Project Stealth Camper Progress…

Saturday was a decent day outside so got a bit further on stealth camper kitchen. One of the challenges of this project is that I want it to be a multi-function trailer. Able to haul this and that when needed (at least full 8′ sheets of materials), but also a somewhat cozy overlanding retreat when it’s time for that. To that end, the back 27″ of the 5’X10′ trailer will be a kitchen – some counter space, sink, faucet, cabinets, pullout for stove, freezer, and some additional prep surfaces hung off the door. I’m planning an awning off the back to shield from the elements. But to accommodate the ‘utility function’, I needed a way of keeping the full length still accessible. I build a 1″ thick plywood divider, with a piano hinge at 29″ from the right wall. This section will be fixed to the wall/floor, with the left 28″ being a ‘door’ that can fold back into the trailer to allow the loading of large items. Along the way I’ve also got 2 100 W solar panels (and charge controller) and a roof rack to install. Need to get a 12V roof fan, and possibly battery to round out the system.

Completed the rough divider and mounted it to the trailer (by way of 2×2 studs screwed and PL’d to the trailer side). Began roughing in the cabinets/base for counter top. Wanted a 35″ counter height when trailer was level so worked backwards and that resulted in 17″ tall base cabinets. Several months ago, an early morning trip to Home Depot netted me a 25 1/2″ X 40″ solid birch butcher block top for $40! They had a bunch but I short-sightedly only bought the one… Went back towards the end of the day, but understandably all gone :(. No matter had the one I needed and knew exactly what it was destined for. Tip: When cutting something with a nice finish you don’t want to scratch up, put a layer of masking tape on the base of a circular of jig saw. Cut to size……and test fit in it’s new home…. Next step finish base cabinets and upper cabinets (which are going to be 29″ wide, 24″ long (from roof) and 13″ deep. This will allow a decent size for storage and also allow the doors to open and clear the bulkhead that drops 5″ at the back.

Before I was kicked out of the shop again on Sunday by the mad pen-maker , I almost completed a replacement cedar planter for Mrs. T. Our old one packed it in after about 5 years of service. Unfortunately the base on that one was small, in absolute terms as well as in proportion to the top, so being top-heavy it tipped over more than a few times, which didn’t help matters. It’s now kindling but it’s bigger-footed replacement is done save for the molding at the top.