Posted 2013-04-01 7:30 PM (#151037) Subject: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
Member
Posts: 26
Location: MN
We have looked and looked for a trailer in our price range. It has come to us finding a Diamond D gooseneck stock trailer that the previous owner started to make into a weekender. By that I mean they screwed the plexiglas over the front slats, welded a wall at 10' to create a large dressing room, and carpeted the whole thing yup, ceiling, wall and floor all the same carpet. And put in a couple of outlets and lights. So, with that, we are looking to make it a weekender. We plan to take out the carpet, check for insulation behind the wood panel and then either put in panaling in a light color or the slatted wood paneling. Then putting in cabinets, a dorm fridge, stove, microwave and a dinette that converts to a sleeping area. With that, where do you get cabinets a camper salvage or do you go to a home improvement store for them? We have a habitat for humanity restore that has cabinets which may work too. Camper salvage I'm sure for the dinette, what about sink, water. Hand pump with water tanks or small sprayer pump for water? There is a slot for a 110 ac unit. We will put in 12volt lights and a couple more plug ins. We are going to use our generator or plug into electrical.What are suggestions etc. I will try and post a pic of the trailer so you can tell me if I'm crazy or not. Thanks!!
Posted 2013-04-02 12:48 PM (#151057 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
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Posts: 259
Location: Topeka Ks
Whisper, most cabinets are custom for the space, but you may be able to repurpose some household units or if you know of an RV savage that would be a great source. Sourcing economical components is the hard part. I can only suggest plan the space before starting to avoid do over’s
Posted 2013-04-02 9:03 PM (#151062 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
Member
Posts: 26
Location: MN
That is what I plan to do, we have a camper salvage, restore and other options for finding economical. Just looking for ideas on what others have done and used. Its exciting but nerve racking as I don't want to redo if we don't do it right the first time.
Posted 2013-04-02 10:56 PM (#151063 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
A good source of cabinets for a DIYer is the RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets available from many sources on the Internet. They are usually of a high quality, and available in many wood varieties at nominal prices. If the bathroom cabinets are ordered instead of the kitchen, the smaller sizes work well in the confines of a LQ.
Posted 2013-04-07 3:08 PM (#151148 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Chimacum, WA
I too, will be converting a combo stock trailer into a LQ trailer. I wanted 8' wide, couldn't find one, so ended up ordering a new one. My quarters will be snug, but doable, if I plan it right.
I have had a pickup camper for 20 years, and it has taught me some things.
Refrigerator: I like having a propane/electric/12 volt model but the 12 volt option is becoming obsolete. In 12v mode, the refrigerator does draw a lot of power so the only time I used it was on the road to keep stuff cold. I would not want an all electric refer as power is not always available. As an FYI, if you get a used propane model, they usually need either replacing or rebuilding at about 10 years of age... depending on the care people have taken of it. (They should not be run when not level or it gives the "pipes" cholesterol.) I plan on approaching the local refrigerator repair shop to see if they have a reconditioned one in good shape instead of buying new.
Also, Tupperware ice cube trays with lids are wonderful in LQ set ups. They don't leak if the ice happens to melt. And the ice stays untainted by any odors in the refer.
I have found that most times, I don't have electrical hookups where I go. And, I have not had a lot of good luck using a microwave powered by a generator. I fried two before I gave up trying. I'm wondering if it was the fault of the wiring set up in my camper, even though the camper was set up to contain a microwave. I won't bother putting one in my new trailer/living quarters.
Flooring: It is hard to keep a smooth floor free of debris and carpet is out of the question as it is too hard to keep clean. I use wall to wall scatter rugs on the floor that I can take outside and shake out while away from home. It is just easier to keep the dirt out of the bed and bathroom/shower that way. It seems I always have kids running in and out, or, adults in barn boots or deep treaded tennie runners.
Now to figure out how I can take my Big Green Egg (barbecue) that I love to cook and eat from. (They do make a mini!)
Posted 2013-04-07 5:36 PM (#151153 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
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Posts: 197
Location: AZ
IMHO...I would forgo a microwave unless you have atleast a 3000 generator. We have one in our LQ and use it for storage..it holds bread, chips, tortillas, etc very nicely.
Posted 2013-04-07 6:35 PM (#151155 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
Member
Posts: 26
Location: MN
One of the trailers we looked at had a frige that you could use dry ice to keep it cool versus the elec/gas option. As far as microwave, we have a generator already and a small microwave, when we have gone camping before we just used it only a couple of times. We have used a camp stove and grill for the majority of our cooking. I'm now trying to figure out if we want to do a dinette that converts to a bed or if bunks. My son is a little over 6 ft so we need something that will be comfortable for him or whomever to sleep on. I did see sofa's that convert to a bed at a camper salvage place and also a sofa/bed combo from IKEA for cheap. For the floor we have looked at the interlocking rubber mats (like the ones you see for kids). And we would put down throw rugs. I am going to call the camper salvage place tomorrow on the awnings and tracks. The trailer had a awning but the previous owner took it off. Camper steps do they come in different widths for tucking under the door?
Posted 2013-04-07 6:57 PM (#151156 - in reply to #151037) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
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Posts: 197
Location: AZ
Yes, the retractable steps come in many widths and sizes.
We have a dinette that converts to a bed...it connects to an L shaped two seat couch...I am 5'3" and it is tight for me. I would go with the couch as long as you have the fold out room. When closed, you can put up a table.
Posted 2013-04-15 11:19 AM (#151321 - in reply to #151156) Subject: RE: Diamond d stock trailer- converting to weekender
Member
Posts: 26
Location: MN
Thanks for the input. I will see what I can do for the couch. The only other thought was to do a bunk bed but I'm thinking a couch would be more purposeful.