So, to start off with, we had to build a cover for the trailer that was to haul the airplane behind the RV. Bill opted for this - over flying the plane to TX - because our plane is NOT fast, and it would take a LONG time to get it there. I will say, however, that towards the end of things, Bill was sort of wishing he'd taken the other route!
Step 1: Buy the correct trailer.
Not as easy as it might seem. Bill followed up on some used covered trailers, but no one returned his calls! We ended up driving an hour away to buy a brand new trailer.
A side panel, almost finished.
Bill's makeshift work bench.
Karl helps us get the end panel in place on the trailer bed, and Bill gets it secured.
For the next stage (getting the two long side panels up on the trailer), we needed additional helpers. In less than a half hour, we were done! You can't beat friends from the local airport!!! Not only are they generous with their time and energy, but they know what to do!
The 7'x20' foot panels were a bit unwieldy! The guys rolled them on dollies, then got one end up on the trailer, reorganized a few people, and hauled the piece up and into place.
Team Trailer! A great group of guys! Muchas gracias a todos!!!!
Bill admires the finished product thus far and checks his support braces.
The next steps involved putting a lid on it. This ended up being a bit harder - and a lot more concerning at first - because Bill discovered the front of the trailer was not square! He had checked the other aspects (like the back end), and everything looked good,...he didn't check the front. Trying to put the plywood panels on top told the story... Fortunately, it was relatively easy to fix. Bill had to undo all the screws holding the cover to the trailer bed, then we shifted the structure to the right alignment, and Bill secured it again. Phew!
Hayes and Zouey put their Seal of Approval on the trailer project.
After I primed and painted the last bit - the roof - Bill put weatherstrip edging on. And ta-da! Other than the rear panels, 'twas done! Bill figured on 1 1/2 weeks maybe to make this, and he was pretty close. With weather delays (both hot and windy Santa Ana days and rainy days!), it took a little longer. We started around Oct. 19th and finished approx. Nov. 7th.
That Bill sure is a handyman! :_
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