The "Compact GT" more progress pics

[GeorgeT]

Got a bunch more done. Finished the pop up so's it pops up and latches into place. Feels pretty sturdy and am pleased with the results. I also finshed the pop out for my kids feet so's she can snooze on the upper bunk. Got the tongue box finished 'cept for the lock. Temporarily installed aluminum framed windows. Cut the foam for the mattresses and tried out. And finally the rear door. It's 1 inch thick plywood with a frame and real house door lock set. Next I'll be putting the spare underneath, then finished cabinets inside and then the wooden exterior trim. Then I get to PAINT! I like to make sawdust but don't like to paint! Hope I didn't break a rule by postin' so many pics, I jus' couldn't hep myself.

[davel]

George,

It's looking great! Are you going to make it to Purtis Creek?

[GeorgeT]

Looks doubtful. I got too much more to do before I paint. And then a mess o' things to do after I paint. I have been pushin' pretty hard to finish in time but reality is setting in as I look at the calendar. I figure a couple more months to finish it to where I be proud to show it off. I'll be sure to make the next one.

[catrinka]

That is a cool looking trailer!!! Not sure how old your daughter is but have you allowed enough room for growth? (Sorry, just the 'mom' in me coming out.)

[GeorgeT]

Yeah, hard to tell in the photos but she's got about 6 more inches of leg room. The area will accomodate a 5'4'' human.

[catrinka]

And by then she should be almost out of the nest, or at least not wanting to sleep above mom and dad.

[GeorgeT]

Thas right and the bunk area will then make a nice place for a lotta other comfort stuff us older folks need. The box I built that has her feet in it comes out of the wall totally and we store it in the bottom somewhere. It will hold her sleeping bag and pillow stuffed into it.

[SteveH]

Awsome, George! Some real creativity there. Have you decided what type of paint you are going to use?

[GeorgeT]

Haven't nailed it down yet but will probably use somekinda gloss exterior oil base as the camper will be stored in my garage. Probably won't be exposed to the elements for more 'n 4 weeks or so a year. We only stay camped out a few days at a time again minimal exposure to the elements. I got a cabinet on my back porch under an awning that is made of the same wood as the camper and has 1 coat of undercoater on it and two coats of gloss exterior oil base. It's fourteen years old and the paint still looks good and is not cracked. It doesn't get direct sun nor rain but it is exposed to the outdoors. I don't think that if it had been rained on a couple of times a year and sat out in the hot sun a week or so a year would have done much damage. So, I'm thinkin' about maybe one or two coats of undercoater and two to three coats of topcoat on the outside ought to keep it good for a long time. Would be easy to touch up or repaint some day down the road and not so expensive. I figured aluminum was out since its not insulated and would probably get too much heat gain from the metal. Some of the exotic paints would surely work but more money than I want to spend. I don't have a clue as to how to fiberglass it and don't want to try it. Probably not cheap either. So I'll probably stick with what I know how to do and what's easiest on my pocketbook.

[purplepickup]

That is really neat George. You did lots of creative things and did them well. You've got a right to be proud.

[BufordT]

I've just got to say. Thanks Mike for T&TTT. Without it I would have never gotten to see what a great trailer George built. Great job George Keep the post coming.

Bufordt

[mikeschn]

Wow George! I'm really impressed. You've done an awsome job on your trailer!

Mike...

[beverlyt]

That is really something! What a great trailer and what a good job you've done!

[Jimbo]

Got a bunch more done. Finished the pop up so's it pops up and latches into place. Feels pretty sturdy and am pleased with the results. I also finshed the pop out for my kids feet so's she can snooze on the upper bunk. Got the tongue box finished 'cept for the lock. Temporarily installed aluminum framed windows. Cut the foam for the mattresses and tried out. And finally the rear door. It's 1 inch thick plywood with a frame and real house door lock set. Next I'll be putting the spare underneath, then finished cabinets inside and then the wooden exterior trim. Then I get to PAINT! I like to make sawdust but don't like to paint! Hope I didn't break a rule by postin' so many pics, I jus' couldn't hep myself.

Sweet little camper!!! Is it 5x8 or 5x10? Did you use Andrew's plans? Bravo!!!

[GeorgeT]

Thanks. Had no plans, just figured it out (and still am) as I go. I was inspired by Andrew's pop up animation and mine works pretty similar. It's a 5x8. The pop up really makes it feel roomy. I don't see that I would need anymore length. Really glad to have 5 foot width. You can see that me and my wife have plenty of sleeping room. The camper functions just fine without popping up the roof.