It's Your Sign

While I was working with PVC pipe for the awning frames, I decided to build a sign for our site at the Quartzsite Gathering in early February.  Last year there were 80 fiberglass trailers there.  A sign would make it a lot easier for internet friends to find us.

The base was  made from pieces of Western Red Cedar 2x4 that happened to be close to the saw.  A couple coats of spar varnish will slow down damage from moisture, just in case it happens to rain in the desert.

The frame was designed so that the fittings were glued to the horizontal pieces while the verticals were sanded so that they would slip together easily. The sign was printed on ledger-sized paper, laminated, and then glued to coroplast backing, making a reasonably weatherproof sign.  Shower curtain rings complete the ensemble.

After I made the sign, I realized that it could actually display two signs.  The second one is asking for personal experience and recommendations for the Alaska trip planned for next summer.

Window Awnings - Part 3

This project has taken longer and was more work than I expected, but it's now complete enough to write the last blog post about awnings. The key to this part of the project was the seamstress.

There's a total of four separate awnings. The left and right sides are the same. The two for the rear window vary slightly, with the left one having a flap that overlaps the right side and connects with velcro. This project confirmed that the rear window and the spare tire are not mounted on the center line of the trailer.

The awning is attached to the PVC frame with loops of strap.  A piece of 1 x .125 aluminum strap is sewn into the lower hem to add a little weight and keep the edge straight.

The lower end of the stay strap is hooked to a 3M Command hook.

The rear frames were much more challenging because of the curve of the belly band. I ended up using a tee and a cap for the outer corner to get the offset so that the bottom of the rear frames lined up straight.

We made the rear awning in two pieces so it would fit in the curbside hatch.  Each awning frame disassembles into four pieces and is rolled with the awning and strap and then stowed in it's individual bag.

Now we can be in the shade even when we're not.

Part 1 and Part 2 of the project were earlier this month.

Updated April 2, 2013: We discovered that the Command Hook would fail in a brisk breeze. Our solution was the installation of metal hooks fabricated from 100 lb. picture hangars. They are seated with 3M5200 sealant and retained by a single rivet.

Giving Thanks!

We’re celebrating Thanksgiving a bit different this year. No trash can turkey, and no big family gathering. Instead, I'll spend the weekend futzing around with Scamp mods.

This year has been different from so many that we've enjoyed. We've had good times with the family including a wedding, meeting new extended family, a river trip with our daughter, paddling with our grandson, and a fairly long road trip in July with visits to several National Parks.

At the same time, we can also give thanks for the changes at work that led me to announce my retirement sooner than I might have otherwise. With just 22 work days remaining, it's time to start packing.

While it’s a bit scary, the calendar is filling with things we wouldn't be able to do with a 40 hour work week calendar. I'm looking forward to time with new friends in January and February and continued planning and preparation for a road trip to Alaska for several months this coming summer.  We're so fortunate to have good friends scattered all over the world and we're looking forward to being able to spend some time with them.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving.