the trollies so at that point we put on vinyl planking . We built the Wathier bed configuration The floor in front of the sofa will be 2.5 inches higher than the original floor but the sofa seat remains the same height.

[@bertnerny]

It might be good to try and find metal inserts for the holes so you don’t tear up the plywood holes with wear and tear from the slide bolts.

[@BruceParks]

Good idea, thanks Chris.

[@susanstrickland6774]

👍😊

[@BruceParks]

Thank you, Susan