Stretch Benroy 10/20/13 Update - Campable at last!

[DudKC]

Sparks were flying today! Got the electrical hooked up and tested. So far nothing has exploded or burned down so I think that's a good sign.

[CHUNKYMONKEY]

I bought the same distribution panel, could you post a few more pictures of your AC installation. Inlet to panel?

Thanks

[DudKC]

Got a little bit more done to the galley today.

Cabinet doors installed.


Stereo mounted.

[DudKC]

I bought the same distribution panel, could you post a few more pictures of your AC installation. Inlet to panel?

Thanks

Message sent.

[DudKC]

This past weekend we got a little more work done to the galley. Installed the speakers and hooked up the stereo.

Then we got to attaching the hatch, which didn't go so well. It won't shut on one side for some reason so I think we're going to have to rebuild it. This time we'll have the ability to attach the frame to the body of the camper as we go to test the fit and how it opens and shuts. Hopefully being a little wiser this time and taking our time it will work out better.

[DudKC]

Our efforts to save the hatch from the dreaded spring back.

We made some cuts in the side ribs and strapped it to pull it back into shape.



Then glued and screwed some 1/2 plywood to the side ribs right where we made the cuts.





Hopefully it turns out. Tomorrow we'll see how it goes.

[Melven]

Hope it works. I am thinking of using lag bolts to fix mine. Let me know how this works out please.

[DudKC]

Well, after another long hiatus we got the hatch trimmed out and put on a seal. Tomorrow we drop off the camper at an upholstery shop to get the hatch covered with a boat cover type of material. We tried to salvage the original hatch and couldn't get it to work so we had to give up on it. Hopefully this method will work and we can get the camper finished this summer.

[DudKC]

I finally got the hatch figured out. I had an upholstery shop in town wrap the back end in a boat covering.



Hooked up the 2 LED light strips in the galley.


Driver side profile after trimming. I cut 1/4" birch plywood into 4" strips for the trim pieces and attached them with brads and thickened epoxy. Then I epoxied the trim to protect it from moisture.






The tongue box and battery box aren't attached...yet.


It's been quite a long journey, but it's almost over. The next steps are:

Polyurethane the exterior
Install windows
Install drip edge
Install fan
Install 2 exterior lights
Attach tongue box
Attach battery box

At that point it will be campable, but I can see how you might not ever feel like you're "done." There will always be something to do to make it better.

Should be ready to go the weekend after Labor Day!!

[Dadkc]

Love that cutie in the window, now i have all this space in my basement. Good job on your new toy , i loved working with ya on it.

[S. Heisley]

It's looking very pretty. Nice job! You're almost there! We'll be watching to see those maiden voyage pictures, when you get to that point.

[DudKC]

Love that cutie in the window, now i have all this space in my basement. Good job on your new toy , i loved working with ya on it.

Hey there! I had a blast too, glad I could finally give your basement back to you, or the dogs I guess.

[DudKC]

It's looking very pretty. Nice job! You're almost there! We'll be watching to see those maiden voyage pictures, when you get to that point.

Thank you, can't wait to take it out! I will definitely have to post some maiden voyage pictures. There is a little campground we live near so I'm thinking that will make a pretty easy first trip.

[rebapuck]

Looks good. So, is the hatch much lighter?

[DudKC]

Looks good. So, is the hatch much lighter?

Yes, the whole thing weighs less than 10 lbs easy.