"The X-II" 5-Wide Convertible Teardrop

[KCStudly]

I see you decided to go with a lighter blue on the XIV. I like the darker color better.

But seriously, your XII came out really swell. Congratulations on the first of many more successful camping trips.

[Martiangod]

First outing is great, looks like ya'll had a blast.
We just had quiet stressfree time for our first out.
Trailer looks awesome out in the wild

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Droid - Where did you get those spy shots of my new builds?!?!

Thanks KC and MG!!

I did not mention this before because I wanted to wait until I got them installed, but Ratkity gave me a heck of a deal on a front cargo platform that she had removed from her Little Guy RT, and also a small DVD player.

I'll have to be mindful of how I load this platform, but it'll primarily be used for my 10x10 canopy and camp chairs.



And I had the PERFECT location to mount the little DVD player. I can even plug it into my stereo system.



Thanks Patricia!!

[Ratkity]

That looks purrrrrfect, Zach! Great DVD placement.

Gonna keep the platform black, or will you blend it in with the color scheme?

Hugs,
Ratkity

[Shadow Catcher]

Good to see the fruition of your efforts, it looks great. Hope to see you at one of the TearJerkers gatherings

[Kharn]

Zach,
Is there any way you could get two U-bolts through the metal frame of the tongue tray? Or put a piece of angle connecting the tray to the plate in front of it? I'd be worried about the mesh pulling free from the frame how you currently have it bolted if you drove down enough rough roads.

[Martiangod]

Zach,
Is there any way you could get two U-bolts through the metal frame of the tongue tray? .

Good call, looks like it would be an easy fix with a drill to go through the angle iron

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Probably not a bad idea to drill through the steel angle on the grate. I at least want to paint the frame part of the platform, so I need to take it off again anyway.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

While on the maiden voyage, we were listening to some music on my stereo system but it kept shutting off when we turned it up. So after some Googling, I decided to run a larger gauge wire for the 12VDC to the stereo. It works GREAT now!! I can crank it up and probably blow the speakers. While I was working on the stereo wiring, I also installed a small powered subwoofer enclosure that I pulled from a Subaru Forrester sitting in a junkyard.



Paid a whole $15 for the subwoofer and 2 gas struts for the hatch. Even though the subwoofer is small, it makes a HUGE difference in the sounds quality.

[Robbie]

I had one of those subwoofers under the passenger seat of my Outback and it really did sound great! They can handle quite a bit of power too!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I had one of those subwoofers under the passenger seat of my Outback and it really did sound great! They can handle quite a bit of power too!

I dont have a clue what the spec are, but for $5 it was a STEAL!



There has been one outstanding component of the X-II that I finally got around to installing tonight - the Fantastic Fan 4000R. I just hadn't installed it yet because I didnt need it yet, and the removable fan cover wasnt finished yet either. I just need to make the vinyl cover for the fan cover. Might finish that up tonight.

Removable fan cover...


Fantastic Fan installed and hole cut in the vinyl roof...




Fan cover in place...


I'm not sure if I'll keep it as finished wood or paint it to match the trailer. I think the finished wood kinda ties in with the side lights and the oak rear bumper. But it would look good blue too.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I think the X-II is finally complete!! I say complete because all the planned pieces (and then some) are finally all together and installed

.... and because you all know that they're never really "finished"

[Oldragbaggers]

Wow, Zach!! You did an amazing job. Beautiful build!! And you did it so quickly too. You are very talented indeed.

[bigblockbarry]

Just checked out your site,very cool. Turning your build thread into a manual was a good idea. I bought a generic set of plans and have used them maybe 3 times. Having something "current" would have really helped.Good luck with it Zach.

[Oldragbaggers]

Zach, is there a limit on how many of your ideas a person is allowed to steal?