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third time is the charm?

Continuing with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica "minivamper" build, I'm now on my third iteration of the plan. The problem with Youtube is there is always another build, another idea to process, and that explains version 2, which just didn't do it for me. For comic relief, here is a picture of stillborn version 2. The frame just took took much of the height away needed for the kitchen pull out. 

Luckily, my 3am brain is alive and functional, so version 3 is explained a little bit below...

The main bedframe structure consists of two boxes, the passenger side is 20x55, and the driver side is 28x33. The driver side box is shorter front to back than the passenger side to allow clearance for the Yeti 45 that we will keep in the back. The height of the boxes is 8", which is to accommodate our Coleman Eventemp 3-burner camp stove. I didn't want to go any higher than 8", because, once leveled, the top of the boxes is roughly 16" high off the floor. The distance from the floor to the root inside is 46", which leaves 6" for the mattress and the rest to headroom. I've seen many designs that do not leave enough headroom, and it is like sleeping in a coffin. 

Here is a mockup of the 2 sections, and Mr. Yeti seems happy with all that room!


Here is a look at the passenger side box, I'm using 7 1/2" x 3/4" common lumber for the sides and bracing, with 1/2" birch plywood tops, bottom, and center support. I didn't really use any plans for the box construction, I just sorta winged it. 


Here is a good look at how the sides of the boxes are constructed. These are actually the sides for the driver side box. They have the vertical supports and slotted for the center vertical support.

And here is the construction of the driver side box.

Here is a picture of the center support, leveled, and ready to go. Also, a closeup of the M10 bolts.


With the front legs attached, Liz is checking out my workmanship and looking for defects (don't look too close!) That large hole 3/4 way to the back is the access to where the 2 sections will be bolted together. The 2 sections will be bolted together in the front too, but access is much easier.

Here are the 2 sections installed, they still need to be bolted together. We'll start looking for bins that will fit in from the front. Still, todo is the fabrication of the front sections that will extend from the boxes to the back of the front seats. The plan right now is to build 2 tables, one 30 x 20, and the other 30 x 28 that will serve as the front part of the platform but also be removed if additional table space is needed outside, I'm hoping for my 3am inspiration on this piece!

Here are a couple final shots of the rear, with test fitment of our Coleman Eventemp 3-burner camp stove. 

I tested it on the driver's side for grins, but the plan is to have it slide out of the passenger side box. Not installed yet, a hinged platform extending back from the driver side box another 12". The extension is needed to support the mattress and by having it hinged, you will still be able to open the Yeti completely if needed.


Supply List:

  1. (4) 7 1/2" x 3/4" common lumber, 8 ft. long
  2. (2) 1/2" birch plywood, full sheet
  3. 8 x 1-1/4" cabinet screws 
  4. 8 x 1-1/2" cabinet screws (top/bottoms screws into sides)
  5. (3) M10 1.5 x 75 bolts, washers, and nuts (These are for the center support that screws into the holes left by the rear stow-n-go seats.
  6. Wood glue

Tools Used

  1. Circular saw
  2. Jigsaw
  3. 1/4" driver/screwdriver
  4. Speed square
  5. Tape measure

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