Four Wheel Camper Modifications

We're less than two weeks away from our next big adventure!  Several of you have asked what we are doing to modify the new camper, so over the next few posts, we'll show you some of our more elaborate modifications.

Since we purchased a shell (Raven) model, it came with only a furnace, water tank, and 12 volt battery system.  We wanted a sink but not the cabinetry necessary to purchase Four Wheel Camper's regular, built-in model.

We decided that a collapsible sink offered the best alternative for us because it afforded easier access to the bed and also to the door for the electrical system.  We also wanted a lighter weight version than other options.

Since we were unable to locate a ready-made sink that suited our needs.  David and I put our heads together and came up with a rather unique solution.  Our new sink is made from a solar shower bag and an embroidery hoop.

David made a wooden frame for the sink.  We coated it well with a polyurethane finish.  He then attached the stationary portion of the sink to the wall of the camper.  He cut a circular hole in the center of the countertop on the collapsible portion.  The two pieces are attached with a piano hinge.

After much searching, we decided to modify a 2.5 gallon solar shower bag for the sink because it had a drain already configured into the bag.  We cut the top portion off the bag, leaving approximately 12" remaining.  We secured an 8" diameter embroidery hoop around the top edge to keep the bag rigid in the counter.  Then we anchored the embroidery hoop to the counter with cabinet glass brackets.

We installed a Whale hand pump to the permanent portion of the sink counter and attached it to the water tank's supply line.  The flexible plastic tube that came with the shower bag is used for the drain.  We slid the drain tubing through the bulk head fitting supplied on the camper. We put a grommet on the end of the sink's drain to keep it attached to the bulkhead fitting.

When camping, the drain is pulled through the bulk head fitting and dangles along the side of the truck.   When traveling, we retract the tubing and coil it inside the camper.  The external fitting is sealed with the existing cap on the bulk head.

Finally, we attached a window latch to the bottom of the sink counter so that it will latch firmly to the built-in cabinet.  Here are photos of the sink open and collapsed:

Sink up with window latch fitting on the front left side of the retractable counter top.

Sink collapsed with drain to the bulkhead visible.  The larger white tubing running along the wall is the water tank supply.

Voila!  We now have a collapsible sink.  We leave a sponge inside the sink cavity to absorb any excess water droplets remaining in the sink after use.

Because food particles in the gray water might attract bears, we will not use the sink for washing dishes.  (We don't want the side of the camper to become a lollipop for unwanted guests!)

We cook outside the vast majority of the time, so the sink inside the camper will be used mostly to fill water bottles, etc.  For unwanted liquids (such as draining the excess liquid off canned vegetables), we pour those into a plastic bag-lined coffee can.  We add about a half of a scoop of Cleanwaste Poo Powder to congeal the liquids and seal it with the coffee can lid until we can properly dispose of it.

We use a 10 litre collapsible Sea to Summit Kelty sink for washing dishes, outside, and, of course, use biodegradable soap.

For more info on our camper modifications, check out these posts:

• For info on our shower:  http://ruffingitx3.blogspot.com/2011/06/shower-power.html 
• For info on our toilet:  http://ruffingitx3.blogspot.com/2011/06/mentioning-unmentionable.html

UPDATE 2014:  We've completed our camper modifications.  For more info, click here:

• Part One
• Part Two
• Part Three
• Part Four