Post by toyhauler on Jun 8, 2017 18:24:42 GMT 10
Hello all, I have been researching the Cabana Pop Top Vans with the eventual aim of buying one, I am soon to look at a gutted MK 14/4, which will suit my needs perfectly (I am going to convert it into a toy hauler, but you probably don't want to hear that!).
I am a little confused and curious about the lift actions on various sized vans, I think I have it correct in that:
- The smaller vans have the roof linked to the sleeping pods, as the pods are pulled out, the roof rises?
- Do the larger vans also have a scissor lift arrangement to lift the roof, are they also connected to the pods and raise the roof when the pods are pulled out?
- Can the roof on the MK 14/4 be raised without lowering the pods?
- Can the pods on the MK 14/4 be lowered without raising the roof?
- What is the erected height of the MK 14/4, I know the towing height is 2.1m.
My conversion will involve removing the rear pod, and fabricating a flat wall with a drop down door so I can carry a motor bike or 2 within the van.
The front pod stays on for sleeping (making it a MOD MK 14/2?), when the bikes are out that area becomes the 'dining' area, with folding table and chairs.
And yes, I am aware of various engineering issues to resolve, such as reinforcing the floor, tie down points, balance of the van, proper certification and re taring the weight etc etc, so we don't need to go there.
I have seen this done to many conventional caravans, I stumbled on the Cabana Vans while searching, I need a pop top to clear my carport and the structure of the Cabana's lends itself to this conversion, after all, a huge section of the end walls is used with the pods so cutting the end wall down to the floor and fixing in a walled frame with a wide door will be easy.
The other benefit might be the deck area I can gain right outside the van for balmy evenings!
Wayne
I am a little confused and curious about the lift actions on various sized vans, I think I have it correct in that:
- The smaller vans have the roof linked to the sleeping pods, as the pods are pulled out, the roof rises?
- Do the larger vans also have a scissor lift arrangement to lift the roof, are they also connected to the pods and raise the roof when the pods are pulled out?
- Can the roof on the MK 14/4 be raised without lowering the pods?
- Can the pods on the MK 14/4 be lowered without raising the roof?
- What is the erected height of the MK 14/4, I know the towing height is 2.1m.
My conversion will involve removing the rear pod, and fabricating a flat wall with a drop down door so I can carry a motor bike or 2 within the van.
The front pod stays on for sleeping (making it a MOD MK 14/2?), when the bikes are out that area becomes the 'dining' area, with folding table and chairs.
And yes, I am aware of various engineering issues to resolve, such as reinforcing the floor, tie down points, balance of the van, proper certification and re taring the weight etc etc, so we don't need to go there.
I have seen this done to many conventional caravans, I stumbled on the Cabana Vans while searching, I need a pop top to clear my carport and the structure of the Cabana's lends itself to this conversion, after all, a huge section of the end walls is used with the pods so cutting the end wall down to the floor and fixing in a walled frame with a wide door will be easy.
The other benefit might be the deck area I can gain right outside the van for balmy evenings!
Wayne
