Masto's 16.49.1B

Zammm

Member
Jun 13, 2013
67
23
8
Melbourne
Hi all,

Next mods done, and a couple of dilemmas to take care of,

Dilemma 1, How to get the panda up and down an extremely narrow drive without a second or third person and not wipe out the side off the van???

Add some dolly wheels;:minion_write:

View attachment 16499 View attachment 16500 View attachment 16501 View attachment 16502

Added to both sides of van, these are adjustable and removable.
I still need to unbolt the awning and flip it on the roof, but it should save damaging the grab handles. :minion_happy:

Dilemma 2, What to do with all the tent poles and the mess in the front boot???
Add a false floor to the front boot;:minion_write:

First step move the jack (to front of boot and closer to the hatch) and mount clips for the winder and brace; View attachment 16506, also trimmed down the jack clamping plate so it is closer to the side wall; View attachment 16507, not totally happy that the jack is still on roadside of van, but just need to be mindful if need to access.

Next, cut material to size and pre assemble; View attachment 16505, disassemble and install,
View attachment 16508 View attachment 16509 View attachment 16510View attachment 16511 View attachment 16512 View attachment 16513 :minion_please:
Topped off with a bit of thin carpet and double sided tape, which also doubles as the hinge for the easy access flap at the opening.

This has saved me from mounting two 150mm pole tubes (for which I have no room without major A frame or bumper change) to cater for the poles for the Annex, Veranda and wind break poles. At about half the weight of one 150mm pole tube and a total cost of $63, also cheaper.

The 80mm lost from the bottom of the boot was negligible, as that was the available wasted space on top of all the stuff piled in there anyway.

Happy to give more details if anyone thinks this may suit their requirements,

Cheers,
That is a brilliant idea. Good work! Are you able to tell me, how thick was the ply boards used?
 

Memem

New Member
Apr 29, 2013
10
1
3
60
Hey Masto, we have a very narrow point on our driveway too and we (well, partner did) made removeable panels on our fence. And yes, we do "only" have a Eagle, but the driveway is still pretty tight! We also have good neighbours who also own a caravan. :)

The neighbour even suggested to us we get rid of that part of the fence altogether, so we'll probably concrete his side.

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FILE0059.JPG FILE0058.JPG
 
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MastoCamper

Member
Feb 22, 2013
49
56
18
Footscray
Hi @Zammm,

Two sheets of 1200 x 596 x 9mm BC Ply and three 2.4m lengths of 65 x 12 DAR Clear Pine, form Bunnings did the job.

The 9mm ply is plenty strong enough with the centre support, just make sure the grain is running across and not lengthways,

Hi @Memem,

Unfortunately, although good idea, removable fence not an option, but it does need rebuilding, nothing wrong with a couple cm's of adjustment if you do it yourself. ;)

Using a ratchet jockey wheel, managed to get our Flamingo in and out no problems, but that had a bag awning and I could see over the top. the panda a little more difficult steering back up the drive blind, hence a little bit of guidance.

cheers,
 

MastoCamper

Member
Feb 22, 2013
49
56
18
Footscray
Hi Tracy ,

No, that type of stand isn't really suitable to leave the TV on whilst traveling, especially with 24" TV which is the max screen size. that's why I have the quick release mount.

If you want to leave the TV mounted for travel, I would recommend using a sturdier wall mounted bracket with locking straps,

Cheers

Masto
 

MastoCamper

Member
Feb 22, 2013
49
56
18
Footscray
Hi all,

This site has so many great members with sensational ideas and with the warmer months looming, it's difficult to stop the mods, so here's few more,

First a couple inside the van;
Added the Stack n Slide plastic drawers to the pantry, thanks to @Lara; (still available from Bunnings through special orders)
20130917_202430b.jpg

Moved the paper towel holder from inside the cupboard (what a stupid place to put it :der:) to a more practical location;
20130825_145545d.jpg

and, finally replaced the crappy speakers under the dinette with Polk Audio to match the other two installed;
20131008_141046b.jpg 20131008_141059b.jpg

More internals yet to come; splashback for the sink, carpet, extra lighting, more built in drawers, just to name a few.
 

Kenshi123

Well-Known Member
Jun 24, 2012
745
990
93
Ballarat
Great Mods and great van mate. I hand to move my paper towel holder too as I couldnt fit what I wanted under the sink. The stack and slide drawers work a treat especially when packing and unpacking the van.
I also like that you tow a 16.49.1B with a Territory....proves you are a person with great intelligence and taste. ;)

Cheers.
 

Where2nxt

Active Member
Oct 6, 2012
129
32
28
54
Western Australia
:eek-53: Well, I'm impressed. Nice set up. Like the look of yours speakers :music: Don't have a music box ordered for my Work n Play. But after this :bolt:
 

MastoCamper

Member
Feb 22, 2013
49
56
18
Footscray
Mounted an LED strip along the outside with a remote control, many thanks to @jdove, used a similar method for wiring, via the vent;
20130727_173747b.jpg

As we had purchased the Shade Cloth privacy screens as an extra with the panda, and armed with a collective of ideas for Bed End storm covers (many thanks to all), went the cheaper option and purchased 0.3mm clear plastic, sail track and nylon rope from Bunnings, along with heavy duty zips, leather needles and upholstery thread from Spotlight, with the intent to make them myself. Only to discover plastic is damn hard to sew on a domestic machine :confusion:. So down to my canvas man and for $80 cash a professional result. I added a few eyelets a couple of straps with press studs and voila;
20131012_165022b.jpg 20131012_165207b.jpg
Unfortunately, they do need to be removed to close the ends, but it's only a 2 minute job.

Next, fitting the veranda.
This was tricky as the annex end walls connect to the awning with clips rather than the anti-flap bar type, but based on some difficulties others have had, actually made it easier.

I've always added my veranda's with full horizontal framing which tops sag and adds stability in strong winds without the need for a plethora of guy ropes on 45 degree angle with heaps of tension.

All poles are aluminium I bought from Prestige in Geelong (a little pricy) but the only place you can get them in VIC, additional pole ends/connectors bought from Caravans Plus, (way cheaper the Jayco even with postage).

Had my canvas man make up the poly sheet to spec for about $150.
20130504_135043b.jpg 20130618_162609b.jpg 20130618_162618b.jpg
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Hopefully the pictures tell the story,

Also had Shade Cloth annex flooring made up to spec for full length of van and veranda, plus, finished a windbreak which wraps around the front of the veranda to the opposite side of the van. Sorry photos will have to wait until we have full setup next outing.

Cheers,
 
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MastoCamper

Member
Feb 22, 2013
49
56
18
Footscray
Hi all,

Finally found a solution for quick release awning. It's probably not a mod that anyone else would require, but thought I would show anyway.

This is so a can remove the awning arms and flip it onto the van roof to get panda up and down our narrow drive.

This is what Jayco had left me, photos taken before I had removed for the first time. No Washers, WTF?:crazy:
20130422_163117b.jpg 20130526_154041b.jpg
Saddle removed, the holes on the right arm weren't too bad. the left (as above) were way out, so had to bog before redrilling.
20130526_161004b (2).jpg
Made up a jig to drill out all holes and fitted 6mm x 20mm tread inserts,
20131110_150455b.jpg
Had a good friend make up a couple of solid nylon blocks to spec, some stainless bolts,
20131110_150347b.jpg
A hole through the locating bolt, a large flat washer painted white and voila,
20131110_171318b.jpg 20131110_172231b.jpg
Simples.:cheerful:

Might make up some rectangle washers to hide the holes.

Cheers,
 
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Kazzam

New Member
Apr 13, 2013
21
1
3
Hi all,

Next mod done,

Added a TV mount the easy way, using the same type as @Lara, many thanks,

No drilling or screwing into walls for this one, used the existing hole Jayco inserted for cables in the bench top, just used a wooden plug with smaller hole and a couple of home made polished stainless washers, (makes this little investment transferable to future vans).
View attachment 15538 View attachment 15535 View attachment 15533 View attachment 15534 View attachment 15537 View attachment 15536

The Quick Release LCD Bracket makes it easy to install and remove TV, especially when its the same one daughter uses as her computer monitor when we are not camping,

Managed to get both items from the same supplier for the cheapest price I could find on the net, which was even better when I saved on delivery fees because they are close to my work;
Visidec Focus LCD Single Swing Arm, http://www.scorptec.com.au/computer/31148-vf-at
Ergotron Quick Release LCD Bracket, http://www.scorptec.com.au/computer/50178-60-589-060

Cheers,
Looks great, does the tv stay on there whilst travelling??