Redneck RV (Enclosed trailer conversion)

Tim M

Tim M

PRESIDENT, Member # 015
GCC Member
Location (City)
St. Charles
First Name
Tim
Last Name
Mauldin
to camp in. My brother and I were talking and I think I could do minimal amount of changes/adds to make my 20' trailer in to an RV, temporarily. The campsites we will be going to will have 120v AC available, or if necessary, my brother has a generator we can use. So, with that in mind, I'll need some type of interface from the trailer to the outlet box the campground provides. I'm making the assumption that one end of the cord will be a regular outlet, unless it's a twist lock, don't know...anyone? I want to have a cord that I can connect on the outside of the trailer to a plug, not sure yet on what. Once I have power to this, I will need distribution inside the trailer via a small breaker distribution box. I plan to mount this box on a piece of plywood with a flexible cord that will connect to the adapter plug mentioned above. This box will provide an outlet for an electric heater, lights and whatever else I need power for.

Now, heat/AC - the temporary heat solution is electric heater, which I have. I also have a 5 burner gas stove suitable for use indoors that I may use. Or, I may check in to a roof mounted heating and cooling unit, not sure yet.

Cooking, Cabela's sells a nice stove/oven combo that I can hookup to a propane bottle. In order to vent gases, I plan to install a small vent fan, so hopefully it doesn't give me a headache. Storage will be in some cabinets I have for food and cleaning.

TV - yep, most important thing. Most campgrounds have basic cable for the TV. :D Will use a wall mount for the combo TV/DVD flat screen.

Now, you may ask, what about the bathroom, I'm finding out most campgrounds also have a shower/bathroom on site for the tent campers. But, if we are out in the wild, we'll rent a port o poop :D

Beds - Cots

Door - I'll need to disable the bar lock on the door for a latch, thinking this will be a permanent thing.

So, any feedback/ideas for me? BTW - all of this will need to be easily removable, minus the power adapter.
 
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Yep, could do that, unless it's raining or snowing. No awning on the trailer like a normal travel trailer.
 
Go with the KISS system. Get a bigger awning, extension cord with power strips, a couple of lamps, heating blankets, TV with mp3 hook-up, leave the cots and get a mattress, couple of big coolers. You could bring a generator - just kinda disturbing when you out in God's country enjoying the peace and quiet.

Just thinking you're really not going camping when it's -5 degrees with 2 feet of snow, or when it's 95 degrees.
 
:D, true, but it's still cold when it's 50 and the wind is blowing like crazy. I'm not too worried about heat, a small electric heater will do. More worried about facilities and sleeping in a downpour, the door and small stuff like that. Trying to find where I can by the Dow foil backed foam insulation.
 
Here's kind of what I want to do. Although, I want to make most everything removable or able to be moved. Kind of wondering if I can get the car in along with everything this guy did? That would save me hotel cost on track weekends :D

http://imageevent.com/shastaproject/toyhauler
 
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The conversion begins next weekend. Ordered a rooftop AC with a heat strip today. Will get the wiring done before I finish out the interior of the trailer. Will then be looking at an awning for over the door and a way to install a screen door. Will be using air beds. Other items to be added as I see a need. No potty, don't want to stink up the place :D
 
Got the AC yesterday, looks pretty simple...famous last words. Went to Lowe's and looked at the insulation ($13/sheet) and paneling ($10/sheet) - I need 16 sheets to cover the walls and ceiling. Anyone want to help? This weekend looks like a scorcher, but I may be able to work inside at my friends warehouse.
 
I will have it at my house, say we start late afternoon, around 3 - 3:30, maybe it will have cooled off a little by then.

Itzdapig - need your input on a couple of things if you are available.
 
Thanks for all your help today Mark and Keith. We got the rooftop a/c on, all of the wall insulation and some of the plywood on the walls. Hope to get more done tomorrow pending heat.
 
All of the insulation is installed, all of the side wall plywood has been installed, and i began on the ceiling plywood today. Time to start thinking about my wiring now beyond what i already had. It's coming together nicely, but don't think i will be working on it much this week with the weather we're going to have this week. Will post pics tomorrow.
 
Tim, sorry I missed this post. I would have come over. I check the forum everyday, but this just showed today?
 
Tim Same as Rich Didn't see post untill today. Most campgrounds have a 30amp three prong plug you can buy cord and plugs at RV dealers or go look to see what they look like and buy the plug at Lowes or HD, I know they sell receptacle for RV's. Most lights in RVs are 12volts they run a converter from 120ac to 12volts dc for lights roof fans water pumps etc.
I've got an RV if you want to check it out

Rick:)
 
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