7'*18' V-Nose Cargo Trailer Toy Hauler Conversion

[McDave]

Nothing is ever easy.[/quote]

Amen.
It's a test ya know.
We're gonna find out just how much ya want it, and what we're really made of.
B'sides, if it was easy, well you know....

McDave

[flboy]

Chipping away when I can steal a few minutes. I should have the last few panels cut around windows and etc. and installed by the weekend. If time permits this weekend, I'll get the ceiling panels in and start the flooring. I want to have that down as I will start framing over top of it. I wish I had more time. Working for a living is getting in the way of my hobbies Actually, very thankful for my job. I haven't missed a meal yet.


Just three more panels to go. I have to make a few cutouts for windows and etc... or I would have screwed them in tonight.

[McDave]

Cleans up nicely. So, are ya done cutting holes? You got real good at that. Now its my turn. Fingers crossed.

McDave

[flboy]

Cleans up nicely. So, are ya done cutting holes? You got real good at that. Now its my turn. Fingers crossed.

McDave

Thanks McDave. I have to cut a BW Tank Vent pipe hole in the ceiling and a vent opening for my Stove exhaust fan, but I'll cut those when I am actually installing the pipe or vent. I can anticipate where they will go, but no need to cut them in advance.

Make sure to share some pics.

[McDave]

Hey Don,
I have been taking pics. and am planning to put a build journal together like you have. Progress seems to come in fits and starts, but with so many "Irons in the Fire" and the focus and attention span of a sand flea, some things are left undone.
Remember that Eagle's song "Heart of the Matter"? The refrains seem to make more sense to me these days...I dunno'...
Anyways, Good day to you Sir

McDave

PS. sorry, it was Don Henley,....see what I mean....ugh

[flboy]

Good Day McDave!


Anyone have any experience with Airtabs (vortex generators) ? You see them on some Semi Trucks on the trailing edge of the trailers. They claim you get about 4% fuel mileage improvements (apprx. 1/2 mile a gallon pulling the trailer) and some safety/handling benefits . I'd need about 45 of them for about $123. Payback would take a while, but I think they look cool.. but don't want to waste the money if they will do nothing for me but look cool. :-)

[Gettin Started]

After considering other options to try to improve trailer stability, I just ordered and put them on. Very easy to install, just peel and stick 4" apart on center. No experience towing with them yet. Reading up on them brought up very little feedback on improved mileage (other than on the airtab site), but most people said that they improved trailer stability especially when passing trucks and encountering side winds. So that's why I bought them, to make towing a 6 x 12 V easier and more stable with a minivan. I plan to tow about 1.7K miles in a few weeks, and can report back on whether they seemed to help.

[lrrowe]

One poster, Perm, installed them and I believe likes them.
I plan on installing a set sometime.

[McDave]

They are at the top of my "To Do" list for the off season. I've wasted a lot more $$ on sillier ideas than that before. My experience as a pilot and aeronautic/avionics test tech/pilot leads me to believe that vortice generators as well as air dams and air foils will be the key to solving the "dragging a parachute" effect felt at higher speeds.
I know it can be done, just gotta want it bad enough.

McDave

[flboy]

All, Thanks for the responses on the Airtabs. Sounds like there is only upside to putting them on. I will try them. Probably wait until I am going to take a longer trip.

[flboy]

Finished all the insulation and re-paneling today. I started the ceiling paneling also. I am using a painted Luan Plywood. It is very thin and easy to work with. I am using screws to attache it to the furring strips I installed earlier in the process. I will cover the screws with a spackle type compound and touch up the paint as needed, I have a small piece of trim that is 1/2 wide to go over each seam where they panels meet.

First, I put up a temporary rail for the paneling to rest on either side and then I cut the first piece to make sure it fit well.

After that, I cut the remaining pieces the same size and then painted them all outside and let them dry. I got two of 5 done today and will try to get a few more done tomorrow. It will be a little slower on the remaining three. I have a lot of holes to cut before I put it up. That is always so hard for me to make it all line up. Anyone got any secrets to make that easier, it would be appreciated.

In any case.. this is what I accomplished in the time I had today.

[Iconfabul8]

Looking Good!
My solution for cutting around things is not to have things. I am trying my hardest to not have a single hole in the roof (other than the one I found from the factory. ) However I'm not sure I will be able to get around the stink vent.

[McDave]

Well I've seen people put a toothpaste bead around the fixture then put panel in place and press to mark the panel. Or maybe a template? Drywall guys use a rotozip but it looks risky for beginners. Check out youtube.

McDave

[flboy]

Well I've seen people put a toothpaste bead around the fixture then put panel in place and press to mark the panel. Or maybe a template? Drywall guys use a rotozip but it looks risky for beginners. Check out youtube.

McDave

I like the toothpaste suggestion. I was thinking about something like that that I could press on and leave a mark or outline. ... I have never heard of a rotozip... but I'll check it out. Thanks McDave.

[flboy]

A little more progress today. I got in ceiling panel #3 today. Two more to try and get done during the evenings this weelk, then I start flooring.

I'll trim the ceiling and give it a good finish coat of paint when walls are up and etc. nearer to the end of the build.