Half Day

Today I took the Illinois certification test for the Library Information Specialist position I have been working to complete.  I have one more class after this semester and then I'm done.  The test allowed for five hours and began at 7:15 a.m.  Not the way I usually like to start my Saturday, but it did get me up and moving.

After a refreshing nap, I crawled under the teardrop and marked the dimensions of the frame's support beams.  I did this with the intention of creating two storage areas in the floor of the teardrop.  Ultimately, I had hoped to store the spare tire, jack, etc. in them.  In the end, the darn spare tire would not fit.  I guess I'm glad I've spent the time, energy and money to make the storage areas, but I was very frustrated that the tire did not fit.

My first attempt at the storage bin was 12" deep.  It seemed too deep even before I installed it.  I ended up taking it all apart and trimming it to about 6".  That seemed visually to look a lot better.  Below you can see it as a 12" bin.

Here are the two bins after being coated with Thompson's Water Sealant; the back bin was created on an angle to make room for the axle.  Both bins are about 6" deep.

Tomorrow I will caulk and install the two boxes, make their lids and install the aluminum flashing around them.  I think the spare tire is going to end up being mounted in some way up on the tongue like you can see in this image.  Another project I want to get done tomorrow is installing the green treated wood in the bulkhead area and measuring and making a template for the mattress.