Argosy Redo

[rugjenkins]

Belly wrap reinstalled, patch matches the lines and rivets of the camper. Working on all the cut outs for electrical boxes, city water hook up and such. I may eliminate the electrical box near the recent patch. I'm also cutting the thermal break (sill plate gasket) into 1 inch strips. This stuff doesn't go very far. It may take 2 rolls. All these extra steps take time but are worthy endeavors! It was chilly inside the camper so I plugged in a small space heater. I was very surprised how quickly it warmed up.
So I now deem this short list of insulation upgrades worthy:
1. Hytech ceramic insulating beads added to aluminum/galvanized metal primer : $70 (beads and primer)
2. Spray foam (other insulation solutions work good too) not so cheap and does have cons. My decision on spray foam came down to expense. It equal all other insulation options.
3. Thermal break on ribs and any metal covered by interior skins $15
Btw, all these small improvements have been the most inexpensive improvements so far (except spray foam) and have been worth the extra effort.

[rugjenkins]

So I have a persistent leak on the curb side pano window. It not as bad as it was. I removed and replaced caulking on front half of trailer and captain tolley the rivets and sealed the running lights. Still leaking. I may experiment with a homemade pressure test sealing off only the front half. I will find this leak! Btw if found and sealed all others leaks I had.

[rugjenkins]

I have found and fixed the leaking panoramic window. I removed the old caulk. Cleaned well and caulked again. It rained good last night and leak! Victory.

[rugjenkins]

No leak on last post. Installed bottom interior skins. Electrical routed, grommets in. Installed marinco power inlet.

[rugjenkins]

I noticed that my a/c interior cover was going to interfere with bathroom wall! So I moved the a/c to the 2nd vent (I had 3) and patched the old a/c hole. Not bad to accomplish after work. Hopefully there will be no more issues.
It was dark when I finished so I don't have a completed pic with the patch.

[rugjenkins]

I went over all my electrical and separated the 12v from the 120v. Only 3 circuits on the 12v: water pump, porch light and the maxx air deluxe fans. I also realized that I didn't have switches for the porch light or water pump. The wires are in the right places now. Also decided to put the main lights on dimmers, 3 way switch. At times this rebuild feels like the Texas 2 step. One forward and 2 back. Wires in foam re-sprayed. Glad I figured this out before all the interior skins were on. Progress made.

[DDickey]

I can't tell you how many times I've put something together and thought, 'dang, that's not quite right,' and had to redo it. It's just part of it

[matthewsx]

Originally Posted by rugjenkins

I went over all my electrical and separated the 12v from the 120v. Only 3 circuits on the 12v: water pump, porch light and the maxx air deluxe fans. I also realized that I didn't have switches for the porch light or water pump. The wires are in the right places now. Also decided to put the main lights on dimmers, 3 way switch. At times this rebuild feels like the Texas 2 step. One forward and 2 back. Wires in foam re-sprayed. Glad I figured this out before all the interior skins were on. Progress made.

No 12V lights inside? Or cigarette lighter outlets?

[rugjenkins]

Nope. Wired mine mostly for 120v. We done boondock much, if any.

[matthewsx]

12V is nice for when the power goes out....

[matthewsx]

Also good for finding stuff before you get hooked up if you get to your space after dark.

[rugjenkins]

I agree[emoji56]. But it's too late the electrical is in place

[rugjenkins]

I did consider making all the lights 12v but changed my mind. It would have been easier to find wall sconces and such.

[rugjenkins]

Major milestone the interior skins are in except the center panel. I have 2 maxx air fan deluxe on the way and will have to remove the original metal vents. Tonight was a happy dance!

[rugjenkins]

Removed the original vents in anticipation of the maxx air fans. I have officially removed all 3 original vents. Also patched all holes on interior skins

[rugjenkins]

The awaited goodies came in today! Vents, led interior lights, the excel tankless propane water heater

[rugjenkins]

Installing the maxx air fans tonight. I've already removed the old vents. I squared up the opening 14x14. Cleaned,taped, drilled pilot holes and caulked. Tomorrow I will finish the rest of the install.

[rugjenkins]

Installed the centers interior skin panel today. Cut to fit all vent and a/c holes also. Wires up the maxx air fans and was about to wire in the upper lights and noticed I was missing a wire from the switch to the light[emoji33]. Did I ever mention I dislike doing things over. Anyway, I removed a few partial panels and ran the new wire! Not as bad as I envisioned. Everything is back in place and riveted together. On a good note, It feels great to see it back together! Also started to bondo the hundred of rivet holes leftover. I am not enjoying this part. But the holes do disappear. I dislike the sanding. It takes to long.

[rugjenkins]

Priming doneAttachment 1

[rugjenkins]

Finsinhed caulking all interior seams, edge of patches and pop rivet holes. Everything blends together now. I used big stretch caulk.