Lake Forest Handyman Smart Trailer Build
I had begun placing items I knew that I would need or want in an amazon shopping list months in advance. It was the easiest way to keep everything together and to return items that I didn't end up using. (Pro Tip: You have 30-60 days to return things. Purchase large items as close to fabrication as possible)
Step one: Electrical
I started by pulling the 3/8" osb from the trailer and all of the trim panels. I installed 1" foam insulation panels primarily for rigidity between the OSB and the aluminum skin. Next up was formulating an electrical plan for the various lights, alarms, and accessories. This took me longer than anticipated due to changes I made as well as purchasing an electric tongue jack several weeks later and having to pull paneling and re-drill. I determined the location for the battery would be at the front of the V-nose and ran everything from there. This included a trunk line around the driver side of the upper rail of the trailer to support all of the interior lighting, the 3 exterior lights for night time loading/unloading, and the wireless backup camera.
Once I installed the trunk line, I installed the self adhesive LED light strips on the ceiling cross members. I wanted as much light as possible with as little draw as possible. I then installed a 4 rocker switch panel at a height I knew would be between the two accessory shelves above the workbench area. I installed the switches and ran the swithced lines to their various locations. 1 on the driver side, 1 at the rear, 1 on the passenger side, and 1 to all of the overhead lights connected on the driver side. I installed 36" light bars on each roof side and mounted the wireless camera.
After power was run, I decided to wire the alarm. There are self grounded pressure switches for each door as well as a siren and gps antenna. I ran all of the wiring for the alarm and then connected everything to the battery to test. All is working fine. Built a battery box, installed it on the studs, and installed the battery. Made final connections.
Once I installed the trunk line, I installed the self adhesive LED light strips on the ceiling cross members. I wanted as much light as possible with as little draw as possible. I then installed a 4 rocker switch panel at a height I knew would be between the two accessory shelves above the workbench area. I installed the switches and ran the swithced lines to their various locations. 1 on the driver side, 1 at the rear, 1 on the passenger side, and 1 to all of the overhead lights connected on the driver side. I installed 36" light bars on each roof side and mounted the wireless camera.
After power was run, I decided to wire the alarm. There are self grounded pressure switches for each door as well as a siren and gps antenna. I ran all of the wiring for the alarm and then connected everything to the battery to test. All is working fine. Built a battery box, installed it on the studs, and installed the battery. Made final connections.
Step Two: Cabinetry
