Northwestern Build - Updated 7/4/2010 - Done!

[aggie79]

I was able to see Bill's build in person today. Definitely a winner!

[wlivesey]

Thanks for the kind words, Tom. It was nice to finally meet someone of this great community. We were just getting started when you stopped by but we made quite a bit of progress by Sunday evening.

These are over-head cabinets that my wife built. I think she did a fine job!


Here they are installed. She's very proud...


The door folds down to make a nice shelf for small items while we're camping. They've got super stong hinges on them.


The refrigerator is installed. Nice and quiet when running...


We also got some lighting hooked up. The photo doesn't do it justice.


It's been a long weekend!

[WayneFromMo]

Nice wood work. Hey, I can get my wife to mow the yard.

[Prem]

A wife who builds cabinets? WOW!

You lucky dude!

Prem

[wlivesey]

A wife who builds cabinets? WOW!

You lucky dude!

Prem

Yes I am! She built them while I was at work.

She's helped build the trailer every step of the way. I know a lot of other ladies have built trailers themselves but I really didn't expect this project to be something she would get so involved in. It wouldn't be where it is today without her.

Oh yeah, she mows the yard too! Now I'm just bragging...

[Prem]

Was it in her genes to begin with or was it something she learned?

(Help me out here. I have have two daughters who have helped/watched me build RVs and a 26' wooden boat and show no sign of having acquired the skills or the interest.)

Prem

[wlivesey]

She's definitely learned the skills while we've been building our trailer. I'm not really sure how it happened... I think she just REALLY wants to go on vacation so she's doing what she can to get the trailer built.

[wlivesey]

The galley lights are installed.

[WayneFromMo]

Are those the LED lights that is sold at Home Depot?

Please don't rub it in about your wife you lucky dog.

[wlivesey]

Are those the LED lights that is sold at Home Depot?

No, they are halogen puck lights I picked up at a local RV Parts store. I was kind of disappointed with the LED lights sold locally. They were either too dim or had too much blue light. The halogen lights feel much warmer. I also figured I can always replace the halogen bulbs with LED replacements if I need to. I probably will eventually...

I found a bunch of LED replacement bulbs here:
http://www.sailorsams.com/led-lights.htm

[WayneFromMo]

So, are they 12v? The Halogen lights.

[wlivesey]

That's right. 12 volt halogen lights. They are made by Arcon.

http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/product13668.html

The ones I got are black.

[WayneFromMo]

Thanks for the link.

[RAYVILLIAN]

Wow Bill great build.
With all the framing and cabinets you have she'll be a bit heavy but I love what you done. It's beautiful and will last for ever. How are you planning on finishing the out side.

I'm still a fan of the top hinged back wall . When the wall swings down it helps out when lifting but since I've recently realized how hard it is to set up that geometry I see why every one hinges at the bottom.

I still feel that the Winter Warrior design is the most versatile TTT design Though we have things we'd do different next time we really love ours.

Sorry that I haven't been around to add my 2 cents but I just found your thread. I'm going to have to start reading more of the forum.

Gary

[wlivesey]

Wow Bill great build.
With all the framing and cabinets you have she'll be a bit heavy but I love what you done. It's beautiful and will last for ever. How are you planning on finishing the out side.

I'm still a fan of the top hinged back wall . When the wall swings down it helps out when lifting but since I've recently realized how hard it is to set up that geometry I see why every one hinges at the bottom.

I still feel that the Winter Warrior design is the most versatile TTT design Though we have things we'd do different next time we really love ours.

Sorry that I haven't been around to add my 2 cents but I just found your thread. I'm going to have to start reading more of the forum.

Gary

Thanks Gary, Yes, It is going to be a bit on the heavy side. I knew that going in to it, my TV can handle the weight easily so I'm okay with it.

I really want to finish the exterior in aluminum. I'd really like it to have an old school look with modern touches here and there.

I was leaning towards the drop down wall but ended up building it to hinge at the bottom. It just worked out better for me... I think I can make it easier to stand up the rear walls with some very light gas springs.

Right now I'm working on the AC installation. Being in Texas, AC is required. We are anxious to get the trailer on the road so I bought a tongue box that will hold the AC. I'll duct the cold air in from there. If we don't like the way the store bought box works out I may end up building one at a later date. I've still got to find a place to store my generator and propane tank. It looks like the AC/tongue box is going to take up more space than I originally thought.