Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:44:52 -0800
Reply-To: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject: DIY Westy chuck box
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Hi Don:
Yes, I have definitely seen people use a box that enclose a porta potty or propex heater for that matter.
I have a type made by reliance that folds up pretty compactly, and then uses disposable bags. Similar to the P.E.T.T. Admittedly, I rarely find it needed as most campsites have a porta potty's. Maybe not as convenient as right outside my door, but reasonably close. I do not have much experience with the various brands of potti's out there, but I assume something like the thetford may actually be odor free? The whole idea of hualing around human waste, well.. let's just say it doesn't exactly appeal to me. I know I have a few friends in their 70s who have a completely different feelings, and priorities... I do have one of those foldable privy's that double as a shower enclosure, and I would think something like bus depot's shelter that goes over the rear hatch even more convenient, and would make a good spot for a potti. My wallet is not quit hot enough yet;)
When I built this box, I just thought about something that would get the most use and be the most practical. (for me). Not trying to sound selfish, but what is useful to the individual is really key IMO for upgrades like these. The fact that it's made up of two sections that stack was very appealing as it creates a work surface that is at a useful height. Well, 32 inches instead of the customary 36", but I figure most Coleman stoves are 3 or 4 inches tall anyway. Anyway, point is it's more than just of storage box. I like multitasking items.
I like your idea of a tub that is secured with a strap, and I actually have some of that nonslip shelf liner material--great ideal! Don't forget the leaf extension, as that adds another 34 inches of counter space, and extra work surfaces can be a very good thing in the wilderness. It just so happened to fit on the Westy table in the back. I'd like to say I planned it that way, but it was just happy accident. Had I made the box any taller, the leaf would not fit there, so again happy accident. I wasn't quite so lucky with a few other things when I built the box, but overall I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Time will tell if it's actually useful and practical. It wouldn't be the first time that one of my "great ideas" end up being stored in the basement if not:)
Best,
Troy
That space just behind the passenger seat does invite a storage box of some
type, for sure. I have one I built for my van that usually contains the
other end of the food chain...Sorry for the crude joke, but my port o pot
lives in there usually, along with my dog leashes, and a few other
essentials. I have the box sized so that it slips under my folded down
bench/bed and helps support that as well as being out of the way when my
kitchen becomes my bedroom. It also doubles as a workbench outside the van
and a step, as well as a seat. I made mine from birch ply and the lid
simply drops on top, held in place by being recessed into the box. The top
of the lid is also recessed, which lets thing stay put on it's top, which
is covered with that rubber shelf liner...replaceable and washable.
When I am packed for extended travel I have a rubbermaid cargo bin that
happens to fit the recessed top of that box, too. I put that on the box,
then run a bungee around the bin using the passenger seat folding arms to
anchor that..
The space and convenience of that area cries out for a storage of some
sort... A grub box....that's a great idea, too. Mine usually lives back
where the hanging closet went in a real Westie...
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