OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

[lrrowe]

Mtn Don and Jerry,
Thanks, you replies are very informative. Mtn Don thanks about the caution about using a plastic barrier as that was in my thoughts.

Jerry, I will consider the concept of the plywood on the outside. Did Cargo Mate do that with no issues or did you have to do some convincing?

Bob

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

No charge for exterior plywood, you just need to tell them upfront,
Makes insulating walls super easy !!

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Well I used to think that people don't get that much output from their solar panels
But today I was able to pull 2,000+ watts from just 3 x 255 panels
I was sort of surprised myself with that much production

I'm still waiting for the other charge controller & larger breakers
To completely connect the entire system......

While not enough to maybe run the AC in 100 deg heat as I expected
It should provide enough for even cloudy days
I spent another 3-4 hours reinstalling the bed platform, queen foam mattress & some wooden mattress support slats
Will try posting some pics in the next few days.
It's all in smaller sections that on old goat like me can take apart if needed.

The mattress is something like this

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30139835/#/00139832

Here is the lower part , it's in 200 pieces & takes forever to assemble ......
The combination is almost as good as my 12" real mattresse


http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20125971/

Psst don't tell I cut the frame from 79.5" down to 76" - so I lost 2 slats
I ended up with this combination because I only have 76" x 60" for a queen
The old mattress was almost impossible to change the sheets -
Besides it was starting to get very moldy because it was 3/8" away from the metal frame condensation
It weight was 100 lbs jammed into 79" space

This new setup is maybe 50 lbs & easy for 1 person to change the sheets.
While a custom 12" thick mattress would fit - change sheets & flipping is almost impossible.

Jerry

[roadinspector]

Congratulations on your output!! I studied solar power over 30 yrs ago and am completely lost in todays world with the technology that you have. Looks like a comfy bed for you. Sounds like it is a better setup to be able handle. Anything that makes life easier is worth the effort.

Earnest

[hikediveexploregirl]

OverTheTop: do you have a contact person at Carmate trailers you use? I am getting some estimates for the 6x12 I am going to be ordering soon. Thanks!!

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

If you call CarMate factory in Leeper Pa ask for Ted Harrison

http://www.carmate-trailers.com/

He may help you or refer you to a dealer for your area in GA ?

CarMate is not a cheap trailer compared to GA trailers I have both so I know.
If you want top shelf quality go see CarMate , if you wanna insulate your trailer get one with wood walls & order the plywood on exterior as CarMate plywood connot be removed from the interior, it's glued & stapled.

If you want best price stay in GA

Jerry

[hikediveexploregirl]

Plywood on exterior? I am weighing all of my options. In all of my projects I go for good quality over price. I am too lazy to deal with crap!

I do want to insulate...but goodness I don't want the maintenance of a wood exterior. Can they not build the interior so it can be removed if you order custom.

They don't have any dealers here and so it would be a roadtrip...if I can get someone who can answer my question and build what I want. I can't tolerate bad customer servive...

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

No I confused you

From the inside:
It's the wood studs, then plywood on the exterior & then finally the exterior alum skin.
in my case I have screw less exterior.
Also I'm adding 3" foam & more interior plywood

Vs

Alum skin , then studs & finally the plywood.

I would say no to your question as CarMate only uses 1/4 plywood & it's part of their structural layer,
So if it's easy to remove from the interior - its also not as structurally sound ?
But you can always ask ?
For me it was perfect on the exterior

Jerry

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Here is a story from Prem's thread, hope he won't mind the reprint.

This is why I only like duel dexter torsion & never adjust breaks.
And keep it at 55


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SINGLE AXLE CAUTION

One of our camping club members recently lost his trailer in a high speed rollover due to a torsion axle spindle failing. It was a light trailer for its size, made largely of fiberglassed foam. See photos:

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=32474&highlight=rip

He said he got the left trailer wheel off the road momentarily (bang!) while pulling into a rest area, but doesn't/can't know much more about why the axle failed, except that it had the bored-out center for easy lub grease injection to the rear bearing. (Hollow axle)

A few points:

1. Have your trailer axle bearings and seals professionally checked and repacked every 6,000 miles.
2. 55 MPH is the speed limit towing a trailer almost everywhere.
3. The smaller your tires, the more they spin per mile and the more heat they generate taking a toll on the bearings faster.
4. If you lose a tire (flat), wheel or axle stub (spindle) on a single axle trailer at speed, you're suddenly pulling a plow that pulls to one side. All the more reason to maintain excellent tire pressure and tire quality and to get the bearings and seals checked and lubed at manufacturer's recommended intervals.

Because of this incident, I will only use torsion axles without the EZ lube feature (hollow axle) on future trailers. A higher weight rating is better than lighter here! My cargo trailer weighs under 1,500 pounds and has a 3,500 pound torsion axle without EZ lube.

Prem

[hikediveexploregirl]

So you had them add the insulation when they built it?

So, I basically have to do single axel and had intended on upgrading the axel to ensure I have brakes. I didn't follow why he said he would only use torsion when he says the wrecked camper had a torsion axel. I must be missing something.

[jwhite]

Being that your in Georgia they build lots of trailers here in GA.
this web site has a lot of good info.
http://www.trailershopper.com/

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

So you had them add the insulation when they built it?

No I added insulation my self , if you read further back or my blog you get the whole story
Including spring vs torsion axels.


http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

Prem says he dose not like easy lube because its a point that can lead to failure,
Personally Dexter is the Best #1 USA Alex maker - so I believe they cannot afford to make
a design flaw like that, the axel in the story was NOT a Dexter axel !!

Jerry

[hikediveexploregirl]

Yes, I am getting quotes from some Georgia guys but I am also interested in Carmate since I have heard so much about them.

OTT, I have read part of your torsion vs. Leaf spring. I will see if I can find your insulation method. Thanks!

[hikediveexploregirl]

OTTCT do you know when in your blog you did the insulation? I live in the country with limited internet and it will take forever (and way too much cell data) to search through your whole blog searching for it.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

I started around june this year, on OTTCT Version 2.0 but I skip around a lot with different parts....
but this should help you get started - just start here and go till todays date.



http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/2013_06_01_archive.html


Jerry