Carol Tim

Entry #2 - for the gearheads following this blog! The Sienna set-up: this is the third conversion we've done using a shelf arrangement in the cargo area. Simple enough - we sleep on top; the gear goes underneath in plastic storage tubs. It's tight, and necessitates a lot of planning in packing. Having long-distance backpacking experience helps when it comes to paring weight and volume, but I foresee some hard feelings tomorrow evening when it goes to the wire and we both become very involved in loading the van for a Saturday departure. The sleeping shelf is form-cut to fit the contours of the van cargo space from ¾” plywood, and is covered with carpet. The shelf edges are lined with flat soaker-hose nailed to the shelf. Supports are 1” PVC pipe, mounted to the shelf ... read more