A True Green Conversion

[Kayakpacker]

Hi to all, I would like to start by saying thanks to all the people on TD forum for posting your ideas and pictures. I have brought a Wells Cargo trailer 5' x 10' and 5' high with a v nose, the trailer was custom order so I got exactly what I wanted. My background is lots of camping in all types of vehicles and tents, I now do a lot of wilderness trips so I need a trailer that will carry two fishing kayaks and a lot of gear and on occasion two recumbent trikes. The trailer will be more to transport equipment and not so much to live in, I prefer to eat and sleep outside year around. Having a fair amount of experience in building things this conversion will be a lot of fun. I welcome your ideas and comments, will post pictures ASAP.

[Kayakpacker]

My first try at positioning pictures , these are drawings that my son did for me. They are a really big help in planning the layout, I have made several changes once I saw it in 3D, he will also be able to tell me how much tongue weight I will have.

[working on it]

Kayakpacker- Welcome to the TnTTT world. If you want to do some design manipulations on your own, the trailer balance worksheet formulated by angib, located in the Design Resources in the header of this forum, is a great help in seeing what you need to move where (to get the proper tongue weight). Or use this direct link http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear81.htm. I've spent many hours moving things about (on paper), changing my design, elaborating on angibs basic worksheet (my apologies), and would never have gotten close to what I wanted, without using it. Except for my errors, the worksheet accurately predicted the true results! Good luck with your trailer build/conversion.

[lrrowe]

Kayakpacker,
I too plan on modifing a CT and will carry two kayaks, one 10' and one 12'3".
I do not have my CT yet, but am getting close. I am considering several options ranging from 6x12 Vnose to 7x12 front front, steel to aluminum.
I will watch your progress with much interest.

Bob

[Kayakpacker]

My true green trailer I really like the backup lights

[Kayakpacker]

Installed frame for front upper cupboards, used aluminum cross bar to save space and provide one large opening for lower storage area, also installed 1/2" gas pipe from front to rear galley to serve refegerator, cook top and BBQ /shower.

[semihippie]

You have a BBQ in your shower? That's awesome. I'm jealous

[Kayakpacker]

It's also a steam room

[Kayakpacker]

I have been working on the front cupboards making good good progress, also working on final gas lines,having a hard time fitting a vertical #20 tank on the front tongue, may have to use a horizontal tank.

[hankaye]

Kayakpacker, Howdy;

With a horizontal tank (cylinder), you will need to have it as a fixed part of the CT,
as that is the way they are installed, like Motorhomes/coaches (buses). They are a lot
more costly than regular cylinders. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywor ... se6bgt19_b

hank

[MtnDon]

There are two types of tanks as measured by their approval; DOT or ASME.

The common portable 20, 40, etc. pound cylinders are DOT type. They have expiration dates. Some are made specifically for horizontal mounting. An upright cylinder should never be used horizontally. It should never even be transported in the horizontal position. The DOT tanks made for horizontal use often have welded brackets like the ones referenced on amazon. This is to ensure the pressure relief and the vapor valve are situated above the liquid line. Home ground mount tanks are also DOT types. The horizontal DOT tanks are more costly than the usual vertical tanks we use on trailers and home grills (in equivalent volumes). Probably in part because of mass production of the 20's.

The ASME tanks are the type that are "built into" RV's... the type where you must take the RV to the propane dealer and they use a hose to connect to the tank in the RV. Those are very expensive tanks. A new 5 gallon ASME will cost close to $400; 11 gallon maybe $600. I bought a used 60 gallon ASME from a wrecked class A a few years ago. I paid $500; new it would be in the thousands. ASME tanks do not have an expiration date; no need to be re-certified.

[Kayakpacker]

Thanks for the info on tanks, I found a 30 lb DOT tank for $152, unless I can fit one or two smaller tanks I buy the 30 lb

[dustboy]

Wow, thanks MtnDon...I mean this honestly that you have given me the sort of info that is completely useless to me at the moment, but will stick in my memory for some odd reason. Then, in 10 years when I'm shopping for a propane tank...AHA! I know exactly what to look for!

And as usual, my wife will wonder how I know this stuff.

Cheers!

[MtnDon]

Glad you may be able to use the info.

BTW, there is some very nice craftmanship on display for anyone who follows dustboy's signature link!

[Kayakpacker]

Got a lot of work done today, finish the frames for front cupboard, finish insulating ceiling (total of 2 1/2"). Started galley in rear, cut hole in floor for refegerator vent. Lots of planning to get refegerator , sink, pantry, storage for BBQ, stove top, room for dishes, quick disconnects for gas and water in a back galley in a 5' wide trailer.