Sheila Phase II

The build has been progressing faster than I expected. We have used Sheila multiple times in excursions from motoing in Montrose to frolicking in Wyoming. 

In this edition I will show the things that make it feel comfortable like the kitchen, bed, dinette, floor. I have installed much more of the infrastructure that I will tell you about in the next post. 

Sorry it has been so long but this is a huge project that I would not recommend unless you have tons of time and a little bit of money to throw at it.  

All in all I figure we will have spent $34,000 for the van, about $9,000 more for the parts, tools, solar, water, set up, and all of the other things needed to pull this off. 

$43,000 for a fully outfitted RV and daily driver. 

Not bad considering we almost dropped close to $80,000 on a new Winnebago Travato or some similarly outfitted rig. 

Of the RVs we were considering, Travato and Zion by Road Trek, the Sheila model is way better; and for less than half the cost. 

Not to mention the coolness of doing it ourselves. This way we get just what we want and nothing that we don't. 

The Fantastic Fan filled the hole.

Overhead storage that now has Formica covering. Soon to follow, cabinet doors.

Close up.

Both sides complete and ready for Formica.

Formica covered. 

Yup. I cut a huge ass hole in Sheila.

We filled it with this custom window from CR Laurence. $500.00 from DK Hardware - save on shipping by picking it up in Denver. 

Flooring complete with a little insulation for a quiet ride and to keep the heat in. 

Pylwood flooring... 

Subfloor soon to have two different surfaces installed and ripped out due to sucking. 

Getting more insulation and side paneling. 

First floor looks good but was not. Always use a single piece of flooring otherwise you risk expansion and contraction problems, especially bad in a vehicle with extreme heat and cold differences. 

33 gallon fresh water tank for use in the shower and sink to come. 

Safety goggles are a must. Shown here is the table I debated for weeks. Glad I pulled the trigger on this Lagun stowable table mount. It folds away discreetly and is very stable and infinitely adjustable. It came from the boat world, like all of the quality built RV stuff.  

This is the kitchen that is built around the electrical hub. I will show that in a different post. 

Delta helping, as usual.  

Drawers for the induction cooktop and utensils. This will have Formica covering as well. 

Delta is testing the strength of the build. 

Cushions were sewn by yours truly with assistance from Rita and lots of great tips from Jackie Pike. 

Zippers were a must so the covers can last the entire 12 months that I will keep the van before I change my mind and buy something else...!!!

The bed/dinette. It is very comfortable to sleep on. We will see about sitting on it during our upcoming Baja road trip!