Rockhopper - Solutions!

[Oldragbaggers]

This is quite a build, Mike. Looks like it is going to have every feature you could possibly want for comfortable long-term camping. So, here is the million dollar question.... is this going to be your last (besides your foamie) or do you have something even bigger/better in the works??

[High Desert]

Wow, this is looking awesome Mike! I like how the redesigned hatch allows the divider walls the extra height for the cabinets. You may even get 11 pounds into the proverbial 5 pound sack with this one

[bdosborn]

MIke,

Nice, build! I like watching your builds, you've got the process down to a science and they move along quickly.
Bruce

P.S. I like the moon window.

[mikeschn]

This is quite a build, Mike. Looks like it is going to have every feature you could possibly want for comfortable long-term camping. So, here is the million dollar question.... is this going to be your last (besides your foamie) or do you have something even bigger/better in the works??

I don't know the answer to that question Becky. Once upon a time I thought about doing something like this with a full time table:









...but now I am not so sure the extra length is worth it...

Mike...

[bgordon]

Hi Mike,

Perhaps it is a silly question, but in what way does the Rockhopper differ from your previous Escape Hatch? At the moment the Rockhopper looks a little like the "Escape Hatch MK II" to me.

Thanks for the clarification!

[Forrest747]

This is quite a build, Mike. Looks like it is going to have every feature you could possibly want for comfortable long-term camping. So, here is the million dollar question.... is this going to be your last (besides your foamie) or do you have something even bigger/better in the works??

I don't know the answer to that question Becky. Mike...

If I ever win the lottery I will set up shop someplace warm and just knock out trailers. try different things improve my skills and just have fun.

Looking great Mike. How did teh door latches work out for ya

[RandyG]

This is quite a build, Mike. Looks like it is going to have every feature you could possibly want for comfortable long-term camping. So, here is the million dollar question.... is this going to be your last (besides your foamie) or do you have something even bigger/better in the works??

I don't know the answer to that question Becky. Mike...

If I ever win the lottery I will set up shop someplace warm and just knock out trailers. try different things improve my skills and just have fun.

Looking great Mike. How did teh door latches work out for ya

Would you build a trailer park? Sounds like dream to me!

[Forrest747]

A trailer park no, sad to say. However would let anyone stay at designated parking pads and use the hot showers restrooms. WiFi free.

[mikeschn]

Hi Guys,

Well, it's finally time to start the electrical.

I decided to put the main electrical components under one of the benches. As you can see here...



We brought the power in right in front of the fender into the area under the bench.



First light to be wired was the porch light! Woohoo, we have light.



Then we wired the lights over the bed. (The center light is actually over the table!)



We'll continue this electrical stuff another day!



@Barrie, How does the Rockhopper differ from the escape hatch? Well the biggest difference is the interior layout. The Rockhopper has build in heat, a/c and fridge.

The Escape hatch had an a/c on the roof, which didn't work. Then I put it in the front wall, and that didn't work. The Rockhopper has it in the back... keeping the fingers crossed.

The escape hatch had a ceramic heater for heat. The Rockhopper has a built in forced air furnace.

The Escape hatch had two small shelves in the back. I put Pepper under one of the shelves, and I put the thermoelectric fridge on top of the other shelf. That was pretty much it. The Rockhopper has a built in real fridge, 6 drawers, a porta potty, a cabinet, and even a built in TV. Oh, it has a gorgeous front window, and two fantastic fans on the roof! And the angled front end looks like it slices through the wind.

Mike...

@Forrest, I have not built the doors yet... that's next!!!

[KCStudly]

Nice electrical.

Mike, I think you've been holding out on us. I see lots of wood finish there that was not apparent in the last few pics.

More pics please. We love da pics.

[bgordon]

Mike,

Thanks for the explanation about the Rockhopper and the Escape Hatch. Yes, I think the Rockhopper is definitely an improvement!

When the Rockhopper's hatch is up, what is the standing height? I am planning my next build, and so far it will be a Rockhopper type of build, if I can fit my 6 foot two inch frame in there!

[wagondude]

Any more progress on this? Sure would like to see this (and the big foamie) finished.

[jonw]

Me too Mike... Very interested in your progress.

Thanks.

[mikeschn]

I hope to get back to it this weekend...

So much fun. So little time!

Mike...

[bonnie]

I know exactly what you mean.