I’ve been plugging away at my second cabinet, which will be adjacent to the first cabinet I built. It will also be attached to the foot of the bed. Since it goes from floor to ceiling, it has presented a few challenges, such as how to build it and still fit it in the van, how to secure it to the oddly shaped wall behind it, and how to add some cool features.

After building the parts for the cabinet, I mocked it up as one tall cabinet and then figured out where to cut the sides so that it will be two pieces until the final installation. This actually makes all of the test fitting easier, as each part isn’t very heavy.

I am thinking there will be two open compartments and one closed-in area in the top section. In the middle, I have a space where I will add a slide out counter. And the bottom part may have a drawer and a removable panel that enclosed the battery storage area. I also need to make room for power outlets and a light switch.

After several trips in and out of the van, the cabinets are back in the shop. Now I am building additional parts that will increase the strength and add attachment points that match up with the van wall. It will take a few more rounds of testing to get this right.

If all of this goes well, I will then build the cabinet face and begin sanding priming and painting. The interior will be simple shelves, so it should go quicker than the kitchen cabinet. Nothing to purchase other than some hinges, latches and paint.