Hello there! Will any fiberglass manufacturers allow a lot of customization? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 11-30-2020, 02:20 PM   #1
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Name: Lisa
Trailer: in the market
Florida
Posts: 4
Hello there! Will any fiberglass manufacturers allow a lot of customization?

Please help me figure out if there's a fiberglass beauty that works for us!

I have a long list of requirements/goals, and I'm not sure anyone can accommodate them. I'm not opposed to building my own, but it would be ugly and not allowed in a lot of campgrounds. Plus, while I have some woodworking experience, I know NOTHING about plumbing and would end up without a bathroom. I know I need:


*an empty or nearly empty roof to adhere several flexible solar panels

*window or wall opening to accommodate this AC unit: https://www.midea.com/us/Air-Conditi...ner-MAW08V1QWT

*I want to use one of these two refrigerators: https://uniqueappliances.com/product...red-dc-fridge/ or https://uniqueappliances.com/product...red-dc-fridge/

*I don't want propane or the burner setup, just countertop where they'd normally put the burners

*I want a small hot water heater, 12v or 120v, 1500w max. If I were building my own trailer (still might!) I'd use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1JBLIO . It may be that most manufacturers already use a suitable unit

*I want 12v for everything possible - lights, fans, pumps, vents... Ideally only the AC and water heater would be 110v, though I'd still want a couple of 120v outlets for miscellaneous devices

*I will be using two battery banks, a pair of DIY lithium 24v 280ah

*I don't understand exactly how the 110v setup works in these trailers, but I'd like to have everything run through the battery setup / inverter. I have't settled on the inverter, but I'm probably going to end up with a combo charger/inverter unit from Victron, 3000w or so.


Are there any manufacturers that allow for this somewhat extreme level of customization? My goal is to have a trailer capable of boondocking, either solely with solar or with the help of a tank of gas through the generator to top off the batteries. If my budget (~$25,000 or less for the trailer itself) can get me a unit that meets my needs, I'd like that very much. The eggs are so much more attractive than anything I could build from sticks and foam!

Thank you so much to anyone who can offer up any help!!
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Old 11-30-2020, 10:21 PM   #2
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Trailer: Former 13’Scamp, now Snoozy
Arizona
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It sounds like you would do well to look at a Soozy 2. Some have purchased one with just a bathroom so they could build it out like they wanted.
Dave and Paula
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Old 11-30-2020, 10:34 PM   #3
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David B has a great answer.
An empty shell and hire a fabricator to customize it for you. With all the people out of work it might be a good time to find the fabricator.
Used stick built also.
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Old 12-01-2020, 07:40 AM   #4
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Trailer: 2015 Escape 5.0TA
Florida
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hopefulhands View Post
Please help me figure out if there's a fiberglass beauty that works for us!

I have a long list of requirements/goals, and I'm not sure anyone can accommodate them. I'm not opposed to building my own, but it would be ugly and not allowed in a lot of campgrounds. Plus, while I have some woodworking experience, I know NOTHING about plumbing and would end up without a bathroom. I know I need:


*an empty or nearly empty roof to adhere several flexible solar panels

*window or wall opening to accommodate this AC unit: https://www.midea.com/us/Air-Conditi...ner-MAW08V1QWT

*I want to use one of these two refrigerators: https://uniqueappliances.com/product...red-dc-fridge/ or https://uniqueappliances.com/product...red-dc-fridge/

*I don't want propane or the burner setup, just countertop where they'd normally put the burners

*I want a small hot water heater, 12v or 120v, 1500w max. If I were building my own trailer (still might!) I'd use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1JBLIO . It may be that most manufacturers already use a suitable unit

*I want 12v for everything possible - lights, fans, pumps, vents... Ideally only the AC and water heater would be 110v, though I'd still want a couple of 120v outlets for miscellaneous devices

*I will be using two battery banks, a pair of DIY lithium 24v 280ah

*I don't understand exactly how the 110v setup works in these trailers, but I'd like to have everything run through the battery setup / inverter. I have't settled on the inverter, but I'm probably going to end up with a combo charger/inverter unit from Victron, 3000w or so.


Are there any manufacturers that allow for this somewhat extreme level of customization? My goal is to have a trailer capable of boondocking, either solely with solar or with the help of a tank of gas through the generator to top off the batteries. If my budget (~$25,000 or less for the trailer itself) can get me a unit that meets my needs, I'd like that very much. The eggs are so much more attractive than anything I could build from sticks and foam!

Thank you so much to anyone who can offer up any help!!
Lisa, you did mention small 12vdc water heater. There are no 12v water heaters. There are dual fuel water heaters that run on 120v or propane. But you would need an impossibly massive bank of solar panels and batteries with inverter to power a water heater and an air conditioner. If you have shore power, you will be OK. But you mention boondocking. IMO, it is highly doubtful you can succeed at what you are proposing to do. And every appliance that you mention IS powered by 12 vdc except the big two (A/C and water heater). Lil Snoozy owners often carry a generator. It would seem to me that if you plan to go the route you are suggesting, a generator might be appropriate if you are boondocking away from others. And I would add, it is not as easy to find boondocking locations east of the Mississippi as it is in the west. And as far as plumbing is concerned, most current trailers are plumbed with Pex piping, very easy to use. YouTube is your friend.
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Old 12-01-2020, 08:25 AM   #5
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Trailer: LiL Hauley
Syracuse, NY
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I am one of the people that purchased a Lil Snoozy shell and outfitted my self. It came with the rear door, DOT lights and the moulded fiberglass wet bath( I installed it myself. I put propane in mine for the propex space heater and stove. I have a thread here of the build: https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...out-84618.html.

The project is mostly carpentry work. Lots of scribing. I used 1/2 inch plywood for most of it and popular to keep the weight down.

Plumbing is not really that difficult if you use pex, install shut offs and drains as required and an accumulator tank. I designed mine so that if I park the trailer on a slight side slope and blow air in the city water port the system completely drains, so no antifreeze required. Electrical was easy because that is my forte.

We also insulated the whole trailer including the floor which is cork with vinyl on top.

It was a fun project which took about 3 months working 7 days a week. I can't stop when I am working on a project, but that's just me.

Designing and sourcing components took up about 30% of the time.

I am planning walk thru video in the near future. If you have specific questions feel free to PM me.
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Old 12-01-2020, 11:26 AM   #6
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Name: Lisa
Trailer: in the market
Florida
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CPW View Post
Lisa, you did mention small 12vdc water heater. There are no 12v water heaters. There are dual fuel water heaters that run on 120v or propane. But you would need an impossibly massive bank of solar panels and batteries with inverter to power a water heater and an air conditioner. If you have shore power, you will be OK. But you mention boondocking. IMO, it is highly doubtful you can succeed at what you are proposing to do. And every appliance that you mention IS powered by 12 vdc except the big two (A/C and water heater). Lil Snoozy owners often carry a generator. It would seem to me that if you plan to go the route you are suggesting, a generator might be appropriate if you are boondocking away from others. And I would add, it is not as easy to find boondocking locations east of the Mississippi as it is in the west. And as far as plumbing is concerned, most current trailers are plumbed with Pex piping, very easy to use. YouTube is your friend.
I have 16 3.2v 280ah cells coming by slow boat from China. That's roughly 14kwh of battery capacity, at a cost of about 200lbs and $2000. I'm planning on a 3000w inverter. From my research, together they are impossibly large enough. Solar panels are the limiter for me, it seems, as there's only so much roof to mount them. I'll require some ground mounted panels, and will still have to top up with a generator.

Fortunately, Florida has a great many water management areas where boondocking is allowed. Unfortunately, they're all hot and swamp-humid most of the year - AC is pretty much essential now that I'm older and complain more ;-) I could do without the hot water shower if needed, we've used a sprayer from a large black reservoir for sunwarmed showers for years. I think, though, that as long as I size the inverter large enough to handle the water heater kicking on with the AC running, this should all be feasible. The AC is a dual inverter model, so it has much smaller and less frequent spikes as compared to traditional models, as well as being pretty darned efficient. I want the even more efficient mini split version, but they just aren't suited to a mobile application.

All this research was done with the intention of building a trailer, or converting a cargo trailer. I just keep coming back to the aesthetics. I love the snoozy2 almost as much as i love the Scamps and Casitas!
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Old 12-01-2020, 12:00 PM   #7
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Name: Lisa
Trailer: in the market
Florida
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlD View Post
I am one of the people that purchased a Lil Snoozy shell and outfitted my self. It came with the rear door, DOT lights and the moulded fiberglass wet bath( I installed it myself. I put propane in mine for the propex space heater and stove. I have a thread here of the build: https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...out-84618.html.

The project is mostly carpentry work. Lots of scribing. I used 1/2 inch plywood for most of it and popular to keep the weight down.

Plumbing is not really that difficult if you use pex, install shut offs and drains as required and an accumulator tank. I designed mine so that if I park the trailer on a slight side slope and blow air in the city water port the system completely drains, so no antifreeze required. Electrical was easy because that is my forte.

We also insulated the whole trailer including the floor which is cork with vinyl on top.

It was a fun project which took about 3 months working 7 days a week. I can't stop when I am working on a project, but that's just me.

Designing and sourcing components took up about 30% of the time.

I am planning walk thru video in the near future. If you have specific questions feel free to PM me.
You guys are brilliant, that does seem close to ideal!! The Hooga in the discussion forum also calls to me, with a more 'traditional' shape, but I'm somewhat leery of being an early adopter when it comes to structural changes.

I'm going to go through your thread immediately! It's heartening to hear that perhaps plumbing isn't the big scary concern I had imagined it to be. Thank you all!
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Old 12-01-2020, 12:21 PM   #8
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Trailer: 2017 Escape 17B
SW Virginia
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I hope Snoozy II will be as amenable to your needs as Li'l Snoozy was. Another one you might want to look into is the Happier Camper. It's basically a shell with lots of optional inserts to meet various needs.

Walt
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Old 12-01-2020, 12:33 PM   #9
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Name: Henry
Trailer: BigFoot
Tennessee
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A new company just posted on this website. They offer a fiberglass shell on a frame: The Hooga.

Use a composite toilet like the Natures Head, Sun-Mar,
Air Head, Separett, C-Head, Camco (41541) Portable Compost Toilet...lots of options to the traditional Loo.

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...RV+-+Emails%29
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Old 12-01-2020, 12:57 PM   #10
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RZR has the answer. Buy it and hire an out of work because of covid person to finish it like you want.
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Old 12-01-2020, 02:00 PM   #11
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There are a lot of design and engineering issues to consider when building out a trailer. Years back, Escape Trailer Industries asked for layout ideas. A large number of designs did not accommodate wheel wells, for instance, or consider balancing the trailer from side to side, as well as back to front.

Anyway, I'm sure the Hooga will sell well in Denmark.
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Old 12-01-2020, 02:25 PM   #12
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Name: John
Trailer: I started with a 2010 Casita Spirit Deluxe.I now have a 2015, Dynamax DX3-37RV Super-C diesel puller
Box Elder, SD (formerly of Long Island, NY)
Posts: 175
Have you talked with Oliver? I understand that Oliver has been MUCH more flexible in doing what the customer wants than most other "egg" builders.
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Old 12-05-2020, 04:23 PM   #13
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Name: Viron
Trailer: casita
Texas
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Escape trailers allow for a lot of customization but may not meet all of those goals. You can get two 160w solar panels mounted on the roof from the factory.
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Old 12-05-2020, 05:05 PM   #14
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Taylor Coach maybe?

Taylor coach is noted for doing custom trailers. Not an “egg,” but built one at a time with very good reputation for quality work and lightweight construction.
https://taylorcoach.com/

Cheers John
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Old 12-05-2020, 05:20 PM   #15
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Trailer: Escape 21C
New York
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hopefulhands View Post
Please help me figure out if there's a fiberglass beauty that works for us!

I have a long list of requirements/goals, and I'm not sure anyone can accommodate them. I'm not opposed to building my own, but it would be ugly and not allowed in a lot of campgrounds. Plus, while I have some woodworking experience, I know NOTHING about plumbing and would end up without a bathroom. I know I need:


*an empty or nearly empty roof to adhere several flexible solar panels

*window or wall opening to accommodate this AC unit: https://www.midea.com/us/Air-Conditi...ner-MAW08V1QWT

*I want to use one of these two refrigerators: https://uniqueappliances.com/product...red-dc-fridge/ or https://uniqueappliances.com/product...red-dc-fridge/

*I don't want propane or the burner setup, just countertop where they'd normally put the burners

*I want a small hot water heater, 12v or 120v, 1500w max. If I were building my own trailer (still might!) I'd use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1JBLIO . It may be that most manufacturers already use a suitable unit

*I want 12v for everything possible - lights, fans, pumps, vents... Ideally only the AC and water heater would be 110v, though I'd still want a couple of 120v outlets for miscellaneous devices

*I will be using two battery banks, a pair of DIY lithium 24v 280ah

*I don't understand exactly how the 110v setup works in these trailers, but I'd like to have everything run through the battery setup / inverter. I have't settled on the inverter, but I'm probably going to end up with a combo charger/inverter unit from Victron, 3000w or so.


Are there any manufacturers that allow for this somewhat extreme level of customization? My goal is to have a trailer capable of boondocking, either solely with solar or with the help of a tank of gas through the generator to top off the batteries. If my budget (~$25,000 or less for the trailer itself) can get me a unit that meets my needs, I'd like that very much. The eggs are so much more attractive than anything I could build from sticks and foam!

Thank you so much to anyone who can offer up any help!!
I have this air conditioner in my bedroom at the stick & brick, and love it. Quiet & efficient. That said, adapting the way it is split to a trailer is going to be interesting. Unless you devise some sliding wall piece, building it in is kinda permanent. Still, I do wish there was a practical way to install one. Much simpler install than a real mini split if there was a way to keep the two half separate.
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Old 12-05-2020, 06:11 PM   #16
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Name: Mark
Trailer: Outback
Alberta
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Trillium Trailers build to order, and will also refurbish/rebuild all makes of fibreglass trailers to whatever degree of custom your budget can accommodate. They are based in western Canada so probably the best option for Canadians.

YouTube blogger "Slim Potatohead" is a great channel to follow to get inspiration for using, maintaining and customising small trailers and you can see his restored and modified Outback there.
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