YAY! Current status. OK.
After calling several welders and body shops, Daniel found a shop. The owner agreed to come out to where we are doing the work, check our project and give us his thoughts. He came out today with a tech and we went through her frame. We took some time to talk about what they saw, what we noticed living in her, and what we wanted. They think the extension that was originally put onto the chassis was too long without the addition of another axle. This would be the original factory built model. They saw some welds that had popped that we didn't notice that indicated this. So - we are adding another axle per their recommendation. It won't host another dually set of wheels, just a single tire on each side but it will support to the frame much better, we will get our additional 3' and we will get to keep our tow.
They are going to raise the aluminum frame for us by 8". This will give us the additional head space we want on the inside and give Daniel the room to create the recessed lighting he wants, space for wire channels and better ceiling insulation. Our final height without the A/C covers will be 10'11". With the standard A/C covers that are 8" high, we will still be under 12'.
We are getting rid of the swoop on front in the cab-over and doing 90 degree angles. We are also getting rid of the curve on the back. This will ensure we have more space in the cab-over and will actually be able to sit-up in bed! GASP!
They are adding reinforcement to the aluminum framing and will be framing in the gypsy drop-down bunk bed we are adding for our son.
We have been looking at the wall mount convection ovens out there that I wanted to put in. WOW are they DEEP! Building the support for something like that into the wall will be a nightmare so conventional RV stove top with oven - here we come!
Winnie goes into the shop on Monday. I promise to take tons of pictures. Can't wait to actually start construction!!! SWEET!
Everyone breath a sigh of relief. We aren't going to break our RV in half.