Project Cummins Build
- Thread starter Spencinator
- Start date
Spencinator
Adventurer
Well, we got out this last weekend for 4 nights and had an awesome time. I did find out some new things with the setup.
First- The new mattress is awesome. I think I actually sleep better on this mattress then the one at home... The new cover holds all the foam together so I dont think Ill have to glue it. It also seems like its provides more of an insulating factor because it seemed to hold more heat. I actually had to crack open one of the doors in the middle of the night to let some cool air in. Only thing I need to add is straps when folding it in half to hold it closed.
Second- I have the third battery mount installed but havent ran the wiring yet. We really couldve used it this weekend, mainly for lighting. I plan to wire indoor and outdoor lighting which will be used a lot. I also want to figure out a cooling fan solution.
Third- We had a down pour of rain one of the nights. I couldnt sleep till it stopped. I couldnt believe how loud it was inside the canopy..... Great.... Only solution so far is ear plugs. My gf and dog seemed to sleep through it just fine. Cool. :Wow1:
So coming next before my bday camp weekend will be installing the wiring and inverter. I already have the inverter mount made and will take pictures of the installation.
Side Note: If anyone is into guns I got an early bday present from my girl. A sig p250 .45acp. I put 100 rounds through it last weekend and love it!!
First- The new mattress is awesome. I think I actually sleep better on this mattress then the one at home... The new cover holds all the foam together so I dont think Ill have to glue it. It also seems like its provides more of an insulating factor because it seemed to hold more heat. I actually had to crack open one of the doors in the middle of the night to let some cool air in. Only thing I need to add is straps when folding it in half to hold it closed.
Second- I have the third battery mount installed but havent ran the wiring yet. We really couldve used it this weekend, mainly for lighting. I plan to wire indoor and outdoor lighting which will be used a lot. I also want to figure out a cooling fan solution.
Third- We had a down pour of rain one of the nights. I couldnt sleep till it stopped. I couldnt believe how loud it was inside the canopy..... Great.... Only solution so far is ear plugs. My gf and dog seemed to sleep through it just fine. Cool. :Wow1:
So coming next before my bday camp weekend will be installing the wiring and inverter. I already have the inverter mount made and will take pictures of the installation.
Side Note: If anyone is into guns I got an early bday present from my girl. A sig p250 .45acp. I put 100 rounds through it last weekend and love it!!
bftank
Explorer
regarding the rain noise. have you thought about spraying or rolling a liner material on the outside of the roof? it would deaden the sound and keep your roof a little cooler, and protect it a little better when you are throwing stuff on there. gluing your foam to the roof will help kill some of the rain vibes as well.
regarding the cooling fan solution. in the pop up section it is common to see a vent with a fan in it installed. i will see if i can get a link for you.
regarding the cooling fan solution. in the pop up section it is common to see a vent with a fan in it installed. i will see if i can get a link for you.
Spencinator
Adventurer
I haven't thought about using something on the roof. Good idea! I do have the inside of the roof insulated but that didn't seem to help much. I see what your saying though, let the rain hit a different material other then metal.
As for the fans I have searched that area a little bit and I think I have seen what your talking about. Using pancake fans in different areas. Are these the same as computer fans? They are 12v? If so I could mount these in the corners near the roof to help bring in outside air. As we are coming into the summer month (yes I said month, because there is usually maybe 2 weeks of summer in Oregon:elkgrin
it would help to have some moving air inside.
bftank
Explorer
here is a link to slo_f250's fan in his skamper, great thread for all sorts of neat tricks.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/38813-Budget-Skamper-Fix-Build?p=791129#post791129
here is an ebay link to the actual fan. it's called a fantastic fan.
http://stores.ebay.com/Boat-and-RV-Accessories/FAN-TASTIC-VENT-/_i.html?_fsub=4576145015
another option for sound control and heat control would be to add a roof rack to your topper and have the floor of the roof rack be a couple inches above the roof of the topper, and made out of plywood. painted white on top and black underneath. i have seen these on some landrovers to help control the heat. theoretically it would help control the sound to if you used wood.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/38813-Budget-Skamper-Fix-Build?p=791129#post791129
here is an ebay link to the actual fan. it's called a fantastic fan.
http://stores.ebay.com/Boat-and-RV-Accessories/FAN-TASTIC-VENT-/_i.html?_fsub=4576145015
another option for sound control and heat control would be to add a roof rack to your topper and have the floor of the roof rack be a couple inches above the roof of the topper, and made out of plywood. painted white on top and black underneath. i have seen these on some landrovers to help control the heat. theoretically it would help control the sound to if you used wood.
Spencinator
Adventurer
bftank- Awesome info thanks! I don't want to go too crazy with this canopy as it will be replaced with a pop top camper in the next couple of years. But I also want comforts until then. Ill have to go through the skamper build. I dont know how I missed this one...
rikinwyoming
Observer
Subscribed to this thread... I have a 96 dodge ram 1500 (ya gas 5.9, but couldn't afford the diesel),,, lots of great ideas here, I would love a contractors top, but have ext cab shortbox version,,
Spencinator
Adventurer
4BT- Yes it is a ARE canopy. The sides were pretty easy to get out. Drill out rivets and remove screws from top and sides then cut the bottom with a cutoff wheel. Took me a couple hours.
Redtheis- Thanks for the recommendation I'll have to check it out. I need to repaint the rockers on my truck too.
Redtheis- Thanks for the recommendation I'll have to check it out. I need to repaint the rockers on my truck too.
98dango
Expedition Leader
I only really use 5.7 feet of my truck bed the rest is empty i fill it with fire wood and the spair tire.
DT75FLH
Adventurer
look into this for the roof coating. http://www.mobilehomeadvantage.com/sku.cfm/sub_cat_id/238/ID/23/
they sell another version at lowes for around 25 a gal.
it is a elastomer coating that will reflect heat/water seal/ deaden noise from the rainfall. it also comes in white.
at lowes its called blackjack ultra roof 1000.
they sell another version at lowes for around 25 a gal.
it is a elastomer coating that will reflect heat/water seal/ deaden noise from the rainfall. it also comes in white.
at lowes its called blackjack ultra roof 1000.
Spencinator
Adventurer
So after a break from the portal and taking some trips not much has changed on the truck. The battery and inverter are installed although I need a stronger battery. However, a lot has changed in our lives. We have been packing for the past two weeks and are moving to Colorado Thursday morning. I will be updating slowly from now on until the major rework happens to the truck, which will include a pop top camper. Stay tuned!