New build in Temple, TX

[TxDave]

I finished building my "prefab" roof. I went shopping for some 16 gauge wire at Lowe's. I noticed they had 100' long 16 gauge extension cords for $16. This was a lot less expensive than spools of wire. I used the extension cord for all of my wiring. Less expensive, easy to use, and safe. I also installed the 1.5" of insulation between the spars. The ceiling is covered with a textured FRP panel.

It certainly was a lot easier to build the roof on my work table. I will build the curved front section separately.

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[TxDave]

Yesterday, Jan and I applied the vinyl wallpaper to our walls. I had thought about just using varnish on the walls. To be honest, I do not enjoy varnishing and sanding over and over. Hat's off to you guys who do. I will varnish the cabinets and bulkheads. The wallpaper is durable and washable. I think it brightens up the cabin and gives it a contemporary look.

We got the walls permanently installed today. Its a good feeling to get past this major task.

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I also got some work done on the curved front section of my roof/ceiling. I'm using the same "prefab" building method I used n the flat portion of the roof.

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[Vedette]

Walls look Great! Nice Choice!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[TxDave]

This morning we installed the prefabbed roof/ceiling. I have to say, this is one of my better ideas. It was so much easier to build it on a flat work table. Wiring, interior skin, insulation, and ceiling light were already complete. We installed the whole thing as a single assembly. Piece of cake!

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[rebapuck]

Roof wasn't too heavy?

[TxDave]

No, it was actually pretty light. We attached a couple of long 1X2's to 2 of the spars and used these to lift the roof. They also served to hold the roof rested on the walls so we could glue and screw the roof in place.

[pchast]

Starting to look like the plan.

[Gold5one]

Thanks for the tip on the drop cord wire-

[TxDave]

Continuing to make progress. We installed the prefab front curved section and its insulation. The large opening is for the air conditioner.

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I also cut out the parts for the front interior cabinets from 3/4" maple.

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I used stainless steel piano hinges on the cabinet doors. The 20" TV has a built-in DVD player.

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Christmas shopping has taken away from my building time. But, Santa is coming...trailer project or not.

[Ned B]

Looks great! Especially like the jig & wiring tips!

[RexInTheCity]

I used stainless steel piano hinges on the cabinet doors. The 20" TV has a built-in DVD player.

cabinets.jpg

Christmas shopping has taken away from my building time. But, Santa is coming...trailer project or not.

Is that TV 12v or 120V?

[TxDave]

Thanks, Rex. The TV is 120V. The trailer will be equipped with an inverter as part of the electrical system, so the TV can run off of the battery when we're in the boondocks. Those small LCD TV's don't use a lot of power.

[RexInTheCity]

Thanks, Rex. The TV is 120V. The trailer will be equipped with an inverter as part of the electrical system, so the TV can run off of the battery when we're in the boondocks. Those small LCD TV's don't use a lot of power.

I haven't read anything positive on here about 12V to 120V inverters so I had scrapped that idea for my build. Have you picked one out and run the numbers on power consumption? I'd love to find out I had read outdated information.

[TxDave]

From what I have read, a 20" LED TV draws about 25W. The inverter I'm using is a 800W Cobra. I don't think watching TV a couple of hours a day will have much impact on my deep cycle RV battery.
My wife and I did a 6-week road trip to Alaska. On several occasions we camped where there were no electrical hookups. We ran our TV, laptop, and other small appliances off the battery via an inverter. Never had a single issue.

[Vedette]

Great progress Dave!
I too was thinking about a TV....but I think I have been convinced otherwise????
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi