Week 48 - Re-Wiring 1

I decided to rewire the 12v sockets and the rear light at the back of the van. I fitted a separate 4 way fusebox in the end of the storage bench – one to the rear light, two to the sockets, and one spare. There is a 10A fuse for each of the sockets and a 2A fuse for the rear fluorescent light. I used wiring terminals to connect the cables up with the corresponding spade terminals used when fixing up to the fusebox. I used my wire crimpers then wrapped a piece of electrical tape round to secure it further.

I then wired up the fusebox, screwed it in place, and tested the light and sockets. All worked well, so I covered the wiring over with a panel made from a piece of ply which looks neater and protects the wiring.

Week 47 - Foam Mattress 3

It was time to call on the services of my dear mum again, this time to cover the foam mattress pieces. I had a couple of black/grey sheets and duvet covers for a single bed (I now have a double) so these could be cut up to cheaply cover the foam.

After working her magic, I now have two mattress parts which form the bed. They fit like a dream and store width-ways above the cab area.

I took my bedding downstairs to test out what the bed looks like when made up – pretty inviting after a long night I think.

Week 46 - Foam Mattress 2

After testing out the foam mattress, it was reasonably comfortable but I decided to buy a memory foam topper to try and give a bit more comfort. I found a seller on eBay who sells these cheap after they have got too dusty/dirty for big chains to sell as new. I picked up a 20mm thick mattress topper for £13 including postage and it arrived in mint condition – bargain! 

Now it just needed to be cut to match the blue foam so I used the original foam to cut around as a template. After arranging the foam on the bed frame and testing it, it was pretty comfy and ready to be covered.

week 45 - Foam Mattress 1

The bed frame is now completed so it’s time to make the foam mattress to go on top of it. I started by measuring up the space and deciding how the mattress would be stored in the van when not in use. I settled on storing it above the cab area, as this would only be used as part of the bunk bed when the main bed was set up anyway.

I bought some 1.5” (38mm) thick blue foam from a local market – apparently, the blue stuff is the best to sleep on but that might just be the guy’s sales pitch. I then measured up the foam and cut it to size and shape, splitting the bed in the middle as the roll was not wide enough to do in one piece. After some slight adjustments (taking out a few notches here and there), I had the basis for the mattress.

I cut the foam fairly easily with a good pair of scissors, however I have heard the easiest way to get a good clean edge is to use an electric kitchen knife.