The Blue Turtle

[The Blue Turtle]

The camper is still progressing but a bit slow. I'm waiting on some warm weather to continue with the skinning of the outside. That being said, I have been working. One side is ready for skin with all the holes cut on the wall. I have also started the wiring and the insulation. Now for the tough part: I have 30 days to have this thing water tight and ready for camping, not finished mind you but ready for a long road trip. Oh, and other news, I had the engine and transmission programs retuned for a more solid shift feel, some performance adjustments, I also got the tow/haul mode working. So, even though the camper is far from ready the truck is ready for the extra load.
Rob

[The Blue Turtle]

More progress on the turtle. I now have both sides attached. Lots of trimming and riveting to say the least.
Rob

[The Blue Turtle]

Installing the roof skin today. When you work alone you figure ways to move a large sheet of aluminum. The wood will be coated when I pull the skin back off for final prep.
Rob

[The Blue Turtle]

OK, so I've been on a mad push lately. I got the top skin on, one window in, one bed frame in. one light in, a new compressor mount for the air compressor, a rear facing camera and two new rear tires mounted. Keep in mind I'm driving this beast around 4000 miles in 7 days. So this means again I will head West with very little testing. I aint no afraid. There is a lot more to be completed but I needed it road ready so other things will have to wait.
Rob

[S. Heisley]

I see a window on the one side; but, what will you do for ventilation? Are you going to add a window in the door?

[The Blue Turtle]

For this trip I will only have sealed windows. After this trip I will install the larger windows which will tilt at the bottom, I will also be adding AC in the rectangular opening shown in the build pictures. If needed I will install a vent later.
Rob

[KCStudly]

The problem with water tight campers (that we all work so hard to achieve) is that they are also air tight. Many reports of people waking up with loss of breath and CO2 headaches. Air Tight Teardrops can kill you (linky).

Sharon's concern about the (possible) lack of ventilation in The Blue Turtle is valid and likely based on the above history.

[S. Heisley]

The problem with water tight campers (that we all work so hard to achieve) is that they are also air tight. Many reports of people waking up with loss of breath and CO2 headaches. Air Tight Teardrops can kill you (linky).

Sharon's concern about the (possible) lack of ventilation in The Blue Turtle is valid and likely based on the above history.

...That and also condensation build up. Of course, you could leave the door ajar if it's not raining and you're in a safe place.

[The Blue Turtle]

Point well taken, thank you. that being said my camper is far from air tight. I still do not have an engine cover cover ( yes, it will be a cover for the cover) built so I have about a 1 inch by 20 inch gap which will let more then enough air in. I have a lot of area @ 12 foot X 7 foot X 6 foot minus the tapers of coarse. I will keep the safety issues in mind.
Rob

[KCStudly]

Just making sure you know that we have your back.

[pchast]

That loose engine cover could also be a problem with a tiny exhaust leak.
I know you are super careful with your stuff. Please remain aware of it.

[S. Heisley]

That front-on picture of your truck is amazing. What kind of gas mileage do you get with it?

You know everyone is going to want to see both the truck and the teardrop it's carrying, everywhere you stop.

[The Blue Turtle]

Mileage is up to 12.5 MPG after I had a custom tune and tow mode set-up. As far as people wanting to check it out, yea that goes with owning older vehicles. I've always had older stuff so I spend a bit time answer questions. I would think most people hauling tear drops are OK with the interest from others. I do enjoy meeting new people so it's all good.
Rob

[Vedette]

Truck and Camper are GREAT!
Love your 8N also.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Ned B]

Wow! What a great rig!!!


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