Converting Anastasia / Part VII

Ever since I began this project, I knew that I was going to use the front cabinet where the electrical components are mounted as my computer cabinet, but didn't know exactly how it would shape up...

I already own a 2011 Apple Mac Mini which I love, and I decided that I was going to incorporate m y Mac into the van schema someway ...

So here's what I came up with...

First I purchased a smaller wireless keyboard and mouse, which both can be switched off when not in use.  I found a Samsung monitor that is very energy efficient and would fit the dimensions that I had in mind, and to mount the monitor I decided to use a pivoting wall mount so I could swing the monitor around to use while lying on the couch or bed, and even sitting outside the van under the awning (I'll show you that too in a minute)...

The monitor doesn't fit flush with the cabinet, but within a half inch so it doesn't
get in the way when you are moving around.

Swinging the arm out a bit allows you to watch while reclining on the couch or bed.

Swinging it to face out the door allow s you to watch
while you're seated outside.

Behind the monitor is a set of computer speakers from Logitech that have really great sound and don't pu ll too much energy.  The speakers remain hidden but can be easily removed from the cabinet and parked where you want to direct the sound...

The Mac Mini uses a laptop hard drive so I don't think it will get any more abuse from living in the van than if I had a laptop computer, and it works well with the 400 Watt inverter I purchased.  I use a good quality surge protector to prevent any voltage spikes and I use the computer a lot and haven't had an y issues at all...

Together both the computer and monitor only draw a maximum of about 25 watts each.  In all the time I have used them the values are much lower during normal use.  If I am simply listening to music I turn the monitor off to conserve energy.  I have used this setup for several weeks now and all I can say is that it seems to work great, it's very versatile, and even when I run music all day the solar seems not to mind at all...

Refrigeration...

I debated all through this process as to whether I wanted to get a fridge at all, could I live without it, do I really need it, they are so expensive, but I finally decided that it would be worth the investment.  I looked at a lot of units online, watched many reviews, and I decided upon the Dometic CF-18.

I have had it in the van and running 24/7 since I bought it, keeping it set on low to medium as was needed, and so far it has done a great job and doesn't pull too many amps out of the batteries.  It is small, but I realized that it has all the room I need and I waste less food...


I really wanted a small awning that I could use when it's raining or if you just want to sit in the shade...

I found a lot of references to a good awning designs for under $100  posted on a camping forum that I used as my template.  I am providing the link to the forum post below because it's hilarious to read...

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/65647-How-to-build-a-quality-awning-for-less-than-100

The basic design follows the template with some changes that fit my situation.  If I have one piece of advice to offer you, is to always, always get the finished dimensions of a tarp, or wait until you buy it and have it in hand, before you start to build.  A 7X9' tarp is often inches less in width and length after the seams have been sewn and the grommets added...

I knew that I would be adding an awning when I built the roof rack so I knew I had a good mounting point when I got to designing what I wanted...

There are two pieces of 3/4" conduit used, one which mounts to the roof rack, the other is attached to the other end of the tarp and is drilled to accept two tent pole ends.  Two marine Bimini top fittings on the ends allow for flexibility and the poles can fold up completely beside of one another when storing for travel...

There are four extendable tent poles used, one for each side of the tarp, and two that support the outside corners when fully extended...

The picture above shows the outer piece of conduit that has been drilled straight through from two different 90 degree angles to accept the tent pole stems...

It rolls up rather nicely and is supported underneath by the roof rack towers, then strapped with velcro to the roof rack...

This design is also not to difficult to setup alone, and I have used it a lot without any problems...



I'm sure that I'm forgetting other things about the build I'd like to include, but I can always add those at a later date.  I have many more pictures of this build that I didn't include, and many of the details I left out because it seems like overkill, but if anyone has any questions about something I have covered please let me know...


In conclusion...

I didn't realize at the time I took this project on just how much work was involved, and research needed, and design skills, etc...  but it has been a project that has filled my days with much appreciation and gratitude for the lessons learned and the joy of taking this empt y van and working with her to create my own unique version of a tiny house...

Bernie