Toby the Turtleback Trailer Build Thread

[JCDriller]

Finally got my propane hoses installed, my internal shelves installed and bolted down. Got her all loaded up for her maiden voyage this weekend.

I handled the propane plumbing much differently than many may, but I didn't want the propane to all the appliances (tent heater, water heater, BBQ quick disco, and Partner Stove) turning on at once when I opened the propane valve. I also didn't want to crawl into the trailer and manually flip a valve each time I want to turn on an appliance so I used electric valves that turn on when I flip the power switch for the appliances. The 20lb propane isn't being used in the trailer, I have it for my Campfire in a Can. I like the 20lb not only for its large size, but it's nice to have at least one tank that I can trade in if I can't find somewhere to fill tanks.





Loaded up for the weekend

 

[VicMackey]

You put some blood sweat and tears into that TB. I hope she treats you right on the maiden voyage.

 

[1.9TDIZook]

I somehow missed the purpose of the tent lifting up like that. ???

 

[JCDriller]

I somehow missed the purpose of the tent lifting up like that. ???

Mostly to fit in my garage. But other benefits are better gas mileage, lower COG and now when it’s open it’s the perfect height for the CVT annex room.

 

[1.9TDIZook]

Ahh! I get it now.....

 

[JCDriller]

Had a great time camping on Table Rock Lake this weekend. Trailer did really well, everything worked as planned except the heater. It wasn’t needed, just wanted to test it. Further digging shows that it can’t be mounted vertical so it looks like I’ll have to mount it in another location.



The AC unit was fantastic! Going to add a Honda 2200 to keep it running off grid.

 

[Hellbender77]

Very impressive. You totally thought of everything and I really like the woodworking and organization. I hope to build a galley similar to yours one day. Can you provide a link for the extension rails you used for the sink/fridge drawer slide-out? Have they worked well for you?

Thanks for taking the time to post this. This is exactly what my wife and I are dreaming about building one day.

 

[JCDriller]

My Honda 2200 was delivered today. I mounted it to the passenger front receiver mount using a receiver step secured with a Bolt hitch lock and bolted on a lowpro lockdown generator mount. Very secure, should be ideal for highway travel or campgrounds. I’ll unhitch it and put it inside if the going gets too rough, but I imagine my 4R would be in big trouble long before the generator would be.

 

[JCDriller]

Found some dishes I like better so I tore out the plate divider and re did the kitchen storage. I hope the plates moving around doesn’t break them, if it does I’ll figure out a solution. Really like these, they are magnolia farms, found them at target for cheap. 4 12” plates, 4 small bowls and 4 cups/mugs. The silicone ones I was using before had a smell that never disappeared.

I’m staining the parts now.

 

[tae73]

What heater did you go with?

 

[JCDriller]

Propex Heater HS 2211, that being said I need to relocate it so it's laying horizontal not vertical.

 

[john61ct]

Nice unit. Put it outside?

 

[JCDriller]

Nice unit. Put it outside?

I may, but I'd rather have it inside the trailer. There is plenty of room under my fridge/sink slide due to having to raise it up to clear the door frame. I have the vents ran into the drivers side boxes, so in the cold I'll leave the boxes open. Top box has the heat output, bottom box has the cool air intake. It'll heat the annex and hopefully run up into the tent where the thermostat is located. Won't really get to try it for a few months. We'll be living out of the trailer for the month of July, but it'll still be too hot for the propex heater.

 

[JCDriller]

I got the wood stained and reinstalled for the bowls and plates. I'm really digging this set up. Plates, bowls and mugs for 4.

 

[john61ct]

They're pretty darn noisy within the living space, even in a well-insulated enclosure.