Our Next Mega-Mini

[Shadow Catcher]

It is seldom in life that you get "do overs".
We purchased Mega-Mini number 1 last spring and Eric at Eye4Design asked us for feed back. I don't know if he realized what he was asking for.
What you see on their web site and you will see in this build is the results, I am returning #1 tomorrow and in a couple of weeks will be picking up #7 very much customized.



Frame with Dexter Torflex Axle

Floor wrap

Floor

Walls



I have suffered from tongue box envy for the last year, no longer! The platform is to hold the largest one I could find. This will be where I put the air compressor and controls for the air shocks.

I will be heading over to Eye4Design tomorrow to install the air shocks and brackets and we will see how they fit and some idea of how well they work. I will also get some photos of progress since last week.

[starleen2]

I hate to Poo poo on your progress, But why wrap the floor with a tarp - it seems that if you wanted the floor protected, and used an All aluminum frame - then why not use thin aluminum sheeting to protect the floor? Most tarps do not last a whole season - so is there something I'm missing?

[Ageless]

Don't think that's a tarp. Notice next pic where it's folded over?

[Shadow Catcher]

This is used in a number of RV's. A one-piece underbelly wrap provides full weather barrier against dirt, rodents and moisture, and resistance to tears and punctures. Darco makes one that is also breathable. I am not sure what is being used here but it is definitely not a tarp. I will ask tomorrow.

[starleen2]

Don't think that's a tarp. Notice next pic where it's folded over?

Yep, they usually don't put grommet holes in tarps (if you look you can see em on the edges) I HAVE a tarp like that in my Travel box - Silver on one side and brown on the reverse. They may have used something else, but in the picture, it's a tarp - enlarge it and you'll see the grommets

[iplay10us2]

I have that same tarp that I got at Walmart. Silver on one side, brown on the other and it has grommets all along the sides.

[Shadow Catcher]

Yep that is what it is. In the discussion this is essentially the same material as a Darko and since it is not exposed to UV it has proven to be stable.

I ran into a problem in installing the air shocks, the presence of brake drums with only a .37" gap to the arm means we will have to redesign the bottom bracket.

I did get some pictures




Note the use of OSB around speakers to absorb vibration.


one 12V and four 110V outlets, where else do you plug in you cell phone and camera battery charger? You can also see the 14 gal water tank and the space to the left Nancy uses to put the dirty clothes. Pump is to the right of the tank (not in its final placement which will be further to the right).

[starleen2]

Looking good
What are you guys using for the interior wall paneling?

[Shadow Catcher]

The exterior is Filon and the interior appears to be some sort of vinyl on a thin (looks like 1/16"),I have no idea what, but you can see it is purple and feels like plastic of some sort. This is vacuum bagged on to the aluminum frame and insulation. From experience this is very solid with no discernible flex. It is essentially RV type construction with the use of aluminum instead of wood. There were a couple of nights at Chain O Lakes that were noisy, barking dogs, drunken revelry, crying babies, screaming kids. It was also more smokey than LA smog at its worst. We closed up used the PetCool and turned on the stereo quietly. MM #7 will have a modified window unit that can be kept in the tongue box, four inch hoses and an air filter/purifier.
The beauty of this that we know what we are getting, with what else we wanted

[bobhenry]

The exterior is Filon and the interior appears to be some sort of vinyl on a thin (looks like 1/16"),I have no idea what, but you can see it is purple and feels like plastic of some sort. This is vacuum bagged on to the aluminum frame and insulation. From experience this is very solid with no discernible flex. It is essentially RV type construction with the use of aluminum instead of wood. There were a couple of nights at Chain O Lakes that were noisy, barking dogs, drunken revelry, crying babies, screaming kids. It was also more smokey than LA smog at its worst. We closed up used the PetCool and turned on the stereo quietly. MM #7 will have a modified window unit that can be kept in the tongue box, four inch hoses and an air filter/purifier.
The beauty of this that we know what we are getting, with what else we wanted

Jeff , Jeff and I will take partial credit for the drunken revelry and ya might have got a yip ot two out of my Scottish Terrier Sadie but I will take no credit for kids or babies we are done ! It was a busy as busy could be that weekend and the park was full to capacity so you are right it was a bit active. I especially liked the pneumatic closer on the bath house, it only had one option SLAM SLAM SLAM all night long. I turned up my fan a notch and tuned in my transistor radio also.

[Arne]

this may be way out of whack, but I would not put a tarp on the bottom of anything unless it is fully glued to the bottom... any air pocket can collect water/condensation and cause way too many problems..

[Shadow Catcher]

This is between the frame and the plywood so it is supported on ends and cross members wrapped around the edges and fastened on top. Short of having something that is breathable i do not see it as worse than a sealant or paint.
I am working with them trying to find a composite materiel, Alumicore, aluminum honeycomb. they want to get below 1000# and the only way i see that happening is the use of pre-stress panels using composite and done properly you can just about eliminate a frame for the sides and walls and a very minimal one for the floor.
I will monitor what happens and if all else fails do a complete seal of the floor.

[Shadow Catcher]

Cabinetry being installed

Front cabinet


Rear


Full rear


Galley showing 6gal gas electric water heater and position of the Progressive Dynamics power control center.

[bve]

Color me envious, I really like the Mega Mini, and the Grasshopper profile in general.

I think you have done a fine job providing feedback to the builders. The changes they have made to have the galley hatch a single unit like a traditional tear make it much more desirable than the 3 separate openings.

How close are you to delivery?

Burke

[Shadow Catcher]

Two to three weeks. Nancy is dieing to see the galley finished. I have had the opportunity to see first hand and to influence what is going into it. #7 has a number of firsts for them, Solar, additional wiring for AC and heat, connections for the satellite, AGP battery in the rear, shower, pull out sprayer faucet... I was concerned they would get a bit tired of the odd requests but in talking to Eric they are having fun with it, and that I am no where near as demanding as the customers they had for Glacier Bay. From what I have been able to see each time they build one they get better in quality.