Construction begins! So exciting! My top priority is for all of this to be firmly attached to the seat anchors in the van. I decided to start with a “pony wall” that ties into the anchors with metal brackets, and then all the other pieces will attach to this and to each other. There is another row of seat brackets further forward that I’ll also tie into.

I used pocket screws to add strength and keep the screws out of the way.

My kitchen will go in the rear of the van, so I can stand under the shelter of the liftgate to access it. My bed will extend over the “lid” of the kitchen so my bed will sit at the rear of the van. This should leave room for a porta potty at the front, and some floor space. So I built two arms to form the outline of my food storage well.

I decided to use 1/2″ plywood for the top to keep the weight and cost down. It has a big of flex to it but I’m going to add a second support under it. It will also be lighter to lift and use than a thicker plywood.

That’s as far as I got today! This is slow going because I’m not working from a plan. For each step I have to ponder the options and come up with a solution that will move me closer to the result I imagine.