mk5 transit semi high roof...

Rodeo

The semi high roof only gives around 60" from floor to ceiling. Dont intend to cook in the van ,so wont be tending the stove hardly ever(cook outside),so no need to stand upright in that area. We've tested the height of the roof vs portaloo use,thats ok. SWMBO can walk around in the van with her head just about skimming the ceiling . Im a bit taller at 5ft 6ins and although I can cope generally the thing that is bothering me is fitting a shower compartment.We have the floor space for one but I really need to stand upright in there.Looked at raising the roof in that area by about 6ins,easy to do and Im not bothered about hacking into the van,but it appears that there is a roof x-member in the way which means Ive got to remove all the roof lining to completely reposition it. aaarghhh.cant see an answer! Did consider buying a s/h f/glass high top,but cant be bothered to fit it! Thought about using a shower tent outside or summat similar,but be a bit difficult to use if we are wild camping.Id like to be self contained.
 
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n brown

n brown

Forum Member
Rodeo said:
The semi high roof only gives around 60" from floor to ceiling. Dont intend to cook in the van ,so wont be tending the stove hardly ever(cook outside),so no need to stand upright in that area. We've tested the height of the roof vs portaloo use,thats ok. SWMBO can walk around in the van with her head just about skimming the ceiling . Im a bit taller at 5ft 6ins and although I can cope generally the thing that is bothering me is fitting a shower compartment.We have the floor space for one but I really need to stand upright in there.Looked at raising the roof in that area by about 6ins,easy to do and Im not bothered about hacking into the van,but it appears that there is a roof x-member in the way which means Ive got to remove all the roof lining to completely reposition it. aaarghhh.cant see an answer! Did consider buying a s/h f/glass high top,but cant be bothered to fit it! Thought about using a shower tent outside or summat similar,but be a bit difficult to use if we are wild camping.Id like to be self contained.
Click to expand...
don't laugh,i riveted a stainless mixing bowl on my daughters roof with the shower head fixed inside it,worked a treat,looked ok and rustproof ! not necessarily the answer to your problem but might give you an idea
 

Byronic

Is there any chance of dropping or cutting out the floor in that area?
 

Rodeo

No Im not laughing mate,thats exactly the sort of thing I would do! I'm actually trying to find a larger type of container for it! Need summat about 6" deep anabout 24" x 36" ish,with a lip all round it. Looking @f/glass,but theyre expensive.Floor idea I have thought of,but too many x members under there.Glad youre all on my wave length!!
Thanks!
 

Byronic

Perhaps I should have added that in many PVCs the roof x members ars often non structural especially if intermediate or secondary, they are there just to prevent the panel work from deflecting not to add anything to the overall rigidity of the van body, if this is the case in your transit then you could just cut the member and trim the opening in possibly light steel angle taking support from the next integral x member brace and the cant rail. Pop rivets and steel gusset plates (non structural) to make the connections, no welding.
 

whitevanwoman

How about a roof window in the ceiling which opens up so that the window pane is vertically upright and at right angles to the roof of the van (A caravan window with stays attached would do the job nicely). A hook screwed through the window plastic / perspex with nut to hold in place would give you a shower attachment probably about a foot higher than at present, and you'd be able to shower with a 360 degree view as your eyes would probably just about be level with the van roof. If shy, you could even rig up a plastic cover to go over the vertical window pane, perhaps supported by a lightweight frame of some kind. But I'd go for the open view version personally.

On a nice day or starry night a semi outdoor shower would be fab, and there wouldn't be much condensation to worry about, and easy to air and dry out. And you could use it in the rain but beware of midges on a summer evening (a mossie net cover is advisable - old net curtains draped over the top would do), and careful positioning and parking of the van would be needed on a windy day so that the vertical window plane doesn't face the wind broadsides.

And great fun could be had sneakily hosing unsuspecting targets from the safety of the van :lol-053:

With a stool to stand on you could pretend to be a Submarine Captain :lol-049:
 
oldish hippy

oldish hippy

Forum Member
dirt cheap roof dome washing machine door silcone and bolted down sky light as wellas extra hieght trapdoor in floor drop with a builders bucket onto floor with a sumbermisable pump in it to recyle water for quick shower
 
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Byronic

I must have it wrong I thought the real problem was the roof x member? Getting a bit of headroom once the area is clear is relatively easy.
 

Rodeo

ooh you are naughty!
Thought of the w/machine door idea ,as just got rid of w/machine last week. Nowhere near big enuf.
Byronic..no youre right mate..gone off at tangent on the thread! ..after having another look,Im going to cut a roof support,,thats if I can find a height extender.
Caravan window,good bit of lateral thinking,but reckon it would leak like crazy when it rains and also not really the right operation of mechanism.
Idea Ive had (but cant find one)is a large ambulance roof vent.But its gotta be cheap! No chance there then!
or cut roof,make upstand all round hole,fit a 'lid' with a lip on it and make mechanism for it to lift vertically while staying horizontal,bit of poncing about though! easier to do a fixed roof bulge!Im going to put it in the rear o/side corner so that when hole is cut theres lots of strength left in the roof .
 
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Rodeo

ooh! answering myself here...Ive just been out to the spares emporium ...er....the shed of a thousand dreams...and I think Ive got the perfect bulge!
No! not been looking at any playboy mags,or old copies of the sun featuring Linda Lusardi or Sam Fox! A while back I bought a brand new WHEELBARROW!!! just for the body for one of my go karts! If I cut that down shallow and form a new lip on it I reckon it will fit!
Havent shown my go karts on here have I?
 
n brown

n brown

Forum Member
I was going to suggest a stainless catering sink,but a wheelbarrow sounds ok.i come from a time when we'd stick the tops of cars,vw's, anything on the roof to raise it a bit ,they do those transparent plastic storage boxes cheap in pound-type shops,you could have a good look round while you're washing your hair [or head if you haven't got any ]
 

Rodeo

PMSL!
Plastic..nah..too brittle.Sink is a good idea!
I like utilising all sorts of household stuff on cars and vans. Used to have a really cheap s/s cookware shop in our town. Was great to have a nose round there for all sorts of shapes!
 
oldish hippy

oldish hippy

Forum Member
why not just build a box on the back the size of one doorand that will go to floor and be tall aneough so you just step down into it the rubber builder bucket iwas thinking of seen washing machine door use as porthole windows on a van it mean you can not only look out but look along the van lol
 
oldish hippy

oldish hippy

Forum Member
well even easier with tail gate get a trailer cover slide it over door when up give you extra room to shower in tap on flexi hose with spray attachment rubber builders bucket job done seen flexi hose idea on nigels ambulance he just done
 

Rodeo

Thought of that,got all the flexi hose/shower set up etc. Tailgate forms roof of extended area when open,drop down sides made of rip stop nylon,pole on each outer corner to hold cover square. Not ideal for wild camping,as too many gizmos to set up,need to be self contained.Wheelbarrow will be measured up and positions tried today!
 
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