Venice Florida Project Started

[gphockey]

August 6, 2008...8:15 pm Project underway.
Just purchased from Northern Tool the 5 x 8 Heavy Duty Trailer with free shipping. $529.00 (Not free tax...31.80).
Not sure how long it will take to get here, could be backordered. Will give me time to make some decisions on the build details.

I figured it would speed things along to buy a manufactured trailer.
I will modify and add accessories to the trailer as required so I may concentrate rest of the project.

All I know for now is it will likely be patterned after the Benroy, be insulated, have 2 doors w/windows, a roof vent, a fairly generic galley, no sink but have a water jug, have an ac unit of some type and a side mounted table.
Probably stay with the small coleman propane canisters for fuel.
As for a luxury item, after camping this summer at Mt Pisgah for 2 days with no shower, maybe figure out a way to rig an outdoor shower.

Still struggling with what type of skin to use. I like the aluminum, but not sure if its a good choice for Florida as I have read a glued skin moves differently then wood in the heat and may buckle.
Also I still have not figured out why people are not glueing the alum roof but using the vent and trim to fasten down.

I am in Venice Fl and if there are builders local to me post or private message me with your contact info as I would like to get your ideas and/or see your projects.

[cpucampin]

gp,

I am in Fort Lauderdale and have almost finished palnning my trailer.

I have read the same thing about the alum. I read enough that it has convinced me to go with glassed ply. I like the look of the alum and will be insterested to see if you get any good answers on this issue.

Good luck with your build.

BTW it was my first trip to Maggie Valley that prompted me to build this thing. North Carolina is beautiful.

-Ken

[gphockey]

Still researching options while awaiting arrival of the trailer.
Has anyone used this product or know anything about it?
They claim you can put it over bare plywood.
Thoughts?

LIQUID EPDM
QUOTE "During new construction, caulks and sealants are used to waterproof around flashings, vents and other protrusions throughout your rv roof. Liquid roof acts as a shield to protect existing caulks, leaks and sealants and extend their life substantially.
The useful life of metal roofs, whether galvanized steel, or aluminum can also be extended by covering them with roof Coatings, Some manufacturers have been using white single ply EPDM on some of their RV models for several years now.
These units are now experiencing chalking and shrinkage problems.

Liquid Roof is the best and also the most cost effective product for solving RV Roof Leaks Repair problem, Liquid Roof does not chalk or shrink.
Liquid roof provided substantial longevity to your RV Roof, motorhome or travel trailer roof.
Also it will not chalk, crack, peal or flake. Liquid rubber and Coatings are the best products for your RV Roofs Leaks Repair.
It also comes with a 5 year unconditional warranty!

RV Leaks Repair Product Usage
To recoat weathered metal, sheet rubber, uretane foam, and modified asphalt roofing.
Excellent for waterproofing concrete roof desks and roof tiles.
Can be applied directly to plywood and lumber.
EPDM Liquid Rubber is also very effective coating for steel especially where it is exposed to a salt environment.
Best for leaks repair.
Our RV Leaks Repair products like Liquid Roof® and Rubber provides more benefits than any other coating on the market.

Can be applied over most roofing materials with the exception of silicone and petroleum based materials.
UV and ozone resistant
excellent against ponding water
waterproofs immediately on application.
Not damaged by freezing and has long term flexibility
final cured properties not damaged by adverse conditions
one coat application" END QUOTE

[2bits]

I think the answer to "floating" the aluminum skin is because aluminum and wood expand and contract at different rates and if you glue it down it puts added stress on the structure and it will eventually break free anyway. I've heard of people using RV rubber adhesive that will flex instead of dry hard like most adhesives. I would think that the white CPES like used in Mike's benroy would be a good choice for you.

[gphockey]

August 24........Have had trouble with shipping. I got box 1 of 1 (Long with some frame parts) about a week after ordering. No paperwork, wheels, hardware etc...must be in box 2.
I checked tracking, box 2 got misrouted from Tampa to Orlando.
I emailed Northern, they said another is enroute. No tracking number.
I called Northern yesterday, rep said 2 boxes were shipped and to call back on Monday to speak with Customer service.
I know we have had a rough go in Florida, but I moved my daughter into Univ Central Florida when Orlando was getting hit directly by TS Fay. Seems like UPS could manage the roadway ok.
Anyway, still waiting for the trailer.

[mikeschn]

I would think that the white CPES like used in Mike's benroy would be a good choice for you.

Actually the CPES is clear. The white stuff is the Uniflex 255. But that product is being discontinued, so if you want some, better get it now. It won't last till the end of the year...

Mike...

[2bits]

Thanks Mike! Sorry for the mis-lead!

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Arne loves that stuff...

[Woody]

Ken,
Where are you located in Ft. Lauderdale ? I live there also

[gphockey]

Just an update on my "Build"
This is a portion of an email to Northern Tool Customer Service on Aug 28.
Any suggestions on a course of action would be appreciated.
QUOTE
Got the 2nd "box" last night. Did not see it arrive.
I had just got off the phone with one of your reps and must have arrived while I was talking.
This box had been lost by UPS as the tracking records indicate.
It did contain an inventory list and I reviewed it last night. The condition of the boxes were the worst I have ever seen.
The first box (Box 1 long one) with the frame was heavily damaged, the plastic banding was broken or missing and the ends were taped and patched by someone as they were literally missing, The sides were torn and shredded....I would assume UPS tried to repair it.
I was present when this box 1 arrived and was concerned about the condition but signed for it as I thought I could inventory it, but realized afterwards there was no parts breakdown list in the box, no packing list, nothing. So I had to wait.
Last night as I said I did not see the second box arrive, had I seen it, I would have not accepted it.
This single box (box 2) IS the WORST looking box I have ever seen actually shipped to someone.It literally looked like rats had been chewing on it, torn and shredded everywhere.
There was no packing slip and no lables.
There was no top, the outside was chewed up, the INSIDES were chewed and shredded, there were empty plastic bags inside, it looked like UPS had tried to wrap the outside of the box with another one.
It was so bad, when I "opened" it, there was a big bottle of ladies scented hand lotion inside.like you get at a walmart...who knows how that got in there.
The wheels / tires were there but the INSIDE white wheels are totally scratched and need repainting, the fenders are trashed, requiring repainting, everything...everything has been either scratched or has paint damage. I found plastic bags in box 2 that should have held something but nothing in them.
The PAPERWORK was crumpled, chewed, creased, bent, dogeard, rubbed, ripped and torn....battered like it was in the back of a kids backpack for a school year.
You really have to see it to believe it.
Ok here is what I actually have
1 each 1L & 1R side rails
1 Crossmember ........ Should have 4
1 Center cross member
2 Towbars
1 Spare tire bar
1 Front spring hanger
1 Rear spring hanger
0 Hole spaces
0 Axles
2 Fenders - Heavily scratched
2 Wheel assy - Heavily scratched
1 Liscense plate holder
1 Coupler
1 Coupler base
1 Stand base
1 Safety chain
0 Spring plates
0 U bolts
2 Leaf Springs
1 Left Tail light broken
1 Right Tail light broken
2 Side running lights broken
2 Hub sets
1 Outer bearing
0 Castle nut
0 Dust cap
0 Fender brackets A
0 Fender brackets B
Wiring bag had some wire but I think there is hardware missing that goes with it, I found a few clips strewn loose in the bottom of the "Box"
Big bag of hardware, ripped, not sure of contents...have not inventoried it yet.
It took 19 days for me to recieve a portion of the trailer and still counting.
END QUOTE
There was a bit more to the letter concerning possible disposition of what I have...any suggestions?

[QuietOutdoorsman]

Damn...sorry to hear about the troubles with NT.

If this were to evolve into a legal dispute between you and NT, I recommend taking photographic evidence of all damaged parts. Have a witness on hand and pay the $10-$20 for a notary to sign a document saying the photographs are authentic and represent the damage and stating your parts inventory is accurate. This is just for legal protection, but it should also prove to NT that you're not screwing around with them.

As far as dealing directly with NT, simply put, demand satisfaction. Demand that they replace any and all damaged parts and supply all missing parts at no cost to you. If they offer the slightest resistance to that, demand they pay for return shipping of the parts that were delivered and that they return your money 100%.

I have never dealt with NT and don't know what their reputation for customer service is, but they are still a service company who stays in business only by making their customers happy.

~Dirk

[bobhenry]

If you happened to put in on a credit card contact them as well they handle fraud and deception and are better able to negotiate in your behalf

[gphockey]

Called Customer Service yesterday.
Northern is sending out another new trailer and will have UPS pick up what I recieved next week upon delivery.
I have to complete a form with the UPS driver, I think its a damage assesment form.
The Northern rep typed in instructions to beef up the boxes before shipping.
They were excellent to deal with on this issue.

[2bits]

That is good to hear. I hate to hear nightmare things happening when all you want to do it build! Maybe this will be your one glitch for this mission...

[QuietOutdoorsman]

Good to hear Northern Tool takes their customer service duties seriously.