TheTrailerShowroom 7X14

Converting Cargo Trailers into TTTs

TheTrailerShowroom 7X14

Postby pmspirito » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:12 pm

This is the beginning of a 7X14 cargo conversion that has been in the planing stage for a year.

I selected TheTrailerShowroom to purchase my trailer from because of the personal interest they showed on my project. Their web site allowed me to "build" a trailer on line with all of the options I could think of and have the cost of the trailer priced as I went.

Just prior to placing my order I mentioned I would be returning to Florida from a Tennessee fly fishing trip. I was invited to tour the factory in Douglas Georgia and to bring in my scaled drawings to review at the factory.

In addition to the special side door and windows, I had them frame out for a future front picture window. A welding shop I work with is fabricating the window frame and I will be using impact-resistant glass. This is the same type of glass used in car windshields and is hurricane rated here in Florida.
Last edited by pmspirito on Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby pmspirito » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:18 pm

Please click on my photo album for construction photos.

The first interior photo shows the trailer as I recieved it. Removing the interior plywood on the front wall reveils the framing the factory did for my 18" X 60" picture window.

On the street side of the trailer is a 24X24 inch cargo door located below the window. This will open for access and storage under the kitchen counter.

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Image
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby dudleydoright » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:44 pm

I have been talking to Rick on and off for the past year and I'm about ready to order. Are you satisfied with the quality and workmanship of their product?

thanks,

Mike
GONE FISHIN'

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Postby b.bodemer » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:49 pm

I'm glad you had such a good experience with Trailershowroom.com.

I had talked several times with them but when I was planning a trip to Elkhart I was discouraged from a factory visit. Because of that I went elsewhere. Maybe the Georgia area is different from the Elkhart area.

Your trailer looks great and enjoy your build!
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Postby pmspirito » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:52 pm

dudleydoright wrote:I have been talking to Rick on and off for the past year and I'm about ready to order. Are you satisfied with the quality and workmanship of their product?


I am very happy with the construction, fit, and finish of the trailer.
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby dudleydoright » Wed Jul 20, 2011 11:10 am

why did you decide to go with a single axle vs a tandem axle? also, would you mind sending emailing me your drawings and specs?

thanks,

Mike
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Postby David_L6 » Wed Jul 20, 2011 12:42 pm

dudleydoright wrote:why did you decide to go with a single axle vs a tandem axle?


I was wondering the same thing.
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Postby pmspirito » Wed Jul 20, 2011 1:16 pm

David_L6 wrote:
dudleydoright wrote:why did you decide to go with a single axle vs a tandem axle?


Firstly I lived in a 19' Shasta for five years and towed it all over the country and it only had a single axle. The cost difference between the single axle and the tandem axle was only $300. However the difference in trailer weight is 720 pounds. Fourteen-hundred pounds for the single and twenty-one hundred and twenty pounds for the tandem.

The tandem axle trailer is 50% heavier than the single. The tandem has twice the number of tires, bearings, brakes, etc to fail. The tandem axle would have required the side door to be moved forward and that would have affected my galley layout.

I never had a flat or blowout on my very heavy, wood framed Shasta in five years. My S-10 has 322,000 miles and has never had a blowout. I carried a spare hub and bearings assembly all greased up and ready to go and a complete replacement brake assembly for one wheel.
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby pmspirito » Wed Jul 20, 2011 3:03 pm

I have added several photos to my album. They show the completed appliance and cabinet layout. Click on my album to see more details.
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see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby Goodwood » Wed Jul 20, 2011 9:42 pm

Looks like you have some pretty substantial mods coming up!!

Good luck, keep the pics coming!

So far, looking good! :thumbsup:
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Postby pete42 » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:27 am

One of my dislikes in factory built travel trailers is the lack of a clothes closet.
I see you have included one in your build

I have read that some of the AC units like you have don't cool very well,
they said the ones with an intake and exhaust hose were said to work better.
I am wondering if yours has the two hoses or single and how yours works and what size?

the reason I ask is; I have thought about getting one to use in a back room at home and in a CT.

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Postby pmspirito » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:31 am

I purchased the A/C several years ago when Florida was having a run of hurricanes. I was operating the house on a 6,000 watt portable generator and it was hot. I bought the A/C in desperation.

We were amazed at how well it worked. I put it in the living room hoping for the best or anything to help. I few minutes later I realized it was getting cool in here.

Since then we have not had any storms. I run the A/C and the generator twice a year. Once at the beginning of hurricane season and once at the end.

I am exhausting the hot air thru the floor so as not to have any openings on the outside walls of the trailer.
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby pete42 » Thu Jul 21, 2011 5:07 pm

thanks for reply sounds like yours works great.
Last edited by pete42 on Sun Aug 28, 2011 6:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby pmspirito » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:23 pm

I have relocated the hot water heater from under the sink to the storage area under the bed. This change frees up more useful space under the galley counter.

I made the depth of the counter deeper to accomodate a 10w x 13h x 40l 20 gal grey water tank. The tank is on the right side behind the fridge.

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Image
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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Postby pmspirito » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:39 pm

Here is a photo of my wood shop and a photo of one of my favorite projects

Image

Image

There is a glass front on the shelf
see my cargo trailer build at viewtopic.php?t=45197

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