Update/More Camping: Weekender-for-5

[WhitneyK]

Due to design, I'm going with the two rod camper shell style latch with center mounted T handle (or that's my current plan, subject to change without notice). I guess my other option would be the draw down latches mounted on the outside. I really don't want to mess with pad locks though. There's probably a hundred different options.

[Alan and Lianna]

We used the side draw down latches, and have yet to use a padlock. When adjusted properly they will hold themselves shut, but its nice to know that if we were ever concerned about security, we could lock it up. While camping, there is just too much stuff out in the open for the taking to bother with opening a hatch...



Alan

[aggie79]

We used rubber draw latches.



I was going to add a hasp and pad lock - even purchased the hardware - but like Alan said, I'm not sure locks are worth it.

I did use a hasp on my tongue box with the intent to lock it, but instead of a lock I'm using a carabiner to keep it closed.



Take care,
Tom

[WhitneyK]

Sorry, didn't mean to offend anyone

[Alfred]

Hi all,

The two rod T-lock is probably what I've seen used most commonly, when I've seen others' campers.

I was thinking of going with a hasp, just to keep it simple. I will probably store the camper in the garage and do not anticipate needing to lock it up too often.

Because of the bunk set-up in my camper (the design allows access to the back galley area from the cabin), I am thinking of an alternate system to lock-it from the inside, even if it is just an eyebolt/hook, so that we could use the hatch door as a means of egress from the cabin, if ever needed in an emergency.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

AL

[Alfred]

Hi All,

Today I did the final install on the Fantastic Vent fan. Used Butyl Tape (Good grief, what a sticky mess to work with).

Gage gave good advice in an earlier thread to cool the tape off first. It was totally unworkable in the Summer heat, couldn't even get it peeled off the paper, until I put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Then it was better.

Got the fan screwed in and the inside gasket in place.

Tomorrow, I am hoping to install the other door. I will keep you posted!

AL

[S. Heisley]

Good going, Alfred. Love your new avitar!

Do you take your guitar when you go camping?

[Alfred]

Good going, Alfred. Love your new avitar!

Do you take your guitar when you go camping?

I take my guitar most everywhere, whenever there is an appropriate opportunity.

For camping, I usually take a Martin Backpacker Guitar. It is about 3/4size of regular guitar, smaller sound box. It is easy to carry anywhere, not as bulky as a full size. I fingerpick, so has a unique sound, sort of a cross between a guitar, lute and banjo.

Here's what my campin' guitar looks like:


I played the background music for my video on the RadioShack website here:
http://www.radioshackdiy.com/project-ga ... olt-camper

There was a time, way back in my misspent youth that I supported myself (barely) by playing music in restaurants and pubs. This was in my college days, which is to say, decades ago! LOL!

AL

[S. Heisley]

You've been holding out on us! If you hadn't written that the music was yours, I would have thought that Radio Shack added it. It sounds very professional and good! You even gave a BIG plug to the forum at the very end!!!

[campmaster-k]

Looks great Al. That is a huge accomplishment.

[Woodstramp]

Alfred,

Been following this build a while. You've done an amazing job. Looks like a bit more finishing and you can put some highway under your rig.

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

Well, its not "finished" yet - but we did get it out camping to Myrtle Beach State Park on Sunday/Monday.

I am going to continue to document the finishing work and build progress on this thread.

I posted another thread with more pictures of the maiden voyage here:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=45582



It was great to go camping in it!

AL

[S. Heisley]

It looks terrific in that campsite element, Al. Congrats!

[shanester]

Glad to see you go to enjoy Al. No place better than Myrtle Beach. State park
Can't wait to finish ours. And head back. To MB. We stay at state park. A couple times a year. But. That tent is getting old. [/b]

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

Just a quick update - We attended the Fall Foliage Gathering in West Virginia a couple of weeks ago - Had a great time, beautiful weather, good folks. The kids had fun. It was the first appearance of the Weekender-for-5 at a teardrop/small camper gathering. It went down to the 30's, but our little Walmart ceramic heater kept the camper warm.







Posted more pictures from the West Virginia gathering, including pictures of other campers in attendance, here:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=46869

This afternoon I drove the camper over to the Harvest House/Asheville Community Center to show "Jim" in the wood shop.

Those who remember the beginning of this build thread will recall I started my build there, at the Harvest House. Jim and the wood shop were a tremendous help in getting my build started.

I have not gotten back over there in a long time, due to changes in my work schedule, but I had time today and wanted to show him the camper!

This is Jim, the wood shop mentor at Harvest House/City of Asheville Community Center




By the way, I have been really enjoying giving "tours" and showing folks the camper.

My wife has been asking when I am going to "finish" it, including the rest of the trim, the 2nd coat of paint. She wants me to paint or decal some design on it, so it is not plain white.

She also wants us to come up with a more personalized name for it, than "Weekender-for-5". So, it will be back to work on it again soon!

AL