Before I retired I converted a small (5’x8’) cargo trailer into a caravan. It has been a work in progress for several years now. This last year I believe we worked out the last of our wants. We now have 320 watts of solar to easily meet our modest needs and battery power for storage. A 12 volt chest style frig replaced the ice chest and we only need enough power for low voltage fans, lights, phone and iPads. ‘we replaced the drop leaf table with a secretariat that has storage both inside and underneath. A cutting board now acts as part of the lost counter space. Having a tight, dry space that I could stand in was important although my sweetie needs to be careful of crossbars used for hanging storage. the very best and scariest install was a mini wood burning stove for heat. Our cooking is usually done outside with butane or wood under a pop up tent that takes only a few minutes to setup and take down. They keep us safe from bugs and great for sleeping in if the weather is hot or cooking in, if it is raining. We’ve discovered a variety of alternatives is always good for camping especially since we live in a climate that isn’t predictable. Here are photos of our latest caravan configuration. The most frightening thing is to put a hole in a perfectly sealed roof. Here’s the chimney in traveling and storage mode with the cap Looking through the end door (barn doors are latched open) And the cubic mini stove It is so nice to have dry heat in a wet climate. The best times to camp without crowds are when the weather is wet, cold and a bit exciting. ‘Here is my fox fairy, Max. He is my constant companion whether camping, hiking or laying around the house. Off on the right is the old enamel top table. We can cook here if we need to. It has stayed the same except the frig fits underneath now. Skillets found a new home. It is amazing how a 5 foot by 8 foot space can be such a little home away from home. Using the word ”caravan” and my name Jewell you can find other posts to see the evolution of this traveling home.
LOL Caravan...Over the pond we have no idea what that means! RV...Recreational vehicle...or maybe better is Camper. I wonder why they are different words for the same idea, and I have no doubt that Caravan came first!
Jewell everything looks even better than when I saw it before. A little home away from home for both you and Max.
I recall your past postings of your caravan. I find it a great thing, and you just keep making it better. I do find the wood-burner a bit worrisome, but I guess that you have addressed all the health and safety issues. Gosh, who wouldn’t love having one of those. Well done you. p.s. Is that stovepipe really leaning as much as the foto’s seem?
That is amazing Jewell! You have managed to fit all the basics in there and it absolutely looks like a small home. I would never have guessed what's inside that cargo trailer. I hope you'll get lots and lots of enjoyment out of it.
took the photo with panorama function because of the small area. The pipe is double walled and most areas are triple walled with stainless shield over tin ceiling tiles. We heat with wood at home so are into the maintenance and work involved with this heat source. Here are the stove measurements to get an idea how small it is: Measures only 11" (Wide) x 12" (High) x 10.5" (Depth) ( 27.94 cm x 30.48 cm x 26.67 cm ) The cream colored ash can next to the stove is a coffee can.
Having a camping site over many years, I have seen a few amazing self build caravans, but yours takes the first prize for sure. Cutting through for that chimney was very brave indeed
Ah Jewell, I see—a panorama setting. That’ll do it. Your home from home is a masterpiece. Chapeau. I can see that you guys are enjoying your caravan so much. I wonder if you could patent that thing and sell them. Hmmmm. Oh yes, and those scale measurements help to give an idea of the compactness.
