The "Taco Truck"

Well the man that had the damaged camper turned into a huge benefit for me!!!!
He made me a package deal I couldn't turn down. I bought about everything except the fridge and a/c and everything was like new. He'd used the camper 8 times. Ac/fridge was already sold. Some of it will be for sale after I finish my build cause I didn't need it all. Water heater, range/oven, furnace, microwave, converter/breaker panel, toilet, all doors and windows, pedistal table, etc....and it was already disassembled. So now I guess I will have hot running water!!!!!

Only thing I've done this evening is install the microwave. I love it when stuff falls together.
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But the night is young and I decide against going to the flats because all the mud and really don't want to have to clean it good before the engine swap.
 
Finally got a little time yesterday to finally work on this thing.

I had to cut the hole to mount the water heater and got it mounted in. It's just not hooked up yet. It's under the bed so it will be out of the way.
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Little window makes a big difference.
 
OK I need some advice!! This truck is aluminum framed walls with studs 24" OC. I'm looking to install a 48" long window above the couch so I will have to cut out one stud to install it. If you were me would you install a header over it or would you not worry about it?
The wall construction consists of rivited 1/8" aluminum, 1-1/2" insulation board, 1/2" plywood, and FRP glued to the plywood. Also keep in mind all that E track screwed to the wall.
What would you do?
 
Only reason for a header, is if you have to transfer a roof load. The 1/2 ply and 1/8 aluminum skin will be plenty strong enough. I think the only way you would seriously compromise, is if you ran windows down the entire side. You could layout the e track so it doesn't break in the window opening, kind of like a surface mounted header. Looks like a cool project, and you've got some great help. Heck, your son will probably look back and remember helping dad paint and refinish the dash just as much as he will remember camping in it.
 
Thanks for the reply. Your answer is exactly what I was thinking just looking for some re assurance.
My boys love to do everything with me. We try to make every memory possible.
 
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77GreenMachine said:
Little window makes a big difference.
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Maybe a big window will make a huge difference. Got the hole mostly cut out today. Just ran out of time and didn't have anyone to help hold the window in while I screwed it. Should have it completed in the morning.
Was going to install a smaller window to make it easier and to make sure it was structuraly sound. I said crap on it and I had to cut one whole stud out and half of the two outer studs. I think it should be alright. The window is 4'x2'.
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I didn't get a pic before cutting it out. But you can see it was pretty plain.
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treeman30 said:
Looking good man. Can't wait to see it finished and the jeep hooked up rolling out somewhere. Won't b long now.
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Thanks man I appreciate it.
I got the window in and sealed up. Turned out really well and it did make a huge difference. Can't wait to get the couch slid back in place to see it. I think it made as big of a difference outside as it did inside.
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Plumbing is done short of testing it.don't think I'll fill the system when its suppose to be 18 degrees tonight.
I valved it so I could either use city water or use the pump to pull from a tank. I'm figuring if I ever dry camp I will carry a tank on the trailer.
Word of advice. Never use fittings like I have. I have $155 in the fittings you see and the four closest to the water heater came with the water heater. In that price was the city water fitting($18) coming from outside , the pex pipe($12) and the drain($8). Never again!!!!
Plus it was the hardest plumbing I've ever done. Very time consuming.

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City water connection. It's really high but was my only option unless I came out in the rub rail. You can see the first hole i drilled just below the connector on the lower side of the rubrail.
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I'm moving along slowly but surely at this point. Just doing a lot of things not pic worthy.
I ran four outlets above the cabinet top for convenience of charging phones and using a skillet. I also ran an outlet into the closet for the fridge and microwave. Also wired the water heater to be plugged in for the 110volt side.
Now to run 12volt to the water pump and the water heater and also a propane line to the WH.
This thing is like the crawler
It will never be done I don't think.


If anyone is wondering yes I did just drop the drain out underneath behind the rear wheels. All the sink is for is brushing our teeth and washing our face so I figured it wouldn't hurt anything to just dump it on the ground.
 
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rodney eppes said:
I'm not much on plumbing, or why you used those fittings, but it seems like Everything, is "reusable". So cost should be set now.
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Yeah they are reusable if ever needed. I used them because that's what was already used on the water heater and easily fixed if needed while camping. They are the common fittings for campers. Honestly all pex fittings are expensive. I'm jus used to 25¢ cpvc fittings on most everything I do. It blows my mind those fittings are 5-7$ a piece and the valve was close to $20.
 
lockedup5 said:
Yeah they are reusable if ever needed. I used them because that's what was already used on the water heater and easily fixed if needed while camping. They are the common fittings for campers. Honestly all pex fittings are expensive. I'm jus used to 25¢ cpvc fittings on most everything I do. It blows my mind those fittings are 5-7$ a piece and the valve was close to $20.
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Anything with the word camper is like offroad, motorcyle etc etc. the same item without the hashtag is 1/2-1/4 the price!
 
lockedup5 said:
I don't let the grass grow under my feet if I have my mind set on something.
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that's a dam understatement.

and I see I got out of there just n time or im sure I would've wore some of that paint home. and I see u liked my idea for your cabinet issue.
 
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