Well maybe 90% but I'm making progress
In the last few weeks I built and installed the interior cabinets at the head of the bed, insulated the roof, fixed two spots where water got into the wood framing from underneath and caused some wood parts to separate, and installed the fenders.
I also got up on the ladder two weeks ago and noticed that I had cracks over most of the screws in the flat roof plywood. There was some rust and minor water damage around some of them. It looks like the water putty I used to fill the countersunk holes shrunk and caused cracks in the epoxy. There is no glass in the center of the roof, just in a strip about 8 inches from the edge and wrapping over onto the walls. It wasn't a problem where there was glass.
I gave the roof a good sanding then another rolled-on coat of epoxy...I applied it late in the day and we had lots of dew that night (did I mention the camper is outside). It was still sticky the next day and full of bugs. I waited another couple of days then sanded and gave it another coat earlier in the day. I threw two canoes on top and tarped over that. It got nice and warm under the tarp and the epoxy cured nicely. It looks like crap with all the bugs parts in it but I don't really care...I plan on painting the roof white anyways.
The fenders are lighter than the ash on the camper but I assume they will darken with age.
Things I still need to do:
1. build and install three interior cabinet doors
2. install the ceiling plywood
3. install the finished counter top in the galley
4. wire the interior lights (wire will be run under the trim)
5. build a door that matches the camper style...as you can see the one on the trailer is a temp.
6. give the whole camper a good sanding and one last coat of epoxy. I have lots of milky areas that I found I can sand out... sand a little then wipe with alcohol...repeat until the blush is gone.
7. give the whole camper several coats of spar varnish.
8. Thinking about a tongue box
As I review the list I think I might want to downgrade that to 80% finished!
I learned a lot on the build (my first). Most of the problems I encountered were due to rushing to finish the job and not having the proper work space for epoxy and finish work. I am taking my time with the finishing touches and building a garage this fall so I have someplace to store the camper indoors. My wife thinks the years of asking for a garage for her car finally paid off but the camper was what pushed me over the edge.
We have one last camping trip planned for the season...Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hope to catch the fall colors.
I also hooked up the camper and weighed it at the local truck stop. With the galley loaded (everything but perishable food), mattress, bedding, and battery, it comes in at 1,650lbs. That's lighter than I would have guessed so I am thrilled. Add the food and drink for a weekend, chairs, pop-up tent, and clothing and I'll still be under 1,900lbs.
Happy camping
Chuck
