Update/More Camping: Weekender-for-5

[mikeschn]

Okay, I just wondered... since you are going to have 5 people in that small area, it's important to keep a good source of air flowing into the trailer.

You might want to pop a little computer fan into the body towards the rear, by the kids feet. And you'll always want to keep the windows open, and the roof vent running!

Mike...

[Alfred]

Hey gang,

OK, so I am starting over. I went out this week and bought 2x4's to reframe the floor all the way to the metal rim of the trailer. There will be about 2" that come above the metal rim, to which I will plan to attach the sides. To that end, tonight I removed the two factory fenders from the trailer, using an Angle Grinder. (This was the first time I had ever used an angle grinder, so I guess my introduction to this interesting tool is another intangible benefit to this whole adventure). I had to remove the factory fenders because they are mounted flush to the trailer, and would not leave the clearance I need over the side to attach the walls. Also, I could not endorse them as far as asthetics, and hope to find some that are a little easier on the eye. Gonna get this thing built sooner or later...

Al in Asheville

[Miriam C.]

Now that you have the fenders removed be sure to check to see that you have the clearance you need before hanging the sides over. Not to add to your already long list.

Now is the time to really enjoy the build.

[Alfred]

Hi Gang,

It having become apparent that my initial attempt at a floor frame built of 2x2's, which did not extend all the way to the rim of the trailer frame, was not going to work, this weekend I scrapped the original floor frame and built a new one of 2x4's.

New floor frame from front of trailer.

New floor frame from back of trailer.

Close-up of new floor frame from back of trailer.

Feels good to have made progress! Now to start planning the next step!

Al in Asheville

[Alfred]

Hey Y'all,

I worked on the camper last weekend and tonight, made some small progress.

Tonight, I glued and screwed the 1/2 inch floor plywood to the frame. Tomorrow and/or Saturday I hope to turn it upside down and get the goop painted on the underside. Then I will bolt it to the frame.

The weather is finally warming up a little here in the mountains. I've been working on it a little bit the last two weeks when I can, and at least I am making a little progress.

AL.

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

Gooped the Camper Bottom Today. Here are pix with my helpers!


















Now I gotta bolt it to the trailer!

Al in Asheville

[ERV]

Hi Al, Those helpers look way to clean! And so do you by the way. Ha! Looks good so far. I know you will enjoy being off the ground. Nice looking family. Erv

[Alfred]

Hi Al, Those helpers look way to clean! And so do you by the way. Ha! Looks good so far. I know you will enjoy being off the ground. Nice looking family. Erv

I didn't let them near the brush! Although my Son ended up getting into some of it anyway. They "supervised", telling me - "Daddy, you missed a spot there...don't forget to paint it there...etc.". It was fun!

AL in Asheville

[ERV]

Know what you mean Al. Had some good times with my two boys. The oldest one lives up the street and the youngest is in his second year at Un. of Mich. in Ann Arbor. Remember these times, they seem to go by so fast. We did our camping in a tent. Enjoyed every minute of it. But glad I am doing it in a tear now,lol. Erv

[John T. Hodgen]

hey Al,
I don't know how far you are from Glendale Springs NC., but the Tearjerker's are having a gathering at Racoon Holler c/g in May. Check out ther website for dates-come by if your close or come pop the Ol'Tent and get inspired! Goodluck on your build. Til later around the fire-John T.

[Alfred]

hey Al,
I don't know how far you are from Glendale Springs NC., but the Tearjerker's are having a gathering at Racoon Holler c/g in May. Check out ther website for dates-come by if your close or come pop the Ol'Tent and get inspired! Goodluck on your build. Til later around the fire-John T.

Hey John,

Thanks for letting me know! Glendale Springs, NC is about 2 1/2 hours from Asheville, NC. I am currently scheduled to take on-call that weekend at work, but I think there's enough time to get someone to trade with me. I think we can make it, sounds like fun!

AL in Asheville

[mikeschn]

Alright!!! We got progress!!!

Mike...

[Senior Ninja]

Al,

Way to go guy!
You're building memories that are going to last a lifetime. The kids are going to love the build, be proud of their Dad and relish every camping trip. What a wonderful family project.
Keep up gthe good work.

Steve

[cokebottle10]

Hey Al,

I live in Fletcher and would like to see your build. I'm on vacation next week. Will you be at the community center next Wednesday?

Thanks,

David

[Alfred]

Hi Gang,

Thought it would take about 30 minutes, but it took two nights. Starting with the helpful Home Depot guy selling me the wrong drill bit (wouldn't go through the steel trailer frame) to the holes not lining up right.

But FINALLY the floor frame and floor are bolted to the trailer frame! YAYYYY!






Used six 3/8" hex head bolts with washers on both ends.

Al in Asheville