A couple of years ago, I and a friend installed a LQ into his trailer. By purchasing vent covers from the manufacturers of the equipment we were installing, we were able to know exactly, the size and shape of the holes we would have to cut into the walls. We too, had to remove part of a stud on the interior wall, that interefered with the vent's placement. After the cut was made, "H" shaped extrusions were welded into place above and below the new hole, running laterally to the next exisiting studs. This would be very similar to a house framing around a window area. Special care had to be taken not to overheat the outer sheet metal, while the extrusions were welded. Excessive heat can distort the thin metal of the skin and discolour the present paint. We slid in a sheet of stainless between the welding surfaces and the skin, and applied water with wet sponges to keep things cool. After the welding was completed, we then drilled and shot, solid countersunk AD rivets to secure the skin to the new interior framing. This eliminated any movement, noise and vibration from occuring and strengthened the wall. Both the owner and I have some sheet metal experience, and didn't have much of a problem with the modifications. If you don't, most fabricators can effect similar changes to your trailer. The cost of materials is negligible, but you can expect to spend a couple of hours of labour to finish the project. |