Red Dragons - The Build (Updated 3/17/10)

[Miriam C.]

I would highly recommend sitting all 4 corners of your trailer on stands or something else solid before you go any further. If it's not sitting solid you will have a very hard time getting it all squared up. If you level it side to side in the front and back you will know everything's going to go together the way it should.

+1 and be sure you are level across the diagonal while you are leveling.

[Nitetimes]

I would highly recommend sitting all 4 corners of your trailer on stands or something else solid before you go any further. If it's not sitting solid you will have a very hard time getting it all squared up. If you level it side to side in the front and back you will know everything's going to go together the way it should.

+1 and be sure you are level across the diagonal while you are leveling.

I never do that, it's extra work and can be frustrating. If the front and back are level the frame is setting fine to square everything.

[dmckruit]

I would highly recommend sitting all 4 corners of your trailer on stands or something else solid before you go any further. If it's not sitting solid you will have a very hard time getting it all squared up. If you level it side to side in the front and back you will know everything's going to go together the way it should.

Will, do. Someone was telling me that drywall screws may work better with the masonite and fall flush. I have some of those at home I can try first, but I would need nothing longer than 3/4" in length.

[Nitetimes]

I would highly recommend sitting all 4 corners of your trailer on stands or something else solid before you go any further. If it's not sitting solid you will have a very hard time getting it all squared up. If you level it side to side in the front and back you will know everything's going to go together the way it should.

Will, do. Someone was telling me that drywall screws may work better with the masonite and fall flush. I have some of those at home I can try first, but I would need nothing longer than 3/4" in length.

Not sure about that. Masonite has very little give to it so you would probably still need a countersink bit. All you can do is try it I guess??

[dmckruit]

Got some more work done on my tear over the weekend.

I finished placing the studs on the first wall.



Then I bought a 1/4" countersink drill bit this weekend. I flipped the wall over, removed the screws and redrilled the holes with the countersink bit. Once the screws were back in, I found that they were pretty flush with the masonite.



Then I put the trailer on jacks, removed the wheels and leveled her off. The trailer sits pretty level both across the length and width. I found I didn't need any extra shims to level it off.



The wood in the front of the trailer bows down a little so that a board laying flat has a gap underneath. I will cut out a furring strip to adjust for the irregularity so that when I attach the walls everything will be leveled up.



Then I had to cut the hind end parts of the interior paneling so that I can attach them to the studded/insulated walls.



Now all I have to do is stud the other side.

GO STEELERS!!!!

[Nitetimes]

Lookin' good!

[dmckruit]

Got some more work done on my tear this weekend. I finished placing the wall studs on wall #2. Then I cut out openings for A/C intake and exhaust vents. I also drilled a pilot hole for the porch lights, and drilled the opening for the electrical service.





Then I got the first wall insulated.



I decided to stop there and get the trailer ready for hauling. I figured it would be prudent to make a run for my aluminum this week. Watson Metals in Pittsburghs North Side has 3003-H14 (0.032 thick) in 4x10 sheets for $44 a sheet which they package on a skid. So I thought that before I put the walls up I should make a run for more supplies.

So I had to make temporary fenders and reattach all of the lights. One of the side lights isn't working, so I have to pick up a bulb for it tomorrow before I can take it out.

[dmckruit]

Finally got some time for new pics.

A couple weeks ago, I went and picked up my aluminum for my trailer. I had a heck of a time getting the lights to work. Finally I figured out that the tail lights are grounded through the bolt that attaches to the frame. Since I had temporarily attached the lights to masonite, nothing would work. I had some extra wire and attached all the bolts to the wire and ran the ground through to the ground on the power supply. Everything then lit up like a christmas tree.

I got my aluminum and then had to come home and remove the lights, the wheels and then level her up again. Because of the road spray from the recent snow storm, I had to wipe her down and clean her up.

I then cut a notch in the side profile so that the hatch seal can be accomodated, then I shored up the wall studs by putting screws through the joints. It stiffened up the sides pretty well.

Today, I finally was able to attach one of the sides to the frame. I still need to insert the inside wall before I start framing the roof.

[aggie79]

Looking great!

[dmckruit]

Got the outside vent covers and electrical cover painted at work today. We have a paint booth there so it is less messy. They came out pretty good. I want to paint the porchlights tomorrow.



Then my brother came over and helped me get the second side up, and we made sure everything was level and square. Then I finally got to attach the side with screws.



I want to get the inside walls attached, the ceiling studs in, and the wheel wells done by the end of the weekend.

[Miriam C.]

You have the makings of a great TD now. Painting the vents at this stage sounds good. Are they in there permanently or will you paint first?

[dmckruit]

I just stuffed the vent in for the photo. I plan on skinning the outside with aluminum. The white vent and electrical covers just wouldn't look as good as the black does.

I want to use these vents for the intake and exhaust of my air conditioner. I will use a bathroom fan for the exhaust.

[dmckruit]

Got the lights painted earlier this week.



Then I filled in the gaps around the wheel well, so that I can install the inside wall.



Then I was able to get one of the inside walls installed. I will have to do the same with the wheel well on the other side.



The screws on the inside will be covered with trim molding.



It's actually looking like its starting to take shape!

[bdosborn]

Is that FRP you're using for the inside skin?

Bruce

[dmckruit]

No. It isn't fiberglass plastic. It's a painted type of masonite panelling pretty much like "dry erase board". I had a few sheets left over from another project that I wanted to use up.

I figured if I didn't like the final look, I could always cover it with grass-weave wallpaper, or bamboo. I think it will look okay though with the trim and cabinetry.