Simple 7 x 10 V-nose for Noncarpenters

[Dant]

Just got back from my first trip in this. Went to Bahia de los Angeles in Baja, Ensenada, Death Valley, Redwoods and back to Eastern Washington State.

[posting some trip reports on that forum, titled Strange Tales Along the Road]

My 7 x 10 + 3' V-nose was ordered from the factory with 3 windows, including an RV style door, barn rear doors and insulated walls and roof for under $5000.

Bed frame is a $40 Walmart shelving unit that accommodates 4 large plastic totes for storage. 3 cabinets for storage are only held in place by plywood counter top fixed with a few dabs of Liquid Nails.

Cut a hole for a simple sink which drains into a removable bucket.

Im in the process of installing a sink faucet powered by a Whale MK 3 foot pump.

This photo was taken in Death Valley, Mesquite Springs. Shows my camping setup when I have the Parawing deployed.


Other newer photos in my album show how the CT looks now with the bed across the rear. Gives me much more room and an open feel. Also shows the cabinets I installed. In one you can see my simple sink drain to a 'gray water' removable bucket.



Removed the carpet and replaced it with interlocking 2' x 2' rubber tiles designed for use as a workout pad. My window coverings are plastic yard signs encased in Reflectx aluminized bubble wrap and velcroed at the corners.

[Dant]

I think my next project will be to sew an awning out of plain canvas. My idea is to be able to deploy it simply by using a couple of poles at angles held by flag pole type fittings screwed to the rear walls and extending rearward.

Open for ideas on how to do this.

[pilgrim]

Like your simple approach to your trailer!

Like you I've been thinking of doing a custom canvas awning instead of the high dollar ones used for RV's. I like the idea of doing it myself and I can also make it the exact size I want.

My idea is to use aluminum tent framing poles like are used on outfitters tents. To attach them to the trailer I need something heavier than most of the flag pole bases so I've found this as a base idea. Check this website for the photos, but it's basically some steel tubing that's been heated and bent to the desired angle. The poles just slip over the tubing and hold them where you want them.

http://idahocanvas.com/id48.htm

From there the tubing could be easily bolted to the trailer. I think I'd drill through the tubing and poles so there could be a bolt or pin put in it to keep the posts from coming off in high winds. Also I think I may use some eye-hooks bolted into the trailer and sew some rope loops or sleeve into the canvas so the awning can be tied on.

Anyway, just my initial thoughts on the subject, not sure what I'll wind up with!

Pilgrim

[Dant]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

I'm very glad I kept everything NOT nailed down. My initial layout was to have the bed alongside one wall. Putting it across worked much better. Glad I went with the 7' wide.

[mskobier]

Dant,
Nice to see a fellow Tri-Citian on this group. Nice trailer setup. I've been looking at those same cabinets in the home center stores for use in mine. I'm located out in Burbank. Maybe we could get together and compare notes and design concepts. I've been working on a 7x16 haulmark since last fall when I purchased it. I have gotten it at least serviceable for now. Lots more to do to it. If interested in comparing notes, drop a PM and we'll set something up.

Mitch

[GPW]

Dant , really Cool , your hypar (hyperbolic paraboloid ) tent !!! One pole ... Gotta' love that !!!!

[pete42]

I'm very glad I kept everything NOT nailed down. My initial layout was to have the bed alongside one wall. Putting it across worked much better. Glad I went with the 7' wide.

I would like two single beds the one thing I disliked in my travel trailer the bed had three walls around it.
someone had to craw over the other person to get out or both had to get up before one could get out.

with 2 singles in a 7 foot wide trailer there should be enought room for a small aisle between the beds making getting into or out of bed easier

pete

[Dant]

Pete,
It would be a very narrow aisle, about 6" if used a std. size twin. Prob'ly have to narrow the beds a bit. I'm thinking of how to add a 15" width extension to make it a full size for 2, but:

Given that on longer trips I travel alone, my solution is to use an inflatable mattress like a thick Thermarest for a 2d person. Ceiling is too low for bunk beds if even one wants to sit up in bed. Since the bed doubles as a couch, bunk beds are not a good solution either.

Almost anything works for good weather, but if you have to stay inside....

[pete42]

Dant you are right they would not be full twin's just a little wider than a couch would work.
I have a futon in my back garage just waiting for me to get my fat behind busy and buy a CT looking at a 7X12 v-nose
lots of things have been going on in my life last year they seem to be calming down now I should leap before anything else happens.

pete

[MegC]

Dant- if you don't mind, what brand trailer is that and where did you get it? We're just north of you, hoping to FINALLY be able to pull the trigger in a year.

I'm always working and haven't got a lot of experience w/ power tools and husband has violent aversions to 'honey-do' lists, so ordering a trailer with as much as possible done before delivery is the plan.