Hello from the cold prairies in Canada.

Sitting here dreaming of converting my 1994 Mazda 4x4 into a weekend and extended trip living vehicle. My truck has a V6, manual transmission with tall stick, four high and low. Everything is manual, no power except steering. Equipped with ArmStrong AC, just roll down a window. I love this truck for its simplicity. It currently has about 320,000 klms on it but any mechanic who has serviced it has commented on how clean the engine is: it runs like a top.

My current goals for this daily use vehicle is to make it into a camper primarily for one person but able to sleep two when needed. I've been watching lots of youtube videos to gather design ideas. But I'm thinking the simplest way would be to spend some money on a new used cap. I have a $20 fiberglass cap on it now but the rear lift door doesn't work well and a few of the windows are just covered with plasticore for now.

One of the ideas I've seen that appeals to me is to add a section of wall around three sides of the box level with the cab roof, then fix a cap to the knee walls: this would give me a higher and more comfortable interior. I'm open to any and all living space designs. Note the cab is a two door, no small doors to access behind the seats, not a big problem, I can work around this disadvantage.

Hope to enjoy this community as I'm getting ideas, when I start to build and on-going as long as my truck lasts me.

If you have ideas please pass them to me.

Oh....I just returned from a two week trip to the Baja California peninsula. My son (20) and I (62) flew down to check out La Paz, BCS. We really enjoyed that location for a few reasons, great food, particularly fresh seafood, the kind and generous people, not too touristy. But the highlight was the marine life, we swam with Whale Sharks and Sea Lion pups, in their natural habitat. It was a very cool trip. Needless to say that confirmed my desire to travel and camp throughout North America and particular to and around the Baja peninsula.

Steve
Ste Anne, MB, Canada
Cheers