Update/More Camping: Weekender-for-5

[aggie79]

I guess I should of told ya which kind of poly I used also,,, I went with the waterbased poly,,, very little smell,,, and none of the bad stuff being released in the air,,, I like easy and oder free,,,

And quicker drying time and easier clean-up.

I am still "old school" on not liking some water-based products, but poly is one that I have do like in the water-based form.

[Alfred]

My daughter is living in Ashville and going to AB tech. your build is looking great. keep up the great work.

Hey!

Thanks for the attaboy! I actually teach at AB Tech for the Social Services Dept. In the Fall I teach "Developmental Disabilities" and in the Spring I teach "Substance Abuse Overview".

If you ever get up here to Asheville and have a few extra minutes, come by and I'll show you the camper and we can have a cup of coffee and talk T&TTT for awhile.

AL in Asheville

[Alfred]

Hey gang,

Just posted this in another thread, but will post it here, too.

Presenting the official timepiece of the Weekender for 5:



AL in Asheville

[starleen2]

Hey gang,

Just posted this in another thread, but will post it here, too.

Presenting the official timepiece of the Weekender for 5:



AL in Asheville

Now If that Clock face lights up and provides light - then my friend I'm tickled with delight!

[Alfred]

Now If that Clock face lights up and provides light - then my friend I'm tickled with delight!

Yeah - I can't find where to pour the fuel!

Actually, it has a light, but you have to push the button on top. The light only stays on while you are holding the button down.

As far as features, it has an alarm. It also has those 1960's 'glow-in-the-dark' luminescent hands!

AL in Asheville

[Clifford Loose]

Thanks for the offer Al. The next time I am over in asheville I will look you up and we can talk about or builds. I would like to see your camper and meet you and your family. My daughter is in the dental program at AB tech. Are you going to any tear drop gatherings this fall.

[Alfred]

Thanks for the offer Al. The next time I am over in asheville I will look you up and we can talk about or builds. I would like to see your camper and meet you and your family. My daughter is in the dental program at AB tech. Are you going to any tear drop gatherings this fall.

Hey Clifford,

You're welcome any time.

If, and this is a big if, I get it minimally camp-able, I want to go to the end of October get-together at Davidson River State Park.

Otherwise, I might try to make the long haul to St. Augustine, FL for their get-together in November.

Otherwise, considering going to the Myrtle Beach thing in December.

Frankly, I'm excited about going to any and all local gatherings, once I get the darn thing finished!

AL in Asheville

[Clifford Loose]

I am thinking about coming and visiting everyone at davidson river campground. I will be on my motorcycle and plan on camping at Blue ridge motorcycle campground up he road on 276 past the blue ridge parkway. Looking forward to meeting you.

[Alfred]

I am thinking about coming and visiting everyone at davidson river campground. I will be on my motorcycle and plan on camping at Blue ridge motorcycle campground up he road on 276 past the blue ridge parkway. Looking forward to meeting you.

Looking forward to it! It is close enough for me, that I plan to make an appearance whether or not the camper is done. See you there!

AL in Asheville

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

Worked on the camper the better part of the day today. My friend David from the T&TTT list came over, as usual his help was invaluable. David's nice Wife came over for awhile also, to see the progress, and it was great to meet her and it was a good day, all around. My sweet Wife also enjoyed the company.

As far as camper progress, we have most of the wood glued and screwed for the outer skin. It feels really great to have most of this step done.



I will share with you that I used brass screws, because Lowe's didn't have stainless steel small enough. I chose brass because I figured it was waterproof, but if I had it to do over I would not go this route again. I found the brass screws were difficult to work with. I may end up taking some of them out and filling the holes, but for now they are holding the wood together for the glue to bond.

Still trying to come to a decision for finishing the exterior. David and I discussed possibility of vinyl versus polyurethane/varnish and paint. I am going to order some CPES this week. At the end of the day, I am still thinking CPES, water-based spar polyurethane then some marine grade paint is the way it will end up.

I know it will not be camp-able by the end of the month, but would like to get it finished enough that I can drive it over to the Davidson River gathering here in Asheville that weekend for an 'appearance'.

The build continues to progress, slow but sure. Looking more and more like a camper, all the time.

Things still on the to-do list:
1) Finishing and attaching the rear hatch (the frame for the hatch is done). Finishing the galley counter and galley area.
2) Finishing/trim the interior, connect the wiring coming through the walls to the box and to the lights.
3) Installing the windows. Installing the fantastic vent fan.
4) Polyurethane on the inside of the camper.
5) Finishing the outside of the camper.
6) Installing the side doors w/windows.
7) Constructing installing the bunk rails and sliding bunk bed.
8. Wiring the trailer lights, running lights, etc.

Wow! Just listing all this wore me out. When do we get to go camping, already!

AL in Asheville

[Clifford Loose]

Looking good Al. It is all coming together. I have been able to work on mine a little bit. I got my cabinets in and am working on the cabinet doors. Are you coming for the day or are you camping at Davidson river. I will be there sat morning. Since the campground is full I will set up camp up 276 at Blueridge motorcycle campground up by Blueridge parkway.

[planovet]

I will share with you that I used brass screws, because Lowe's didn't have stainless steel small enough. I chose brass because I figured it was waterproof, but if I had it to do over I would not go this route again. I found the brass screws were difficult to work with. I may end up taking some of them out and filling the holes, but for now they are holding the wood together for the glue to bond.

Brass should be fine. I never get my SS screws at Lowes, I use a local mom and pop hardware store that has every size and type screw that you might need. I don't know if you have one in your area but you might want to check it out. Keep up the good work and as always, more pics.

[S. Heisley]

You’re doing great, Alfred. Having someone like Dave who can help is fortunate as it is much harder, building alone. Next summer, when it is completely done, you and your family will have a blast in it.

I hope to see more pictures of it from the showing at your upcoming gathering! (Pray for dry weather! )

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

Worked on the camper the better part of the day today. My friend David from the T&TTT list came over to help. We got the bottom skin done in the front, and in the rear. David did a great job designing a well for the license tag. Got the tail lights in (now I have to get them wired up so I can pull it to the gathering in Davidson River, NC next week...). I think its looking good, so far, don't you?

Here is a picture of David working on the well for the tag...



Here is one of my special helpers, hanging out inside the camper, while we work on it...



Tail lights in and looking good!



Let's take a closer look...



If the weather holds, hope to see some of you at Davidson River next week!

Al in Asheville

[Juneaudave]

It's really looking good Al!!! I wish I could see you and that troop of special helpers out for the first campout in it!!!!