No more tents - 8.5x18 Conversion Thread

[SilverStreaker]

Well I've been looking at doing this for years (see my first post and you'll see what I mean) and today was the day. Just bought my brand new 8.5x18 trailer this morning. Let the work begin...



It's a Snapper Trailer, which is made is Georgia but I bought it from a dealer about 20 minutes away from my home here in South Florida.

Here's a couple other views:

[SilverStreaker]

Our first camping trip will be at Thanksgiving and I'm only going to do a few things to the trailer before that.

Here's what I'm planning so far:
-install rigid insulation in the walls
-install AC unit and vent exhaust (it's an LG 14,000 btu unit that I already had)
-install round electric cable hatch (bring power in via an extension cord at camp ground)
-paint/water proof the floor
-install led interior lights

[McDave]

Well better late than never. They say slow and steady wins the race, but you might want to pick up the pace. Just a bit. Anyways, Congratulations! Now get to work.

McDave

[John61CT]

I'd like to get your feedback on build quality, when you've gotten into it.

Seems maybe a good idea to rust-proof any exposed steel yourself whenever you get a chance.

[featherliteCT1]

Nice big trailer! and also check all the wire connections while you can

[SilverStreaker]

:applause:
Well better late than never. They say slow and steady wins the race, but you might want to pick up the pace. Just a bit. Anyways, Congratulations! Now get to work.

McDave

Thanks! Yeah, I'm itching to get this underway. Unfortunately, I can't park it at my house and work on it every free moment due to our HOA rules.

[SilverStreaker]

I'd like to get your feedback on build quality, when you've gotten into it.

Seems maybe a good idea to rust-proof any exposed steel yourself whenever you get a chance.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to getting the plywood off the walls and checking the build quality. The ceiling steel beams are exposed (for now) and the welds look really decent so I'm optimistic that it's a good sign. And completely agree about the rust proofing.

[SilverStreaker]

Nice big trailer! and also check all the wire connections while you can

Thanks! It is a beast.
That's a a very good suggestion. Will add that to my list. Thanks

[McDave]

Remind me again why I would want a HOA?

McDave

[SilverStreaker]

Remind me again why I would want a HOA?

McDave

We're moving in 5 months, which will be 6 years in this house. We love the house and even though the HOA has some benefits the negatives completely out way the positives. But hey, that's for a different topic lol

Went out this afternoon and dropped off some tools at the trailer and than headed to Home Depot to buy the insulation. Well, they had everything except 1", looked like they were just out. So, I went around the corner to Lowes and to my dismay they didn't have 1" either and it didn't look like they even stocked it.
So, I toyed with the idea of doubling up 2 sheets of 1/2" board but the added cost and time didn't seem to make sense. I decided to get 3/4" as the R value was just a bit less than the 1" and I figure it's gonna be better than nothing. My plan now is to use the 3M spay adhesive to stick the board to the aluminum and use expanding foam at the base to seal up the gap and at or near the top.
So I picked up 8 sheet for now and headed back to my trailer.

I started popping the trim pieces that are stapled on and got the first piece of plywood exposed and unscrewed. We another surprise, there's foam insulation in there...



As I scratched my head and had a look of shock to my wife. Neither one of us recalled the dealer saying anything about it. Heck, we even said what our plans were for the trailer and that the first thing on my list was to insulate it.

We'll my bewilderment and excitement was short lived. I pulled the next piece of plywood off and yep, no more insulation. Not sure why they insulated that front section, at all but, whatever.

Well, dinner time was getting close so I closed everything up and will get back on it tomorrow after work.

[BigDave_185]

Is there a chance the insulation helps keep The aluminum skin smooth or ripple free so they use it as a space filler?


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[John61CT]

Worker starts standard install, foreman calls over no need, worker doesn't go back to take first bit out.

[flboy]

Agree, started insulating on the wrong work order. Just left it there.

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[John61CT]

I'm itching to get this underway. Unfortunately, I can't park it at my house and work on it every free moment due to our HOA rules.

Look at cheap storage facilities nearby, some have great deals, and the really big automated ones you may be able to work a few hours at a time most days.

Just make sure they don't think you're sleeping onsite!

[SilverStreaker]

Worker starts standard install, foreman calls over no need, worker doesn't go back to take first bit out.

Yep, my thoughts exactly.