Countertop Extension

 I am a cook.  I need countertop space.  The Barefoot is compact by design, which I love!  And I found myself looking for just a little more space to put down a hot pan or dish.  So.....

At first I was thinking lagun table, as I'd seen in T@bs, that would be removable and could rotate to double as a food tray stand.  Like this one:

So I ordered one on Amazon.  From the pics on the side, you'd THINK it came with a leg!!!  Nope.  In retrospect, that was OK because installing a table with the plate as pictured above would interfere with the movement of the bench as it is extended to create the bed platform.  

So I brainstormed Plan B: a foldable shelf that could retract to the wall of the cabinet, to save space in the dinette area when not in use.

Came out pretty good - it actually will serve as a mini-table while seated in the dinette area.  Actually better than a lagun table, in retrospect!

The shelf hardware was installed just to the left side of the outlet, so as to not interfere with function.  I can imagine this being done with a slightly longer platform, but one would need to be mindful of access to the USB and 3prong plugs.  We'll see how this does before I opt to change it.  Conveniently, Vermont has a bunch of places you can buy wooden butcher block cutting boards that would suit this purpose beautifully and perfectly!  But for now, on to other projects...

Roxy as OnlyDog

for the time being.  We will be adopting a little brother or sister for Roxy in the fall or winter.  Sagan will be with us in spirit, from across the rainbow bridge, which he trotted over in December.  I'm glad he got to enjoy both the T@g and the Barefoot.  We miss him every day.... except that I do think Roxy enjoys getting all of the attention ;) 

 

Prepping for Kansas - fan upgrade

This upcoming July and August, I will be "full time" in my little Barefoot in Kansas, while taking an intensive five-week course to become eligible for board certification for Animal Chiropractic.  While the Barefoot is probably primarily intended for shorter vacations, with just a few changes it should be good to go for extended living - I just hope July will be will enough past tornado season to be safe!!!!

The first change was to swap out the three speed fan for a remote control fan with 12 speeds (therefore a true LOW speed - the 3-speed fan in the Barefoot was one of my only items of dissatisfaction, it is very loud on its lowest speed... Nucamp, this would be a welcome upgrade for future models).  The choice was either drop in a completely new fan unit ($$$! whole lotta labor, to pull out the old unit from the roof, plus the cost of a brand-new fan) or retro-fit the existing housing with a roof vent assembly upgrade kit I found: 

Technically I could have done it myself, but the reviews on etrailer.com suggested that for the type of Dometic fan in the Barefoot the wiring for the automatic lid raise would be tricky - so I had my local Airstream dealership do it =) 

Results:  AWESOME!!!!!!!  So much quieter.  And the ability to close the roof vent or change the fan speed without getting up out of bed....  much more conducive to a good night's sleep.

Another super simple upgrade was attaching a handle to the inside of the door - the new Barefoot models actually come with one (nice upgrade!) but there's a super simple solution that the Amazon fairy can bring you: 

More projects in process:  bug netting for the windows to occlude Maine's no-see-ums, a foldable shelf to extend the countertop just a bit, and window dressings for the outside to mitigate the heat of the Kansas summer sun.  Stay tuned.