"The X-II" 5-Wide Convertible Teardrop

[rand_98201]

when I do my build I too would like a queen size bed and Im planning on using a HF trailer as well.To make room for that size bed do you need to do the tongue extensions to get the extra room? or is that strictly for extra galley and storage room?

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Nice build!

Thanks

when I do my build I too would like a queen size bed and Im planning on using a HF trailer as well.To make room for that size bed do you need to do the tongue extensions to get the extra room? or is that strictly for extra galley and storage room?

Nope, the tongue extension isn't necessary for a queen size bed. The biggest consideration for the queen size bed is that you have to build out over the tires if you're using a 48" wide frame. Not a big deal, but it just involves a little more planning.

The tongue extension just makes backing up a little easier, and gives you another mounting location for the tongue jack too so that its not twisting on half of the trailer tongue. And moving the tongue jack allows for a larger tongue box.



More progress from yesterday....

Did some more sanding, filling, sanding, filling. Ran a bead of Liquid Nails HD along the inside where the skin meets the sides. Then on the outside, I used Loctite PL Polyurethane Window and Door sealant on some of the exposed joints. Man, that stuff can be messy!





Its hard to believe that its that time already, but I started some wiring too. Mounted the WFCO-8725, and ran the power from a power-inlet on the driver's side of the teardrop. Then after looking over my wiring diagram, I decided where I wanted to mount the different components. Fortunately, I have no shortage of space in my electrical compartment.



After the fuse blocks and ground bar were mounted, I hooked up my 4-channel wireless remote system and tested the channels using different LED's. Success!

[rand_98201]

thanks for the explanation on that,those LEDs are going to look pretty cool when you get them installed.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

No problem Randy! Definitely going to have some interesting things happening with the LEDS! Stay tuned!


Not much of an update, but in preparation for more wiring this weekend, I made my 110v electrical boxes. Simply cut lengths of 1x2 pine that got glued/nailed together, and will be painted.





And my side marker lights FINALLY arrived today!!



I forget if I posted up a pic of my taillights, so here they are (again?). I have chrome trim rings for them so they'll match the side markers pretty well.

[aggie79]

Sweet!

[parnold]

So Zach:

Are you gonna join me at the "Walk in the Winds" gathering in Wyoming this year???

Looking very good Zach, can't wait to see it up close!

[droid_ca]

Zack that trailer is going to be can't wait to see what other tricks you have planed for it

[StPatron]

Never cared much for those pop-ups that hung over the wheels 6-12". Just didn't look right.

Hey now, I heard that!

Just kiddin ya, Zach. Lookin' good!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks Tom! Love your Silver Beatle!!

Paul, I won't be able to make it Wyoming. Just not enough time (or vacation time) in the year. I'm going to the Tearjerkers Ross Hill gathering in August, and then caravaning with about 20 other trailers up to Maine to continue the fun for the entire week.

Thanks Droid! Its definitely exciting that its all coming together!!

Never cared much for those pop-ups that hung over the wheels 6-12". Just didn't look right.

Hey now, I heard that!

Just kiddin ya, Zach. Lookin' good!

In my defense I did say 'pop-up' and not 'pop-up-turned-standee-teardrop-trailer'

Your dinette turned out beautifully!! Definitely a nice lookin camper you have!!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Another thread brought up a subject that I have been trying to figure out exactly how to deal with.... battery location. After thinking long and hard, I decided to not put the battery in the location I had originally intended, the tongue box. Instead I decided to make my own underfloor battery tray from 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" perforated steel angle.

First I drew up this quick sketch in AutoCAD, based on the interior dimensions of a group-27 battery box.



Then went to Lowe's and picked up (2) 6' lengths of metal and some 3/8" x 3/4" long hex bolts and Nyloc nuts. After some cutting and bolting, we were slowly getting there...



And ended up with this monstrosity...



Carefully measured the location in the perfectly good floor... and then shifted the measurements because the tray would have hit part of the tongue.



And cut the hole....





Only hangs down 2" and should be plenty strong!

[rand_98201]

that looks like it should work good in that spot and the box you built.just dont forget the hold downs,i see alot of people that seem to forget them when they do batteries in their cars on their own is all.

[pete42]

I used the same metal to hang my front garage door opener
I found that it would move or rack no matter how tight I made the nuts and bolts I ended up taking it to work and welding the corners.

while you battery box won't be subjected to the strain of a garage door I was wondering how sturdy is it and if it moves when you push on it?

just curious,

Pete

[Woodstramp]

Zach,

The world is full of two types.....dreamers and a achievers.

I enjoy watching your camper achievements.

Reminds me...gotta get off my lazy butt and work on mine.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

that looks like it should work good in that spot and the box you built.just dont forget the hold downs,i see alot of people that seem to forget them when they do batteries in their cars on their own is all.

My friend and I tried to make a tie-down strap from the same metal, but it didnt hold the battery securely enough. So I'm planning a trip to the junk yard to pull the battery tie-down from a car.

I used the same metal to hang my front garage door opener
I found that it would move or rack no matter how tight I made the nuts and bolts I ended up taking it to work and welding the corners.

while you battery box won't be subjected to the strain of a garage door I was wondering how sturdy is it and if it moves when you push on it?

just curious,

Pete

It was kinda shady when we started bolting everything together, but once we got all the bolts tightened down, the thing is solid as a rock. In order to strengthen the plywood deck, we used couple pieces of flat perforated metal. Its not "perfect" but by the time I have my foam mattress in there, you won't even be able to tell that the hardware for the battery tray sticks up a little bit.

And its sturdy enough to hold me.

Zach,

The world is full of two types.....dreamers and a achievers.

I enjoy watching your camper achievements.

Reminds me...gotta get off my lazy butt and work on mine.

I'm still dreamin! Got some of the electrical conduit run and some of the wiring fished though.



This is where the wires originate from...



And this is where some of them end up, in the galley.

[rand_98201]

you should be done with wiring in no time the way youre going