Starting my 7x14 trailer conversion

[Mark519]

I wanted floor insulation on my build but I was concerned about moisture getting between the layers. I still don't know about moisture problems, with either internal or external insulation. I need more research on that. I got some water under the rubber mat I have over the plywood and it didn't soak in to the plywood and go away - just started mildewing before I found it. If I had it to do over again, I would not put rubber mat under permanent structures like the shower pan. I would just seal the plywood with epoxy paint I guess. I didn't give enough consideration to the internal insulation idea at the time, because I was thinking about external insulation. I could still add external foam but I have a lot of obstructions underneath and there would still be cold spots where the steel frame is. Fortunately, floor insulation is not that important in southern states (OverTheTop Excluded) but I think 1/2" polyiso with 1/2" plywood would be a noticeable improvement in cold weather. I like the spacers idea.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

BOB


Most guys would gladly pay $151 for an extra 3"

[lrrowe]

Jerry,
Should have seen that one coming.

[RWH]

I was able to make a little bit more progress on my trailer. I switched things up a bit by changing the sink and stove top locations. I also installed the shower and built the cabinets. Now I am ready to build the cabinet doors and seat cover. I also added a few more pics to my Photobucket build, if interested.



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[Banjo]

I am going to build my second cargo trailer into a camper this spring . I just purchased a 6x12 Diamond cargo trailer . First one I sold and if I can figure out how to upload pictures without a lot of problem I will post them . My question to you is , I think you may have put your own window in . How much of a job was that and can you give me some advice as to how you did it , like how you did the cutting and if you had to reframe the metal studding on the one you apparently had to cut . Thanks Bob

[Banjo]

I have posted some pictures of my first build but alas I do not know where they went other then I created an album . Bob

[Banjo]

Opps , I found them . Click onto my album . This is something new for me so be patient with me . I will have a lot of questions . My first build was done without this forum and this site has much information . Bob

[RWH]

I am going to build my second cargo trailer into a camper this spring . I just purchased a 6x12 Diamond cargo trailer . First one I sold and if I can figure out how to upload pictures without a lot of problem I will post them . My question to you is , I think you may have put your own window in . How much of a job was that and can you give me some advice as to how you did it , like how you did the cutting and if you had to reframe the metal studding on the one you apparently had to cut . Thanks Bob

Putting in your own windows sounds harder than it really is. The main thing you need to worry about is cutting the skin. All I can say there is to measure, measure, confirm and measure again ( account for rounded corners on the windows). It's a one shot deal. For cutting the frame, I used a metal cutting blade for my skill saw and jigsaw. I cut the trailer framework with the jigsaw and the skill saw to cut the new material which I got a my local big box store. ( make sure you take the exterior skin screws out and wedge back the skin while you cut the trailer frame.) I cut the skin with a fine tooth jig saw with tape to protect the skin coating. I got the windows off ebay for about $70. Make sure they are RV type windows. The door window was 1 1/2" thick and my side window is 2" thick (I used thicker interior plywood)

Hope that helped.

[Banjo]

Thanks RWH. Did you reinforce the window with a frame ? When the entire hole is cut , then if you put a horizonal brace across the top and bottom of the hole to tie in with the studs on either side, at least an inch would have to be cut off the middle stud (or studs ) top and bottom to make the horizonal brace flush with the stud . I hope this is clear enough to understand .

[RWH]

Thanks RWH. Did you reinforce the window with a frame ? When the entire hole is cut , then if you put a horizonal brace across the top and bottom of the hole to tie in with the studs on either side, at least an inch would have to be cut off the middle stud (or studs ) top and bottom to make the horizonal brace flush with the stud . I hope this is clear enough to understand .

Yes, I welded in a new frame to seat the window. Remember that the exterior skin opening needs to be smaller than the new framework so you will not have any air gaps. What I did was hold up the window where I wanted it and traced a line of the inner frame of the window. Then I cut the skin with a jigsaw. Once I could see where the hole was going to be, I then cut out the framework allowing for the new framework.

On a side note: I had never touched a welder in my life before that day. A couple Youtube videos later, it was done. Practiced on two pieces of scrap metal then off to the races I went.

[Banjo]

Ok, That was my thought to , placing the window on the skin and tracing around the inside frame on it . Upon cutting the skin did you continue on through and cut the plywood and stud at the same time , or did you remove the plywood and cut that separate? Also when you cut the stud , which mine is square tubing (1x1)did you have to recut another inch off the top and bottom of the stud to accecpt the new frame ? The other option I see is to weld the new frame on either side of the stud to keep it flush . I know the skin will have to be pulled away from the frame to weld it . Cutting an extra inch off the top and bottom of stud could be a problem . Thanks

[RWH]

Trace the window on the outside and cut from the outside. I took the plywood off prior to cutting the window. Doing it this way will allow you to lift the skin away to safely cut the studs out. I put a single piece to span the top and one on the bottom. This will give you a cleaner stronger frame.

[Banjo]

Ok , thanks for the information .I will start sometime this spring . First thing will be to buy and get the windows in . I will post when I get that done . Did you check my album under my name to see my previous build ? Later , Bob

[RWH]

Ok , thanks for the information .I will start sometime this spring . First thing will be to buy and get the windows in . I will post when I get that done . Did you check my album under my name to see my previous build ? Later , Bob

I did =) You did some fine work there. I noticed you fold down dinette table. I am in the process of doing the same thing. I am hoping to get the trailer done in the next couple weeks. I have a trip planned and want to have it ready by then.

[RWH]

Finally getting to the finish work for the conversion. I built the cabinet doors today and started the wall covering. Next will be painting and finishing the LP and water plumbing. I have to admit I am still a bit stumped on the LP due to wanting to put an external water outlet and gas outlet to feed my water heater but I'll figure it out. I have to get everything in front of me to figure it out. I'm going with a super simple electrical system that will just run the LED cabin lighting, stereo, dvd and tv. I'll post some more pics once I get the cabinets painted.