6x14 Cargo Conversion Build Log - Rolling Thunder

[MrBo]

Wiring up the 110ac and 12v dc then insulating the ceiling with foam board is done.

One 15 amp for refrigerator and microwave. ( when boondocking on 12v and solar, refrigerator with be cooled like and ice box refrigerator with blocks of ice)

20amp in the kitchen because it may get a heater or even AC unit plugged into it down the road. A propane heater buddy will be used when on 12v with no shore power. ( For cooling there is a fantastic fan vent on 12V)

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One more 15amp for three more plugs on GFCI. Total of 5) 110AC plugs and 4) 12v plugs with two USB ports and one Cigarette lighter ports, plus two USB ports on controller. 12v will run water, radio, fan, lights and all DC plugs. This is a must have for charging photography camera batteries and such. Most of the time will be on 12v and solar. All of the electronics work on 12v as well as 110ac.

Had a real duh moment with the wiring. So much thought and planning goes into these conversion and takes up all my brain power, not that there is a lot of it.

Anyway, was thinking just wire the whole trailer from the center on the ceiling.

After I got everything in place it hit me about summer heat and the roof metal getting hot.

There is a little space between the ceiling bars and metal roof in the center where they put wood down to give a little arch. So that is where I went with the wire and ended up changing it all out so nothing touches the roof now. The 12v wire is very easy to work with. 12 gauge is what I used on the 110ac side. Not as easy to work with but not too bad.

One of my biggest dilemmas has been finding the right holesaws for some of the plugs. The 30amp worked well with a 3″ holesaw. The satellite cable was a simple drill bit but the solar plug I am still having trouble finding the right size. Home depot gave me a 3/4 inch bit but it would not even fit in any of my drills. So back to the drawing board and YouTube videos.

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Another dilemma was finding a flex hose to fit under sink drain from 1 1/2 into water cooler bottle. Turns out I found this simple baffle solution at Lowes. Fits perfect and is very sturdy. The baffles expand and contract as well as bend.

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Next is clear coating and putting the birch on the ceiling. Still looking for the right holesaw for puck lights. Says 56mm but could not find any at Lowes or Depot or anywhere for that matter . If you have any suggestions please let me know.


Anywho... thanks for following along... as the beat goes on...



vBlog Update below...

URL https://youtu.be/bDpQnbwkLjQ

[flboy]

On the hole saw dilema, Harbor Frieght has a nice hole saw set that is a nested set that includes just about any size hole saw you need. I used it on my CTC. It is inexpensive and covers all the bases.

I used it to cut the 3" holes for my holding tanks , power inlet, 4" hole for bathroom vent fan, pvc BW vent pipe in ceiling, cable jack on outside.. and many other things. It is a big assortment.

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[MrBo]

On the hole saw dilema, Harbor Frieght has a nice hole saw set that is a nested set that includes just about any size hole saw you need. I used it on my CTC. It is inexpensive and covers all the bases.

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Thanks I looked there and should have started there but no 56mm. Wondering if 2.25 would work, when I convert 56mm it says 2.20 and there is none.

Thanks again.

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[flboy]

I am sure there is some tolerance if they snap in the hole.. I'd get a bit the next closest sizes (bigger and smaller) and find a scrap piece of wood , cut the hole(s) and see if it fits tight enough.

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[MrBo]

I am sure there is some tolerance if they snap in the hole.. I'd get a bit the next closest sizes (bigger and smaller) and find a scrap piece of wood , cut the hole(s) and see if it fits tight enough.

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Sounds good. Thanks,

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[MrBo]

Been in Shellacking mode...

Ceiling panels. Anyone have any advice on putting these up. I am going to make a 2x4 tee with a towel wrap to try and hold up while I am screwing them in. I bought some self tap screws. Should I drill the holes first? Or just go right in with the self tapping screws?

Got an answer from Amazon on led Puck light holesaw size he said he used a 2 1/8. I found a 56mm holesaw, (what the light says) on Amazon. Comes today. Also have a 2 1/8th. Guy said you might have to file a little. Would rather have the right size. Love the lights. Plan is to put 4 over main center area on a switch and 2 over the bed on a switch. I am sure installing the puck lights will be a learning experience as well.

Back gallery and front kitchen will have led under counter strip lightning that the color can be changed.

Will be really happy when this ceiling is up and over. Just hope the ceiling attaches okay. Ant tips are appreciated. Thanks for following along.

There are three panels. One is sitting the the trailer. Wanted to clear-coat to bring out the wood color and so when my ketchup explodes at 10,000 feet I can wipe it off easy.

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before clear coat...

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[MrBo]

Got most of the ceiling up. Went better then I thought it would. The T Board worked great holding in place while putting in the screws. Best was to drill the holes. Used self taping screws with a wide head.

Worked well. Ran out of battery power so I did not get the last screws in. Very happy with the way it looks too. The lights are perfect. Bright but not too bright.

----This is what I used. 12v-LEDlight Marine White Recessed LED Ceiling Lights - Easy to Install (screw free) Cabinet Counter Lamp Campervan Trailer 5th Wheel RV Truck Car Bus, 3w, Bright Natural White, Pack of 6 with Bonus $36 (56mm or 2 1/8 holdesaw) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPF4BDQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(these are not affiliate links)

Also a great option I found for the front and back counters are these. I may put more of them in too. I am a big fan of LED that change colors. Must have white, like the golden light, Blue is really calming ... well and red is red. Reminds me of being in a darkroom. But the other side of this is bugs. We have been places where bright white lights the bugs come and get you. Color is mellow. These are going to go in my front kitchen under counter and back galley. I bought another 16' strip that is water proof and thought it might be good on the outside door side on top. Would be easy install with clips.

But anyway these new one that I got are just 4 strips, you can use them as bars of 4 or 2 or one long strip. They are pretty bright too. The way to do it is mount with a switch and use the remote to change colors or dim. ( or just use the remote) When you turn on and off with a switch it will remember your last setting. One remote works for all of them, just point in that direction and it works. So my plan is to have a remote or two on the wall ( front back) with Velcro and you could even use them to turn on /off the last lights from bed. Great accents light too. And are you ready... they are $8.00 . By far the best LED strip lights I have tried so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EFJ6F6E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I will post some images when I get them up.

Today will be a day of finishing up screwing down main ceiling.

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I used masking tape to mark my holes.

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Now the fun begins, building shelves and cabinets, hiding wire :-) and MORE LIGHTS!



If I can do this... trust me... you can do it better.....

[MrBo]

Update - most lighting done, tunes are in and running on solar. Started building cabinets and shelving.

The LED strip lighting is fantastic.

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The wood is unfinished. May just clear-coat.

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[McDave]

I really like the strip lighting as well. That's a nice warm homey look you have achieved there. Nice job, Mr. Bo. I'm very impressed.

McDave

[MrBo]

Thanks McDave! "Country Rustic".

The strip LEDs are like 8 bucks. Bought one and then ordered two more.

Thanks again.

[MrBo]

Looking for ideas on comfy chairs or small couch. May have to build something. Wanted to do a small light weight futon type couch the lays flat for a bed but they sit too far from the wall, can not be more then 29" from wall. I know there has to be an easy solution.

[flboy]

I bought 2 Gravity chairs for the back of my CTC. They are so comfortable and they fold up and can be strapped out of the way for cargo or just to declutter.

I have fallen asleep many times while watching TV in mine.

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[MrBo]

I bought 2 Gravity chairs for the back of my CTC. They are so comfortable and they fold up and can be strapped out of the way for cargo or just to declutter.

I have fallen asleep many times while watching TV in mine.

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Thanks! I will look them up!

[flboy]

You will need to sit in one to appreciate it. Another benefit, you can haul it outside for relaxing when the weather is good. They are indoor/outdoor compatible.

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[flboy]

Actually the chair is called a Zero Gravity Chair. I have seen better prices for these. This is just an example.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071173F ... hair&psc=1

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