It's 3/4" expanded polystyrene foam board insulation. It wasn't my first choice but I felt the best option at hand. It has a 10 psi rating, where as the 3/4" pink foam board is 15 psi. It wasn't as messy to cut as I thought it be and I'm happy with it so far. It definitely doesn't have the regidity as the pink stuff.
It does work fine, just don't carry it when there's any wind. I bought 2 pieces but I had 3 when I made it to my vehicle. I didn't get much accomplished over the weekend. I took a camping trip to Tettegouche State Park on the north shore of Minnesota. Using them is as much fun as building them. I may use the same type of light design as my other camper as I always arrive in the dark. It's really handy to see where the back of the camper is with the lights from the license plate lights. I mocked up the 2 pieces in back for extending the hatch. Trying to decide how much gap I'll need as I'm using pmf, I'll measure some of the other things I built.
Today I set my walls, it's the first time on the build that I actually needed help, I'm glad I had it. As much as I prepared before hand it was still a scramble to find drills, clamps and screws. Next I'm going to install the frame for the front shelf and the wall between the galley and interior. I want to be able to visualize how big to make the rest of the shelves and cabinets.
The weather has turned a little colder, I've had to get creative with a heater, blankets and a tarp. I've made some progress this week. You really have to think ahead as your applying pl3 premium and staples, luckily I haven't had to rip anything back out. I think I have my lighting figured out. There will be 2 reading lights under the front shelf, 4 puck lights in the ceiling and 2 exterior lights about a foot to the rear of the side door. I haven't thought about the galley yet. I'm happy with how the interior walls have turned out so far but it's by know means perfect. I would like to use jalousie windows on there door but I'm finding very few options, I'm not sure if I like the frameless windows they barely open. I would like to put a small window on the front. I'm hoping to get the rest of the roof spars in this week, then onto electric.
This week I finished the roof spars, cut the opening for the roof vent and installed the galley countertop. Currently I'm in the process of installing the pmf on the bottom of the camper. I found 6 x 9 drop cloths at the orange big box store without seams. I'm hoping to be able to get it painted by Monday, hopefully the color looks decent and start installing the electrical. It's also easier to heat 32 square feet than 576.
I've never used a jigsaw so much in my life. I definitely didn't buy enough blades, there's nothing like a new blade. The oak hinge spar has been installed. The gussets for the hatch have been cut, what a process that is, but worth it. The rest of the wire and switches arrived. I started installing the roof insulation. I cut 1" strips in a couple areas that had wires going side to side. A sheetrock plane seemed to flush them to the curve. It's not perfect, but I believe the finished product will be something I'm happy with.
It have been a busy last couple of weeks but not on the build. I have managed to get the 1/8" plywood on the roof, finished the wall between the galley and interior and more work on the doors. Up next is the hatch and then I will be able to finish the exterior. The trailer I'm having built is scheduled to be done April 5th and is worth every penny.
The last month has been slow progress. All the pieces for the windows into the doors have been test fit. I have started assembling the rear hatch, it's a task for me that requires thinking about it longer than actual work time. It's starting to come together. I now know why doors are so expensive, I don't want to know how many hours I have into them.
I've started to apply the pmf on the sides. I wish I would have taken a picture before I started, the seams smoothed out fairly easy, even around the corners. Im hoping to have it finished for fall camping, it will be here before I know it.
There exterior is ready to be painted. I need to finish the doors and they will be ready as well. During every process I remember how long things take to make it look halfway decent. I was hoping to be done in July. That may happen, I only work on it an hour or two at a time. Once the doors and galley are on I'll feel like I'm getting somewhere.
It's good from afar but far from good. The exterior is painted and the doors have been tested to make sure they still fit for the final time. Up next is installing the windows and door handles. Then the roof vent and exterior lighting. There's only about 200 things left before it's finished.
The build is still moving along. An hour most nights is showing progress. The galley will be about as simple as can be at first, I may add if I feel necessary.