My Conversion (sound religious)

[silverado]

Hi All, My family and I were looking into going camping out west for vacation this year. We have been a tent camping family for years, but the ground keeps getting harder. So I was thinking of renting a travel trailer and taking that out west instead of tents. To make a long story short, we thought it too expensive. I am a carpenter and I own a 6x12 cargo trailer. I use it for longer materials that can't fit in the truck. The thought crossed my mind, more than once, would it be possible to use the trailer we already own ?. The search was on to see if it was even possible. I saw the first glimpse on M.D. Vaden's web-site of what was possible. He directed me here. I was so inspired with what I saw on this site, I started searching for windows. That was what I felt was the most important thing to change, so that we could camp in it. With only two weeks before we were scheduled to leave, I found windows from a place in MI. (found on this site) Since I live in Il. they were here in three days. I knew before hand I might be in trouble, because I bought windows that were made to be horizontal, but I didn't know exactly how to do a header for a trailer.( I have to go check on it this afternoon to see if water is coming in ) I didn't see how to cut out a stud and support it properly, and these fit into my 15" opening. If I need to, in the future, I can always change the windows to larger ones. Hopefully it isn't a continual problem. It leaked a little on the way home, but we had some bad storms. Anyway, the worst part of course, was the first drill hole. No turning back! That went well, no wires in the way, I actually started on the inside so I could turn back if I had to. Anyway, after the windows, I found a boat outlet (mentioned here) that made it possible to plug into the side of the trailer. That was fine, but we only had electric one night, the other nights went down to the 40's. So my next task will be to check into solar power. There was a guy in the Tetons that had a trailer similar to mine but had no windows. He did have solar though, very cool. I'll have to look here to see if that's a forum. I bought a couple cabinets from Lowes,( that I can use for tools later on ) added some shelves and a mirror and presto a home away from home. I needed to be able to take it apart so that I could use it for work, but It has worked great. I think I'm going to add some mountain decals to break-up the white. Our next trip, I think will be in Ludington Mi. on Columbus day. Hopefully we can get an electric site ! Thanks to all you who have inspired me, and I'd love to hear some solar comment. Thanks

[glwt06]

Hi Silverado,

Your build looks good. I like your small cabinets up front, are those the ones from Lowes?

I think your window cut outs look fine. Did you use a putty tape to seat the windows before you caulked? Do you think the windows may have shifted without a header support?

When I installed my windows, I pulled the two plywood sheets off and used two lengths of 1 x 2 boards. I ran these vertically up from the wall's base plate and screwed them to the wall studs. I then put another 1 x 2 board across the top of those for the window support. The windows I used were pretty light and it seemed to work well. Your right though, it is pretty scary to make the first cut into the metal.

I haven't looked into solar, I wish I had more help for you. It does seem to have a lot of advantages. Good luck.


Paul

[B@tt]

Looks like your in for a lot of fun with your conversion. I absolutely love camping in mine; so much better than a tent.

I looked into solar when building my trailer and found it to be very expensive for a system that would actually support the electrical load. I opted for a generator instead (not really a "green" move, but much easier to haul around and it supports my needs)

If you go to the electrical section of these forums there is a ton of info on solar that will help you out.

Good Luck.

B@tt

[Wolfscout]

I've got an older Coleman generator that I plan to use when there's no power to hook to. it's small. but yeah solar is pricey still.

[iSpy]

My Conversion (sound religious)

only if your religion is ...... Rugby.