When we decided to have the AluCab Icarus roof conversion done to Mr Jones we had the following end goals in mind:
- Simplicity of use
- Everything to have a place leaving the floor space free when travelling to assist with goal #1
- ensure we utilise every possible piece of available space
- ability to live inside in adverse weather conditions
- ability to get dressed inside while standing up (compared to rooftop tent living of having to do everything lying down.
- fast setup and closure to assist with goal #1. (Prior to setting off we have can complete a full setup in under 5 minutes, this includes opening roof, opening awning, taking down the large table, taking out our chairs, setting up the outside stove and putting up the night blinds on all windows.
The first step in achieving the above was to strip out everything behind the front seats, then install all the electrics required (solar panel & regulator, battery charger and wiring required to have a self-sufficient camper). In addition insulation was added to the floor and walls
We then worked our way backwards as we built our “tiny camper”. Directly behind the passenger seat we installed a raised platform for the fridge/freezer unit (this can be opened from the inside or slides out the rear passenger door for access). Our chairs and a shoe storage box live underneath the fridge unit.
A tall vertical unit with multiple draws was built behind the drivers seat for storage of tools and spares required to keep Mr Jones purring nicely. Directly underneath the workshop draws we store our recovery gear, manual winch and other “boy” stuff.
Next a frame was welded for the kitchen unit which would allow us to install a sink and stove top with draws and cupboards below.
On the left hand side we each have a clothes box, these are not very large but it is amazing how many clothes can be stored here. In respect to clothes storage we failed slightly in respect to goal #2 as we need to keep the bulky cold weather gear in a duffel bag which we move around.
In the middle and directly behind the fridge a box (& seat) contains a 60 litre water tank and additional storage for linen and groceries. The water system includes an electric pump, a water accumulator & filters. If we don’t trust a water source we can filter via a Sawyer Point Zero Two which takes out all the nasties. In order to check tank water levels, Stuart created a simple “cork” float indicator.
The inside of the back door was a “large” area of wasted space so Stuart built a box to store our cutlery, wine goblets and cups. The cover for this box has 3 uses (1: box closure, 2: Outside table on side of Mr J, 3: a desk at the passenger seat).
In addition to the inside stove we also have an external gas stove which utilises the side table and has a “quick connect” connection to the permanently mounted gas bottle.
The sundry features include:
- Box on roof for storage of light but bulky items
- a drop down storage area next to the chassis for storage of some blocks to level Mr J when parked-up
- a box in the back left fender for storage of oils necessary to top up the engine, gearbox, etc (after all he is a Land Rover)
- external shower cubicle
- a step which when stowed acts as an insect and grass catcher in from of the radiator
- a tyre compressor mounted in the engine bay accessed via a small hatch next to the bonnet
Time on the road will confirm if all the modifications have been worth it and if we really have achieved the goals set out above but so far we are very happy with the end result.
