The LT... Thomas' Luxury Tent

[Miriam C.]

You are doing a great job with the details. Don't forget to water proof the ends of your cut outs and the air conditioner box. I epoxied and polyurethaned mine 3 inches up the sides.

The details might take a lifetime as you see new things. The pans are a great idea.

[Ageless]

You have achieved a simple, but classic look with the cabinets. Pat yerself on the back.

[aggie79]

Thomas,

I love the detailing on your cabinet doors!
I bet that was a real a** clincher to cut a whole in your floor.

Looks like everything came out well.

[WesGrimes]

That turned out really great. I like the trim details on the side doors.

I thought that the boat vent on the side of your trailer was the exhaust for your ac unit. What does the vent feed?

[2bits]

That turned out really great. I like the trim details on the side doors.

I thought that the boat vent on the side of your trailer was the exhaust for your ac unit. What does the vent feed?

Thank you everyone, yeah it was a big step to cut a hole in the floor!

Thank you Miriam, I was probably going to forget that in my haste, but you are right, that is going to be a high humidity/moisture area, and the black goo would just melt in that area, if I used that.

Wes, you are close. The vent on the side feeds the clean air intake on the side of the AC, the exhaust is separated and will go out the bottom.

[WesGrimes]

Wes, you are close. The vent on the side feeds the clean air intake on the side of the AC, the exhaust is separated and will go out the bottom.

That makes sense. I had not thought about seperating those out. That should help the unit perform better.

You might want to tack up some screen material on the inside of that vent. That looks like an awesome little cavity for wasps to make a home in.

[2bits]

Oh yeah, already done, that's an old photo Thanks though!

[planovet]

Looks great Thomas

[teardrop_focus]

If I may, allow me to drag a few pics onto this page for the others...

2bits

Did some more work on the galley this week. I got three coats of poly on both sides of the doors so they are done.

[2bits]

OK I am not gonna tear this thing down before it is even finished! Apparently, one of the screw holes under the galley wall trim did not seal properly or my three coats of cpes and poly weren't good enough on the end grain, so we have delamination...



The inside is fine of course...



The other side of the camper is perfect. I think this is a result of that one damn time I went camping and it rained for 18 hrs straight and I got my initial delam. So I guess I will pull that trim and soak the entire area in CPES to fill the gaps, then seal the end grain with their fill-it. When I extend the trim down to the rest of the profile in the rear that should cover most of the ugliness. I hope it works.

[StPatron]

Oh man, does that ever bite! That hurts me to see that pic, can't imagine how you're feeling now.

After seeing all your build pics and then your trailer up-close and observing your attention to detail, Thomas, this really surprises me. I'm reminded of Rob48's water penetration comments, it will find a way eventually.

On the bright side, you've noticed it early and can now tackle the problem. Sorry, but I don't have any recommendations. Your plan sounds good to me.

I agree that it appears to be an end-grain seal issue. But, how much end grain? Is it limited to that short area of vertical end grain at the "notch"? Is the area forward (near the screws) due to wicking? The screws look well sealed.

I have confidence you'll come up with a solution, you always do!

[Chuckles2153]

Hey there Thomas,
So sorry to read and see your post, That really sucks and i hope it's not going to be a hugh undertaking for ya.
Chuck

[WesGrimes]

Thomas,
Have you thought about wrapping the whole thing with 1 layer of 6oz fiberglass? That is what they do with plywood boats to waterproof them.
It is transparent when it dries, so it should not affect your appearance.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

WOW! Sorry to read this!! Hopefully the damage isnt too extensive!

[aggie79]

OK I am not gonna tear this thing down before it is even finished! Apparently, one of the screw holes under the galley wall trim did not seal properly or my three coats of cpes and poly weren't good enough on the end grain, so we have delamination...

The other side of the camper is perfect. I think this is a result of that one damn time I went camping and it rained for 18 hrs straight and I got my initial delam. So I guess I will pull that trim and soak the entire area in CPES to fill the gaps, then seal the end grain with their fill-it. When I extend the trim down to the rest of the profile in the rear that should cover most of the ugliness. I hope it works.

Thomas,

I know it must have been disappointing when you discovered this. The good news is that you caught it now.

I only put one coat of CPES and one of epoxy on my end grain. I think I'll go back and add another coat of epoxy there.

This may not pertain to your situation, but you may want to consider it. I'm at the point in my build where I'm trying to figure out how to mount and detail my hurricane hinge. In reviewing other posts, I've seen some use a small deflector located below the hinge at the hinge centerline. They are made from a short piece aluminum angle - 2" or so - installed vertically. I think the purpose or at least the intent is to keep water from flowing across the sidewalls (particularly while it is raining while your are driving) and running into the sidewall hatch seals from the bottom.

I know you'll figure it out - just don't let it get you down.