TheTrailerShowroom 7X14

[pmspirito]

Here are the last few photos. I added the shelf for the TV and made a "headboard" for the bed with storage behind it. The tall closet that was originally for hanging clothes has had the hanger rod removed and a couple of shelves. Those shelves are just laid in place on runners and can be lifted out it something changes.

I mounted the laptop speakers above the desk, and installed a few hanging hooks and a towel rack under the sink.

[pmspirito]

Here is the storage headboard. The slanted headboard is hinged at the bottom and hinges forward to access a storage area 5 inches wide, 6 inches deep and 48 inches long. It is a great place for books

[pmspirito]

We went on a trip thanksgiving week for 8 days. The weather was clear and, for this Florida boy, it was cold. It got down to the 40's at night. I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the $20.00 ceramic heater I had previously bought from Walmart.

I was hoping that the little heater would take the chill the inside. But the little heater kept us toasty warm and very comfortable. The heater's thermostat cycled on and off.

One tip when making advance reservations for a camp site. When asked how long your rig is exaggerate, a lot. Obviously the bigger rigs get bigger and flatter spots. I got put into a very tight spot at Unicoi State park in Georgia. The site was on the site of a steep hill that was tough to get into.

I am very happy with how this project turned out.

[pmspirito]

Here is a final recap: It took a little over 600 hours to build. But keep in mind Dad and I were in no hurry and we did spend a lot of time just being picky.

$5260.00 base price of trailer purchase thru TheTrailerShowroom and built by Lark in Georgia.
573.00 for the 12 volt electrical systems, includes the two batteries and the 60 amp power supply
375.00 for the 120 volt electrical system. includes $175.00 for the 4 plugmold strips.
942.00 for the plumbing including the 5-gallon hot water heater, and the sink and faucet
590.00 for the not yet installed air conditioner, includes $250.00 for a custom build and professionally painted sleeve through the rear door.
1685.00 for the interior construction, plywood, paint, hardware, flooring, etc.
381.00 for appliances including the refrigerator, heater, porta-pottie.
__________

$9806.00 total. WITH ONE ADDITIONAL ITEM. The very expensive impact glass front picture window. $882.00. But well worth every penny of it.


Under the heading of Running Gear I spent $1025.00. This is for the Reese hitch, sway bar, brake controller, 7-pin connector, and $212.00 for the wheel discs so I can squeeze the TT into the garage, and anything else related to going down the road.

Under the heading of Camp Site Hookup I spent $289.00. This is for the sewer hose and assorted fittings, two 50-foot 30-amp cords and assorted adapters for 50-amp and 20-amp outlets. Two 50-foot water hoses and assorted other items used at the camp site. On my first trip out my cord was 10 feet too short and so was the water hose. Now I carry two of each,

Miscellaneous stuff added another $257.00 and that included the high-back reclining office chair.

That wraps it up. My next trip will be in late March to Mt Dora Florida for an antique wooden boat festival. In October I plan to go to Charleston SC.

Total out of pocket is $12,259.00

Thanks to everyone who followed this build and thanks for all of your encourage and compliments. I retire in 23 months and 27 days and then I will be on the road.

[roadinspector]

Congratulations!! Very nice mobile mansion that will last a long time. Its a good feeling when a plan come together. Very classy and will turn lots of heads. What I find funny is the curious questions you will get from campers. Mixture of & Enjoyed keeping up with your build! Don't be a stranger and please keep us posted on your trips.

Earnest

[revorunner]

Congrats, very nicely done. Enjoy your hard work.

[crumvoc]

Today we began rough cutting the cabinet pieces.

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This router table s used to cut the profile for the inside edge of the door panels and to cut the groove that will hold the center panel in place.

[img][/img]

I know this is from a photo you posted last year, but... WOW! what a router table. Did you build it? Plans available?
Thanks

[pmspirito]

I made the router table. Here is a link to my web site http://peterspirito.com/routertable.htm for the whole story on the router. This photo also shows how it comes apart quickly to allow the table to be transported to a job site and the roller base to be used for other things. You may need to scroll down the photo.

[hikediveexploregirl]

What was the final weight of your trailer and are you glad you went with single axle or do you wish you had gone tandum?

[pmspirito]

thanks for the question, i have been remiss in not keeping everyone up to date on what has been happening.

the trailer is pretty heavy. heavier than i expected it would be. as i recall it last weighted in at 3450. I am on a trip in Georgia right and my intent is to spend time at the truck scales. The truck scales have 3 platforms that allows the driver to position his rig to get a weight on the cab front axle, the cab rear axle and the trailer axle. I plan to position the trailer axle on the trailer platform and disconnect the trailer from my S-10 with the trailer jack on the rear axle platform and then pull the s-10 forward and park it on the front axle platform. that will give me the individual weights of the load on the trailer axle, the tongue weight, and the s-10 weight.

the last time i weighted it the truck and trailer were connected with the trailer on the trailer platform and the truck on the rear axle platform.

I stand by my single axle plan but would have gotten a higher rated single axle. right now i am close to the listed max. i admit to being a heavy packer.

OKAY A VERY VERY HEAVY PACKER

i did some research on the trailer tires. I assumed trailer tires, Type-ST Special trailer, were cheapies from their presumed one-time use on mobile homes. I found out at the Goodyear web site they are a special design with a very stiff sidewall to resist trailer sway. also the web site said i could bump the pressure up another ten pounds from the listing on the sidewall. the load capacity stays the same but the tire flexes less.

one tip. whenever i make a gas stop i feel the trailer axle hub and the tires to see how warm they are. i have noticed on this trip that raising the tire pressure resulted in a cooler running tire.

the current tires the trailer came with are load range-C which is very good. I can get replacements in the trailer series that are a load range-E which would add to the load capacity. all in all i think i am still very safe with the standard axle and tires. the trailer tows like a dream. if i could only get the backing up figured out.

more photos to come of the new awning and the final install of the air conditioner. all is going well. ROOT BEER

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

You better watch out, Roadinspector could get you , his scales could be off by 51 lbs

He is on vacation as of Thursday so you will be safe in Texas

Just remember, its the weakest link that breaks - which may now be your springs ?
you might be able to increase those also a little bit.
I always keep it under 55 myself..

Safe travels with your very nice trailer.. ROOT BEER


Jerry

[hikediveexploregirl]

I showed my husband your pics last night and he loves your trailer. I am the engineer/built it gal and he is the "wing it" boy. I will be pulling mine with a Jeep Wrangler 4D Unlimited 4x4 which only has a tow capacity of 3500 lbs. I am considering doing a 7x12 on an upgraded 3500 lb axel with brakes. I guess I could upgrade to the 5200...but my Jeep can't pull that weight anyway so perhaps pointless.

I look forward to hearing your weight this trip. Remind me...what size water tanks? I am "assuming" you are pulling it with them empty? (Assumptions are never good).

Can't wait to hear how it goes!! Beautiful job!!

[hikediveexploregirl]

And how heavy was your awning? Can't wait to see pics!

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Its not very expensive to upgrade to 5,200 axel & better tires & never adjust dexter brakes
flipping a trailer is not an experience you wanna look forward to
especially some here have a lead foot and do 75-80 MPH

[David_L6]

I will be pulling mine with a Jeep Wrangler 4D Unlimited 4x4 which only has a tow capacity of 3500 lbs. I am considering doing a 7x12 on an upgraded 3500 lb axel with brakes. I guess I could upgrade to the 5200...but my Jeep can't pull that weight anyway so perhaps pointless.

I normally recommend buying a trailer larger than what you think you want but, unless you think you may be upgrading your tow vehicle, I'm not sure you want to try a 7' wide. If you can upgrade TV without a problem if the 7' X 12' is too much for it, buy at least that large of a trailer. If you won't be able to buy a different TV, I'd consider a 6' X 6' X 12' at most.