Long time with no update. We have been working a bit here and there getting the systems installed and interior layout.
As mentioned we went with a 12V/24V NovaKool compressor fridge instead of the 3-way propane fridge we had already purchased (oops). The NovaKool vents to the front so I had to seal up the huge holes I had cut in the side for the previous fridge. I will have to either put a fake screen over the aluminum or some big stickers ;)
For the kitchen counter, we went back and forth about what to do. At first I was going to go cheap and get the quick and dirty veneer covered particle board counter you find at Lowes/Depot. We then started thinking about Corian. While visiting Crosscut Hardwoods, we saw some solid walnut 1.5" thick countertops and were sold. I mean, how many truck campers have a solid walnut countertop? :C
The backsplash is made up of metal tiles although it has not been finished and will wrap around to the stove.
The stove, water heater, and furnace are all installed and working on propane. I made a sealed metal box for the propane fittings that is vented to the outside. It also contains a solenoid valve controlled by a propane leak sensor which will shut off the propane automatically in event of a leak. I pressure tested the system for a week with a manometer and it held perfect pressure.
The wiring panels are Blue Sea marine versions that you find in boats (exact DC model is in our sailboat). They are very nice quality and I just like the look and feel. It was a mass of wiring but I tried to route it neatly. I used a CO2 laser attached to the head of my cnc mill to cut out the protection acrylic for the AC section. I will miss that tool when we hit the road...
We made a shroud with ducting for the little AC window unit that allows it to reside totally inside the RV. There is a pan that can drain to the outside and everything is aluminum and weatherproofed around the AC unit. It seems to work quite well although the hottest day we have had was 82 (it cooled down to 68 very fast). Obviously we will not use it a lot because even at 600 watts it is too much for a battery bank.
We also finally got the door and windows installed. The camper is getting very close to being weatherproofed. I need to install the clearance lights and flood lights plus seal up a few hatches. I am itching to see this thing on the truck but I know it will be a lot harder to work on it out in the driveway vs in the garage. Still, I think we will have a picture of it on the truck this summer. We will finish up cabinets and flooring this fall/winter.
