First posting...with my modification of Compact III

[myoung]

I too have caught the bug. We have a 25-foot Airstream, but there are many occasions when I'd like to head out for a couple of days of flyfishing, photography, or just exploring...alone.

I used to do this in our trusty VW Westfalia Camper so I'd like to get back to that scale and the freedom it offered. So, looking around at the many TTT variations, I decided that something much like the VW where standing headroom is a sometimes thing and stooping or sitting or sleeping are the most common postures.

I was most pleased to find the Compact III design and discussed some modifications with Andrew. Here is my first attempt at sketching out the floor plan for a 6 by 11 foot version of his Compact III. The major changes are relocating the door from the rear to the curb side and creating only one bed which extends to 39 inches Gaucho-style. The sideboard is for storing all my photographic and fishing stuff.

Comments and critiques are more than welcome.

[Cliffmeister2000]

That looks well thought out!

One thing to consider; if you can make the bed at least a full size, the value will be much greater if and when you need to sell it.

[glassice]

Looks good . May I ask why move the door I am a big fan of the Compact Jr

I hope Ageless levees me in his will

[myoung]

That looks well thought out!

One thing to consider; if you can make the bed at least a full size, the value will be much greater if and when you need to sell it.

Thanks for the compliment, Cliff. It is fairly conventional in most respects. I wanted an open feeling with good seating and minimal hassle when making the bed, thus the gaucho. I doubt I'll use the small table much. Also, I like the continuous counter space in the kitchen area where standing room is best utilized.

As far as I know, a twin bed measures 39 x 75 and full bed measures 54 x 75. With only 69 inches of interior width, a full size bed would consume almost all the front floor area, leave almost no room in front of the door or between the bed and the sideboard, and would make the hanging locker width less than 10 inches wide. I'd rather roll out of bed sideways than crawl out over the head or foot. Having some floor space to move about even when the bed is extended is more comfortable and convenient for me.

Lastly, my intention is that this will be a one-person trailer. We have the big silver twinkie for extended trips with our dog. I just want a comfortable getaway pod.

[myoung]

Looks good . May I ask why move the door I am a big fan of the Compact Jr

Some of my considerations are mentioned in the immediately prior response. I could have gained more counter space by splitting the galley, but then the hanging locker and the head would have to be relocated. I'd also have to move the sideboard storage area further forward.

Having had a VW Westfalia and now an Airstream FB colors my thinking about floor space to move about. Both have side doors, which seems more natural and convenient. Notice that I also have pushed the width of the Compact to 6 feet to gain this extra roominess. I like the large, unobstructed wall along the curb side. I think this should make the diminutive trailer seem larger.

Lastly, the two rear corners of the kitchen that would be hard to access from the interior allow decent sized cargo compartments. One will probably contain a gas bottle and the other will probably house water and grey water unless I can fit these below the sink and then could use the space for other storage accessible from outside where I could keep water hose, filters, and electrical chords.

[myoung]

Already, I have created what I think is an improvement upon this modification, namely one that moves the galley forward. Here is the floor plan and I will post progress on the Member Designs section under the subject title "Compact III -- New Modification w/ front galley."

[Cliffmeister2000]

Looks good, Mike. Time to start making sawdust yet?

[myoung]

Cliff,

The sawdust should start by early November. I have teaching commitments at ASU until then.

I want to be very careful and precise about all the measurements and other design details before starting in earnest. Also, I want to be clear about what equipment and fixtures I'll have to purchase. It takes time to track down all the appropriate parts.

For some help and guidance, maybe I can entice my 92-year-old Father to spend some quality time in our casita. He has built no fewer than 10 boats including a 44-footer that he designed and lived aboard with my Mother for 19 years. He tends to over-engineer so I'll have to be strict about the sizes and follow a plan. He built the 44-footer with a single sheet of drawings. I need a bit more.

[Cliffmeister2000]

That sounds like a great heritage! (any photos of the boat?)

[steve smoot]

That sounds like a great heritage! (any photos of the boat?)

I second that...would love to see pictures of your father's boat...

Also, your camper plan is very nice...well thought out...what CAD program are you using?

[myoung]

Also, your camper plan is very nice...well thought out...what CAD program are you using? [/b]

Hmmm. Actually, I'm not using any CAD program. I've just used shapes created in the Apple Keynote application. Keynote is the better PowerPoint. I find the I can develop ideas fairly quickly with this little kluge.

I wish I still had my t-square and triangles. I love drafting with paper and pencil.

I'll email you a photo of the "Rachel J" if you let me know the address. My email is [email protected].

[myoung]

Steve, et al,

Here's a photo of the Rachel J at the Volunteer YC in Lynn, MA. 44-feet of homebuilt love by my parents. Still plying the Intracoastal Waterway owned by my second cousin and her husband.

[S. Heisley]

Wow! That boat is a beauty!

[steve smoot]

Mike, your father's boat is amazing...is it made of wood or steel? I am speechless, and that's not easy for me...guess building a camper would be like having desert...

Steve

[myoung]

Mike, your father's boat is amazing...is it made of wood or steel?

Actually, it is fiberglass stem to stern and everywhere in between. Here are some construction photos.

This is the lines drawing that we stretched by 2 feet when it was laid up. It just looked better with length added to the bow.


Here is the profile and plan drawing. These are the only drawings that were created prior to construction.


First, we created a male mold of stringers upside down.


The first layer that set the shape was a comprised of strips of fiberglass bundles about a foot wide.


Here is the final layup including layers of fiberglass mat and woven roving, way over engineered.


Engine beds and other stringers that are plywood, wood, or split PVC pipe all covered by fiberglass added greatly to the strength and rigidity of the hull.


A great many of the fittings, fixtures, and equipment were custom-built and designed specifically for the boat. The anchor windless, for example, sits atop the rear end of a Ford pickup truck axle powered by a small hydraulic pump.


Built in the backyard and ready to head for the ocean. A 160-ton crane couldn't lift the 25 tons so it had to be moved between the houses for a better angle.


And, then the Rachel J flew over the garage.