Weight distribution
I plan to have the caravan fairly minimal, so a change is removing weight at the rear currently the fridge and stove.
I also want to have ideally a full size double bed.
Plan A. To repurpose a good quality sofabed which pulls out from the bed width, this obviously condenses a lot of weight in a small area so it is quite hard to figure out how this can be balanced front-to-back. It needs to be near the axle, the wheel arches in caravans are usually covered with cabinetry as they are raised. Plan A abandoned, don't think it is practical.
Plan B. Stretch bed across width with a removable centre section. Build frame as 2 opposite benches. Carve up a lightweight double mattress into 3 and get it sewn properly.
Roof
Following initial stripping, it is clear the centre rail is a source of leaks, this is also the highest point from front to back.
It is also unlikely that the sloping sides of the roof could leak except at the base where the joint to the walls is.
Insulation removed is 20mm cheap polystyrene. I want to up this to 50mm and use a better material, my research suggests extruded polystyrene is best (not expanded). This is hydrophobic, lightweight and robust. I also plan NOT to allow a gap between the insulation and the aluminium to prevent condensation.
In view of the risk of a leak, I will not install lighting on the central rail.
Ventilation
I want to introduce a heat recovery based ventilation and close some of the 'holes' in the floor. I found a commercial company selling something suitable, but shocked at price of £800!
Found a DIY approach described here - https://handmadematt.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/heat-recovery-ventilation-heat.html
Awning rails
I have carefully removed the awning rails while working on the wooden frame underneath. This means that for some time the right angle joints have been exposed, with the aluminium peeled back. I am sure this will knock back nto place and the rails are generally OK, but they are UGLY. After going to all this trouble I really don't want to reattach them. I really like the use of J section/ J mold as in this 1973 Bedford restoration http://www.grouseguitars.com.au/dolph/restoration.htm so I plan to chuck the old stuff out and do this!
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