Surely at the very least I will have my procrastinator's card suspended for this... I was a lurker for around a year before I finally discovered where I was able to register. Now I have been on board for nearly two years and I need to at least give myself the impression that I am getting started on the build I have been contemplating for some time now.
I found this site quite by accident. If memory serves, I was reading up on composting toilets and some other mods that could be undertaken to make a commercial tt more user-friendly and somehow was offered one of Bob Henry's builds in an internet search. I devoured that thread and a few others including the Astroliner, Foamstream, Road Foamie, and a few cargo conversions. As I inherited a solid popup frame from my folks a number of years ago, my goal has always been to strip it to the frame and build from scratch. I have since found the concept of foam construction fascinating and enlightening!
So, what am I doing? Good question. 'Tis but a 'mystery'... Let's boil it down to what I have to work with and a list of desireables, shall we?
The starting point I have is a 1969 (I think) Steury popup camper. I do have the title. The frame is 7' x 14' with surge brakes. The usable and still-functioning components I will net from the teardown are a 3 burner propane cooktop and a small furnace, a sink and ~6 gallon freshwater tank, two dinette tables with an extra mount to have one of them outside, and a parallel 120VAC/12VDC electrical system with lights, at least two AC receptacles, and a 30amp shore power connection.
Now, the needs and wants. I am certainly not getting any younger and as I hear more and more creaks and groans I am wanting more creature comforts and if I am ever to get my trophy wife to accompany me, the things I would merely want become what she would absolutely need and therefore they become MY needs. How will all of it come together in a neat little package? 'Tis but a Mystery... It will be at least 7x14, I may perhaps stretch the frame a bit. One thought that has spent some time in my head is a back porch with a rear entry. I need a bed for two plus a bunk for our soon-to-be teen daughter, whom we homeschool. I need a potty. I need indoor accommodations for cooking and eating. I need refrigeration. I need 5'10" standing room. I need climate control.
I want an indoor shower. I may get all fancy and want not one but two sinks- one kitchen, one bath. I want to add solar and/or a generator to minimize or even eliminate the need for shore power. I want light weight. This is an area where I have become a huge fan of foam construction. My main tow vehicle is a Hummer H2, so although I could build this with 2x4s like a house and drag it down the road with ease I would much rather build light and still have a single axle and maybe even tow it on occasion with our Volvo. My dad used to tow the Steury comfortably behind his Taurus. With all foam construction, I don't see adding much weight overall other than water. I am still penciling out well under 2000#.
I have tried putzing with different computer imaging tools, but an IT guy I am not. Also I have the camper in storage and getting it home to begin the teardown will be a day's project in itself. I may not make much if any progress or post updates for several weeks or even months. I at least now will have a place to do so. My trophy wife still rolls her eyes at me when I mention this goofy adventure. We did rent a 29' camper and took a trip to Nebraska to enjoy the eclipse 3 summers ago, so I know there is at least a modicum of willingness on her part. Will she put up with my craziness? Will she join me in this newly constructed 'Machine' for a trip or three? What interesting people, places, and things might we find down the road, learning opportunities for our homeschool daughter? 'Tis all but a 'Mystery'...
The Mystery Machine.
hoping for you a quick recovery...
