New winter project while waiting for snow..

[rudeboysaude]

So.. getting to the point of the hatch.. That's the fun part right? Looking at everyone else projects it seems there are quite a few ways to do it. I'd think the 4 strut picture Mike posted might be the best at fighting the spring back I hear of, but I see alot of people just do two sides and run the spars across to each of them. That way definatly seems a bit easier. Anyone have any problems with that route? If I go the 2 side-supports route and skin the interior first it might fight the spring? I'll do some more searching on the site and see what I can find out too. Thanks for such a great resource here!

A.

[rudeboysaude]

Well the hatch wasn't fun at all. Of course I didn't track down any 1/8 ply and thought 1/4 could do it. Wrong. It sprung back regardless of tricks I thought that would keep it's shape. So, I got to modify the design a little and added some resting supports. Don't think it turned out too crappy actually. Here's a pic:



The inside and front are close to ready too. Now the fun of the doors. As promised, when the snow and cold came the project went to a big halt. Had to move it into the corner to get vehicles in so they start so we can get to work. Ohh well. Should be ready when it's finally not fridgid out. Two more pics for now.





I'm already coming across tons of things I would have done differently. Guess I better get my contest submission in for a trailer. Look honey.. free trailer! I gotta build again or it'll go to waste! .. i think it could work.

A.

[asianflava]

Kinks in the progerss can "Make a rude boy a sweat". Great job of working thru a minor problem.

[rudeboysaude]

Yeah, that's what I said. Little more floor space in the galley now huh! And actually, I kind of like the little accent the flares make. I'll take a picture of how it ended up looking inside once the cold spell is gone and I don't have to worry about my vehicle not starting in the cold. I'm not too worried.. This project hopefully will become the one we use till I can start on another one that will meet the needs we realize camping in it. Even building it we've stood back and said.. hmm, too bad we didn't do that! haha. But it's fun, and keeps me outta trouble!

A.

[Miriam C.]

Lookin good. Just keep working on it and it will get almost finished. Remember there are things you can do in the house too. All that trim to stain. (yeah the wife will kill you but you gotta go sometime.)

GitRdun.

[rudeboysaude]

It's been cold, but I can't wait for the weather anymore! I wanted to have it done before the trip to the desert but if I can't catch a warm break I'm not sure I can paint it. Is there a cold weather paint that works at zero degrees? haha.. A couple pics for the photo lovers.





When you build a tongue box, do you build it flush against the tear, or leave a space? I'm considering a space for ease of making the lid.

Also, I tow my enclosed trailer with overdrive off, but this thing is light. I should be ok with overdrive on with a Nissan Xterra pulling it right? Thanks for the info. This has definatly made the winter go by quicker.

A.

[rudeboysaude]

Horray for spring! With temps well above 50 the last week I was able to get it done, even with spring run off paddling distracting me. Well, almost done. Weatherstripping, trimming, and little touches yet, but otherwise it's ready for our roadtrip this weekend. Looking forward to finally enjoying it vs. slaving over it! Thanks for all the info in this forum for making it possible and inflicting me with the desire to build one myself. Here's hoping it holds together on the journey to western North Dakota for my niece's baptism!









A.

[toypusher]

Very nice indeed! Looks like you did a real good job! Congratulations on getting it done!!