OLd Trailer [Archive] - Lampwork Etc.

Rose Leslie

2005-06-20, 12:36pm

I'm thinking about an old travel trailer for a studio. Is it feasable? I don't know. It is a little cheaper right now than a shed set up.(Which is better)
It would allready be insulated and need to have air set up in it. Other wise a ventilator and then the rest would be a little easier I think. Or am I kidding my self. What do you all think? Give me some ideas please. :-k

BillBrach

2005-06-20, 12:47pm

Most municipalities have rules about using travel trailes (or RV's) as "permanent space". You need to check this out before going much further.

Other than that, because they are easily modified, it would be a great idea.

Kaye

2005-06-20, 2:10pm

Old Travel Trailers aren't as insulated as you think, we have had a few for camping, and they are either Toooooooo COlD...or Tooooooooo Hot...nothing in the middle. If caught on fire or one starts by chance...they burn QUICK....Dan was a volunteer fireman for twenty years...not once could they ever save travel trailers...not sure what is in the suckers...but the Poof...and burn quick.

those are just my two thoughts on it...I dont know if I would ever do it, even though I have seen it done...Smirich...has his studio in a trailer I think...and others to.

Guess it depends on where you live temp wise...but mid day if its hot where you are...it will be twice as hot in a trailer....and twice as cold on a cold day...you will need heat and air conditioning.

I'm thinking about an old travel trailer for a studio. Is it feasable? I don't know. It is a little cheaper right now than a shed set up.(Which is better)
It would allready be insulated and need to have air set up in it. Other wise a ventilator and then the rest would be a little easier I think. Or am I kidding my self. What do you all think? Give me some ideas please. :-k

Anne Ricketts

2005-06-20, 2:17pm

I'm looking for the same thing but after I get back from the Gathering. I want an old one to gut and remodel into a studio. We can have a rv in the driveway but not on the street.

Rose Leslie

2005-06-20, 3:23pm

I don't have to have a permit for a two hundred foot shed. It cost just for the building about twelve to fourteen hundred dollars. That isn't the insulation either. I could go for a shed that is allready made. It is four thousand. I don't know what to do. I could go to the basement but don't want to do that. It isn't water proff. So what do I do. I can have the electric re done in the house to make it have more amperage to use in the back for the kiln and the air conditioner ,consintrator. Just a big toss up. We do have a trailer to haul stuff with in the yard that isn't being used. It has sat there for ever. It will be going soon. Might be better if we win the lottery to build on to this place and make a studio attached to a garage that needs to be built. Oh Well. Maybe before I'm ninety it will get done. sigh

Kaye

2005-06-20, 5:00pm

I'm looking for the same thing but after I get back from the Gathering. I want an old one to gut and remodel into a studio. We can have a rv in the driveway but not on the street.

Anne you really should check into that more...doesn't texas get like HOT in the summer??? more so than here...it would be like being in a mini oven...especially with the torch and kiln.

Anne Ricketts

2005-06-20, 5:17pm

Anne you really should check into that more...doesn't texas get like HOT in the summer??? more so than here...it would be like being in a mini oven...especially with the torch and kiln.
I think if I can put a couple of window units plus if it has ac in it already, I'll be nice and cool! And yes it gets too blasted hot here!!! :-x

ChaseDesigns

2005-06-20, 6:21pm

I can tell ya it gets damn hot in our rv while we are torching. We move around alot, so we aren't usually in the really really hot parts of the country in the summer. We do have air conditioning, but can't use it while torching cause of power issues and ventalation issues. Other than that it has been pretty good. The winter isn't as bad. The torch and kiln keep the place pretty toasty.

If you are stationary and have the power and can put in a perminate vent, then you should be able to make it work.

Dale M.

2005-06-20, 7:33pm

I know "locally" a travel trailer in BACK YARD (behind fence) is not a issue... But one can only keep a trailer on street in front of house or in driveway for 72 hours for loading and unloading....

However it can't be used as a second residence... But that would not exclude it from being used as a studio...

Dale

Anne Ricketts

2005-06-20, 7:40pm

Here in this neighborhood there are travel trailers parked on the sides of houses and in the driveways that have been there, seems like forever!

Toozygoot

2005-06-20, 7:43pm

BillBrach

2005-06-21, 5:43am

Anne,

Basically, those "parked" units you've seen are in "storage" as far as the municipality is concerned.

Its when you occupy them, either to live in, or to use as an office, or studio, or whatever, is when you will run into problems.

How quickly you have a problem, if you do this, is really dependent on your neighbors. If you have a "problem" neighbor, then it is just a matter of time before you will be turned in. But, the good thing is, they just tell you to stop using the trailer in the improper fashion; they don't fine you on the first warning.

If you have the trailer hidden in a back yard behind a fence, then you may never have a problem being turned in.

Bill

Anne Ricketts

2005-06-21, 5:59am

Thanks Bill, I don't know if the neigbors would care or not really. We would put up a building in the back but we rent and the lease says no extra permanent buildings on the property, at least with the trailer we could move it if we needed to! :grin:

BillBrach

2005-06-21, 7:44am

Anne,

Like I said before, I think it is a really good idea.

Especially if you can find one for a reasonable price -AND- especially as a renter, as it is easy to move. Make sure after you get it in place that you jack it up to get the tires off the ground (or remove and store them) and also if you leave the tires on the unit, that you cover them to protect them from UV damage from the sun. If it is big enough, you could even use it for additional household storage.

Someone mentioned that because of the minimal insulation TT's and RV's have, that the heat or cold might have to be dealt with. But I think you can easily "control" that by torching during the times of the day that are appropriate for the season of the year. On days that it might be too hot or cold inside, then you simply work on other duties related to your lampworking activities inside your home.

Bill

midniteburner

2005-06-23, 3:35am

Hmm, you guys have got me thinking. (that may not be a good thing, lol!!!)

I want to get all this out of the house. Hubby and the kids whine about what used to be the den.

I have a 15X15 (or so) metal storage building out back. It already has electricity hooked up for 110. The one drawback (besides being full of junk) is that it gets up to 120 degrees in the summer.

Could my studio be moved out and in it? How much trouble would it be??? How would I get it wired for everything to be plugged in??? I don't want it going to a seperate pole. Here in SC it would be very pricey.

Sara

BillBrach

2005-06-23, 4:04am

Hi Sara !!

Long time no chat !! Hope all is well.

A couple of things could be done to a shed like that.

1. A ventilator to pull the hot air out would help, especially if it were located at the peak of the roof. These type units are usually located in an end wall, very near the peak. They also make things called "ridge vents", used in houses, that might help in your situation too. These are long skinny WATERPROOF units that screw right on top of the roof right at the peak. Ridge vents are passive (meaning no electricty is required) but they are also not as efficient at moving the hot air as a powered unit either.

2. Insulating it on the inside would help a BUNCH also. You might have to add some wood furring strips on the joints, to make space for the insulation. How about posting a picture of the inside, including a closeup, and I'll give you a ballpark idea of how to do it.

3. Torch during the cooler parts of the day, early morning or late at night, when it is naturally cooler.

4. Install a small air conditoner LOW in a wall, to blow air directly on your lower body. This is what I do and it works great. I have a small piece of metal flashing material on the top of the AC unit to deflect the blast of air away from my torch, but this is only because the FREE A/C unit I have doesn't adjust in that direction. Also, recently I saw an ad for PEP BOYS where they had a roll-around A/C unit. It had an outlet port suitable to install a large diameter hose to, much like dryer hose, but larger. With this kind of unit, you could roll it outside, and run the hose back inside to your torching location. The only downside was that the unit was almost $400, about twice what a small window unit would cost. You just cannot install a small window unit ANYWHERE in the shed, because your torch ventilation system will quickly suck the cold air out. Thats why you need to bring the blast of cold air RIGHT TO your lower body area.

Bill

midniteburner

2005-06-23, 4:50am

Bill,

Wow, haven't heard from you in e-ons!!!! Thought you might of moved into a retirement home. LOL!!! Just joking!!!!

In my present situation, I sit right at the airduct for the AC. That is the only way it is bearable.

I was thinking (after my original post) that I could buy a used AC unit, a proper ventilation unit, make a new workbench and storage system for glass, tools, etc. The floor is cement so that works well. Then add outlets for all my plug ins. Insulation wouldn't be a problem. I have several portable heaters in the attic for the winter.

I can show a pic of the outside of this building. The inside is so jammed-packed with junk, you can barely open the doors. And that's exactly what's in it, JUNK!!! New project for hubby.

You don't think I would have to get a building permit or such, do you?

Anything I forgot???

Sara

ChaseDesigns

2005-06-23, 5:00am

Deanna - are you familiar with a paint that people can use on RVs that is metallic and is supposed to reflect back the heat and make it cooler? I was wondering how effective it was. We are in a park trailer (not where I torch) and it has a peaked, shingled roof for the main part but the enclosed porch roof just soaks up heat in the sun.

Sorry for the long-winded question!

pat

No Pat, I am not. But our Rv is white, so it reflecks the sun already. But I can tell ya...if we leave it closed up without the air on on a hot day, it gets really hot..like oven hot! Luckily we have airconditioning and an automatic fan, so if we leave the dog and go out, she is fine.

BillBrach

2005-06-23, 7:13am

Deanna,

The stuff that goes on RV's (and most usually Mobile Homes) is called Koolseal. If your RV is newer, it probably has a rubber-like roof on it. It is is older, probably aluminum. An aluminum roofed RV will benifit from a Koolseal application. Here is a link to the Koolseal website: http://www.koolseal.com/ Places like Lowe's and Home Despot will have it in stock. I don't know how much it will cut down on the heat, but I know it will not eliminate it entirely.

Sara,

RETIREMENT HOME, my word !!

LOL, actually I'm a cripple right now because of knee surgery, so I sorta feel like I'm in a retirement home NOW because of the crutches !! Anyhow...

I would NOT think that you need a permit, but it all depends on your municipality codes. I would try to make changes "quietly", and if you have a side of the shed that is not visible to the neighbors, then that is the side that I'd add my bench, AC unit, and possibly a window. If you are going to run a small kiln, a concentrator, a light, and a AC unit, then you might need more power than you have now. In my case, kiln is 7.5 amps, concentrator is 5 amps, and light is 1 amp, totaling 13.5 amps, which is OK for a 20 amp breaker. But, my AC unit pulls about 5 amps too, which puts too much load on one breaker, so it runs on its own circuit. Incidently, if you buy a AC NEW unit, definitely consider one that heats also, commonly called "reverse cycle". These will provide enough heat down to 40 degrees or so, to keep a small, well insulated space warm too. Reverse Cycle technology is more efficient at making heat than the usual cheapy space heater so costs less to run.

Bill

midniteburner

2005-06-23, 7:31am

Ok, my house has 200 amps coming in from the pole. Would I need to run a line that utilizes 2 20amp breakers? That would give me more than enough amps to run everything.

I like the idea of a reverse cycle unit for AC and heat. It would probably be more energy efficient too.

The storage unit is at the back of my woodsy lot so I don't think I will have any problems with nosey neighbors.

Thanks so much for your ideas!!!! :kiss:

Sara

BillBrach

2005-06-23, 1:40pm

Sara,

Ideally, I'd run 40 or 60 amp 220 V service out to the shed. Running ANY additional wiring is really dependent on how easy it is to do this.

The reason 40 or 60 amp service to the shed would be nice, is that you MAY have to buy about a 15,000 BTU AC unit to get reverse cycle, so plan on that in the first place.

At the very least, you need another 20 amp circuit. But, if you have to dig a trench to put a tiny circuit in, you might as well dig a little bigger trench and put in 'da right stuff'.

I have a 16' x 24' workshop for my woodworking that is located 75' behind the house. I buried 3 #6 wires in PVC electrical conduit, and this let me put 60 amps out there. I've never blown a breker in the 8 years its been there. And, while I had the trench open, I laid in two MORE sets of PVC conduit, in case I wanted to run water and phone out there.

Bill

x_phoenician

2006-08-20, 7:45pm

I'm bringing this thread back up- Rose, did you ever use a trailer for your studio?
My mom just bought a small, single axle trailer for this purpose. It's going to be placed about 25 feet from the house. I'm confused about the wiring, since bills' advice is for a shed, right? The trailer has it's own outlets, is that good enough? How do we even get it hooked to the house, or should it be hooked to some other source???

And I guess it has a propane heater and I think she said 2 large tanks (large as in bigger than barbecue size). We're picking it up monday or tuesday.

Any advice is appreciated :)

Tracy

Kevan

2006-08-20, 8:37pm

I know a guy who works in boro who has been using a 12ft travel trailer for his studio for years. He bought our house. Now he has a big shop.

Dale M.

2006-08-21, 7:49am

Doesn't a famous Oregon bead maker have studio in trailer... Jim Smirich by name....

To get power out to trailer you probably need RV quality extension cord (30 amp) and a RV style outlet (30 amp???) from house power (fuse box).

Check to see if there is a fuse/breaker box on trailer and what fuse/breaker capacities are... Check with local RV dealer to see what power requirements should be .... DO NOT tell then you are going to make it into a studio... Just say you want to be informed about the power requirements of trailer, just act like you are taking it camping...IF you say you are doing a make over into studio it just confuses them...

Dale

Rose Leslie

2006-08-21, 4:55pm

ChaseDesigns

2006-08-21, 6:07pm

Tracy you know Greg and I work in our RV. We have ours hooked to a 30 amp outlet and everything is just plugged into outlets int he RV. Now the kiln and concnetrators like diffent outlets though, so try to have them hooked up to seperate power supplies.

x_phoenician

2006-08-21, 9:29pm

x_phoenician

2006-08-21, 9:44pm

Shoot I haven't even been able to get a trailer or any thing yet. Still looking. I even thought of a caboose. They are a little to expensive to redo. So I'm looking at a storage shed. I would try some type of insulation on the inside of a trailer though if it is feasable. I don't know. Some of the foam insulation might work?

Now wouldn't a caboose be great! Except for trying to move it. There's a guy not far from our house who sells little vintage trailers. He fixes them up and does a pretty good job. He had a really cute white and turquoise with the quilted look on the outside, a 1960-something.

He even has one called a "bubble". It's this tiny oval shaped trailer, guess it's bigger on the inside than it looks. When you step inside the floor is actually lowered, like a recessed(?) area and it has a bed kinda like a hammock, it hangs above another bed. Cute! They're vintage and people really collect these things. He wanted a little over $2,000 for the turquoise n' white one but mom saw one for sale on her way to church Sunday...the owner was selling it for $500 but took mom's offer of $400! It needs a new roof but much better price and the inside is in good shape.

Why don't you ask around at campgrounds Rose? I know of one here that stored trailers for people who camped seasonally and sometimes they don't come back to get them/stop paying storage fee. Maybe you could get a deal on an abandoned one.

Susie

2006-08-22, 12:44pm

Thanks Kevan,Dale, Rose and Deanna. Yeah Deanna, I know you and Greg work in your RV...but it's so much larger I thought it would automatically have more "umph". :)

Our house is about 35 years old and it honestly wasn't built very well when it comes to the electrical and plumbing. The lights dim sometimes when the microwave turns on or when the hairdryer is being used. :p Serious! This never happened in my apartment. And if the washer is going in the basement, the kitchen faucet water flow is affected. This happens to other people? :rolleyes:

So we were wondering if there was an option besides plugging into the fuse box- which is in the basement on the farthest wall as far as I know. I know nothing about electrical wiring but it seems our home needs much more power than what was wired originally... and why I was a little worried about hooking up something else to the house.

Has anyone ever had the power company actually bring a line in and install a seperate meter for their shed? They don't run and tell the township or ask to see permits do they? 8-[

I had a storage shed built to use as my studio. I am/was planning on having it wired, insulated and sheetrocked. Until today, I didn't know how much the electrical was going to cost. It turns out that my breaker box is too small and that would have to be replaced before anything was run to my studio, then they would also add a seperate breaker box in the studio. My heart sank when the I got the quote. $3050. This expensive hobby is breaking my bank and my heart. I already paid $2300 for the shed which is basically just a shell and now $3050! I still have to dole out for the insulation, sheetrock and venilation system. I am so depressed about this. I don't know for sure what will become of my studio. :cry: All I ever wanted was a place of my own to work on any of my crafts.

Susie

Rose Leslie

2006-08-22, 3:51pm

AH Sussie,
I know what you mean. I'm thinking about a shed or something. But with all that we can do and then the electric it will be around ten grand. I know it will. Just be aware that if you can do some of it by your self it will save you money. That is why I would love to get one done now. My DH wants to buy a place out in the country with out buildings. He thinks he can get me a place with all the amenities. Yeah sure! So this is what I have been thinking again. A trailer with the foam insulation and then some other type of insulation for the trailer or shed. Something. OR I will just use what I have at the moment. Good luck. I was told that a good well equiped glass blowing shop is upwards of over a hundred grand. Not for me.

nivedita

2006-08-22, 6:46pm

Hi there... i have had my studio set up in many wheeled conveyances over the years... my current one is a 30Ft office trailer, with 2 doors on the same side, i will be replacing them with heavy duty glass doors for more light....and large windows... what i love about it is its combination of seclusion and availability... it is great to have a place , a sanctuary, just for glass....when i had my first trailer studio, it was an 18 ft travel trailer...with the couch-bed in the front end, and a foldout table bed across from the oven sink stove fridge.;bathroom and closet in the back. I took out the bed in the front, and put my bench there...in the side windows i bolted in small box fans , pointed outwards to suck the air out as i worked. Fresh cool air is sucked in thru the screen door, when the door was open, keeping it cooler and fresh and safe.The 'bunkbed" above the area is perfect for storing rods and accrutrementia....the wraparound windows offer plenty of light..since the tongue of the trailer is right out front, that is the perfect place to place your tanks out front and run the gasses thru the windows....i built a 3 sided wooden box, hinged for removal when i towed the whole shebang to a show... outdoor shows, i just put my tent and tables inside as i left, unload on site and park in the lot... all of my tools and supplies are right close by, nothing left at home!! Indoor shows, same thing ...shows over, tow it home... everything is right there...if you are doing a multiday show...the little trailer is selfcontained...if cramped....Oh and i lined the floor beneath the bench with the heavy fibreboard used beneath woodburning stoved, The bench top was a heavy metal tray designed to put beneath your car, to catch leaks-... majes a great bench protector..the table and bench seats across from the kitchen are perfect for beadng of relaxing betweeen wild bouts of torching.... ahhh... and, if you burn yourself, the fridge will keep your ice handy...

nivedita

2006-08-22, 6:58pm

Oh, also, if you park the trailer inside one of those big 10 X 20 ft metal framed parking canopies... creates a cooling effect with the air circulation above the metal trailer., and, you can hang sidewalls for privacy. I run seperate heavy duty electrical cords/extension lines from the house... one for the trailer itself, one for my PC and misc office supplies, the one for my kiln and related devices...Even a bedraggled little trailer can be cheered by a festive coat of paint....I have never had anyone complain of my using the trailer as a studio...most people expressed a desire for a littly tiny hideaway of their own...
www.glassartists.org/niveditaphoenixrising
www.justbeads.com
www.theannealermagazine.com
31806
31807

x_phoenician

2006-08-22, 7:31pm

Oh man, I think that's what they'll have to do here, put in a larger breaker box. They need it anyway but holy cow! Thousands of dollars?! Sorry to hear that Susie. Who quoted you that price? An electrician? I just assumed the power company would have to be involved at some point in the process.

Nivedita- that sounds nice! Yes, a fridge is a must! Thank you for sharing how you arranged your studio. If we had a 30ft office trailer I'd probably never leave it. ;)

We had the man who refurbishes trailers take a look at ours, he was nice enough to drive here since it had a flat tire. :rolleyes:
It's going to need too much work for our needs and mom isn't thrilled about investing a lot of money. I think he said the cabinets and everything are bolted to the roof which adds to the pita factor. Plus, they seem to think it's a bit too large for the Jeep Grand Cherokee to pull. My dad's truck had no problem at all pulling it.

But, he might trade her for an Airstream, which is what she really wanted in the first place. The trailer we have right now would be better suited to a deer hunter that just wants something for shelter/sleeping while he's up in the woods.

Well Rose, good luck on finding that property!