This week and weekend I've made some progress on the tent.
During the week, I took the RV out of the tent and parked it between the tent and a pine tree, with almost no room to spare. This gave me room to put the bus inside the tent. The RV is now not visible from the street at all. This is a good thing.
I've also begun the work of cleaning off the wreckage of the original roof so I can begin rebuilding it. Having the RV right beside the shelter makes this much easier.
This weekend, my goal was to get the door hung on the street end of the tent. All along, I had planned to have a simple plywood door (1/4" exterior grade) with 2x4 supports covering a basic door frame, and that's exactly what I have. I used a stanley fence latch to latch it. It isn't completed yet, but is rather close. I still have to put a header board in the inside, and carve room for the inside handle to install, then it will be done. Weather permitting, I hope to finish that tonight.
You would think that hanging a simple rough door would be easy, and technically, it was. However, it was complicated by the 115 degree heat index weather, and the fact that the tent helps block the breezes. So, after much sweat and cussing and air conditioning breaks, as well as a gallon or more of water, I managed to get the door hung Saturday night. Since a storm was rolling in, I just screwed it shut. Sunday was supposed to be cooler, but I didn't see any difference. I finished the basic door structure and cut it to fit the doorway, then installed the latch sunday. Only needed 1 A/C break. And it turns out sawdust sticks to sweaty skin.
Pictures are here.
I'll be glad to have this tent finished so I can start the real work.
Jim
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
crazy...
I thought I had posted an entry here more recently than Feb.
In late Feb, we had some bad storms, including some micro-cell like behaviors. During one of these, after the worst had passed, there was a strong downburst of air that completely flattened the roof, and broke some of the wooden supports. Over the next several days, the high wind caused the roof to flap around and tear itself to bits.
After those storms cleared, I bought some supplies to fix the roof. However, I never got around to it.
In the mean time, I had also made the decision to give up fixing the old motorhome, but to instead try to find a diesel pusher school bus and convert it. Basically, rebuilding the motorhome and converting a bus are almost the same amount of work, so why not get something built better for a chassis/body? Also, I had already figured that the 32' motorhome (27.5' inside) just wasn't big enough for my needs. I really needed a bit more, and figured why not go to 40' if I could.
There is more information on this in my skoolie conversion blog.
Anyway, I've since found the bus I want. This blog will only follow the remainder of the rv shelter build, and the other blog will focus solely on the bus conversion process.
In late Feb, we had some bad storms, including some micro-cell like behaviors. During one of these, after the worst had passed, there was a strong downburst of air that completely flattened the roof, and broke some of the wooden supports. Over the next several days, the high wind caused the roof to flap around and tear itself to bits.
After those storms cleared, I bought some supplies to fix the roof. However, I never got around to it.
In the mean time, I had also made the decision to give up fixing the old motorhome, but to instead try to find a diesel pusher school bus and convert it. Basically, rebuilding the motorhome and converting a bus are almost the same amount of work, so why not get something built better for a chassis/body? Also, I had already figured that the 32' motorhome (27.5' inside) just wasn't big enough for my needs. I really needed a bit more, and figured why not go to 40' if I could.
There is more information on this in my skoolie conversion blog.
Anyway, I've since found the bus I want. This blog will only follow the remainder of the rv shelter build, and the other blog will focus solely on the bus conversion process.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
RV tent build - part 11 w/pictures -- Raising the Roof!
I had hoped to get this part done yesterday, but it turned out to be cold and rainy and windy. Today was just cold and windy.
We had the whole family participating in this. Me, Dad, Mom, and 10yr old niece.
First, we rolled out the plastic and cut it to length leaving plenty of extra. Then we assembled 5 8' pieces of furring strip into a single 40' piece using lattice board to sandwich the joints. The pneumatic stapler is a wonderful tool. After that, we centered the board along the long edge of the plastic, and stapled it to it. We also stapled 4 pieces of rope at the 4 junctions.
After that, we proceeded to roll up the entire sheet of plastic. This was easier to type than it was to do. In any case, we finally got it all rolled up.
The original plan was to hoof it over to the tree side of the shelter and fasten up the trailing edge, then flip it up over the roof pulling it over with the ropes, which would have it unroll as we went. Then we decided to start on the yard side where we could use the motorhome as a scaffold. We should've stuck with the original plan.
The weight of the roll was greater than I expected, so things didn't go anywhere near as smoothly as I had hoped. However, in the end, we were able to pull the second side over the top of the roof with the ropes, and things did unroll as needed. Then we had to do a lot of fastening on the ends an the loose side.
We finally got that all done, and backed the motorhome into the tent, and called it a day. I'm still cold.
Pictures are here.
Things left to do on the tent:
We had the whole family participating in this. Me, Dad, Mom, and 10yr old niece.
First, we rolled out the plastic and cut it to length leaving plenty of extra. Then we assembled 5 8' pieces of furring strip into a single 40' piece using lattice board to sandwich the joints. The pneumatic stapler is a wonderful tool. After that, we centered the board along the long edge of the plastic, and stapled it to it. We also stapled 4 pieces of rope at the 4 junctions.
After that, we proceeded to roll up the entire sheet of plastic. This was easier to type than it was to do. In any case, we finally got it all rolled up.
The original plan was to hoof it over to the tree side of the shelter and fasten up the trailing edge, then flip it up over the roof pulling it over with the ropes, which would have it unroll as we went. Then we decided to start on the yard side where we could use the motorhome as a scaffold. We should've stuck with the original plan.
The weight of the roll was greater than I expected, so things didn't go anywhere near as smoothly as I had hoped. However, in the end, we were able to pull the second side over the top of the roof with the ropes, and things did unroll as needed. Then we had to do a lot of fastening on the ends an the loose side.
We finally got that all done, and backed the motorhome into the tent, and called it a day. I'm still cold.
Pictures are here.
Things left to do on the tent:
- Electrical wiring for lights
- Install human door
- Rake out all gumballs from interior
- Lay down "flooring" tarp to catch anything dropped and keep it out of the yard proper
- Install tarp over rear opening
- install 5 more anchors and straps (2 per side, and 1 on the "front" end)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
RV tent build - part 10 w/pictures
Well, it's a 3 day weekend for Dad and I. Yay!
The forecast isn't too great, but could be much worse. In any case, I decided that today was a day to push as far and fast as we could. Last night I went by Lowes and found some lath board. These are thin strips of wood just like they make lattice out of, and were 69.8 cents a piece vs 1.27 each for the furring strips. Granted, the furring strips were 8' and the lath only 6', but still, it was a great bargain.
When you consider that the furring strips require pre-drilling for the screws, and the lath can be installed with the pneumatic stapler, it becomes a real bargain.
In any case, today we got the front wall and other side wall up. We used some furring strips to help in the places where strength was needed, but used lath most other places. My only problem is I didn't get ENOUGH lath.
The wind today was 5-10mph this morning, and 10-15mph this afternoon. It got up to the mid 40s. Dad and I worked about 4.5 to 5 hours total. I like the way the new plastic sides are installed much better than the original one. We might have to go back and do some touch-up on the original wall.
One thing we did that made a huge difference was that we moved the motorhome OUT of the shelter and used it for a scaffold while we worked. We couldn't do that for the first wall due to trees, but it was sooo much easier working on a flat surface instead of an uncomfortable ladder all day, with trips up and down the ladder every time you move it.
In any case, pictures are here.
The motorhome is still out of the shelter. The roof isn't on yet. Dad wants the whole thing strapped down before the roof goes on. I'm planning to head to Lowes this evening to pick up more lath and hopefully find something we can strap it down with. I'm also planning to try to back the motorhome into the shelter this time.
I'm really hopeful that tomorrow will be clear enough for us to do the roof. I still don't know exactly how we'll do it, but I'm sure we'll figure it out... we usually do.
The forecast isn't too great, but could be much worse. In any case, I decided that today was a day to push as far and fast as we could. Last night I went by Lowes and found some lath board. These are thin strips of wood just like they make lattice out of, and were 69.8 cents a piece vs 1.27 each for the furring strips. Granted, the furring strips were 8' and the lath only 6', but still, it was a great bargain.
When you consider that the furring strips require pre-drilling for the screws, and the lath can be installed with the pneumatic stapler, it becomes a real bargain.
In any case, today we got the front wall and other side wall up. We used some furring strips to help in the places where strength was needed, but used lath most other places. My only problem is I didn't get ENOUGH lath.
The wind today was 5-10mph this morning, and 10-15mph this afternoon. It got up to the mid 40s. Dad and I worked about 4.5 to 5 hours total. I like the way the new plastic sides are installed much better than the original one. We might have to go back and do some touch-up on the original wall.
One thing we did that made a huge difference was that we moved the motorhome OUT of the shelter and used it for a scaffold while we worked. We couldn't do that for the first wall due to trees, but it was sooo much easier working on a flat surface instead of an uncomfortable ladder all day, with trips up and down the ladder every time you move it.
In any case, pictures are here.
The motorhome is still out of the shelter. The roof isn't on yet. Dad wants the whole thing strapped down before the roof goes on. I'm planning to head to Lowes this evening to pick up more lath and hopefully find something we can strap it down with. I'm also planning to try to back the motorhome into the shelter this time.
I'm really hopeful that tomorrow will be clear enough for us to do the roof. I still don't know exactly how we'll do it, but I'm sure we'll figure it out... we usually do.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
another slow progress weekend
Well, this weekend has been a bit of a bust.
Saturday the wind was gusting up to 20mph, and even when not gusting the steady 10mph was too much for handling a huge sail of plastic. So, dad and I went to Lowes for supplies. I bought more furring strips (these things are awesome, light, relatively strong, and cheap), and some fluorescent lamps and some wiring, outlets, switches, and boxes so that I can light up the interior once it is finished. $250 later, and the tent project alone is up to $1460.54. Oh well.
Today, the wind is in the 20-30mph range with 50mph gusts and we're under a severe wind warning. Argh. The entire structure has racked a good 2 degrees to port already.. Now I find myself wishing we had used concrete for the posts, but unfortunately we couldn't as this is meant to be a temporary structure.
Anyway, there isn't much we can do except hope things remain standing. I do intend to order some sort of strapping and anchoring system this week to hopefully install next weekend. I had intended to do this before, but then it slipped my mind.
Anyway, progress is still slow.
Saturday the wind was gusting up to 20mph, and even when not gusting the steady 10mph was too much for handling a huge sail of plastic. So, dad and I went to Lowes for supplies. I bought more furring strips (these things are awesome, light, relatively strong, and cheap), and some fluorescent lamps and some wiring, outlets, switches, and boxes so that I can light up the interior once it is finished. $250 later, and the tent project alone is up to $1460.54. Oh well.
Today, the wind is in the 20-30mph range with 50mph gusts and we're under a severe wind warning. Argh. The entire structure has racked a good 2 degrees to port already.. Now I find myself wishing we had used concrete for the posts, but unfortunately we couldn't as this is meant to be a temporary structure.
Anyway, there isn't much we can do except hope things remain standing. I do intend to order some sort of strapping and anchoring system this week to hopefully install next weekend. I had intended to do this before, but then it slipped my mind.
Anyway, progress is still slow.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
rv tent build part 9
Today was one of those beautiful winter days that makes you think spring is just around the corner. It got up over 56 degrees, the bees and birds were out, and the cat was making sure to supervise everything going on in her yard.
Dad and I started to put the plastic on the tent today. I rolled the roll out and cut it to the length I wanted + some extra for overlap, then started lifting it up the wall. 6mil plastic from 14' up in the air is surprisingly heavy. Dad and I tacked excess to the top header using his handy air stapler system. We used the roof of the RV as a scaffold to do most of the length, then used the ladder to finish the other end.
After the plastic was in place, the wind picked up... of course. But it wasn't too bad and we managed to finish that side. To help hold the plastic in place, we used the 1x2 furring strips down each leg and across 2 of the 3 horizontal runs. We ran out of screws and energy so couldn't do the 3rd horizontal near the top. I don't think it'll be a problem.
One thing is that we're definitely going to need more furring strips, and more screws. The furring strips are cheap enough.
It took us 3.5 hours to put up the one wall. One reason it is taking so long is that we have to pre-drill every hole otherwise the furring strips will split.
That black plastic really picks up the heat from the sun too. While working on one side with the sun shining on the other you could really feel it radiating the heat.
pictures here
Hopefully we've anchored all the edges sufficiently to have it hold until we can do the other side. After the side is finished, we'll do the front, and then the roof. By the time we finished this side, we had it down to a good system. Most of the pieces are consistent lengths, so we can cut a bunch in one shot and have the screws in place while the other person works on putting them into place and screwing them down. I suspect the other sides won't take as long each.
The roof on the other hand I expect to be a bit exciting. especially if there is any wind.
Dad and I started to put the plastic on the tent today. I rolled the roll out and cut it to the length I wanted + some extra for overlap, then started lifting it up the wall. 6mil plastic from 14' up in the air is surprisingly heavy. Dad and I tacked excess to the top header using his handy air stapler system. We used the roof of the RV as a scaffold to do most of the length, then used the ladder to finish the other end.
After the plastic was in place, the wind picked up... of course. But it wasn't too bad and we managed to finish that side. To help hold the plastic in place, we used the 1x2 furring strips down each leg and across 2 of the 3 horizontal runs. We ran out of screws and energy so couldn't do the 3rd horizontal near the top. I don't think it'll be a problem.
One thing is that we're definitely going to need more furring strips, and more screws. The furring strips are cheap enough.
It took us 3.5 hours to put up the one wall. One reason it is taking so long is that we have to pre-drill every hole otherwise the furring strips will split.
That black plastic really picks up the heat from the sun too. While working on one side with the sun shining on the other you could really feel it radiating the heat.
pictures here
Hopefully we've anchored all the edges sufficiently to have it hold until we can do the other side. After the side is finished, we'll do the front, and then the roof. By the time we finished this side, we had it down to a good system. Most of the pieces are consistent lengths, so we can cut a bunch in one shot and have the screws in place while the other person works on putting them into place and screwing them down. I suspect the other sides won't take as long each.
The roof on the other hand I expect to be a bit exciting.
especially if there is any wind.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
rv tent build part 8
Whew, no updates since christmas eve. Well, the reason for that is that the weather has been uncooperative, or I've been sick when a nice day would present itself.
I suppose I shouldn't complain, as we seldom get such nice winter weather around here. Usually it is grey and dreary and often rainy/sleety.
Well, today we finally had a nice day that fell on a weekend. Dad and I got out there and got the hip end boards for the roof installed. I also moved the inter-rafter braces from being down the center to being 2 rows approximately located 8' apart, or just above the edges of the motorhome when it is centered. The reason is that when ducking under the rafters you had to make sure to miss the inter-rafter braces when you came back up. My noggin has enough lumps already.
The entire roof assembly is amazingly sturdy. You can make the whole thing jiggle a bit (yes, like jello) by pusing on it, but that's fine. Having some flexibility to it will help it deal with the wind load around here much better.
pictures here.
Around 3:30 or so we ended up having to quit. Everything was done except putting on the plastic, and the wind decided to pick up so we couldn't start that. tomorrow is forcast to be warmer than today with less wind. I'm hoping we can get all the plastic skin on in a single day. It'll be an interesting challenge.
I suppose I shouldn't complain, as we seldom get such nice winter weather around here. Usually it is grey and dreary and often rainy/sleety.
Well, today we finally had a nice day that fell on a weekend. Dad and I got out there and got the hip end boards for the roof installed. I also moved the inter-rafter braces from being down the center to being 2 rows approximately located 8' apart, or just above the edges of the motorhome when it is centered. The reason is that when ducking under the rafters you had to make sure to miss the inter-rafter braces when you came back up. My noggin has enough lumps already.
The entire roof assembly is amazingly sturdy. You can make the whole thing jiggle a bit (yes, like jello) by pusing on it, but that's fine. Having some flexibility to it will help it deal with the wind load around here much better.
pictures here.
Around 3:30 or so we ended up having to quit. Everything was done except putting on the plastic, and the wind decided to pick up so we couldn't start that. tomorrow is forcast to be warmer than today with less wind. I'm hoping we can get all the plastic skin on in a single day. It'll be an interesting challenge.
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