Thanks Steve. I'm quite certain I ripped this idea off from someone else.
But, I am a bit surprised the factory didn't consider providing this kind of access. My shelves in the galley under the sink will be made similarly, for easy access, as well as the ability to reconfigure based on varying needs.
Last post I mentioned the vanity door pulls were attached, here's a shot of them on the vanity. They are very simple and modern, I love them.
Here's a shot to show the interior shelves removed, with access all the way to the floor:
I've also been working on the plumbing, and I'm happy to say that, aside from some minor work on hose routing and some assorted tie-downs, the entire trailer is completely plumbed, both fresh water and drains.
Galley sink from below:
And, much like the picture of a person standing on the ground while inside their trailer, I think another classic renovation shot is the first time water is running after a long absence-- in my case, about 8 months:
Here's the vanity from below.
I liked the idea of using the red and blue PEX to indicate hot and cold lines, but didn't want to buy TWO 50'coils just to get two colors, knowing the entire trailer re-plumb would use significantly less than 50'. So, I bought one 50' coil of white PEX, and used some very inexpensive red and blue electrical tape to mark the different colors. I saved myself over $20, and I only have 20 feet of extra PEX lying around, instead of 70 feet or so...
I had to get creative with a loop for the p-trap on the vanity sink, as my drain line from below (which I ran several months ago) was very close to the drain outlet on the sink.
And, of course, with water running:
I spoke a BIT prematurely saying all of the plumbing was "done" as the tub plumbing can't be completed until the wardrobe is in place. Originally, the tub/shower mixer was located on the side of the vanity, but I wanted to be able to place the shower head at the highest point, rather than along the curve of the rear dome, so I moved the plumbing to the wardrobe wall. Once the wardrobe is in place, the faucet/mixer will poke through the tall wardrobe wall, and there will be a low hook for filling the tub, and a high hook for taking a shower.
Marcus, wonderful. I'm a great believed in access to utilities and much annoyed Airstream doesn't provide access in a lot of places. A lot of time it would cost very little for them to have removable panels, but they don't do it. I think you should have bought the red and blue pex since you'll be getting a lot of requests to restore other people's trailers.
I like the one roll of PEX idea, I think I'll borrow the idea and maybe use red and blue zip ties every few feet. (assuming PEX isn't a museum piece by the time I'm ready for plumbing!). Looking good....
__________________
preparing for the maiden voyage in 2010...
I was even cheaper and used the cylindrical slotted foam wrap pieces for the hot water run all the way from the water heater. Gotta be able to have a really hot shower now and then.
I was even cheaper and used the cylindrical slotted foam wrap pieces for the hot water run all the way from the water heater. Gotta be able to have a really hot shower now and then.
Good looking stuff Marcus.
Brad
FF
Thanks Brad.
I was thinking about using the foam wrap pieces (which of course would render my red electrical tape job a complete waste of time ).
Does that insulation seem to make a large difference? I defer to experts like you, since although I have spent a year renovating this beautiful chunk of metal, I have actually only camped in it (or any RV for that matter) a grand total of three times, and only twice with running water...
I can tell you that the water coming out of the shower nozzle is very hot, almost to hot. I applied the foam wrap before I used the trailer so I can't compare. I do know that the wrap also helps keep the PEX plumbing lines from vibrating because of the pump. About every 10" or so, I used a cinch tie to keep the wrap on tight. I elected to not used the peel off adhesive in case I needed to take it back off.
Can't say I'm an expert, just someone who got there before you.
Speaking of a year-long renovation, I am reminded that I have now owned my Airstream for a full year. The anniversary was July 26th.
I can remember that 10-hour drive from Austin to Mobile, Alabama, to pick up the trailer, as if it were yesterday. I realize now I was extremely nervous. I had no experience RVing, and I knew that the trailer needed a floor replacement. I wasn't exactly unsure of my ability to do that, but on that long drive, it hit me just HOW MUCH work I was about to heap on myself. I wondered if I were up to it. I was also unsure how my wife and family would take to my new addiction... err... hobby.
Since then, I have come to understand that my initial estimates for HOW MUCH work I was about to heap upon myself were not close at all. It has turned out to take 3x more work and 3x longer than I imagined.
On the positive side, my estimates of cost weren't too far off. There are a few places where I've encountered hidden costs that I hadn't really thought of ahead of time (fabric and foam are NOT cheap, even the way I shop, which is quite effectively if I do say so myself). Additionally, I've encountered a bit of what we refer to in the computer hardware business as "feature creep" aka "if I'm doing this, I might as well add on..." I've managed to keep it in check for the most part, but a little bit is inevitable.
And on the flip side, there are some items that have cost me less than I had originally planned or budgeted. Not many, but some.
All in all, it has been a great year full of discovery, making new friends both in real life and online, and a ton of learning. I've enjoyed it a great deal, but I am happy to be nearing the end of (the first half of) my renovation project.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling reflection, but when I realized it has been a full year, I felt like some sort of commentary was in order.
I can tell you that the water coming out of the shower nozzle is very hot, almost to hot. I applied the foam wrap before I used the trailer so I can't compare. I do know that the wrap also helps keep the PEX plumbing lines from vibrating because of the pump. About every 10" or so, I used a cinch tie to keep the wrap on tight. I elected to not used the peel off adhesive in case I needed to take it back off.
Can't say I'm an expert, just someone who got there before you.
Brad
FF
Thanks Brad, I think I'm going to go ahead and try it out. I also like your idea of not using the built-in adhehesive, to make it easier to remove if necessary. A few tie-wraps here and there should keep it secure enough.
It is quite a journey. I had to chuckle at flyfshr's reflection. To some extent we're all both beneficiaries of and participants in the old adage: "See one, do one, teach one".
Speaking of a year-long renovation, I am reminded that I have now owned my Airstream for a full year. The anniversary was July 26th.
I can remember that 10-hour drive from Austin to Mobile, Alabama, to pick up the trailer, as if it were yesterday. I realize now I was extremely nervous. I had no experience RVing, and I knew that the trailer needed a floor replacement. I wasn't exactly unsure of my ability to do that, but on that long drive, it hit me just HOW MUCH work I was about to heap on myself. I wondered if I were up to it. I was also unsure how my wife and family would take to my new addiction... err... hobby.
Since then, I have come to understand that my initial estimates for HOW MUCH work I was about to heap upon myself were not close at all. It has turned out to take 3x more work and 3x longer than I imagined.
On the positive side, my estimates of cost weren't too far off. There are a few places where I've encountered hidden costs that I hadn't really thought of ahead of time (fabric and foam are NOT cheap, even the way I shop, which is quite effectively if I do say so myself). Additionally, I've encountered a bit of what we refer to in the computer hardware business as "feature creep" aka "if I'm doing this, I might as well add on..." I've managed to keep it in check for the most part, but a little bit is inevitable.
And on the flip side, there are some items that have cost me less than I had originally planned or budgeted. Not many, but some.
All in all, it has been a great year full of discovery, making new friends both in real life and online, and a ton of learning. I've enjoyed it a great deal, but I am happy to be nearing the end of (the first half of) my renovation project.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling reflection, but when I realized it has been a full year, I felt like some sort of commentary was in order.
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