Astro Camper Layout

[tribri1]

Hey guys, long time no post. I found this and immediately thought it would be of interest to you guys, http://www.escapecampervans.com/Malibu_Campervan.html

Hope all is well

TriBri1

[T.Low]

Hey, thanks for stopping by.

Pretty sure those have been on this forum before. I've recently seen one driving through Bellingham.

[brizzell]

Anyone got tech spec layouts I'm about to do my rv and need help.
Thinking kitchen along the back no seat on the mid left and a hid'a'bed pad.

[ihatemybike]

I might be renting one out in Vegas in March, if you aren't in a hurry I could take measurements.

[Herbie]

There are a couple of threads (including my build thread) where the various options are discussed.

The main issue you will run into will be overall length. If you put anything like a kitchen at the rear, this will push your bed (assuming any "normal" bed length, right up to the back of the front seats. That is OK for many people (including the Escape Malibu design above), but I found it to be a big negative if you don't have a little room to move around between the bed and the front seats. You basically end up climbing straight off the ground into the bed and have to say seated or lying down all the time.

I went with the classic VW "Wesfalia" layout, albeit in a compromised form, just for that reason. The bed is 70" long, and goes fully aft, leaving a small amount of area at the front:



I've since added a small box under the fridge to gain a little extra storage. The fridge still has to slide forward when you deploy the bed:



Instead of having a "kitchen" in the van, I use folding kitchen tables and/or a chuck box and do my cooking outside the van. I wouldn't cook inside the van most times anyhow due to food smells and we typically have good weather. In a pinch I can use my butane burner on top of the fridge with the side window popped, but it hasn't come up.

My "final" design will happen when I build the custom bed and cabinets. The bed will be a bit narrower (like a Westfalia 3/4 bed with a closet) so that it will slide past the fridge and you don't have to move it to camp.

I've also considered doing a "pop out" design where the bed moves even farther aft and you'd sleep with your feet on a platform out of the rear hatch:

[T.Low]

Nice, mike.

I've thought about a pop out rear drivers side window-tent for an east-west sleeping arrangement.

[Herbie]

Nice, mike.

I've thought about a pop out rear drivers side window-tent for an east-west sleeping arrangement.

Thought about that one too. Would work for solo, but I think that window opening would be tight for two pairs of legs in sleeping bags. (Maybe two pairs of legs in one bag...)

[T.Low]

Nice, mike.

I've thought about a pop out rear drivers side window-tent for an east-west sleeping arrangement.

Thought about that one too. Would work for solo, but I think that window opening would be tight for two pairs of legs in sleeping bags. (Maybe two pairs of legs in one bag...)

Indeed. Admittedly, I'm thinking parent and child up in poptop, and parent and child down below.

[ihatemybike]

Just booked a Malibu for a Vegas trip March 6-9, only $59 a day with 100 miles per day. Beats getting a room and a car in Vegas, especially on a Nascar weekend.

[Astrophysics]

Howdy,

Installed 20 l iteration, 5 gal Scepter military style water container in metal bracket secured to floor.
Then got Whaler Mark 6 galley pump and 1/2” tubing to draw water. Sink is from Bed Bath and Beyond.

AP

[Astrophysics]

Howdy,

Connected some blue apex water line 1/2". That is inserted into tank via cap.

The Pex is approved for potable water.

AP

[Astrophysics]

Updated photo shows blue Pex tubing that is routed thru cap into tank. Also 1/2" barb fittings and a Pex specific fitting.
The sink is great since it has a drain and strainer. Sink is $20 at Bed Bath and Beyond.
AP

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Merry Christmas.
The Whaler pump has plenty of power for good flow rate.
Next step is to install in line RV water filter . Walmart has Camcorder 2 pack filters with hose fittings. Then get assortment of fittings to connect it to the 3/8 " ID vinyl hose.

AP

LGB