My Foamie Build--Updated --Jul 3 I'm eating an elephant

[parnold]

By building and then cutting, you may find that your cut is just enough to allow for the wrap around of fabric, and still have things line up. If you build separately, remember to allow for the thickness of your fabric plus binding agent.

[bonnie]

Guess that's a commitment statement.

I happened upon a slightly roughed up 1/4" oak ply piece at Lowes. I've decided on a sandwich sort of floor, so it was a steal at $12.00.

Had to have Lowes' cut it down to 2X4 parts (4) to get it into the car. I really need a truck, or at least a car that has a bigger trunk.

This won't be a fast foamie build, 'cause I've also committed to a pay-as-I-go budget. I have a lot of stuff already: things solar, things galley, things electric, things plumbed and things to decorate.

This will be my second attempt at trailer ownership. This time I will finish!

[atahoekid]

Sounds like my approach. Pay as you go, when I get a bit extra, I plunk it down for some of the bigger ticket items. I think the only large $ items left are the queen size foam mattress, the water pump for the galley sink and the brakes. It worked for me, should work for you. I got a lot of stuff sitting in corners of the garage and our spare bedroom just waiting to be used. Although with the Christmas holiday coming and the guests due soon, I think I will be asked to moved it all out to the garage. Good Luck to you, keep us posted. Can't wait to see pics...

[bonnie]

so, noodling around the net; I found a possible solution to both the pop top liner and the pop top lift mechanism. Here's my ideas:

1. Pop Top Mechanism --- a modified bimini set-up. The bimini slides and hardware less the poles can be had for less than $50. The hardware will work with 3/4 pvc or electrical conduit. Two clips on the top should hold it in place. Slides down to shut.



I would mount it inside the canvas/nylon screening for easy set-up.

2. The canvas/nylon part would be sewn as a continuous piece. It would fit inside the pop top, but to the outside edge. To hold it to the top and trailer roof I think I've hit on a perfect solution:

http://www.screentight.com/prod-minitrack.shtml

The screen spline would capture the fabric and the mount would make it easy to install. Not as cheap as the plastic type, but not horrible either.

Other suggestions that might work better? Weight is an issue, so keep that in mind, too..

[mezmo]

Hi Bonnie,

That screen mount system seems a good possibility, just remember
to caulk the perimeter where the track will meet the roof, and where
the top track will meet the poptop underside.

And what's a bimini set-up? - for those of us who don't know.

FWIW, the Australians and others have quite a few of the pop-top style
caravans [TTs] - just do a Google Images search for 'pop top caravans'
and a whole variety will show up. I particularly favor the hard infill wall
style myself [more in Europe].

Here's a link to an Aussie caravan parts [really for RVs in general]
website that has them, look midpage:

http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/inde ... 8c57f36693

Oops, I just double checked and they don't do international sales!
At least you can see what they look like.

Better yet, I came across this really informative Aussie web site page
on their Pop Top Caravans - alot of info. Look about halfway down the
page where they discuss the three types of canopy lifters - gas strut,
canopy lifters [scissor lift] , and Jayco [style] easy lift bars. The easy lift
bars look like they'd be easy enough to do a home made version of,
remembering to include a good locking mechanism on them.

http://www.exploroz.com/Vehicle/Caravan ... avans.aspx

Here's a much better illustration of the easy lift bar(s) from another Aussie
RV Parts seller. [Alas, they don't sell internationally either]:

http://easyrv.com.au/canopy-lifters-jay ... p-410.html

Here's a really neat idea for roof lifting if one wants to spend the money
[US availabilty unknown]:

http://www.rvairlifters.com.au/

I couldn't find any other sources for the Jayco style easy lift bars
unfortunately but, like I said a home-built version should be easy
enough.

'Just thought I'd pass this along in case it could help.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[bonnie]

Norm, that airlifter system sure is tempting. But out of my price range.

I updated the lift idea with a picture. And I've decided the galley will be built from the Blue Sky Kitchen plans, which I purchased last night. Since I plan on doing most cooking outside, I think a chuckbox type system will meet my needs fabulously. They are light weight, too. Well, until I fill them up with stuff.

Here's the link: http://www.BlueSkykitchen.com

Question for GPW: Will your waterproofing mix work with MDF, or will it expand too much? I thought I could cut all the pieces for the kitchen boxes and the soak them in a tub for awhile to really waterproof them. I think you suggested that in the long thread. I have some MDF laying about and would like to use it up, if possible. If that won't work, I just save up and buy some more wood.

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

[GPW]

FWIW, I think all MDF /particle board , wafer board etc, SHOULD be waterproofed ... When I repaired the floor on my TT (Rot on untreated floor ) I soaked the surrounding area with “the mixtureâ€

[bonnie]

Thanks for the reply. Maybe i have enough on hand to knock one of these out. Something simple so i can get the hang of things.

[bonnie]

I have a carload of 1/4" ply and various small diameter boards, edging pieces and two very light weight doors. Cost? Free!

None of the pieces are full sized, or they wouldn't fit in the car, but I'm betting the bed frame skins and various cupboards are sitting there waiting to be born. Bonus too, I can start building my collection of Blue Sky kitchen boxes.

[GPW]

Nothing like FREE!!

[bonnie]

The long awaited reverse tear, with pop top. Your comments and suggestions. No interior yet, but with a standard 4 x 8 layout about anything is possible. I love the Hobbit door. That was a special request.

Still thinking foam and minimal framing.

[atahoekid]

I like it alot!!! I love the ingenuity that went into the design. I think the pins should work just fine for rotating and supporting the upper body. Great Work. Time to let the foam fly!!!

[eaglesdare]

[bonnie]

Thanks, I'm planning a foamboard model and a full size cardboard mockup.

[eaglesdare]

oh nice, i'll be waiting to see that.