Friendly Neighbourhood Slidavan

[MattLV]

Actually this is all in the Woodenwidget plans.
The single central roof beam isn't really strong enough to support the weight of the whole upper section as it's held in place with a single screm each side and a blob of sika.
What you can't see in this pic (but can in previous pics) is the two stringers that run the length of each long side and slightly protrude on the inner side.
The cross brace slots in underneath those stringers and so distributes the weight .

The diagonal strings are there to help keep the lifting mechanism vertical when at full extension. They just unhook when the lifting mechanism is removed.

[OP827]

Actually this is all in the Woodenwidget plans.
The single central roof beam isn't really strong enough to support the weight of the whole upper section as it's held in place with a single screm each side and a blob of sika.
What you can't see in this pic (but can in previous pics) is the two stringers that run the length of each long side and slightly protrude on the inner side.
The cross brace slots in underneath those stringers and so distributes the weight .

The diagonal strings are there to help keep the lifting mechanism vertical when at full extension. They just unhook when the lifting mechanism is removed.

Matt, thanks for the explanation, hope this mechanism works good for you. I have designed all four corners aircraft cables lifting for my build, it wasn't too difficult to make.

[MattLV]

Matt, thanks for the explanation, hope this mechanism works good for you. I have designed all four corners aircraft cables lifting for my build, it wasn't too difficult to make.

Have raised and lowered the top sections a few times now, and it goes up and down pretty smoothly and pretty quickly to be honest. I'm pleased with it, and have now fully bonded the top panels together.

Which means that this w/e I was able to start on the roof.

First job is to attach the headliner fabric, which was quick difficult to get fully smooth without pulling the roof beams out of line. If i did it again I might choose a lighter fabric or rig up some temporary stringers on the underside.
With the fabric attached, the next job is the secondary beams. Again these are a laminate of 6mm strip wood, but no need for a jig here. They are just glued together and then bent down and screwed to the existing beams for shaping.
These beams will be fully covered by the roof fabric so don't need to look pretty.



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[MattLV]

the evolution of the roof. I may have over done it with the insulation!

[MattLV]

Roof now fitted and bolt-holes drilled to allow the upper section to be fixed in camping mode .
Also first fitting of the two doors.




Now need to finish painting the top section and add all the wood trim similar to the lower section.

[OP827]

I feel that this roof insulation will not only keep you warm, but also have a good soundproofing and soothing effect during the rain. Nice work and good progress!

[MattLV]

I picked up some foam for the seat/bed at the weekend. I'm starting to be able to imagine actually camping in this thing

[S. Heisley]

Lookin' Good!

[bonnie]

This great!


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[MattLV]

Got the seats covered. I'm no upholsterer, but the plywood backing for both the seat and backrest pads means we could just staple the fabric in place



Sleep mode

[MattLV]

Also fitted the hob/sink .Cutting holes in things is not my favourite thing to do

[MattLV]

I thought it would be a good idea to put fresh hubs and bearings on the trailer as it's a good few years since this chassis went anywhere near a road


And with that done, we headed out for a road test

[MattLV]

Slidavan in the wild !

[AeroNautiCal]

Outstanding!

Thank you for sharing your excellent build, I hope you're able to enjoy many miles and good times in your lovely Slidavan travel cabin.

[OP827]

Congrats!