Nikson's Minnie Winnie "Sauna Edition"

[Nikson]

How extreme do you get with your builds???

Figured I would share some information on my SAUNA build...

You can say "Crazy Russian", or whatever you want to call me (us)...

but here is what I bought for $1000...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S58135CdfSI/AAAAAAAAFd4/iLhGv8Pgm1o/s640/birthday%20004.jpg

1978 Dodge Minnie Winnie 20' RV
about 80k mileage

Here what I've done...

Custom Sauna installation
cost $4000 + personal labor time.

[Nikson]

FRONT

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S58146p3WEI/AAAAAAAAFeA/gc0euchFtog/s640/birthday%20008.jpg

REAR

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S5815WfWmOI/AAAAAAAAFeI/S10nomPLi3o/s640/birthday%20011.jpg

[Nikson]

Ripped everything out... got over 1000 lbs of junk out of the RV...
Cabinets, furniture, appliances...

Ones had the "naked" walls, wrapped up the front section with 1" foam sheet (ones used in EFIS STUCCO) and covered it up with 1/4" cherry veneer...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S5819LW2qVI/AAAAAAAAFec/zfjiYUeG0A4/s640/P1100863.JPG

[Nikson]

2x4 framing... proper insulation... and heat protection for a wood-burning stove...

(yes., everything by fire code)...
FYI: after over 12 months use, no issues... (for those who might be worried about this "thing" burning down)

SAUNA SECTION

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S5819hCBDYI/AAAAAAAAFeg/epvIppEMU7M/s640/P1100864.JPG

WOOD BURNING STOVE "CORNER"
DUROCK ready for travertine style tile...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S58196obgiI/AAAAAAAAFek/A-o9Qd5Yj_s/s640/P1100865.JPG

WALL DIVIDING SAUNA from Pre-Sauna Room

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S581-ekuRHI/AAAAAAAAFes/M3Kcfb7qfWU/s640/P1100867.JPG

More of SAUNA build...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S581_KtabKI/AAAAAAAAFe4/hSWYvuj2RX8/s640/P1100916.JPG

Almost there...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S581_mx58dI/AAAAAAAAFfA/sSnf5ApZ5IY/s640/P1100918.JPG

STOVE corner... (tile done)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S581_8JxeSI/AAAAAAAAFfE/OyuTespnRds/s640/P1100919.JPG

UPPER VENTILATION

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582AkrELtI/AAAAAAAAFfM/GUVErv6aDYY/s640/P1100944.JPG

[Nikson]

here is a shot of the upper chimney with stainless steel 12" piece.
custom laser cut brackets (outside/inside)

EXTERIOR

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582BlJ_zDI/AAAAAAAAFfc/FRpds9Rc_Q0/s640/P1100948.JPG

INTERIOR

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582DConE6I/AAAAAAAAFf0/xnX8fpxdV9Y/s640/P1100953.JPG

STOVE IN PLACE

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582CaO5GnI/AAAAAAAAFfs/ppMj9qcbOT0/s640/P1100951.JPG

BEAUTY

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582EuNeFxI/AAAAAAAAFgE/5zkhJidGuQI/s640/P1100958.JPG

ALL TOGETHER

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582HgWxYNI/AAAAAAAAFg8/q2eNl9NULmM/s640/P1100973.JPG

[Nikson]

here is door in progress...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582GiLssbI/AAAAAAAAFgo/-Tuod_yVTjs/s640/P1100967.JPG

Door in place...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582Ia_lH4I/AAAAAAAAFhA/ZJWuHsZrBmE/s640/P1100974.JPG

Interior is done...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582ItUfBRI/AAAAAAAAFhI/IXJDRYHY5g8/s640/P1100980.JPG

Door view from SAUNA's side...
whats a sauna without ladies :) :) :) :wings:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582I159T9I/AAAAAAAAFhM/cuaHdqx61qc/s640/P1100981.JPG

[Nikson]

slowly getting there...

(could you tell I am "HAPPY"???)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582HAVYPnI/AAAAAAAAFg0/-5Bktbympf8/s640/P1100971.JPG

[Nikson]

Benches are next...

Process is simple... getting the most use out of the RV space available...

Sleeping space is considered at the most...
2 can sleep in the overcab space
2 can sleep on the floor (air mattress or similar) in the pre-sauna section
2 can sleep on the benches in sauna itself (considering its not HOT :) )

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582EDkZS3I/AAAAAAAAFf8/J3O-F1Ij1Qk/s640/P1100956.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582FH9avBI/AAAAAAAAFgM/hoOSGRPo1ns/s640/P1100960.JPG

One step at a time...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582IQ0PAnI/AAAAAAAAFhE/9pmAIEvZnKI/s640/P1100978.JPG

So, what do you think??? LOL

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582JOfbGeI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/J8hxvh7O8FE/s640/P1100982.JPG

This picture shows how bottom part is set up. Upper bench is made to be lowered for sleeping next to the bottom bench. A 6' guy has no issues with fitting in.. (I am 5'10" and fit in comfortably)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582KHogAiI/AAAAAAAAFhc/BalLVwxJx90/s640/P1100985.JPG

[Nikson]

Great feeling it is... when everything works out as you plan... :)

Here is a picture of the first "fire UP" so to speak.

Chimney worked out great without any issues... no smoke leaks, ventilation is well...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582LIDqxOI/AAAAAAAAFhw/LsgjEYmGLDU/s640/P1100989.JPG

Rocks piled up... bring on that WATER... :) :) :)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582QV_oitI/AAAAAAAAFjM/Oz18qvrfq2c/s640/P1110014.JPG

Top chimney section (mushroom on top isnt installed yet)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582R2cdGvI/AAAAAAAAFjk/Y7he8Wkack8/s640/P1110021.JPG

[Nikson]

Here are some pictures from the first time...

Oregon is great place for outdoors... anyone saying otherwise, havent seen Oregon as we have... :) Need some direction, feel free to ask... I'll point out some "nice" places... LOL...

Here we are on one on our favorite spots (in the proximity of Elk Lake)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582TPbB_KI/AAAAAAAAFj0/97sokwHlK3A/s640/09-26-2008%20First%20Sauna%20Drive%20%2833%29.jpg

First Dinner... Russian Style... :)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582SNCliwI/AAAAAAAAFjo/VkUAm1H_OcU/s640/09-26-2008%20First%20Sauna%20Drive%20%2812%29.jpg

Whats a true SAUNA experience without a REAL Russian wood burning SAMOVAR (самовар)... Got it as birthday present for my 30th from friends in Moscow, its one of the first made in city of TULA, RUSSIA in late 1800's, been restored though to the original condition...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582SWxt0TI/AAAAAAAAFjs/cLuGImxdtpU/s640/09-26-2008%20First%20Sauna%20Drive%20%2817%29.jpg

DAY PHOTO

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582TCViE9I/AAAAAAAAFj4/JTJM2krBW2A/s640/09-26-2008%20First%20Sauna%20Drive%20%2837%29.jpg

[Nikson]

Had pretty fun 2 weeks around Christmas time. Snow that Willamette Valley hasnt seen for some time...

You can get a feeling what it was like having this thing in real snow...
Some pictures of the "finished" product I guess... :)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582UTmdtZI/AAAAAAAAFkI/UJ-ZaBls1Fs/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20121.jp g

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582Uev7egI/AAAAAAAAFkM/83BvqsxK0OE/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20122.jp g

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582U3Fa2mI/AAAAAAAAFkU/seXDhh5ziYc/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20124.jp g

SAUNA SLEEPING AREA
(I've replaced the VINYL for tile flooring inside sauna, didnt seem like vinyl liked the temperature level we would get 'er up to... :))

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582VjRYEjI/AAAAAAAAFkg/B_rJNWZXshE/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20128.jp g

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582WBZPtKI/AAAAAAAAFkk/FIszLiGF-l4/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20129.jp g

[Nikson]

HERE ARE SOME INTERIOR DECOR pieces...
(hand carved)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582XfCuVPI/AAAAAAAAFk4/COmftL-tZOA/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20135.jp g

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582XnD08kI/AAAAAAAAFk8/JwCcRkWJsfc/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20137.jp g

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582XNARcNI/AAAAAAAAFk0/nta_ovoFy6U/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20134.jp g

GOTTA have clock w/ all the HUMIDITY & TEMP gauges...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582XEuFJJI/AAAAAAAAFkw/WXeFa5ePvLw/s640/12-21-2008%20Salem%20%26%20Keizer%20Ice%20photo%20133.jp g

[Nikson]

Here is a trip up to McCoy Rd Warming Hut (NF-2230, Oregon)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582TYdiGOI/AAAAAAAAFj8/V10mCJCj2eo/s640/12-12-2008%20Snow%20Sauna%20Drive%20002.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582UP5qJYI/AAAAAAAAFkE/Ud1GxrFrHkg/s640/12-12-2008%20Snow%20Sauna%20Drive%20023.jpg

Call us crazy... may be we a bit are... but we take thing thing everywhere... :) in the proximity of its gas tank... :) :) :)

Here is a link to the trip on the McCoy Rd, heading home...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9LAiwCU0BM

[Ireland]

Awesome build, love it... Way to breath new life into an old camper:beer::beer::beer:

[Desert Dan]

Now that is roughing it!

Nice work on the Sauna!

[Bike_Mech]

That thing is rad! I enjoy the natural hotsprings when I'm fortunate to be staying near one, but having your own sauna waiting back in the campsite would be great after a hike, ski or mtb ride! Are you concerned about th height of the chimney at all when driving?

-Chris

[Nikson]

Awesome build, love it... Way to breath new life into an old camper:beer::beer::beer:

Thanks... and do agree with those words...

Seems like the RV sat around for past few years and was getting ready to give it up...

We've put more then 3000 miles throughout the years time and its still going...

[Nikson]

That thing is rad! I enjoy the natural hotsprings when I'm fortunate to be staying near one, but having your own sauna waiting back in the campsite would be great after a hike, ski or mtb ride! Are you concerned about th height of the chimney at all when driving?

-Chris

Top part of chimney is removable, since we dont use it when on the move... once set up camp, then its up and "smokin" :)

What I love... is when we take it to snowpark... and there is about 3+ feet of snow. Tubing with kids or snowmobiling with a buddy... - best times!!!

[Nikson]

Now that is roughing it!

Nice work on the Sauna!

Thanks... we are still modding some things here... and there... but its pretty much done deal...

[Nikson]

Figured would give up some more photos on how its done...

It wasnt exactly WARM outside... :) :) :)
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_judng7jLKpI/S6CEyRndQMI/AAAAAAAAABc/tT8-cPqQpLo/s640/P1110416.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_judng7jLKpI/S6CE0T_5l0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/dlIx52v_shk/s640/12-12-2008%20Snow%20Sauna%20Drive%20027.jpg

So, as we got the Warming House warm... and the SAUNA was ready for us...
Off we go...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_judng7jLKpI/S6CEzckXIOI/AAAAAAAAABs/B5WZ3PJgVL4/s640/P1110435.JPG

Everyone got to have some fun in the snow...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_judng7jLKpI/S6CE1ruSgwI/AAAAAAAAACA/Qc7N34Lbxq0/s640/12-12-2008%20Snow%20Sauna%20Drive%20207.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_judng7jLKpI/S6CE2OZ0M1I/AAAAAAAAACI/0Ju80RPbp6g/s640/12-12-2008%20Snow%20Sauna%20Drive%20214.jpg

Taking a break at the right time - important... Keep yourself going with a nice hot cup-o-TEA... :)
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_judng7jLKpI/S6CEyygSlNI/AAAAAAAAABk/Hp72wVPApE0/s640/P1110424.JPG

[Kilroy]

Love it! I don't know if I would build one for the road, but it's a thought.

Where did you get your stove?


ALL TOGETHER

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582HgWxYNI/AAAAAAAAFg8/q2eNl9NULmM/s640/P1100973.JPG[/QUOTE]

[Nikson]

Love it! I don't know if I would build one for the road, but it's a thought.

Where did you get your stove?


ALL TOGETHER

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_frheDZKuX2E/S582HgWxYNI/AAAAAAAAFg8/q2eNl9NULmM/s640/P1100973.JPG[/QUOTE]

Stove is HARVIA brand (local sauna store), and chimney is from local fireplace store... :)

Rest is common sense... :)

[psychohawk]

That is awesome! I think you ought to get a second minnie winnie and put a hot tub in it! Then, of course, they have to travel in pairs!

Nostrovia!
Carl

[4Rescue]

Hey I have two REAL SAMOVARS in Portland too...I've never ever seen another one. And yeah if you don't know whqat Oregon and the NW have to offer you're severly missing out.

Love the Sauna Winnie, it's AWESOME work to say the least...

We should go do a run sometime.

Cheers

Dave

[Offtrack]

Wow, высшего качества, That is very cool, super build. You could hire that setup out. :)

[Nikson]

That is awesome! I think you ought to get a second minnie winnie and put a hot tub in it! Then, of course, they have to travel in pairs!

Nostrovia!
Carl

We have hotsprings in the area... :)

We've considered to just put one on the trailer... :)

[Nikson]

Hey I have two REAL SAMOVARS in Portland too...I've never ever seen another one. And yeah if you don't know whqat Oregon and the NW have to offer you're severly missing out.

Love the Sauna Winnie, it's AWESOME work to say the least...

We should go do a run sometime.

Cheers

Dave

Just came from a "sauna" ride over the weekend... weather is definitely getting there as far as warmth & spring feeling... :)

[Nikson]

Wow, высшего качества, That is very cool, super build. You could hire that setup out. :)

its too exclusive for hire... We love it too much... :) :) :)