I feel like such a slacker — especially after reading Vernon’s thread.
I've been quite busy with a big consulting project that kept us here for the winter. We have been down south for the last 3 years and it is miserable in New England this winter! A year ago today we were on Sanibel Island in Florida. This year, we have 23” more snow than normal and have a foot of what feels like block ice in the back yard.
We did have one day of 50 degrees last week and I managed to finish sanding the last overhead bedroom cabinet. Note the snow in the background while working.
I’ve attached the stick drawing for the cabinet that will surround the AC. I'm starting that in the basement. It will add a little bar to the end of the galley, giving us about double the counter surface.
If anyone actually adds a cabinet like this, the cut list is on the drawing. It will make more sense if you understand that there are 4 drawers facing my wife’s side of the dinette to hold all the craft stuff we carry. They are on the right side of the drawing.
We finally found the right combination of wood and stain to match the old "Honduran Mahogany". We are using very carefully selected luan plywood with the following stain combination:
- 6 oz. Minwax Colonial Maple 223
- 2 tsp. Minwax Gunstock 231
- 1 tsp. Minwax Early American 230
Here's what the first coat looks like. After 2 coats of stain and 2 coats of Tung Oil, it gets that warm look that we wanted to match. It's the closest grain match too.
Here's the design for the dinette. It's a modified version of Zep's dinette from this thread.
We have the water tank up front, so we are putting a long bench across there. The two benches will be sized and shaped like Zep's so that we have a long lounge area when alone and seating for 4 or more when entertaining. We plan to make a tiny table for entertaining, but mostly use the long table for the two of us.
Here are the oak frames in place for a dry fit and the patterns made for above the water tank. (sorry -- the pic ended up in the next post). They will be covered with 1/4" plywood and have storage below and behind.
Laying this out made me think about Utee94's challenge. He wants to remove a modular dinette for tailgating and allow it to be installed easily. I'd leave a long, upholstered bench up front and make light, removable bench seats that go all the way to the wall. Instead of building backs, you could use firm foam backs, cut at the appropriate angle (maybe a 1544 polyurethane foam). You could attach benches with thru-bolts that attach to recessed mounting plates.
Boomerang Formica is in. So is the Galley and the Dinette. Had to install several parts at once, so today was a big day -- Galley and A/C Cabinet went in and were fit between the wall and dinette.
Still a lot of plywood edges to cover up and additional panels to install. It's starting to come together like a real trailer.
The stain mix I described above is turning a bit redder with 3 coats of Danish oil and exposure to sunlight. I'd drop a bit of the Gunstock if we had it to do over again.
Haven't fired up the A/C yet this year. I rewired the inlet wiring to add a new panel. I'm feeding the A/C and the Progressive Dynamics 4045 separately. My (electrician) son didn't like the idea of running the A/C through the small panel.
It's ready for testing today if I get the time. I'll let you know how it does in this humid weather.
Congratulations. Your "copy" of my design is definitely a step up the evolutionary ladder.
Zep
Thanks for the inspiration. The design incorporates a few good suggestions from others on this thread and elsewhere on the forum. I'm looking forward to getting the cushions soon to give it the real test.
Not sure if we are going through Austin this year. If we do, you'll have to try out tailgate mode -- with a cold beverage or two.
Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about!
In planning the "tailgate mode" on mine, I've definitely thought about having a second, smaller cocktail table. Also, I'm planning on making all of the pieces of the front u-bench dinette modular, so that I can completely remove one or more pieces of the dinette to accomodate more standing room only type crowds.
Having the front open for so long, I've really come to appreciate this, and in fact we've used the SRO option at several tailgates so far, most where it was 100+ outside, but one where it dropped from mid 70s to freezing throughout the day leading up to kickoff.
Anyway, hope to see you soon if you're coming through, and take care!
I was a little nervous about the really tight radius on the counter above the A/C and craft drawers. It's amazing how well the trim takes the curve. Covering the plywood looks so much better.
Here's the view from above the A/C cabinet, looking towards the dinette table. The uncovered dinette seat has the finger hole and the table post is in place.
Cushions next week, I hope. Twelve days in Vermont coming up soon.
Certified weight -- with as much weight as I plan to add -- is 4100 lbs. I still have a lot of details to finish, but shouldn't add to the weight. Still, it's about 100 lbs more than my target.
Compared to a new one at 6000-7000 lbs, it's a lightweight.
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