New Build - 6*12 Offroad Toy Hauler

[flboy]

Anyone ever used one of these to control a small 5000 BTU window AC with analog controls. Seems like this would work to regulate temperature more precisely, but also cut off the fan which runs 100% of time even though the compressor cycles. This device appears to just apply power or remove it to satisfy a thermocouple and setting. The little AC has a discrete switch for power and etc., so I do not see why it wouldn't work.





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[hankaye]

flboy, Howdy;

Seems more of a question most here might ask of you. chuckle.

One thing I do know is with my roof top a/c, I keep the fan on all the time
to take some of the strain off the electric system when it cycles. I'd imagine
the same would hold true with your 'shaker'. Even with the renewable set-up
you've got. But, as I keep mentioning, your trailer ...

hank

[flboy]

Hi Hank. What I have observed with most AC's is when you turn on power, the fan kicks on and then a few seconds later, the compressor will kick on. They have a built in delay so both motors do not come on at same time and overwhelm the system. I just don't like the fan on all the time and want to know when it is cycling. The more expensive shakers like the 8000 btu one in my 7*18 have a digital interface with precise temperature control an auto mode where fan will kick on and off with the cycle. Trying to duplicate that.

I have the thermostat coming, so I guess I will discover if it works by trial or error.



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[Apples]

fl, I'm new here and have begun work on a simple 5 X 10 box trailer... thank you very much for your really helpful posts and vids (which I can't watch often due to mobile data constraints). Your posts alone w/ your pictures are more than enough.

One question, though, which may have been answered in any window install vid, and that is where might I purchase the metal radius pieces for the window corners? I'm going to be framing then cutting in two 14" X 22" windows. I have no idea where to get any of this stuff (other than surfing Amazon which I've only just discovered). Your input will help.

I'm doing the smaller 5 X 10 as a solo camper for the cooler months of the year in the Mojave desert. I'm pulling it with an F150 and wanted the smaller size trailer to maintain some off-highway agility and light weight. The trick, though, when once inside the trailer is to sit. right. down. immediately so as not to strain your neck and lower back. Eeesh. A 6X would have been nicer for standing but then more of an air brake when towing...



I've yet to start a build thread because I'm having cellphone picture-to-email problems and difficulty even when trying to usb cable from the phone directly to the laptop. It's more of an Apple phone to Windows laptop problem I guess, but it is aggravating. I'm used to being able to post pics!

Anyway thanks for your great thread here. It is appreciated. Looking forward to more. Where, might I ask, and generally speaking, or what part of the country are you in? I'm in Los Angeles, but please don't hold that against me.


:cheers:

[flboy]

Apples, Thanks. Glad to hear this is helpful for you. Best of luck on your build.

On the radius corners, I got them on eBay. There is a formula you can Google to figure out what size you need based on Window size and also there is the width to consider. Honestly, I do not think they are worth it after using them. They did not fit tight and they are plastic... not metal.

Next time I will just use the window trim ring to trace the window outline on cardboard, then take a T-square and draw the lines along the sides until they intersect to make the rectangle. Then I can simply cut the pieces out from the cardboard, transfer to 1/2 inch plywood then cut them out with jigsaw. You can cut 2 for each corner and glue together for 1 inch thickness. Then just use liquid nails to bond into corners.

They really don't appear to do much for you except provide a little support for the aluminum skin that spans the corners (as far as I can see anyhow). I have .040 thick skin ( an option) on mine so it was reasonably stiff, however, I think it would be more useful on the standard aluminum skin which I think is .024 thick (which is relatively flimsy).

At the end of the day, for me, the radius corners were useful as a guide for my saw when cutting the corners.... which you really want to make sure you get them right.

I am in Central Florida.. that is why I use the forum name as Flboy (Florida Boy) . :-)

I have been to LA many times on business (Pomona/Tustin/Carson areas mostly) and love the Geographical diversity of California in general. It is a beautiful state with so many cool places to explore. I just don't think I could live there due to the politics . I wouldn't do well. I lived on Edwards Airforce Base near Lancaster and Bakersfield for a few years as a kid. My dad was in the US Airforce. Edwards Airforce base was where I got my first minibike and caught the dirt bike fever riding in the desert area out back.

[flboy]

I could not find what I was looking for, so I made some Solar Panel mounts out of some 2in angle iron today that I already had. Three of the mounts will screw into the side of the top frame and trim and clear the protruding edge of the black out trim. The awning fabric rail is in the way of the fourth mount, so I made a mount that will screw into the top frame through the roof. I'll use Dicor tape and Dicor self leveling sealer to ensure a good seal.

To mount the panels, I'll screw in aluminum angle iron or electrical strut (have not decided yet) between the mounts and then screw the panels to the angle iron or mount on strut using the appropriate hardware. That's my plan anyhow. First step was the brackets.








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[Apples]

Apples, Thanks. Glad to hear this is helpful for you. Best of luck on your build.

On the radius corners, I got them on eBay. There is a formula you can Google to figure out what size you need based on Window size and also there is the width to consider. Honestly, I do not think they are worth it after using them. They did not fit tight and they are plastic... not metal.

Next time I will just use the window trim ring to trace the window outline on cardboard, then take a T-square and draw the lines along the sides until they intersect to make the rectangle. Then I can simply cut the pieces out from the cardboard, transfer to 1/2 inch plywood then cut them out with jigsaw. You can cut 2 for each corner and glue together for 1 inch thickness. Then just use liquid nails to bond into corners.

They really don't appear to do much for you except provide a little support for the aluminum skin that spans the corners (as far as I can see anyhow). I have .040 thick skin ( an option) on mine so it was reasonably stiff, however, I think it would be more useful on the standard aluminum skin which I think is .024 thick (which is relatively flimsy).

At the end of the day, for me, the radius corners were useful as a guide for my saw when cutting the corners.... which you really want to make sure you get them right.

Absolutely. And thanks again to you I can now whittle some out of ply and bond them together. d'oh!

I am in Central Florida.. that is why I use the forum name as Flboy (Florida Boy) . :-)

But of course... lol. I was thinking it had something to do w/ motorsickles. The letters FL are part of much HD nomenclature.

I have been to LA many times on business (Pomona/Tustin/Carson areas mostly) and love the Geographical diversity of California in general. It is a beautiful state with so many cool places to explore. I just don't think I could live there due to the politics . I wouldn't do well. I lived on Edwards Airforce Base near Lancaster and Bakersfield for a few years as a kid. My dad was in the US Airforce. Edwards Airforce base was where I got my first minibike and caught the dirt bike fever riding in the desert area out back.

You are correct. It is a beautiful place. It is only the politics that seem to have ruined it. I've been a fish out of water my whole life here what with how I was raised politically and then with my personality being one that can wave to most any stranger. I've been asked numerous times if I'm not from some small town instead. Hah. Oh well.

The desert is where I too started riding, and it was also the Antelope Valley. Now I recreate a little farther east, on the east side of Muroc. When I'm out there doing my thing and when the day draws to a close and I'm packing up my gear I never want to leave. Too old to sleep on the ground in a tent, and it's too much work. So I'm working my arse off and frying my brain in my driveway trying to make this little tin tent something to be proud of. Thanks again. I'll be watching.

[flboy]

Installing solar panels today. This is how the brackets I made go on the top side trim and avoid holes in the roof.




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[flboy]

Panels are on the roof. They would not fit up front. About 6 inches short in front of the vent and I needed to mount them long side forward like I did to work with the rails.

420W of Monocrystalline panels. Setting these up in 24V mode (series) to start..May change it later..I'll be wiring things up later with electrical.

Also, will use Dicor self leveling sealer when I do the vents and etc. I have to rethink my Maxxair Fan with lowering rain shield now. It will hit the solar panels and not close all the way. A few inches short of clearing them. It needs almost 7 inches in rear of the opening to close. I only have 5 inches to spare with my panel locations. Will put the new fan on E-bay and get something different.














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[flboy]

Finally, the last of the ceiling insulation is in..will try to get the rest of the ceiling Luan in today so I can start building walls and cabinets up front.





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[flboy]

Some progress today. Have the ceiling in and wiring and holes in place for recessed lighting. Next up, walls and framing for counters and overhead cabinets. Might squeeze in the bathroom vent. Will wait for on demand water heater exhaust vent. Need to make sure the space I am planning for it will actually work.









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[flboy]

Starting the walls and etc.. this was the hardest one with the angle and etc.. Should have all the walls, paneling, and cabinet frames in this week.












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[BigDave_185]

What size studs are you using?


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[flboy]

What size studs are you using?

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I split 2x4 in half (rip them on table saw). They work great that way.

[BigDave_185]

Does that leave plenty of room for plumbing in a wall for a shower ?


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