Creating the Recessed Battery Box...

Jerry and I dragged the two 8D Lifeline AGM batteries over to the basic area where they would be mounted.

After some quick measurements we determined that we needed a 21" x 22" rectangular hole in the floor.

As you can see, Jerry cut out the hole in the 3/4 plywood floor with a Milwaukee Sawzall.

Jerry welded some steel bars across from one floor beam to the other and then added some sidewall steel to finish the box.

The two AGM batteries are inset in the floor now and are secured from damage when driving.

I took lots of pictures because most of the work on this part was done by Jerry...

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.

Metallized Burner Area..

The propane burner that my friend Jerry gave me was still sitting in the wooden area that I made for it. 

The wooden surface underneath the burner was unacceptable to me because I felt it could be dangerous.

I attached aluminum sheeting to all of the wooden surfaces that might come in contact with flames to protect them from catching fire. Safety is my primary concern.

I wanted to make sure that the propane hose going to the burner was moved from the heat area as efficiently as possible.

The propane gas delivery system is not even designed yet.


The picture in the lower right corner shows the finished burner area with all surfaces covered in sheet metal.

I can't wait to start cooking with this burner instead of the butane camping stove that I have been using.

Butane canisters are very expensive.

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.

Mounting the Center Channel Speaker..

I decided that I better get the center channel speaker mounted.

I ran two 2x2's up the center of the wall with a 3 inch separation between them. The purpose of the separation is so that the wiring for the center channel will flow down the center column.

I also wanted to provide a sturdy surface to mount the two 19' LCD monitors that go with my desktop computer system.

We'll see down the road if that center channel location works with the finished console area.
Only time will tell...

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.

LED Rope Lighting...

I ordered $100 worth of LED rope lighting from eBay a long time ago when I first got the trailer. At first I was going to wire the whole trailer with one big long rope but then I decided that smaller and more dedicated lengths would be a better choice.

LED Rope lighting is dim compared to CFL or Incandescent lighting but it saves lots of energy and money, especially when the electrical system is provided by a battery bank.

I didn't bother ordering the dojiggers that they say you need to put the pieces of LED lighting ropes together. One of my skills is soldering in the Sound Electrician trade of the Motion Picture industry so I felt quite confident that I could skip those expensive items.

It looks like I'm going to have to order some more LED Rope Lights because I'm out and I'm nowhere near being done.

I have already used 50 feet in various lengths all over this trailer.

The Console area has LED rope lighting above it and below it. The Kitchenette area has LED rope lighting in the upper cabinet and over the work surface area & the new Battery Bank / Kitchenette Extension / Storage Shelves area has LED rope lighting in some of the storage areas. [coming in a future post]

You'd think I'd be getting sick of creating this living monstrosity but I'm not! I'm having a lot of fun building out this cargo trailer on a daily basis!

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.

Installing the Bed Foot Holders...

I decided to install small flat cups on the floor where the feet of the bed normally sit. The point of this installation is to provide an extra bit of resistance from moving when I'm driving the truck and pulling the cargo trailer behind me.

The bed I'm using is a futon which has two positions couch and bed. I like the couch position the best because it provides more room for the walkway, but when I'm having company, the bed position is a way better choice... lol

The flat cups are plastic PVC end caps for rain gutter systems. I got them at Lowe's for around $2 each.

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.

Building the Upper Shelf on the Kitchenette

I have been dragging my feet on the uploading of the pics and on the progress I have made.

After creating the basic kitchenette area, I began framing an upper shelf that would be accessible from right in front of the work surface area.

The top work surface area pivots up exposing two wash bins where dishes and utensils will be located.

I attached the wooden work surface to the top of the kitchenette with a very large black hinge.

That black hinge used to be the one on the final part of the ramp in the rear of the cargo trailer.

Jerry and I removed the hinge a long time ago and I just found a new use for a piece of it...yayyyy

The lower right picture shows the finished upper shelf, for now...

[At some point I'll be putting doors on all of the cabinets]

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.

Friends... Gotta have em...

Now is a good time to thank the people who have helped me in many different ways with this project so far.

I'd like to thank them Individually... Thank you!

Shane O. - For general support and the use of some of your tools..

Jerry B. - For letting me park my monstrosity in front of your house, and all of the help you have kindly given me in the building and insulating of this trailer...

Craig M. - For loaning me the land and the 110 outlet so I can keep going day after day...

Bob K. - For helping me with the wifi issues and being a knowledgeable electrical / electronic consultant...

Shane F. - For providing me with enough #1AWG wire to interconnect my AGM batteries properly and the crimper and cutting tools to do it safely...

Mom - For listening to me even when I'm a crab and making sure that I'm not dead broke... 

Thank you all for your support and your kindness. I certainly couldn't have done this without you.

:) Owen L.

The Generator...

Jerry owned this mucked up generator that needed some work and he said
I could have it if I was willing to take it to the small engine repair place to get it serviced.

To show my appreciation to Jerry, I gave him a relatively new refrigerator I had in my storage unit. I bought the refrigerator new and had it for about 8 months before it went into storage indefinitely. I was glad that he could use it and that it no longer was gathering dust in my storage bin.

I took the genny to the small engine repair place and a week later I paid approximately $75 to get it back working great again! :)

Click HERE to see a slide show of the photos from this post.