xB Conversion to mini camper
 

I converted a 1991 GMC van into a very comfortable camp vehicle. With today's gas prices, I can no longer take it on extended trips.

I am now converting my xB to a one person mini camper. Any input or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I have removed the front passenger seat and need input on how to fool the car's computer to think the seat is still there, and the wiring for the disconnected seat is OK.

I plan to make a bed on the right side of the xB, and a tent shelter for the open rear hatch. I will need screening for the side windows.

Looking forward to your helpful input.

Kenneth Brandon

Sounds cool... but uh, you might want to put this in the xB forum. :)

are you planning to do something like this?
http://www.popealien.com/assets/revi.../ra-aztek4.jpg

I've done something along those lines at a few shows.

Check this thread here:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=816105

Here's a thread about the plug under the passenger seat:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=77259

:eyebrow: Maybe some xB owners should get a bumper sticker like the old ones they had, but change it up some for the xB. "If you see this box a rockin, dont come a knockin" :rofl:

xB Conversion Passenger seat removal
 

I have found how to make the car think the seat is still there, and that no one is sitting in it.
If yoou hold the car connector with the contacts toward you, and the latching mechanism up, number the contacts from left to right as pin 1, pin 2, pin 3.
With the engine running, there is .89 volts between pin 1 and pin 2. The unoccupied seat would have a resistance of 1.3 K ohms at those pins. In the car connector, I bridged pin 1 to pin 2 with a 1.2K ohm resistor.
The car computer is now happy and I am happy.

^^^^ :bow: :bow: :bow:

Re: xB Conversion to mini camper
 

Kenneth,
Would you keep us updated on the progress you make please? Though I've no intention of doing this in the short term - I am more than interested. :clap:

xB Camper progress
 

As you can see above, I have solved the front seat removal problem. The removal was easy, just five easily accessabel hex head bolts and the sensor connectiion. A great deal of room was created with the removal of the seat.
I am now engineering a cushion support which will extend over part of that space. The foreward end of the support will fold back when the bed is not in use. There is plenty of room for a porta potty and a good sized cooler (beer?) in the space next to the driver's seat.
A tent shelter over and around the opened rear hatch is in the sketch concept stage. An H2O Sun shower on the roof with a grate on the ground will provide a nice touch.

:rofl:

Re: Xb camper progress
 

Wow sounds really kewl I cant wait to see it! How long do you think this will take you and are you getting help or just doing it yourself?

personally not a big fan of porta-pottys..

xB Conversion to mini camper
 

A porta-potty sure beats squating with your back against a tree for the same "end" result.

xB camper progress
 

The foreward support for the bed platform is progressing nicely. I used the existing holes and hex hd bolts that held the seat in place to mount two vertical supports. One is just inside the column between the rear and passenger doors. The other is adjacent, and along side of the drivers seat and parking brake cover. That support will probably later include an arm rest.

If some kind reader will tell me how to include digital photos with my posts, photos of the conversion will follow.

The interest in this conversion seems to be considerable!

Thanks.

Pic Tutorial: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=60317

xB camper progress
 

Do not give up on this site if you are interested in converting an xB into a comfortable sleeper! Around here, a night in a respectable motel is around $65. Just think about how many miles $65 can take you.

The platform for the bed cushion is complete. Supporting it so it is reasonably level, was somewhat tedious. The part that projects ahead of the folded down rear seat will fold back on its self to provide access to what is under it.

Sliding under the rear of the bed platform will be a table that can be pulled out and supported by a folding leg to the ground at its aft end.

Photos will follow.

this is such a great thread.

thanks Kenneth!

not a bad idea

I wonder If I'll be able to sleep in the xb? I have a 93 Blazer and I sleep in the back when I go camping. It's perfect. I'm 6'5''. Not sure if I'll fit in the Scion? I saw somewhere where the front seats and back seats all fold flat so it all a big flatbed. I think yuo have to take the head rests off for it to work.