http://www.plan3d.com/pages/Roomhome.aspx?rd=1
I am starting to work on the INSIDE of my 05 Eagle Has anyone used this 3D planner or could someone check it out for me and give me an opinion on it......Thanks..........Ken Turner
I checked out the site this morning. Probably would be a must if you are designing a house. A bus is much smaller and I think more difficult because of the confined space.
I bought a tablet used for laying out a quarter inch scale to the foot. I drew it out as close as I could to what I thought I wanted. Using pencil and making a lot of changes. Used a lot of erasers!
I think the best way, as has been mentioned on this board by several who have converted before, was to lay it out with masking tape painting over the tape after the final layout has been determined. That way it is more easlily seen as you build. Maybe using differant colors of paint if you make changes. Making cardboard templates of everything including walls, shower base, bed space etc.. would be more realistic for you. I did not do that.
Tour lots of coaches, ss motorhomes to see how you want it layed out. Buy your furniture, appliances etc. so you have the exact dimensions you need during your construction.
I am sure others will have more ideas from their experiences.
All in all, do it your way. You will make mistakes during the process, but it can be easily fixed. Take your time and start at the rear working forward.
Planning, planning, planning is the key.
Maybe the 3D layout would be best for you. Have fun doing it.
Happy Trails,
Paul
Dreamscape
Ken, The problem I see with that software, as well as any of the other software, is that it's designed for buildings that are plumb and square. Our buses are anything but plumb and square.
They have curves at the ceiling, curves up the walls, curves on the front and rear, they have more wiggles and curves than Jessica Simpson sitting on an ant hill.
I have tried a lot of those software design programs and haven't been happy with any of them.
I did find one at Google called Sketchup 5 that allows you to make all the curves in 3D you need, and will even give dimensions down to 1/64th inch.
Google has a free version or you can buy the complete package (Which I did). It also allows you to export the drawings into many CAD programs or turn into a 2D jpeg, among other things.
I think Google, (Sketchup) has released the new version (V.6) now, and I'm tempted to get that one and see if it's any better, although I've been very happy with V.5 so far.
There is a short learning curve, but not nearly as bad as any of the dozens of CAD programs I've tried to learn. This one has tutorialsthat walk you through doing different things.
Good Luck!
Dallas
Hi Pipes,
I have been a furniture and cabinet designer for years. I have used every type of program out there to create room designs. From the free bies to 20/20 (of which I taught other Designers how to use and sell with) and now I use Auto Cad 2006. They can all layout floor plans, but the easiest and cheapest way to do it is:
Get some 11x17 graph paper. If you can find 1/2" that would be the best, if not you can use 1/4" just use blocks in each direction and draw out your interior bus wall dimensions. Then make a list of all the things that you will want or need in your coach.
Bed (Twins, Full, Queen, King)
Toilet
Shower ( Chooses a shape)
Kitchen counter top space (include stove, sink and storage)
Couch (Sleeper?)
Side chair
End table
Captain chairs (Driver and passenger)
TV (Decide where it will go, and type to use)
Once you have all the items get the measurements and write them down and convert them to 1/2" scale. Now get some foam board from an office supply store and draw all the items out to scale. (I colored my with magic markers, different colors so I could show different rooms) Then cut them out carefully with a razor knife.
You can now place the items on the graph paper any way you want, as often as you want to change it. This way you can see dimensionally what will work for you. (Suggestions: Take pictures of each layout so you can re-create something you did last week, if you want.) (Remember to make some people you you can see how you will fit in there.)
Once you have the layout of your dreams you can glue the pieces in place with craft glue. To get really creative you could make the items 3 dimensional. This entire project is a great family activity, and everyone will feel involved.
Hope this helps. If you need more you can e-mail me off board.
Dave Siegel
Hey Dave, Welcome back. Where u at and where u been?
Richard
And while you are laying this out, be sure to check in the baggage bays to make sure everything will work down there.
For example, my original layout had the commode drain coming out in the middle of my drive wheels.
Ed.
Thanks everyone........ I'll have to do some more thinking.........
Hey Grandpa..........Flushing over the drive wheels would be a neat way to get rid of the doo doo when underway at about 75 mph