New 7x14 Toy Hauler Build

[zroadhouse]

My inclination is to not worry about it. At 14 feet long, it's likely to take more effort to get out an emergency window than out the side door. As I'll have a ramp rear door, I may investigate to see if there's a way to simply leave it unlocked at night.

I did not worry so much about an egress window in my CT, it is only 10 foot long. However, I have picked up 3/4" (very large) sliding-pin gate locks and install these (up and down) on my street-side barn door (the right-side (facing out) closer) and will add a cab lock to the swinging door (the left-side door facing out). I plan on trailering with the large cargo lock padlocked closed and when at camp, lock the right-side (facing out) door with the gate locks (if not already locked) up and down, like French Door locks. Once the left-side (swinging) door is closed, it will be locked from the inside via the cab-lock. I posted the double outside lock in my Gallery where the cargo lock can be padlocked in the open position to prevent being locked into the trailer. This was the best idea I came up with, for an Arizona Desert Rat on a budget, and will post photos when it goes into play ...

[James06]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_424846-45395-SS ... facetInfo=

I plan on using something similar to this attached to each side of my ramp doors so I can have an emergency exit at the back.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi James06,
Check this out and see if this would work on your ramp door; this second hasp allows me to lock the door in the unlocked position and I will be using an inside lock when camped: gallery/image_page.php?album_id=3168&image_id=116710

I prospect in areas where I may want a second exit...

[hankaye]

AZ_Desert_Rat, Howdy;

Been thinkin' about installing a set of these for the rear door of mine

For the top of the door;
http://www.hardwaresource.com/hinges/DO ... Chain+Bolt

For the bottom of the door;
http://www.hardwaresource.com/hinges/DO ... t%2C+Large

I'm ordering an extra locking latch like you have for the rear door on
yours for both the side door and the rear door. Figure I can 'hook' the
chain into an open position for when I have the rear door latched for
traveling then use the inside latches for when I'm camped.

hank

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Hank,
Great hearing from you! My idea exactly, there seems to always be some joker that thinks it funny to lock someone in their own camper ... A sick and dangerous joke in my book!

I like the French Door latches you picked up, I have not installed mine yet; they are similar, but were mfg'd for gate latches with 3/4" bolts/pins. I have to check and see if they will fit, otherwise, I'll order some one's like yours

[Glenlivet]

Ditto on the question of locking in. I chose an RV latch for my side door for that very reason.
I like the slam latch in the first link, those things are brilliant. I installed one of those on my ramp door for that reason: To get out in a hurry if I need to.

Pic in the post just above center on this page:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46134&start=30

You can't see it well but there's a screw head the chain ring is hooked on that keeps the bolt retracted when not in use, like it isn't even there. At night I lock the ramp door levers so they can't be closed from outside amd release the ring from the screw so it's just feeding through the eye bolt. Then all I have to do is grab or slap that chain and the latch retracts and I can push the door down.
If I want out in a hurry, I want out right now.

[hankaye]

AZ_Desert_Rat, Howdy;

Found some but less expensive at Home Depot
Chain Bolt;
http://www.homedepot.com/s/chain%2520bolt?NCNI-5
Foot Bolt;
http://www.homedepot.com/s/foot%2520bolt?NCNI-5

Savin' pennies is a fun hobby too

hank

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Glenlivet,
I like the way you used the spring latches; however, being a little cheap and already having two of the large barrel gate latches let over from another project, I'll probably use those to secure the one door. Having barn doors, I plan to secure the one door with the barrel locks at night and use a cab lock (a small door lock often used for a door latch on equipment and even on the older TD's) in the center of the other door, allowing it to be locked from the inside to the secured door. Here is a rough cut and paste pic of a cab lock that mounts flush (Inside for left door, I would order the right door ... I think) and accepts the standard 5/16" square T-handle for the outside.

That's my plan today, we'll see what ideas I have in my sleep ...

[James06]

Hi James06,
Check this out and see if this would work on your ramp door; this second hasp allows me to lock the door in the unlocked position and I will be using an inside lock when camped: gallery/image_page.php?album_id=3168&image_id=116710

I prospect in areas where I may want a second exit...

I like that idea. I believe I will use it if you don't mind.

[Glenlivet]

Hi Glenlivet,
I like the way you used the spring latches; however, being a little cheap and already having two of the large barrel gate latches let over from another project, I'll probably use those to secure the one door. Having barn doors, I plan to secure the one door with the barrel locks at night and use a cab lock (a small door lock often used for a door latch on equipment and even on the older TD's) in the center of the other door, allowing it to be locked from the inside to the secured door. ..

Looks like a good'n easy handle to grab if you're in a hurry. Good solution.

[bc toys]

I put a latch on top of one door and a latch in middle of the other door the one on top goes up into a hole above door and the one in middle keeps the other door closed from the inside and I installed a grab handle to help close the door I also installed a place for the outside handle to be attached to so the other campers can't lock it on me while I'm asleep even though I sleep lite and loaded.

[zroadhouse]

Here's my initial interior layout. The bed will be 2 x 75x40 (double twin) with mattress storage on one side and a fold down bench on the other (thanks tntt!). Galley layout is tentative - sink on the left, cook top in the middle and fridge on the right with plenty of counter/work space on top. This layout should allow me to fit two sport bikes side by side in the rear and one in the middle butting up against the counters. Extra space will get packed with toolbox, stands, and other gear. I'll probably put some additional shelving/cabinets above the windows in the rear.

Anyway, I think this is sufficient to allow me to order the trailer with the windows positioned where I want them.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Zroadhouse,
You mentioned a sink below, you might look into a stainless food warming tray/pan at a restaurant supply, a small bar sink at a big box store, or even a round stainless bowl from Walmart, etc. Most trailer supplies have the sink drain and plug ... all you have to do is drill a hole in the bottom with a holesaw, install the drain fitting, and silicon it down to the counter (you could add an under-counter strap to help hold it down if you wanted). Just a thought that could allow something different and maybe help keep costs down (we all know that helps!)

I was at the dealer today and think I've settled on a Wells Cargo Road Force 7 x 14 tandem axle as the base for my build. I'm going to order it +6 inches, 15x30 window, ramp door, ramp extension, framed and wired for AC, 30a electrical panel, and insulated. I know that most of the folks here do these steps themselves, but I don't have 600 hours to spend on my build.

This will be transporting my Triumph Daytona 675R, my friend's bike, and my soon to be acquired pit bike to various road racing tracks in Texas and beyond, and will be my hotel room at night. I'm also planning on doing some trailer camping with my family in it.

Anticipated mods include:

• 15000 BTU AC/heater
• Roll-up awning
• Workbench and Cabinets
• Beds
• Refrigerator/Microwave
• Sink (might be a water cooler + a bucket to start)

[zroadhouse]

A friend of mine has a '00 Tahoe Lite toy hauler for sale (3600 lbs empty weight, ~18' long) for around $4k. I've been thinking about picking it up instead of the cargo trailer. Can anyone give some pros/cons for a conventional toy hauler vs a cargo trailer conversion?

Found this link to a review of the model my friend is selling:
http://www.campinglife.com/rv-and-trailer-reviews/trailer-reviews/tahoe-18tb-tt-lite-transport/

[hankaye]

zroadhouse, Howdy;

Here's a handy check list to see if that trailer is in good shape.
http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5129
Do the walk-through with the current owner and have them explain
the systems for you and have them show you where "things" are.

Good luck.

hank