7x14 Conversion--Toy Hauler

[jhamm]

Just picked up my Cargo Express 7x14 a couple days ago. Thanks to everyone who contributes on here for all the guidance and great ideas. I've got an electronic folder and file folder stacked with stuff I'll need.

This will be used mostly between September and January in Montana a warm place to land with little that can freeze are my biggest priority. I scored pretty big time at one of the local salvage yards on some items. For anyone looking for parts they're a great resource and I was able to just go in and take what I wanted for pennies on the dollar.

Heat:
Atwood or Suburban 16000 BTU forced air heater--need it

Electrical components-(already have a Honda EU2000 for the AC)
3-4 110 outlets
7-8 12 volt lights-got em
PD 4045 Converter-got it
Microwave -got it
TV/Stereo/DVD-got it
Fantastic Fan--open to suggestions on which one

Gas:
This is something I think I'll have a pro install for me
Furnace
Atwood Wedgewood Stove/Oven
Norcold 5.3 Fridge---thought about just going with a 4.3L dorm fridge as a glorified cooler but got this fridge in a deal selling my truck camper

Water:
Just a 16 gallon tank with a hand pump...most of the time I'll use this will be below freezing temps so I really didn't want much water to deal with.

Windows will go in next week. Going to tear out the walls and start insulating this weekend. (I'll leave the window spaces free until the windows are in)

Cabinets will be custom built to my final configuration.

Couple things here:
1. I've read numerous threads on insulation. Is it absolutely necessary to put in battens on the sidewalls? Little concerned with the depth of the windows I have. Will the forced air heat dry out the condensation from breathing?...with some additional ventilation...ie Is it worth worrying about?

2. Even with a 3/4 ton truck this thing is pretty squirrely in the wind. Brought it home in about a 30 mph wind and it wasn't quite as stable as I would like. It was completely empty so I'm hoping that will cure that.

3. With the V Nose this it's about 192" from nose to rear door. In order to get a side by side in I need to keep most of the components up front in the front 80 inches or so. I'll have some overhead cabinets and some fold down beds towards the back when it's all done. But this won't always have the weight of an atv or side by side in there. Is there any reason to be concerned about weight proportion? Empty it doesn't even seem to move the truck down at all. (tandem axle)

This is really my first run at a conversion. I had a smaller trailer that I just had some lights and a power strip directly from the generator that I hunted out of for years but this is a little more involved.

Any feedback, suggestions or holes in my idea you find here I would be glad to get.
Jaremy

[McDave]

Hey jhamm,
Can you tell me the name and location of that salvage yard? I'm in SE Montana and would love a source of parts etc.

[jhamm]

I picked it up at Deitz in Billings

[McDave]

jhamm,
Thanks for the info, I looked them up. I don't get over that way often, but will be heading to Red Lodge for the Ironhorse Rodeo and Beartooth Rally, July 17-19. I'll try to leave early and spend some time there.
Thanks again.
McDave

[jhamm]

It's coming along...insulated, windows in..cabinets are coming along, no matter how many times I read the manual or look at online resources I still don't have 100% confidence in wiring the PD 4045.

Made some dumb moves along the way but nothing that couldn't be fixed.

[Padilen]

Same here! I just moved my couch over about 3 inches. Still not sure shower/toilet combo drains will miss floor joists& tongue. My plan for my pd4045 has changed and I'm just not sure!

[chiefairwrench]

What is the square lower hole/cover for?

[jhamm]

The square vent is for a 3 way fridge...there's a vent in the roof directly above it as well to create airflow over the back of the unit.