New Transit Wagon

[bobs]

Decision Made-----Transit Connect Wagon. Had it now for 3 weeks with the total mileage of 293 miles. Haven't used it a lot, yet, but I hope to put some real miles on it soon. I wanted a weekend type car to go places and have some of the convinces of home with us and the grandkids when we will travel. However, it must remain as much a utility truck as possible. Just brought home 2 sheets 4x8 plywood and had all the doors closed with no problems whatsoever (had to remove back seats to do so). Worked out very well. We did not purchase the TC for a business but for home and my small shop needs.

The next big step will to convert to a 2 sleeper with as may amenities as I can install in the limited space.

I am looking for additional ideas that will help to meet the following needs;

1. Conversion must be easily assembled / removed for utility work, no more than 12 to 15 min. setup / tear down with limited pieces to put together

2. Must sleep 2 with a degree of comfort

3. When bunk is in use, there must be room to use the Port-a P during the night without tearing every thing apart (spouse requirement)

4. Conversion must be usable with rear seats in or rear seats out ( dual performance)

5. Need resting area ( sleeping) for one when on the road. One sleeping, one driving. Rear seat in or removed. maintain comfortable driver seat position,

6. Ventilation to reduce condensation during sleeping, keeping the air moving and bringing in fresh air bug free, aux. power needed.

7. Storage for travel needs that are accessible without much effort to retrieve. A place for everything and everything in it's place

8. All the above must be put into place without drilling holes into the new TC. and not taking the headliner down (spouse requirements)

Just a few items in the wish list to get done before we hit the road.

Well the plans have now evolved into the rough fitting stage and all the above criteria has been met except #6.

So far it all looks pretty good to me even the 3 shelves that were installed . (filled them up going to the beach, with the cooler, two sun shade chairs, beach umbrella picnic basket, grand daughters boogie board, changes of clothes, shoes, and cooler, not to mention 4 beach towels) Going over everything and making a punch list and improving some things as I try all the physical demands to meet the above criteria. Oh, forgot to mention that I finished the back door pockets, one side is full with a portable 12v spot light, 8 tie down straps, 1 6x8 tarp ( to be used for sunshade) roll of tissue paper, 1 pair work gloves, flag for long extended loads along with two water bottles with a little room left over. And none of it rattles. I guess the foam lining really is working.

Please check out the photo gallery under Transit Conversion to view the photos I have so far. Note; Start on the last page and work backward to follow in sequence the postings. I can not figure how to reverse the default of last posting shows first.

Photo Gallery link

Thanks for looking at the long ramble.

Edited July 26, 2011 by bobs

[eresweber]

Bobs,

I just have to ask. How did you carry the two sheets of plywood? That's been a topic of conversation here before. I don't know if anyone has found a good, easy way to do this. Thanks.

Eric

p.s. If you ever get around to taking pictures of all your mods they would be great to see.

[bobs]

I have a wagon, meaning there are back seats, so to haul the plywood I first removed the back seats and pulled the front seat passenger as close to the dash as it would go, then moved the back of the seat all the way forward. The ply was loaded one sheet at a time long way first loaded through the back doors standing upright and angled toward passenger door / seat and pushed as far as it would go. Angled the back edge to the back left door (driver side) corner. Second sheet loaded the same way. Sheets are now standing upright and the passenger seat keeps them that way. No movement of the sheets on the way home. It is a very tight fit but was easily done with one of the plywood carriers helped. That is a tool that looks like a L with a handle and the plywood sets on the bottom of the L and it can be carried or lift easily. Probably you could not haul any more than 2. What I had loaded was 2 sheets 3/8". As far as being easy it is not as easy as laying it flat in the back of the pickup unless you have a 6 foot bed. Then it is as about the same amount of struggle.

Edited July 26, 2011 by bobs