247 replies to this topic

[Ourayphotography]

Looking at all that steel and having seen some of the corrosion on my (30 year old) frame just from the staples holding on the siding, you might want to take extra steps to either keep moisture out or isolate aluminum from the steel. What're your thoughts on this?

First idea that pops into my head would be to paint both frames before joining them, space them with rubber washers, and glue them together rather than screwing between them. Not sure if this is actually a good idea or at all necessary.

 

 

Yes, good eye. I have been putting lots of thought to this. I am on a fabrication page and that is a common comment. A couple guys that work with alum to steel a lot, say that it is a small issue and not a worry. The plan is to paint both halves and possibly an adhesive to join them. My only worry with an adhesive is once it is together, that is it. I also heard putting a thin sheet of mylar between them will give separation. Still researching that. The new outer skin will hopefully be done completely with adhesive and no fasteners. 

I hoped to test fit, but I am working alone, so maneuvering 5-600 lbs is a little complicated. Ugh

Thanks for input.

Any thoughts one whether I should rework the propane closet back into the plan? 

[klahanie]

Any thoughts one whether I should rework the propane closet back into the plan? 

 

I missed the removal reasoning in this thread but I'd say, generally, having a dedicated space is a good idea - if you know the size bottle(s) you want to carry. It's a lot cleaner than hanging a bottle off the rear wall. Or were you thinking an under mount tank or inside an under deck box ?

 

A locker built into to camper can be used for other "stuff" at the same time (tho maybe not legal/recommended) and if you don't need it for LPG next time, the whole space can be used for outside storage - always handy...

[Ourayphotography]

I missed the removal reasoning in this thread but I'd say, generally, having a dedicated space is a good idea - if you know the size bottle(s) you want to carry. It's a lot cleaner than hanging a bottle off the rear wall. Or were you thinking an under mount tank or inside an under deck box ?

 

A locker built into to camper can be used for other "stuff" at the same time (tho maybe not legal/recommended) and if you don't need it for LPG next time, the whole space can be used for outside storage - always handy...

 

The FWC stock propane closet is 14-1/4 x 14-1/4. I am not sure if the propane bottle is in this closet for fumes, or simply to have a spot accessible from the outside. The outside will get all new skins, so not sure I will re-use the old closet door and the box. I guess my main curiosity is if I should keep a 14x14 framed spot in the new frame for a box of some sort. Is 14x14 a common size for these things?

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[CougarCouple]

Should be a nice flatbed camper when done. Thanks for the camper shot.
Russ

[klahanie]

The FWC stock propane closet is 14-1/4 x 14-1/4. I am not sure if the propane bottle is in this closet for fumes, or simply to have a spot accessible from the outside. The outside will get all new skins, so not sure I will re-use the old closet door and the box. I guess my main curiosity is if I should keep a 14x14 framed spot in the new frame for a box of some sort. Is 14x14 a common size for these things?

 

Yes, for both external venting and access. Mine is same size x 19.25 deep (to house a 20lb hori$ontal tank). IIRC it is full supported underneath as the sheet metal gauge is fairly light.

 

I'm reading this now as you're not planning to use the orig propane closet for LPG - that you've got that sorted a different way or don't need LPG. Otherwise, I'd re use it for it's orig purpose.

 

As for re purposing and building in for outside storage, I'm all for storage, any size. We actually use the orig closet for footwear. But you might be better off starting from scratch, IDK. Depends on what you might want to carry and where to best locate it. If re using the closet, the old door design and latch could stand to be beefed up... I guess the box could be cut shorter too (at the door end), if that worked better for length.

 

ON EDIT I know (some) people store all sorts of things in the closet, in addition to the LPG bottle, and you do have it already, so might just want to use it... One thing tho, mine acts as a big cold sink, extending deep into the camper. On cold evenings I often imaging the FWC designers having a chuckle over that... So do over I'd prob insulate the outer surfaces of the box.

Edited by klahanie, 08 May 2019 - 03:44 AM.

[Ourayphotography]

Yes, for both external venting and access. Mine is same size x 19.25 deep (to house a 20lb hori$ontal tank). IIRC it is full supported underneath as the sheet metal gauge is fairly light.

 

I'm reading this now as you're not planning to use the orig propane closet for LPG - that you've got that sorted a different way or don't need LPG. Otherwise, I'd re use it for it's orig purpose.

 

As for re purposing and building in for outside storage, I'm all for storage, any size. We actually use the orig closet for footwear. But you might be better off starting from scratch, IDK. Depends on what you might want to carry and where to best locate it. If re using the closet, the old door design and latch could stand to be beefed up... I guess the box could be cut shorter too (at the door end), if that worked better for length.

 

ON EDIT I know (some) people store all sorts of things in the closet, in addition to the LPG bottle, and you do have it already, so might just want to use it... One thing tho, mine acts as a big cold sink, extending deep into the camper. On cold evenings I often imaging the FWC designers having a chuckle over that... So do over I'd prob insulate the outer surfaces of the box.

 

 

I am kind of on the fence if I will set up for 20 lb tanks or not. I might go with a bundle of the 1 pounders, as that is what I mostly use now in my travel trailer, but having a set spot for a future 20 might be nice. The cold is something I would not have thought about. Yeah it is thin tin construction, so i would need to fab some support. I am basically trying to finish up the basic framework and get paint on the tub. 

[Ourayphotography]

Tub Paint.

No turning back now,. a week to cure and the marriage will happen. 

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[Ourayphotography]

It just cant get any more "built not bought" than this.

My wild ideas for the project continues onward. Nearly everything I think of, does not exist, so, well I just make it.

Modular Dovetail latch system. We shall see how this invention goes 

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[a8ksh4]

I can't wait to see what you're doing with this...

[Ourayphotography]

Dovetail latch invention looks like a go!

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