well, you have to visualize two cubic volumes, the larger sitting on top of the smaller. The first, a floor space about 4 X 8 feet around 2 feet deep under the larger being about 7' wide X 8 feet long and 4.5 feet high. This volume & shape, minus the queen size bunk area extending forward over the truck cab, is about what you are looking at when you see a truck camper on the back of a pick-up on the road. The interior overhead height is about 6.5' (+/-) and the camper sides extend about a foot and a half beyond the side of the truck bed on each side for beam width. Here are two links to mfgr's who happen to be high end units
http://www.alpenlite.com/html/alpenlite_lim_construct.html
http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-ltinteriorphotos/index.htm
Some variation in shape and volume is expected as many of these campers are 9 to 12 feet long and some even drop down behind the truck bed. But I can use the above for the moment. BTW, there are a number of truck camper manufacturers extant who have already packed many variations of kitchen's, bathrooms and living space into these units, but for my purposes none of them "fit" my present requirements and to have one designed and built is just too costly - which is why I'm doing it this way in the form of a remodeling retrofiting exercise of an older camper.
In addition to designing to accomodate my wifes (as well as my own) limited mobility I want to incorporate solar energy and diesel powered units into the mechanical systems. This is to eliminate the need for propane or a gasoline generator for 110 power. Shore power is another matter at the moment and is part of the converter I think. I've seen two burner range tops and water heaters from Europe that burn diesel as well as very efficient solar arrays and converter/battery storage systems for lighting, AC , refrigeration and small convection microwave units. I have a notion that these appliances have evolved out of the naval community which is why I am here, to learn how you fit all this together.
If you have ever looked into a truck camper a large part of the space is taken up along one side by a 4 place settee bench and table that converts into another bunk so the unit can sleep as many as 4 people. I want to fit two reclining Captian's chairs into that space in stead. If airlines can squeeze two reclining sleeper chairs into a small space why can't I? And, in the corner is a small head/shower stall.
Then there is the issue of storage that can be fitted in around other stuff later.
So that's a beginning. And I'm sure there are some items I have not yet considered that will give me grief later, but that's part of the learning of anything new. I have ordered a book on boat design suggested by a reader here and hope to begin my learning curve there. Oh, the mobility issue. Range of motion is the most problematic. Reaching overhead into storage for anything heavier than a can of soup might be a problem for her and with two artificial knees crawling into the forward bunk is a challange.
I am a visual learner for the most part. So referal to illustrations I can find on the web or in a good library would be helpful. Also, does anyone know if there is a boat salvage outfit that may market some of the items above from redecorated or salvaged boats?
Thanks for the interest and I'm hoping for a productive and congenial communication.
