Caravan Conversion.

[squidgelet10]

Greetings each!
I have just bought a tatty, old, second hand Monza two berth caravan which I intend to modify for use as a mobile display unit to trolley around steam engine rallies and the like.
After fully gutting it I want to make one side fully-openable, in order to perform (musically of course) on an electronic organ in order to publicise our charity www.beerwurly.co.uk .
A structurally-minded friend has intimated that I shouldn't open up the back-end of the caravan as "this is where its strength lies".
Does anyone have any knowledge about modifying these things please?
Cheers.
Mike.

[Graham-W]

A lot of the strength is actually in the cupboards and bed units as they brace the whole structure and tie all the walls together. You will have to fit a lot of cross bracing to stop the walls collapsing like a pack of cards when you remove the interior.
On a caravan of that age I would expect dampness in the framework too and probably wet rot.
Good luck.

[jonesytwotwo]

Look up a guy named ALS Parker on UKCS. He seems to know everything, but there is also a body of fruits who make and convert their own 'vans for specialist use. Try a google, but certainly someone on UKCS wull point you in the direction

[squidgelet10]

Thanks for the advice guys.
After consulting with an engineer friend I intend to carry on regardless, and then use angle iron etc to brace the remaining struture.
Watch this space, as they say!
Cheers.