Rear Tent info FAQ

[barker_shawn]

It's been a year since I made the boot tent and we have finally managed a week away in the van to try it out.

The weather was up to England's usual wet and windy July, so very wet and windy!

We were very relieved to find that there were no leaks or drafts from where it sealed to the van and the extra length and feeling of space whilst sleeping was great.

Well worth the time and effort making it and a great addition to our setup.

Unfortunately we forgot to take any pictures of it in use, but here is one with our 1970s drive away awning attached.

[Fahtal]

Looks great! You will love it!

[barker_shawn]

Other than a few press studs to hold the sides inside the van and under the board it's pretty much finished. A couple of snag holes in the bug netting also need fixing...

The poles are upcycled from an old gazebo frame with a bolt though the top that locates into the drain holes in bottom edge of the boot intended to prevent the boot from closing when it shouldn't.

I'll monitor how the strap holds the board but as it's not really load bearing I'm hoping it will be ok

[Fahtal]

[barker_shawn]

Thanks for the input Fahtel.

The board size we have is partly because we don't need one much bigger as it will be mostly for increased ventilation and to make the bed long enough for me so I'm not sleeping at an angle or kicking the boot lid all through the night. The second reason is that the local DIY store stock this size (605x1220x18mm) that didn't need to be cut and waste most of it. This board then slides straight under the existing hardboard in the boot area so is easy to store out of the way. A couple of small brackets, one either side, stop it sliding in

Hopefully the strap will work OK without too much stretch (didn't think of it stretching but hopefully the ratchet means they are easy to adjust if needed) as we will sleep with heads into the van, unless we fancy star gazing.

[Fahtal]

Hi great start. What is the reason that your floor is small?

Normally a base plate of 94cm deep will fit on the engine cover behind the rocknroll bed.

Also my steal 4mm cables tend to stretch a bit. I think the ones you use will also do that. So adjusting them will be necessary.

But compliments and keep up te work!

[barker_shawn]

Been reading through these post for a while now after stumbling across the rear tents by accident. As my wife finds sleeping in our van a tad claustrophobic we thought it would make it a bit more airy and increase air flow on those hot nights.

Really like the look of them so have been inspired to have a go. We've been collecting all the bits to have a go at making one and are now ready to make a start.

Mocked up one out of some old fabric left over from another project today and looks like its going to work. This fabric was light weight and it's been blowing a gale most of the day but it proved the basic idea.

]

The canvas will be secured with press studs to the underside of the board and the inner flap to the inside of the van. The outer flap will seal to the van with use of a bungee cord threaded through it. We'll see how that works as to whether we need to add straps or extra fabric to the underside of the board as well.

We are going to make the final tent from some orange canvas and insert windows. One to line up with the hatch window (for star gazing), one on each side with insect screen vents and a zip up one on the back for increased ventilation lined with bug screen...well, that's the plan. I'll update progress as we go.

[notchboy]

That turned out very nice! Looks like it was bought. You guys did very good work


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[Fahtal]

we had a great vacation and our new sleeping space added to the joy.

I can only promote a rear tent. after 13 years without it i can certainly say this is a great update.

when we come arround to it we will post the patterns.

didn`t have a good rain shower to really test it.... not so sad about that;)

[ImAddicted]

Awesome work, glad you can enjoy the results!
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1979 Transporter (sold)
KC1MUR

[Fahtal]

[Fahtal]

[ImAddicted]

[SamboSamba22]

Very nice work, that tent looks extremely sharp.
The Crock, not so much
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The Bus Barn Ltd. Co.

Oct. ’67 Double Cab (’68 Crew Cab)
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March '69 Delivery (Panel Bus)
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[Fahtal]

[Fahtal]

Update

Making the pattern.

The walls made out of an old tent...

Fitting. The roof is not attached jet.. it will be bisonyl like the campmobile. So it will be an hybrid tent.

[Fahtal]

So small update.

Don`t know the translations. But I put 2 "blind-nuts" in the bus to secure the platform from sliding in or tilting up.

Amescador uses the same system.

the platform fits perfectly betweem hatchdoor and RnR bed.

I think the platform is ok for now. Now its time for the misses to do her thing with the sewingmachine.

[Fahtal]

Version 2.

So my goal is a thin platform. That fits a Berlin

This version I added a iron u shaped bar at the end of the platform. The purpose is to make it more rigid. Strong base for the suspension.
Adapter to slide the small wood piece in.

The small wood piece will also slot in the big piece. Not jet decided how I will do that. Probably with iron pins.

Now I have 2 cables that I can adjust. It feels strong. I miss some pieces of hardware. Also the adjusters will go on the other end. On this side they will damage the paint. When you slide it in the bus.

The hooks I still had on the hinges. When the door is fully open you have more room the When you close it a bit like the camp mobile the room is small...

So looking around I found 2 holes exposed. And it can maybe work.

The metal is a bit thin...

[Fahtal]

I would like to know how wide the white fabric is sticking out on the sides

And if you can make a picture on how the fabric is in the upper corners near the roof of the bus. There seems to be a snap button to close the upper corner.

And the minimum height from hatch bottom to the floor

[notchboy]

I have to do some traveling this week. After Thursday, Ill set up the tent on the back of one of the buses and take some measurements for you.



Link

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