Lexus LX470 Rear Cabin Conversion...

[mhiscox]

Thanks for the pictures and comments, Linda. I had a great time on our joint micro-OvEx.

[Awkragt]

That is a cool setup. I'm planning on something similar for the folding bed part. My first crack sleeping right on the floor left way too much gear in the way and had no storage. A couple of questions on this box build if you don't mind.

Do you have another photo or two of the bed part folded up and folded down, does it lay flat when stowed?
What are the length of each of those leaves that flop out over the seat?
Does the first leaf land on the seat, and the second cantilevers over the headrest?
What is the height of the platform?

[AeroNautiCal]

For some more extremely creative uses of space, in what are (by US standards) micro cars, perhaps have a look at the photo's in this forum.

There's 30 pages of DIY camping car/van conversions which maximize the use of limited space, whilst (mostly) retaining the vehicle's original seating capacity.

[mhiscox]

Do you have another photo or two of the bed part folded up and folded down, does it lay flat when stowed?

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So it is dead flat both when deployed and folded. (FWIW, keeping it all happily flat is the reason there's no carpet or other covering on the second side of the extensions. The thickness would keep the pieces from being flat at the hinges.)

What are the length of each of those leaves that flop out over the seat?

13.5" for the forward (when deployed; rearmost when folded) piece; 22.5" for the middle piece.

Does the first leaf land on the seat, and the second cantilevers over the headrest?

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The headrest is removed from that side of the second row. Also, you move the front seat forward from the normal driving position.


There is a custom made (and stored) prop that can hold up the front of the cantilevered portion.

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I haven't used it. With reasonable care, there's no reason to put more weight on that piece than is easily managed by the piano hinge.

What is the height of the platform?

13 inches off the load floor; the only height it could be to have the bed be level.

[mhiscox]

For some more extremely creative uses of space, in what are (by US standards) micro cars, perhaps have a look at the photo's in this forum. There's 30 pages of DIY camping car/van conversions which maximize the use of limited space, whilst (mostly) retaining the vehicle's original seating capacity.

Wow! Talk about your ten pounds of potatoes in a five pound bag. Lots of clever ideas here to keep you thinking. An excellent forum for anyone thinking about living out of small vehicle. (Makes me sad I sold the Samurai. )

Many thanks for the link.

[mhiscox]

I added to the functionality of my conversion--at least I hope I did--by adding the Kelty Carport that had been sitting around for a while awaiting the perfect use.

There are reviews of the Carport all over the internets, including at least one by an ExPo member:

http://www.lastgreatroadtrip.com/off...arport-review/

and a very detailed one here:

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/revi...amela%20Wyant/,

which means I'm off the hook for writing one myself.

For present purposes, suffice to say it's a big thing, with many long poles and a good chance that, as my sainted Mother would say, "you're gonna poke your eye out." But it's all quality stuff and well -engineered. Once you get acquainted with the "need-'em-once, probably-not-again" directions, it's still about 15 minutes of work by one person. A second person would make life easier, probably cut the time by 40%, and is likely essesntial for getting it in place if there's much of a wind.

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It'll work on the side or rear of most any vehicle with any racks or crossbars to attach it to. It'll likely be happiest, though, if attached reasonably close to the relevent edge, especially on a tall truck. It'll vary by vehicle, but you could end up with an angle where opening the doors or hatch could foul the canopy.

I put it on the back of the Lexus, mostly because the nifty tailgate makes the perfect eat/cook/Angry Birds/write Great American Novel surface. I'm sure it would also work on the side, and probably be more aesthetic . . . my hatchtop spoiler ruins the lines.

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It's trivial to stick the two leftover poles in the back end and raise it should you want to see the world and just have shade rather than privacy and shade. You'd need to guy off the poles in much over a dead calm, but they give you the lines for that. (Along with enough stakes to keep the thing reasonably planted, though you'll need to add the guylines and tie them off in a serious wind. Or just drop it to the ground and put a big rock on it.)

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FWIW, the reviews make it clear that you can put the poles at the end normally held up by the roof rack and have a freestanding shelter. This is fairly cool, since once you've built the thing, it wouldn't take a minute to take it off and move it.

A retractable awning would be a quicker way to get a little shade, but this thing is huge and gives a nice feeling of privacy. Not ideal if you're just parking and going to sleep, but it's a nice piece of kit if you need shade and/or privacy off the back of your truck. I expect to take it along on many trips and will be glad I have it.

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[Flagster]

(above) Mike wanted a durable finished deck...I found an interlocking composite floor tile that met that need and fit the aesthetic of the Lexus...On the rest of the surfaces that got covered I used carpet...

Where did you source the foor tile...I really like it...Nice work!
Thanks
Matt

[mhiscox]

Where did you source the foor tile...I really like it.

The Lowe's close to Paul in Olympia, Washington had it in stock. Your mileage may vary, but they are available on-line as well. Use "raised coin" in your search.

[Flagster]

Thanks!

[mtnbike28]

Mike,
Thanks for sharing another great build. Like others I have a question - what do you use for a sleeping pad? I have a great 3 inch foam pad, but the storage is tough (it's too big) TIA