6x14 Build Log

Converting Cargo Trailers into TTTs

Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby tylerjd » Fri Sep 15, 2017 7:36 am

Thanks for all the comments everyone!

Yesterday I took another load down to the storage unit, and I'm guessing I was pretty close to my full 3,500# limit (I moved my weights and power rack, plus a few filling cabinets full of books/papers, and a bunch of other stuff). I took back roads only though, and probably averaged 45 or 50mph. If I did my math right, I got 17.5mpg! Which is incredible considering my truck is supposed to get 18mpg just running around town on its own. And it was a mountain road with plenty of hills and such (14 south from Santa Fe to Abq, along the eastern Sandias). That's really encouraging for me to know that if I have the time, I can just slow it way down and get decent mileage.

Also, I'm very happy to report that my panels are still attached.

aggie79 wrote:Love the work! Maybe some day I'll get to build a CT conversion.

I'm not an engineer, but I'm wondering that, if you add a front "air dam" below the solar panel that doesn't seal to the roof, have you now created a wing/airfoil profile? Would this cause more lift/drag than the flat profile of the solar panel itself?

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Yeah, the more I think about it, the more sure I am that since I don't really know what I'm doing (and don't have access to a wind tunnel), I'm just as likely to make things worse as better.

hankaye wrote:tylerjd, Howdy;

I not an aeronautical engineer but I stayed in my RV last night ... :)

To try to fabricate something that would work with the curve and the angle needed
for an effective deflector will require a good amount of head scratching. You'll also
need to bridge the gap between the two or there will be a void that will create a
vacuum and increase the drag (not good). That said, the amount of open space between
the panels and the roof creates air flow (good stuff), my suggestion would be to add
a section of angle (>), to the front of both to divert the air instead of having it hit the
flat frontal area of the panel. may not look like much help but it will help prevent lift
which is something you don't want (now where did that panel go :thinking: ).
Only some idle thoughts with a cup-o-coffee.

hank


I like this idea quite a lot, thank you hank. Adding it to the list!

McDave wrote:Hey tylerjd,
I'm McLovin' that stuff. Those racks are nice and look as if they could be easily added on to and modified for additional cargo, lights, awnings etc. The space between panels and roof looks good for air flow and the roof paint looks great as well.
The issue of lift can be your friend or foe. Become familiar with the principles and then use the physics to your advantage. Kind of a Fung Ku/Judo thing, Grasshopper. Those Grande Panels del Sol are muy bueno! Can you give me the 411? Source and $$$ ?
Doin' great work, Amigo. Keep that stuff up.

McDave


Thanks again! Yes I'm excited for the potential of the racks as a platform for Cool Stuff. Exterior security floods, a few cameras, a black tube solar shower setup, some retractable poles I can use to create a shelter over the 'back balcony', are the ideas I've had so far.

My source for the entire PV system is Recycled Solar: http://www.solarrecycled.com/
Marion the owner somehow gets lightly used and discounted solar gear (for example, I think my solar panels were part of an order that someone screwed up and it would have cost to much to ship back, so they sold them for cheap... that sort of thing). Not all of the gear is used - actually only my batteries and panels are used/discounted, everything else is new.
Here's the deal though: the owner, Marion, just retired (again) and moved to India for a year. I believe I was one of his very last customers. But I understand that he sold the business to an acquaintance of mine, a carpenter and vanbuilder. If the contact info on that website doesn't work anymore for anyone who is interested, PM me and I'm pretty sure I can get you in direct contact with the new owner.

My panels are Conergy 250P's. http://www.solardesigntool.com/components/module-panel-solar/Conergy/1906/PH-250P/specification-data-sheet.html used. I paid $200 for both, somehow.
6x14 CTC Build Log: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=68975
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby beachguy005 » Fri Sep 15, 2017 1:51 pm

I tried to keep mine as close to the roof as possible because I was a bit paranoid of losing them while doing 65 or even just adding unnecessary strain. If I was using your rack system I think I would just add another cross member of alu square tube or L channel across the roof and bolted to the uprights. Use the existing upper cross members for hauling your kayaks.
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby tylerjd » Fri Sep 15, 2017 6:36 pm

beachguy005 wrote:I tried to keep mine as close to the roof as possible because I was a bit paranoid of losing them while doing 65 or even just adding unnecessary strain. If I was using your rack system I think I would just add another cross member of alu square tube or L channel across the roof and bolted to the uprights. Use the existing upper cross members for hauling your kayaks.


Cool idea. I was going to "undersling" my panels so that I can still (carefully) put stuff on top of the cross members, but that's another good way to do it.
6x14 CTC Build Log: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=68975
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby tylerjd » Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:50 am

Right, so my first major road trip with the trailer went off without major incident. I drove from Santa Fe to my parents place, in the Southern Sierras in California (a couple valleys over from Death Valley...). I'd estimate my trailer weight as between 2,000 and 2,500lbs.

Image

There was a ripping headwind the entire way. On flat road, I could maintain 65mph, but any slight slope + the wind meant I was doing good to maintain 55. Since the semis out there go 75-80 it wasn't the safest environment. I ditched I-40 as often as I could, and found some incredible roads and scenery out there.

Image

I got between 11 and 14.5mpg. I feel that in ideal conditions, with "ideal" meaning no headwind and a max speed of 55mph, I can rely on 14-15mpg.

I continue to be happy to report that my panels are still firmly attached to my trailer, even though they must have experienced relative wind speeds of around 85-95mph from time to time.

All in all, I'm really happy with what my TV (2000 Tacoma) is able to pull off. I won't win any races anytime soon, but we'll get there. :thumbsup:

Here's a shot of the trailer's new home:
Image

View out the back:
Image

In a week we leave for Greece, and we'll be there for 2 months. I'll finish the trailer when we get back. So, there probably won't be many updates here for a while.
6x14 CTC Build Log: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=68975
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby featherliteCT1 » Fri Sep 22, 2017 6:31 pm

Glad to know that the panels held fast given the height they were mounted. I have enjoyed watching your build and look forward to your safe return. To me, Greece is a scary place these days.
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby hankaye » Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:24 pm

tylerjd, Howdy;

Have fun (?), in Greece, it is a bit scary for Americans over there right now so be careful and stay safe.

re. you wind lods... I used to do a 'thing' that we, in the shop, refereed to as "drag race helo". Basically
I would drive a pick-up that had a pitot tube for measuring airspeed alongside a helo, UH-60 generally,
that had a pair of Test Pilot students in it that had to do whatever it was they did while doing set speeds
the length of a selected runway on the airfield. They put us far away from the active runways. We'd set-up
at one end, I was on a radio with them, they'd tell me how fast they wanted to go in air speed. It was
my job to drive at that speed as far as I could then call "Break-away, break-away, break away". I'd then either
turn off in a predetermined direction or go off the end of the runway into the weeds, brush and tall grass
coming around in a circle to pull alongside the hovering helo so we could set-up the next run. Sometimes
they would ask to go at 60 knots indicated air speed (kias), now if I had a head wind that was ok, might only get up
to 45 or 55 mph. but if there was a tail wind to get to 60 kias I might need to go upwards of 90 mph to get their
goal airspeed just to get past the tail wind speed then achieve the desired air speed. Those were the days that
made some of the other days more bearable. I'd go faster and give them more runway to play on so, ... I was kinda
requested more then the others that were qualified for that job.

hank
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby tylerjd » Sat Sep 23, 2017 11:32 am

drag race helo! I love it, that sounds fun.

What's scary about Greece for Americans these days? I tried to google for something happening over there but it all turned up normal as far as I could tell.

Thanks for the kind words re. my build. I'll be itching to get back to it for sure.
6x14 CTC Build Log: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=68975
Off-site Build Summary: http://tylerjdisney.com/serenity
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby McDave » Sat Sep 23, 2017 1:59 pm

Hey tylerjd,
Glad to hear you arrived alive and in one piece. I wasn't real concerned about the space between roof and panel, it is just as likely to work for you as work against. Nobody can know for sure what that air is doing without wind tunnel or powerful computer modelling.....
I recall back in the day, we would travel primarily at night through the desert, to beat the heat for one, but also the wind calms at night. Sun heats rocks, rocks heat air, heated air rises and is replaced by cooler air etc. = wind all day.
Cool to see those pics. brings back some fond memories. Here's a song before your time, but it'll make sense when you hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il9VFC6-Inw
and one just cuz,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSgGCOHuO1U
Hey, cover your six in Greece. Low profile.
Vaya con Dios

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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby hankaye » Sun Sep 24, 2017 8:43 am

tylerjd, Howdy;

There are (at times), riots that are anti US and they are deeply inundated with refugees
from the arab world, most of whom don't think much of us.
This site has some thoughts you may want to consider;
https://www.tripsavvy.com/greece-travel ... es-1526294
Always check the US State Dept. pages;
https://travel.state.gov/content/passpo ... reece.html
another;
https://gr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se ... al-travel/
then there is USA Today's travel folks take on this;
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/safe-vac ... 22529.html

From my one experience, circa 1984, we (USS Nimitz), were scheduled to have a Port Call
on the island of Rhodes, beautiful place were I had visited several times when in the Coast Guard
back in the late 60's and early 70's. Well, long sea story short, the first boat that headed into
port to set up our landing area was stoned away from the pier. Needless to say we fond another
place to spend a few days ...

So, if you are there on business, keep your head on a swivel, stay alert to what is going on about
you at all times and you should be ok, listen to the folks that you work with about where not to
go and what to not say as folks over there say things 'differently' over there and we are generally
misunderstood.

HAPPY TRAVELS :thumbsup:

hank

PS, I almost forgot, there is also a very good book of facts written by the folks at "The Company"
in Langley, Va. that will give you some information ...
https://www.cia.gov/library/publication ... os/gr.html
;)
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby tylerjd » Thu Dec 21, 2017 4:07 pm

Oh hey there. I'm back.

Greece was awesome. I only had to use my Bourne skills a handful of times to avoid murderous mobs of anti-American Greek rioters. :thumbsup: Sarcasm aside, thanks for the well wishes and advice, you guys are nice. Being an American climbing-tourist (as opposed to a service member or a suit) in out of the way Greek climbing-tourist destinations is pretty laid back for everyone involved.

Image

I'm now back on the "family land" in California (sounds better than "I'm living with my parents") working on the trailer ~4-5 hrs a day.

I stabbed a couple holes in the roof and got my wiring penetrations in:
Image

I swapped out the static vent with a fantastic fan:
Image
I've decided not to put any other vents or skylights in the roof.

And I'm now focusing on getting the ceiling and underbody insulation in:
Image
The nightly temps are getting down in the 14*F range, so I'm keen on getting the trailer wrapped up as soon as possible.

Yesterday was kind of a bummer. Extremely windy and a bit nippy, I repeatedly cut insulation wrong, and just as I was starting to think maybe the universe was trying to tell me something, the wind knocked over a ladder that completely smashed the windshield on my truck. So I went inside and made some renderings instead, trying to work through finishes, final layout, that sort of thing:
Image

An idea for how to rig up the canopy:
Image

Cheers.
6x14 CTC Build Log: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=68975
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby featherliteCT1 » Thu Dec 21, 2017 6:46 pm

Very nice work!
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby sodatrain » Thu Dec 21, 2017 8:00 pm

Awesome build! Amazing visuals! How's it going?
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My 7x7x14 Tandem Axel build thread: viewtopic.php?f=42&t=69731
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby McDave » Sat Dec 23, 2017 1:36 am

Hey tylerjd,
Glad you made it back in one piece. When I told you to cover your six, What I meant is if you drop your keys, kick em all the way to the ocean. Greece is a lot like San Francisco in that respect...just sayin'..
It is amazing how quick the desert cools off at night. Are you shacked up in the CTC at Familyland? I remember I tried that when I was a teen. I woke up in a different place everyday. It was almost like they were trying to tell me something? Anyways, once I chained the trailer to the gas meter it just stopped happening. ... ;) ...
Man, I really like what you do with that rendering business. I have no idea how that works, but it's cool.
So got any future plans or just playin it by ear? Yeah, me too. Well, good luck with that. Keep in touch.

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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby tylerjd » Tue Dec 26, 2017 2:57 pm

McDave wrote:Hey tylerjd,
Glad you made it back in one piece. When I told you to cover your six, What I meant is if you drop your keys, kick em all the way to the ocean. Greece is a lot like San Francisco in that respect...just sayin'..
It is amazing how quick the desert cools off at night. Are you shacked up in the CTC at Familyland? I remember I tried that when I was a teen. I woke up in a different place everyday. It was almost like they were trying to tell me something? Anyways, once I chained the trailer to the gas meter it just stopped happening. ... ;) ...
Man, I really like what you do with that rendering business. I have no idea how that works, but it's cool.
So got any future plans or just playin it by ear? Yeah, me too. Well, good luck with that. Keep in touch.

McDave


So I just realized - my family name is Disney, so, obviously, I'll just tell people I live in Disneyland. Problem solved. :thumbsup:

Until I get the insulation in and a couple other things done, I've taken over the spare bedroom.

Future plans: finish this thing by March or so and go full-time. I'll start with a shakedown cruise around then back through AZ, NM, CO, Utah, route will be weather dependent. Come back for a little bit and fix whatever I broke on that trip. For the summer I plan on hanging around 395 up the Eastern Sierras, focusing on climbing and mountain biking with some backpacking and peakbagging thrown in for variety. Fall and winter 2018 = Joshua tree, southern Az, Baja if it isn't a total murderfest, etc.

Oh right: I'm single now, so my decision making process is a lot simpler these days. Wake up, decide what I want to do, do it. Sleep. Repeat. :beer: Also I'm not stressed about getting this thing done in a rush anymore. I'm now in a take my time, do it right, make it as awesome as I want, sort of mood.

For now my location planning mostly revolves around climbing and riding, and the timing of appropriate weather. Summer = go high, and ride. Winter = get low, and climb. Shoulder seasons depend.

Trailer update: Christmas Eve I spend a solid 4 hours just cleaning and organizing. A saw sharpening day. Felt real nice, I'd gotten sloppy and tools and materials were just strewn about everywhere. I can't stand that state of affairs for long.
6x14 CTC Build Log: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=68975
Off-site Build Summary: http://tylerjdisney.com/serenity
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Re: 6x14 Build Log

Postby sodatrain » Tue Dec 26, 2017 10:36 pm

[quote=]

Oh right: I'm single now, so my decision making process is a lot simpler these days. Wake up, decide what I want to do, do it. Sleep. Repeat. :beer: Also I'm not stressed about getting this thing done in a rush anymore. I'm now in a take my time, do it right, make it as awesome as I want, sort of mood.

For now my location planning mostly revolves around climbing and riding, and the timing of appropriate weather. Summer = go high, and ride. Winter = get low, and climb. Shoulder seasons depend.

[/quote]

Yay for single! Ive decided I can't date right now... Planning on giving the CTC life a whirl next summer. Need to focus on that!

Also, love the riding plans. I hope to do that a lot too. I just got a new (to me) Salsa XL Beargrease - not sure how popular/reasonable fatties are out west...

And - I keep thinking I should learn to climb. Seems like a really popular thing to do and that it has strong synergies with the nomadic lifestyle. How did you get into it? I imagine a good first step for me is to be less fat! (6'6" and 300lbs!)


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My 7x7x14 Tandem Axel build thread: viewtopic.php?f=42&t=69731
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