Ok, first posting since the new and improved GJ format. Let’s see what kind of learning curve there is.
Had a productive weekend. Spent Saturday working on shop improvements. Mainly in efforts to get the swamp cooler running. Need to run a new water supply line to the cooler. The old one was plastic tubing that I ran inside some ¾” PVC buried a few inches below ground. Figured I’d upgrade to copper this go-around. Since the cooler is now above concrete and not dirt, the plan is to run it high up the wall since I can’t bury it. Since the hose bib I was originally pulling the water from is now essentially in the “doorway” space between the shop and the new shade structure, I figure I would relocate that a bit closer to the compressor shed. And while I’m at it (can you say: “project creep”?) I might as well put in an outdoor sink there, too. The mother-in-law upgraded the mud/laundry room sink in her cabin recently so it was a freebie.
Dug out the old PVC line and trenched down a few more inches.
Since I’m still mid-process of putting in the copper airlines throughout the shop…I have a bunch of pipe and fittings, so made a new manifold for the cooler, sink, and hose bib. Also put down some extra bricks we had laying around.
Installed a manual air hose reel (still need to put air to it) and a new water hose. Still haven’t hooked up the sink as I’m not sure what to do about drainage. Thinking about putting a small dry well set-up in place. Probably won’t use it much other than to maybe the occasional hand-washing, but would be nice to not do that while getting muddy at the same time.
I also knocked out another trailer project, and added an EMS (Electrical Management System) to the toy hauler. Basically a fancy surge protector that also detects low-voltage, reverse polarity, 240v protection, mis-wired pedestals, etc. etc. Seemed like a good investment, never know what the wiring is like if staying at an RV park. Without one (according to the trailer forums) your rig will automatically burst into flames as soon as you pull into the park.
I figured this busy spot under the sink was the best place to put it. The wooden box (next to the water heater, underneath the water-fill ports) is where the shore power comes in from.
The generator output receptacle is what’s screwed into the inside of the wood box. The power cable is coiled up and stored in the box as well. So you either plug the cord into the on-board generator, or pull the cord out and plug it into another source (house, RV pedestal). So with the exception of the 12v accessories coming from the marine batteries, any external power source will run through the EMS.
Not the worst place for an install, I suppose. But it was pretty tight and uncomfortable to work in.
Mounted to the side wall there. The last bottom screw was at a weird angle with hoses and such in the way. I spent an equal amount of time trying to get that last fastener in as I did getting the job done up to that point. Frustrating, but finally managed to drive it home.
It also comes with a remote display that provides a rolling status with voltage, frequency, amperage, and error codes (if any).
Sunday was dedicated to working on the spare tire carrier. Started with the main frame
Tacking everything in place
Hoping I can maintain some of this accuracy when doing the final welding. Will pull it off the car for that and worried about warping and fitting it back up.
Added these little slices of DOM to the lower collars. Welded from the inside only.
Capped the pipe ends and drilled corresponding holes to fit over the DOM
Tight fit
With the rough terrain and abuse these things go through, I’m thinking this will (hopefully) keep any side-to-side movment to a minimum. Not sure if it’s really necessary, but felt like a good idea.
Placed the tire and empty jugs up there for a visual test fit.
Next I cut up some plate, measured, and drilled the lug pattern. Ordered some OEM wheel studs and lug nuts for commonality and spares.
Test fit and everything is good. Also drilled a hole in the middle, this will be for the LED whip mount and wire pass-through.
That’s all for now. Looking forward to the long weekend coming up, hoping to finish this project then.
Should be a fun challenge, though. 
