January was a rough month work wise, so no progress. Then my wife had a baby so I took a break from work. In between helping with the kids and new baby, I made some progress. First, I have been mulling over how to distribute propane to the various apliances that Id like to run. Then I had an Idea. There is a void behind where the cook stove sits. It occured to me that I cound mount a propane distribution tree inside on a hinge. when in the vertical position Ill have 4 propane ports. 2 down low in the cabinet, which will feed the cook stove and an aux. (for an oven, or a dutch oven burner etc., see pic.), one mid mast, (still need to make the tee) that will supply a small radiant heater for winter camp, and of coarse a lantern on top of the mast. Seemed like a good idea, so I bought the Mr. Heater distribution tree and modified it to suit my application. Ran into a little difficulty converting the throw away bottle fittings at the base of the tree to a flare fitting because threads were an odd ball size. Had to drill and tap, but managed to get it worked out.
Since there was an unused space, I have installed 22" full extension drawer slides in between the giant slides to hold a flat platform that pulls out the end of the kitchen. This platform will hold a propane oven, or dutch oven burner, or fridge, or food pantry or........ Im sure it will come in handy.
I have also welded in all the tabs that the 1/4" plywood skin will attach to. Just have a little more strap to weld in for the interior drawer slides to mount to. I have the slides, and they are self closing, meaning they stay closed and require about 9 lbs. of pull to let go and come out. this is so the drawers don't come out inside the trailer while im going down the trail. They are pretty slick.
I have some pics. The wood pictured is just the prototype wood, not the plywood that I will end up with.
), and see how it behaved in a variety of situations. Ive had plenty of experience on road, but I'm new to pulling a trailer on a rough trail, over boulders, and ruts, etc. I hope to get in some more practice runs over the winter as I continue to work on the inside guts. I am currently putting together a multi-day off road adventure for the the spring with a few of my friends who own 40's. Hopefully by then I can have any potential bugs worked out.
