1) If you knock out the lower 45* at the front (just bring that bit straight down) it will give the basement more space and you can make a longer access door to make the storage space, well, more accessible
I have no real idea why I did that apart from asthetics. It was originally to give the front of the trailer a little protection from hitting trail brush, etc. but I see that the frame will be under most of it anyway. I think you have a good idea!
2)Is there going to be some sort of horizontal electrical chase to hide and access your planned wiring. The vertical channel pictured looks fine for running wires but it could be a pain to wire anything. Would it be more efficient to make the bulkhead in a single piece and just use some sort of conduit to run the wires up to a horizontal chase where the fuse block and majority of the wiring would be run? I do wish our chase was actually just a little taller, my fat hands don't work well in tight spaces and some of the wiring was quite the PITA to hook up.
Being as I have the vertical channel that gives me essentially a double wall, the majority of the wall on the sleeper side will be access panels. I figure that will still hide and protect the wiring but give me reasonable access.
3)There looks to be an empty/unused space under the fridge and drawers at the galley. Intentional? Is there some use or access for this?
I have NO freaking idea what to do with that! It's basically 6" deep and I don't know if it would be worth putting another side-door access to use it (or maybe a door on the back angle now that I think about it).
4)Are you doing an underbed panel to access the water tank and battery? If so you might consider putting the battery ahead of the tank, again easier to wire the thing up and switch batteries if needed.
I will probably shift the tank and batteries just slightly forward so I can have a drop down access panel from the sleeper floor (Yes, remembering your warning about access areas under the bed, but I hope I won't need to access the batteries or water tank that much!). I wanted to keep the batteries in the back just to keep as much of the electrical stuff together, does that sound reasonable?
5)I recommend doing a lifesize mockup of the cabin layout in cardboard. Throw a 4-6 inch foam pad on the floor and try it out. Sit in it, lie down, roll over, change your clothes, etc. This will give you a good idea if you will have the headroom you need (and the footroom under the cabinets) Remember, that cushy mattress will take up a lot of headroom.
I will DEFINITELY do that! What if I basically cardboard mockup the sides and roof (with the mattress in there) as soon as I have the frame done to verify there is enough room?
6)and this is a general camper(and I think I know the answers) question. Why does everyone want to carry their gas cans on their camper? It has no engine, it doesn't need gas......I figure if I carry the spare can in (or on) the tow vehicle it will be where it is needed, when it is needed.
For me, it's basically convenience of room. If I put it on the Jeep, It would have to go on the roof, therefore being a little high up and harder to get. If I had a pick-up like yours, you bet I would have the fuel on the TV,
I do wonder about your access into the cabin. Looks like the bottom on the door opening will be about three feet off the ground. Depending on your height (more importnaly the height of she-who-must-be-obeyed), it might be awkward to get in and out of the cabin, at least without a small step outside.
The bottom section of the frame has side-"steps" that will be covered in expanded metal or plate. That still puts it 1' 10" off the ground and Kristy already informed me, If I can build the whole trailer, I can build a step for her and the dog!
Jim using top of the line Restava memory foam mattress. I have started being sure the comforter is over the edge at all times. And not retired, still have a day job until the end of October, but have worked continously to make sure what I am building will last a lifetime.
I live in the mountains and it is just out the door to many camping areas, unfortunately on the south side of the freeway here, there isn't much serious off roading, need to go to Big Bear or Johnson Valley,, Anza Borego.
Thanks for the note about mattress wear... And thanks for naming your brand. I have been looking for mattresses and they look to be worth the extra bucks!
I left Fort Irwin north of Barstow last year and still miss it! I'm jealous you have access to those areas!
It appears the trailer will have standard road tires. That would explain the narrow fenders.
As for the tires I think they are partially inset under the trailer, giving the appearance of a really narrow fender. I think he can fit whatever will be on his TV (up to say an 11" wide tire).
The wheels ARE going to be partially inset. I have an off-road trailer with the spring and axle package (and wheels/tires to match the TV) I want to use, that will be transplanted from the old trailer to the new one. I like the track behind the jeep but still wanted the width in the sleeping area. It seemed to work out nicely to do the wheel wells that way thanks to the basement storage, and they'll still give me (realistically) 44" width for the water tank. I will DEFINITELY be having steel/aluminum full wheel wells to protect anything in the trailer.
I hope that sounds reasonable to you gentlemen and thank you very much for the input! You guys are great!
(ooh, wish I had a green envy smilie!) Maybe try a different type of mattress material Bob?
