7x14 ChiefBuild

[Gonefishin]

Looking good chief. You'll like having quiet propane heat on those cool nights. Sounds like you got a good price on a popular unit.

[chiefb711]

Looking good chief. You'll like having quiet propane heat on those cool nights. Sounds like you got a good price on a populat unit.

Gonefishin, thanks! I'm already making the wife happy by listening to her requests...she gets cold easily. The RV parts salvage place had another heater in good condition for the same price if anyone is looking for one in the Pacific NW. I think it was the earlier model though, but he hooked both up and they blow some major heat. I went with the one I got because it was newer.

Chief

[McDave]

Howdy Chief,
Could you give me the info on the RV salvage place?
I am in Montana, but can't find much for salvage around here.
Thanks, McDave

[wanabxtrm]

Did you back brace the vertical ETrack with anything on your bed? I can see the 1x behind it but didn't know what that was anchored to. Any reason you went aluminum over wood for the frame? Seams much more expensive for minimal weight gain.

Then if I had a welder i'd go that route too I suppose.

Thanks

[chiefb711]

Howdy Chief,
Could you give me the info on the RV salvage place?
I am in Montana, but can't find much for salvage around here.
Thanks, McDave

McDave,
Here is the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastRvRecyclingAndSales

They are good people, and will likely give you a good deal.

Did you back brace the vertical ETrack with anything on your bed? I can see the 1x behind it but didn't know what that was anchored to. Any reason you went aluminum over wood for the frame? Seams much more expensive for minimal weight gain.

Then if I had a welder i'd go that route too I suppose.

Thanks

wanabxtrm,
So the rear vertical eTrack is just screwed into the plywood. I added the plywood behind the eTrack to give additional strength and reduce flex, then used a crap-ton of screws to permanently affix them to the walls. The front eTrack is screwed right into the studs. I went with an aluminum frame for strength and lighter weight (my original plan was an ultralite trailer, but then I upgraded my truck; now I'm not so concerned with weight). With the mattress and blankets, and the frame, it weighs in at around 60lbs, and has held four adults without any give, creaking, or bending. I'm not sure how much a wood frame would weigh, but I got a great deal on the aluminum and welding was free.

Chief

[chiefb711]

Been a long summer, even longer since I posted last. I've been in and out of the field, at physical therapy, and out camping! I also got promoted, so woot! I have made a little progress on my little camper, and I wanted to share it. I took up a little project building cornhole boards for the summer to fund my camper build (net profit - enough to upgrade my generator $$$). I figured this post would be worthless without some lists and pictures, so let me know what you think!

To Do List (by order of precedence):
Design - ever changing/ ~25% complete
Install beer bottle opener - Complete
Add leveling bubbles - Complete
Counters stained/varnished - Complete
A/C install - Complete
Relocate Fantastic Vent - Complete
Install TV - Complete
Upgrade EU Genny - Complete
Rear spring cover/noise dampener - in progress
Braces for awning/aluminum over ceiling corners - in progress
Install Amp meter - not started (materials purchased)
Cabinets - not started (materials purchased)
Stovetop vent fan - not started (materials purchased)
Breather tube - not started (materials purchased)
Floor vents - not started (materials purchased)
Backup camper cam - not started (materials purchased)
Remount/raise awning, add flashing - not started (materials purchased)
Install stereo - not started (materials purchased)
Ground lights - not started (materials purchased)
Under bed lights - not started (materials purchased)
Table/sitting area - not started (materials purchased)
Painting - 75% complete, waiting build/design
Propane/Gen mount - not started
Hot water/sink - not started (on the line about this necessity)
Outdoor shower - not started (on the line about this necessity)

To buy list:
CO2/Propane leak detector (suggestions?)
New camp chairs (suggestions?)
Fly swatter
Folding towel rack
Tin for cooking stuffs
Screen for back door
Hot water heater (propane)
Oscillating cutting tool
Water pump
Water tank
Outdoor shower
Sink/faucet/Grey water container















Thanks for looking

-Chief

[lrrowe]

You are coming along nicely. Looks neat and organized. Your ceiling looks like mine. I wish the Honda 3000's were not so heavy. I think they are a good choice. Are you venting the battery area?

[chiefb711]

You are coming along nicely. Looks neat and organized. Your ceiling looks like mine. I wish the Honda 3000's were not so heavy. I think they are a good choice. Are you venting the battery area?

Thanks Bob. To answer your question, yes the battery area is vented. I have a breather tube that comes in in the front of the cabinet area with a fan. Behind the batteries there is an exhaust to allow airflow. I have it exiting below the refer to outside. I haven't sealed off the batteries yet, but that is coming.

[pbnut]

Very cool build so far. I'm watching since this is very similar to what I envision for my own toy hauler.

[hankaye]

Chief, Howdy;

Congrats on the pay raise/promotion !
Had to go back a post or 3 to catch-up with your project.

You'd mentioned you were thinking about CO2/propane detector ?
They are 2 different critters and are installed in different locations.
CO2 up high on the wall and propane close to the floor. Each in the
"natural habitat" of the gas to be detected. Just so you don't get
frustrated looking for a combo unit. Household units don't hold-up
well in RV's and CT's. Try Amazon.

For your faucets they are either 4" or 8" knob to knob, Get household
as they can also be used in RV's. 4" is 4" (112mm if ya go metric), no
matter where it is.


hank

[chiefb711]

It's been quite some time since I made a post. I've been extremely busy with work and personal life. I recently bought a truck camper and have demoed my CTC conversion a little bit, but only to make more room for a few different things. I have ditched the refer and pretty much my entire front end, and I'll be putting in a little work bench and different storage areas. This way the trailer can be used as a shop and extra sleep area when we go to the track or boondocking. No pics yet, but soon. I'll be getting some comp time at work soon...I tore my ACL and Meniscus, and sprained my LCL, so my knee needs a complete rebuild.

ChiefB

[hankaye]

Chief, Howdy;

Make sure they get to fixin' your knee ASAP. When I tore mine up they put me in a knee brace
and told me PT would do it. Well after 2 Med boards they got around to doing what they referred
to as "Elective Surgery". I'd completely torn my ACL and ripped both the Lateral and Medial meniscus.
Third Med Board after the surgery then out with a Medical discharge at 16 years ... had they operated
when it first happened I'd have had 1 to 1.5 years to get it working as it should. This was back in 1986.
In the immortal words of Larry the Cable Guy "Git'r done!"

hank

[McDave]

Hey Chief,
Sorry to hear about your knee. Gettin' old beats the hell out of a man. I've been fighting with some old injuries and nerve damage myself, and Montana winters seem to get longer and harsher every year.
I like your plan to re-convert CTC to a mobile shop since you now have the camper. Keep us posted, I liked the work you did on the first go around and I'm sure the "shop" will be just as impressive.
Good luck and Get Well soon,
McDave