Making Progress

[JamesW]

Thanks! I think the biggest problem was the fact that it was 85 degrees in my garage while I was framing! It is 2pm local time and I am waiting for the UPS guy. My new axle and springs are coming today. It's Christmas in August.

[mikeschn]

Framing? Well the right side took a day to build up, the left side another day. Sunday we planned and cut the framing for the remaining panels. So we're at 3 days so far.

Gluing up the panels should take another day or two, depending on how many clamps we have if we can't use screws... So about 5 days for the framing.

The plywood weekender would have been done already!

Other than that, there's no trouble with framing. I just have to learn to slow down a little bit and enjoy the project some more! Maybe a glass of wine inbetween frames? Hmmmm maybe not!!!

Mike...

[Steve Frederick]

Mike, I'm more about the process than the progress. I get enough "progress" at work. When in the shop, it's take it easy, but not too easy!
You are, however, a teardrop "machine". I wish I had your imagination and energy.

[mikeschn]

I'll take that as a compliment!!! I got a good kick out of that though... a teardrop machine... Michelle chuckled on that one too!

Mike...

[Steve Frederick]

It was a compliment!! You deserve it!

[mikeschn]

Thanks Steve,

I appreciate it!

Mike...

[Shrug53]

The framing may be a lot of work, but I think in the long run it is worth while.
First no matter what you do, even if you use 1" thick walls, they are going to flex a bit. With the frame you have less chance of getting a crack.
If you do get one, it will be easier to fix. Crack a rib, and you can just
cut out a section of wood from the inside to repair it.

Of course the weight issue is always important. No matter how big your tow vehicle is, it will always take more gas to pull more weight.

So to you guys taking your time, I salute you! Heck of a good job!

[JamesW]

Wooo Hoooo! The axle and springs just arrived!!! Time to go get new wheels....

[Larwyn]

Other than that, there's no trouble with framing. I just have to learn to slow down a little bit and enjoy the project some more! Maybe a glass of wine inbetween frames? Hmmmm maybe not!!!

Mike...

Mike,

I've found that the occasional "Guinness break" will regulate the speed of the project and make it more enjoyable as well.

[mikeschn]

Ah so that the problem... that brown stuff I'm drinking isn't Guinness, it's coke...

Thanks for pointing that out!

Mike...

[Frank]

Thanks James, been trying to get this #$^^$^&^*smoke back in the wire. So I just buy new wire with the smoke still in it?

Ok, back to my break, drinking coke

On a more serious note, what we're saying is if you don't use framing and go with the 3/4 plywood, it would be too heavy to insulate and cover the insulation with 1/8 luan?

Frank

[mikeschn]

On a more serious note, what we're saying is if you don't use framing and go with the 3/4 plywood, it would be too heavy to insulate and cover the insulation with 1/8 luan?

Frank

No doubt you've seen the page where I try to lighten up the plywood Weekender a bit...
http://www.mikenchell.com/weekender/improvements.html

And with Rik's suggestions to sand the extruded polystyrene down to 23/32", I believe it can be insulated and skinned on the inside as well.

Weight? Not a problem... just get some more Detroit muscle!!!

[Frank]

That's saving quite a bit of weight, expecially in the sides, and if you were to glue & screw the luan you would still retain the needed strenght? Reckon I'm still looking at Larry S's Outback.

Guess I got the Detroit Muscle, but it takes lots of gas!

Frank

[TAILGATINGnNUT]

Looking good james!!!!! Hey what re teh dimensions on that trailer you are building?" Love the fold out side. Sounds like you are in my ballpark with all the electronics you are thinking of putting in. How much ya pay for those batteries????

[JamesW]

Looking good james!!!!! Hey what re teh dimensions on that trailer you are building?" Love the fold out side. Sounds like you are in my ballpark with all the electronics you are thinking of putting in. How much ya pay for those batteries????

The trailer is a 4 x 8... The TD is 5 feet high and 9 feet long. I do not have a fold out side. You may be confuse. The Monitor is only going to be about 7 inches. Not a big thing. The batteries are about $80 each. You need 2 since they are 6 volts each.