Our "new" tiny travel trailer - Sunline Sunspot

[frank_a]

Figured out my hub problem. Someone used the wrong seals. The one in there was 1.978" o.d., the correct one is 1.987". Also, the one in there was only 0.185" wide, the right one should be 0.4". As a result of the wrong seal being in there, the seals were spinning in the hub, and the inner bearings were spinning when they were NOT supposed to be! Simple fix, NAPA part # 28 is the correct seal and bearing kit. Outer bearings were fine, but both inners were not.

Also got the rear hatch open and can see I have a bit of wiring to do. No biggie, but I do want to figure out how to power a few lights with 12V. I have been putting all my exploration pics in my album, feel free to check it out.

Frank

[rebapuck]

Start a "parts list" to keep in the trailer. It'll be there when you are on the road and need it.

[frank_a]

Ooops Wrong seals in that #28 NAPA kit, at least for this Sunline trailer. Correct ones are 14840 (I think), but NAPA didn't have them, so I got ones a bit wider I know will fit that are the same exact o.d. and i.d. So need to swap seals to put hubs back on. These hubs are threaded for lug bolts, and are all 1/2" except one hole that is 9/16. Bah. I wondered why I need a different socked for one on the lug bolts, but figured it was just an odd head. Nope. good thing to know though huh? So I need to bring a 3/4" socket AND a 13/16 (or whatever it was)! Wanted to get new wiring at NAPA today, had to order it. They didn't have spring seats for my axle, but Tractor Supply does, so maybe I can get to that today. Busy!

Eventually I want a new axle with all the brake stuff, around 300 buckaroonies. Maybe next year!

Frank

[frank_a]

Now that the springs have been swapped under the axle, Spot fits in our garage! This is very convenient because the garage is attached to my shop!

More to come. Getting my classic speedboat rigged today and probably tomorrow too. Maybe work on Spot Monday. Want to get 4 scissor jacks on and the new RV taillights we got.



Frank

[rebapuck]

Someone mentioned the galley in back. Will you leave it there? Open to the inside?

Will the inside be all bed?

[frank_a]

Not sure right now Judy. First I intend to build facing seats with a table in between. Once that is done I will see what we have left for space. It's not going to be easy, but I have the beginnings of a plan. I need 80" for a full bed, and what is left will be a galley closed off from the inside, but maybe with an access from the inside too. I would say it's a work in progress, but it has been since we got it two weeks ago! We're having fun planning the interior build. I also bought some sheet aluminum to rebuild the exterior of the door. I hope to get that done Monday. Right now I'm concentrating on rigging of our classic speedboat. That will probably consume another full day!

Thanks,

Frank

[frank_a]

Rebuilt frame, stuffed it with new cardboard, added aluminum skin.

[Gaelen]

Frank, that looks terrific! So glad Spot's getting the TLC she deserves!

[frank_a]

Thanks Pat, more to come. Got it lowered, need to get new tail lights, and get the scissor jacks on. Took me more than 5 hours to re-build the door, but I learned a lot on the process! Having fun!

Frank

[bohemian]

Excellent job Frank.
Was it as hard as you thought?
Wayne

[frank_a]

Thanks Wayne!

I knew it would take time to do and do right because I had never done anything like that. I took my time and it really came out well. Cutting the holes needed out of the .082 aluminum sheet probably took the longest of all the tasks. I just wished I had a power planer, it would have been much easier. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it was hard to do though.

Frank

[papmom35]

the door looks awesome Frank!! Great job-can't wait to see more when you get a chance.

[frank_a]

Thanks Pam, I think that was one of two major time-consumers for what I want to get done before Fish Creek. Still need to get lights on, scissor jacks installed, and need to spend a bit of time on the spring u-bolts chasing threads and then putting on new steel lock nuts. Can't do the scissor jacks until I get a new chop saw for steel. My old one died after many years of faithful service. New one should be in tomorrow, and then I can cut the heavy duty angle steel I have for mounting these jacks. That will be the other major time consumer. Each of the jacks can support 5000#s! A bit of overkill maybe?

Frank

[papmom35]

Frank-are you welding your jacks to the sunspot's frame? how will you keep them from dragging if you go over uneven road or potholes?

[frank_a]

Hmm, not sure Pam. The ones I got are weld or bolt on, so I have a choice. These are the ones I got: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/St ... SC-24.html These jacks are really very low profile when they're not extended.

I'm going to try and figure out how I can get them to fold right up under the trailer so you almost can't see them. I have some ideas, but need to get my boat done, moved out of the garage and Spot backed in to play with it and see. I am concerned with drag too, but did spend some time making sure Spot travels level when being towed. That should help.

The other alternative, particularly with bolt-ons, is unbolting them when you think you might have a problem. Really, I could just carry them along and not even bolt them. Of course, it's just much more convenient to have them attached. Once I get Spot in the garage I'll figure something out!

Frank