The BUILD... Finally!June, 2024
The BUILD has finally begun. I have a quite a few decisions to make yet, but wood has been cut, glued, and mounted to the frame!
From the beginning, I knew i needed to have a minimum internal width of 75". The plan is to have all the beds configured "East/West", and I am aiming for a full size QUEEN.
This meant I needed to add to the frame I had. I mounted some 2x4s to either side of the frame with construction adhesive and 1/4"-20 Carriage Bolts. I also painted the bottom side of the 2x4s with a fence and siding paint that I found in the "reject" pile at Menards. $10/gal for a $60+ can of paint!
The primary wall sheeting will attach to the OUTSIDE edge of these 2x4s.
This adds 3" to my frame and gives me just enough wiggle room to squeeze a 75" mattress in there!
- Wood on Frame!
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The keen eye will also notice the double 2x4s attached to the bumper. This angle should match the angle coming down from my rear curve, giving me a solid place to attach the roof.
I have always loved to tinker with electrical, and this project will be no different. There will be some under body lighting on the camper. Red/Amber/White.
Red for low light clearance, and to protect the shins when walking around after dark!
Amber for some actual lighting for the inevitable case where the kids loose something under the trailer.
White for "work" lights if needed after dark!
- The camera adds a few lumens!
- RedGlow.jpg (38.96 KiB) Viewed 551 times
Finally, I added a jack to the front "A" Frame. I picked up a Ultra-Tow XTP Fast Action jack from Northern Tool. I like the "fast action" feature that plays well into my "quick" set up time. Simply pull a pin, and "push" the jack down with my foot, lock it in place and give it a few cranks, and the trailer is level! No more monkeying around with cranking a jack for 5 minutes to get it to drop 15"!
https://www.northerntool.com/products/ultra-tow-xtp-fast-action-square-tube-trailer-jack-2000-lb-topwind-a-frame-mount-bolt-on-47344I still have one more week of Paternity leave, so I am hoping to get wheel wells and deck mounted to the frame! Stay tuned!