GNAT 5X8 cargo trailer conversion

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

I "rubberized" the front storage box on the trailer, which you can read about here http://goodnuffandtuff.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/rubberized-tool-box/

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

http://youtu.be/eORp_8FK590


In our first outing with the new Dell A/C, we chose to go to Dreher Island State Park in Chapin, SC. It is located on beautiful Lake Murray and really quite peaceful. The only complaint I had about the park was the bathrooms. No ventilation fans, and for the number of campers it seemed there were too few. (I decided not to bring the shower because we were only out for two days, but from now on I bring it every time!).

The A/C worked perfectly, keeping us really cold at night in the sweltering heat (perfect for sleeping), and because I wired it directly to the 30 AMP CB, it didn't pop the 15 Amp when using the microwave!

I deployed the short awning off the back door, but really we probably wont use it any more...it really doesn't protect you from the sun, so what good it does is little in the hot summer sun. We will continue to use the old reliable pop-up "First Up" screen tent from now on off the back.

As before at Table Rock, the new DIY awning off the side worked perfectly, providing shade to cook...

We will definitely be visiting this park again!



You can view pictures of the campsite at http://goodnuffandtuff.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/field-test-of-ac-dreher-island-state-park-jul-2014/.

[lrrowe]

Rayisoutofhere,

While driving, have you experienced any issues with rain or dust coming in through the uncovered AC unit?

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

You know, I never thought of that! As far as I can tell, no, no dust has come through. But, we took it where there were no dirt roads. I suppose when I go to a place like Myrtle Beach State Park, it might let dust through. The unit is sealed with foam seals all around, then I applied a bead of silicone to every edge, gap and bolt head. The way I remember the unit(s), the blower fan used to blow in the trailer is physically separated from the fan blades to the outside by a partition:



So, as long as the unit is sealed, I shouldn't have that problem. If I am wrong please correct me so I understand where to look for "air" leaks...and thanks...I will say that the unit leaked the condensation onto my storage box, but I don't really care since I "rubberized" it...however, I may build a little gutter under the back edge of the A/C unit to redirect it away...

The Dell Cover works really good at keeping the condenser fins safe from being touched, and because it's got hundreds of little holes it doesn't restrict air flow...

Thanks for the question...

[lrrowe]

I do not have any experience or knowledge to say it will be a problem. I am just wondered and am therefore interested in how you make out over time. One of my designs had the AC unit up front, but under some cover while under way. Also I chose to not have hot air and water heaters not to vent from the front for the same reasons (not considering what other items (tires, propane tans) were carried on the front .

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

Will definitely let you know how it works...It was something that is good to bring up, the reason for the server cover was to prevent damage to the fins, just never considered sand or dirt could get in that way...let you know either way after next trip (Myrtle Beach State Park) in September...that place can get very dusty...

[lrrowe]

Rayisoutofhere,

Did you see this enclosure for a front mounted AC unit that Citylights came up with? It is another good idea to consider.
I do not see any gasketing, but if it leaked, I am sure one can easily add it.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=25546&p=1082871#p1082871

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

lrrowe: That is pretty cool...Mine is permanent mounted, but I might think about added a hinged cover like his...thanks!

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

We just returned from a two-night "unwind" trip to Wateree Military Recreation Area just outside of Camden, SC...it rained the entire time except for tearing down (thank goodness)

Next up: a week at Myrtle Beach State Campground end of Aug, then Chimney Rock park in Lake Lure, NC (Oct), also a two nighter in Short Stay Naval Campground near Charleston, SC, and then to Hunting Island State Park, SC in November.

I have a new idea for the shower room and will post pictures when we actually use it...

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

A few pictures of our annual September trip to Myrtle Beach State Park in SC, with explanations of how/why we do our setup that way are at my blog - enjoy
http://goodnuffandtuff.wordpress.com/2014/09/13/myrtle-beach-state-park-sc-sept-2014/

I also took the time to go around and show all the "good" sites that are sunny and shady (for winter or summer) and the map is here: http://goodnuffandtuff.wordpress.com/campground-maps-best-sites/, along with other campground maps we have visited this year

[lrrowe]

I enjoy your posts on your ideas and trips so much, I have saved a link to them for future reference and reading especially the section on campgrounds. And I will continue to watch your shower modifications.

Are you getting any flack from anyone when you drain filtered water to the ground at formal campsites?

[walkrdg]

I guess they've been around for a long time, but I had never seen that red stool that shows up in some of your photos. I was able to track it down, and I bought one. What a handy thing! I appreciate finding out about it. Thanks!
Dave

[rebapuck]

You are some hard core campers. I love Myrtle Beach, but always stay at PirateLand just down the road.

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

LRROWE - No, we have never gotten any flack, just questions from other campers. It usually goes like this: "You dump that shower onto the ground?" "Yes, but it goes through a three-stage, World Health Organization designed sand/charcoal/gravel filter that you can DRINK afterwards". Then, I will let them smell where the water goes onto the ground (remember, it is trickling onto the ground, maybe 5 gallons in 45 mins)...they see you cannot smell ANYTHING and that it is basically water (I mean, I wouldn't drink it mind you!).

I have told the ranger's about it and they were fascinated by it...during the trip to Myrtle Beach this month, I put leaves over the hose so that the water wouldn't spread on the ground, but it didn't need it. Of course, you CAN smell the water as it sits in the reservoir (where it's pumped from the shower basin), but that only proves how good the filter works.

The hole in the top bucket (where the water is filled to drain down into the filter), has a single penny-nail size hole in the bottom. A standard sink drain screen from Walmart is glued over it, to catch any particulates that could clog the hole. If you held the bucket up, you would see a tiny little stream coming out.

Like I said, we dumped at least 70 gallons of grey water over the course of 5 days and when we left you would never have known it, other than there was a damp spot where it was filtered out...

The only disadvantage is the weight of the filter, but to me, the ability to shower ANY where far outweighs that. Especially when it was high 90's with 98% humidity during the day, just going into the pubic restroom to do #1 was yucky...I can't imagine taking a shower in there, then trying to dry off and get dressed...our setup, you take a shower (as long as you want, assuming you don't fill up 14 gallons), then towel off (remember, I have a exhaust fan in the shower), and step right into the A/C GNAT to get dressed - really nice!

Any way, here is the reference to the sand filter http://fivegallonideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bucket-filter.pdf and how it is made...for mine, I put a 5/8 hose adapter into the bucket, with a quick disconnect to attach a hose when we get on site, and the water percolates out away from the popup tent...

If it helps one person get a "significant other" to go camping because they can have full use of water on a site without sewer hook-ups, I feel I did a good thing!

[RAYISOUTTAHERE]

CORRECTION: I said it allows the water to drain about 5 gals / 45 mins, what I mean to say was 5 gallons in about 10 mins, so that works about to be about a half gallon a minute...when my wife takes a shower, she uses about 10-12 gallons of water, and I can take a shower within 1.5 I LOVE LUCY episodes