I think It's done. There is no way of knowing for sure, but for the best part the 9 month Odyssey is over. Today I am just 2 days from leaving for the big adventure on the mainland. I guess now is the time to go back over what I've learned over the last 9 months.
There's no doubt that I am much wiser now than I was when I started. I'm wiser in so many ways. The main things that I learned are;
- Planning is the most important thing - you can save so much time and money by taking time to plan exactly what you are going to do, but also how you're going to do it. Next time I do this, the whole layout will be planned well in advance. Everything will be measured out and planned properly so there are no nasty surprises and things to fix after they've already been done.
- Do all of the wiring, plumbing a gas work first - As I've found doing all of the wiring, plumbing and gas work first will save a packet in labour costs. The benefit of doing this stuff up front before the furniture goes in is huge. The amount of time I spent squeezing into tight places and trying to get pipes and wires through was just stupid. If I'd done all of the 12 volt wiring first for example, I would have saved a heap of time and heartache.
- Use plywood instead of frames - instead of using the framing system, I would use plywood sheets to make the furniture and then clad it with pine. This would make the construction, lining and finishing of the furniture so much easier. Using chipboard should be avoided because of the weight factor. The only problem with using plywood is that you need a good panel saw to make accurate cuts to size.
- Build furniture outside - As much as possible, the furniture would be much easier built outside the vehicle and moved inside and assembled. This adopts the modular concept and as far as possible should no only be constructed, but also finished prior to installation.
- Buy in bulk - I spent too much time and money buying materials bit by bit. Far better to plan and buy everything you need up front and from one supplier where a good discount can be negotiated. Motor home equipment is expensive so any discount you can get will be well worthwhile.
- Budget - I still don't know how much I've spent on the white monster, and what's more I am frightened to add it all up. I think that you need to work out what the main components cost and then double it and you will come somewhere to close to the mark. It must be said though, that whatever you do, it will be much cheaper than having someone else do the job for you.
- Research - look at as many layouts and designs as you can. The Internet is a wonderful thing you can get so many ideas from just taking time to look.
It's been a fantastic journey and has done me a power of good personally. Before I started this project I was not sailing too well, but it has helped me focus on what I really want in life and changed my life.
If you dream of doing what I've done, have a go for heaven's sake. The end result is really satisfying and just like me you will end up with a fantastic recreational vehicle that really will mean that you can Work to Live, not Live to work.
Its been great having everyone along for the journey. I hope that I've helped some people solve some problems and maybe inspired some of you to have a go at doing this for yourself.
I plan to run a blog of the upcoming trip if any of you are interested. I'll add the address to this blog once I've set it up. Cheers for now. Ray
