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SmokelessJoe · 04-05-2007, 02:33 PM

Marc, others:

The footplate is adjustable up to 6” in 1-1/2” increments. The 5” plate does not swivel.

This is not the only difference with Barker. Ultra Fab is made in China.

I should have guessed that when I saw a line of Barkers on a trailer lot, all bearing the Proudly Made in the USA sticker. Were I an American I might have been swifter.

We intend to install this tomorrow.

Sergei

SmokelessJoe · 04-08-2007, 05:13 PM

Yesterday, I deliberately turned the 240 v heater in the work tent on when I went to town for shopping, wanting to warm the space for some painting I would do when I got back.

The place was filled with acrid smoke when I returned. Probably run-off from snow had penetrated the floor and shorted the receptacle and plug. They’d melted but the breaker didn’t trip and the fan was still running.

I won’t leave the property with the heater on again. As when the neighbor’s house burned down (post #166), this also was too close for comfort.

Sergei

sfixx · 04-08-2007, 06:13 PM

Wow Sergei, that's a close one...

Thank Goodness all is well!

Be carefull

Steve

SmokelessJoe · 04-08-2007, 08:09 PM

The Ultra Fab Electric Jack has been mounted and the tongue and accessories painted with two coats of Tremclad black.

Now, we permanently re-mount the LG A/C compressor and the diesel heating plant.

Inside, we begin installing the Blue Sea AC electric distribution panel.

Sergei

SmokelessJoe · 04-09-2007, 01:36 PM

Marc, Malcolm, others interested:

A method for reducing the weight of IKEA cabinets was shown in post #93 above (page 7).

This is the technique for later lining the frames with .040 white aluminum sheeting.

I’ve glued them in with PL construction adhesive.

The rear panel will hide the ABS drains in the tall cabinet. Under the sink, they will be painted out in white (as will the blue Ipex plumbing lines) The space will look chrome-and-white clean.

Sergei

lewster · 04-09-2007, 06:41 PM

Looking Good Sergei !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the shots.

3Ms75Argosy · 04-09-2007, 10:55 PM

Maybe sharp isn't the right word, maybe "crisp?"

Speaking of which, how did you cut the aluminum, the cuts look fantastic! Are you rounding over the edges so they won't catch your flesh? Do the panels come pre-painted white, or what are you using to paint them?

By the way, I really like the smooth spray job on the front of the trailer. You'll be gleaming away when the rest is shot! As usual, I can't wait to see more!
Marc

SmokelessJoe · 04-10-2007, 08:15 AM

Marc:

The aluminum is the .040 white two sides that truck body builders use.
I get it from Wiltsie and they have Phil cut the panels to my exact sizes on an old hand brake.

For thick stuff, like the 1/8” used for the electrical panel, Doug in the bending and cutting room (huge mechanical and hydraulic equipment) does it.

I used a jigsaw with a fine bi-metal blade for the radius cuts and a hole saw for the openings. The cuts are not sharp from the brake but I smoothed all the edges anyway with emery cloth.

The panels are protected on one side with plastic sheeting. I peel this off when the piece has been glued in.

It has a nice, clean look.

Sergei

SmokelessJoe · 04-10-2007, 12:43 PM

Marc,

I forgot to tell you something: if the radius cuts are nice it’s because I read of a good tracing technique somewhere here on the forum.

You use a good-sized washer, with the pencil inside the hole, to transfer the profile of the trailer to your pattern.

It was a good tip.

Sergei

malconium · 04-10-2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokelessJoe

Marc, Malcolm, others interested:

A method for reducing the weight of IKEA cabinets was shown in post #93 above (page 7).

This is the technique for later lining the frames with .040 white aluminum sheeting.

I’ve glued them in with PL construction adhesive.

The rear panel will hide the ABS drains in the tall cabinet. Under the sink, they will be painted out in white (as will the blue Ipex plumbing lines) The space will look chrome-and-white clean.

Sergei

Sergei,

It is all looking great!

What kind of paint sticks properly to the Ipex tubing?

Thanks,

Malcolm

SmokelessJoe · 04-10-2007, 07:55 PM

Malcolm,

I did the drainpipe and Ipex lines with acrylic primer yesterday and will use oil based Melamine when I paint.
The real world will test things, of course, but it’s been my experience that today’s better paints seem to cover everything pretty well.

Sergei

Sugarfoot · 04-12-2007, 07:56 PM

Sergei, I just went back through from the beginning of your thread. You've done LOTS of cool things and a fabulous job. Pocket doors, how cool is that? I love the Marmoleum, clever work with the cabinets, and your vessel sink is really the bomb. You've come a long way with your Argosy and had some hair-raising moments as well. You have something to be proud of.

BTW, I had no idea that Ultrafab tongue jack was made in China. It never occurred to me that could have been the reason it cost less than other brands. Hope your's works as well for you as mine has for me.

SmokelessJoe · 04-12-2007, 09:34 PM

Sugarfoot,

I’m pleased that you like what’s happening to my trailer.
Did you note that I made the stainless steel vessel sink from an IKEA salad bowl? It set me back $19 ($16 US).

You can find the real ones on the internet, starting at $400.00.

Sergei

SmokelessJoe · 04-14-2007, 05:06 PM

We didn’t finish the Blue Sea distribution panel this week but not because the local electrician couldn’t come. Wendell Hill, a Wiltsie worker who is good around electrical things, volunteered to help.

We found the box I had had built wasn’t deep enough to cope with all the wiring for the Main plus 6 circuits panel.

So, Monday I will have the Wilitsie shop make a 2” extension, which I can screw onto the face of the existing 3” deep box.

Phil has been away preparing for a Judo tournament. We should get more done next week.

Sergei

Sugarfoot · 04-15-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokelessJoe

Sugarfoot,

I’m pleased that you like what’s happening to my trailer.
Did you note that I made the stainless steel vessel sink from an IKEA salad bowl? It set me back $19 ($16 US).

You can find the real ones on the internet, starting at $400.00.

Sergei

A genius solution and great new use for a salad bowl.

SmokelessJoe · 04-17-2007, 04:20 PM

Friends:

Keeping in mind that the power inlet on my trailer has been moved to the front and that my 110v supply options (shore, inverter or generator) will all be truck-based, I don’t think I need an inverter in the trailer.

But I need

a good charger/converter

a good 12v distribution panel

a reasonably sized battery or battery bank

Can you offer me your suggestions; based either on what you’ve used or have heard is good/best out there?

Can you also explain how the converter is wired to the battery (batteries) and 12v distribution panel? In other words, how does the panel know when the 12v is coming from the converter, not the battery and visa versa?

I note that some converters have various amp ratings. How do I know which one I need?

We are installing the 110 AC panel by Blue Sea right now. It is very cool.

So, next, I have to get on with the above 12v things.

Any help you can offer is very much appreciated.

Thanks.

Sergei

Safari Tim · 04-17-2007, 04:28 PM

Call Randy and Bestconverter.com and he'll help you out. He's a forums member too.

You can check here for a diagram of how it all goes together.

http://parallaxpower.com/Dist_Panl/FB%20Series.pdf

malconium · 04-17-2007, 06:34 PM

Sergei,

I think the key think to notice in the wiring diagram just mentioned is that the positive 12volt side of things is all tied together. Fundamentally this means that there is only one 12volt source that you have to worry about.

Malcolm

SmokelessJoe · 04-20-2007, 06:21 PM

Wendell Hill, who works at the Wiltsie shop, installed the new Blue Sea panel last night.

I’ll send a photo showing the cool LED lights and back lit signage in action soon.

No more extensions and plugs all over the place.......

Sergei

bilby05 · 04-22-2007, 08:34 AM

The black tongue and hardware look really good. I have been following this thread to get ideas for our Soveriegn. Could never afford a full treatment like you are doing, but am getting some great ideas for small touches for our project.
thanks for keeping the tread updated.
cheers, bill b.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokelessJoe

The Ultra Fab Electric Jack has been mounted and the tongue and accessories painted with two coats of Tremclad black.

Now, we permanently re-mount the LG A/C compressor and the diesel heating plant.

Inside, we begin installing the Blue Sea AC electric distribution panel.

Sergei