The book, Rosie: Scratch-Building a Vintage Camper Trailer brings a wealth of problem solving tricks of the trade, and offers new ways of thinking about old practices and techniques. Author Joe Mirenna brings a fresh look at doing things better, smarter, and less expensive by questioning everything from basic construction methods to choices of materials. Let these clear descriptions and hundreds of photographs become an inspiration for anyone contemplating joining this expanding world of interest.
A Book of Innovations
Rethinking Construction Methods for a Vintage Inspired Camper
Note: this is an E-book version that adds over 100 pages of content as compared to the printed paperback version. Included is more about the history of camping in the USA as well as a large section about the woodworking shop used to build the camper trailer.
Rosie: Scratch-Building a Vintage Camper Trailer brings a wealth of problem solving tricks of the trade, offering new ways of thinking about old practices and techniques. Author Joe Mirenna brings a fresh look at doing things better, smarter, and less expensive by questioning everything from basic construction methods to choices of materials. Let these clear descriptions and hundreds of photographs become an inspiration for anyone contemplating joining this expanding world of interest.
Learn how to:
- Use affordable prefinished cabinet plywood by back-kerfing, enabling interior curves to follow the traditional “canned ham” profile
- Build stronger roof framing modules with added aluminum extrusion reinforcement to replace traditional “rafter & curbing”
- Raise the level of craftsmanship with lightweight aluminum edged cabinet doors and drawer fronts inset into face frame cabinets
- Easily install affordable, durable, full-extension and self-closing modular metal drawer systems from the modern kitchen cabinetry industry
- Build in efficient LED lighting from widely available parts and fixtures
- Design a battery-based electrical system to enable off-grid camping
- Save on the cost of skins by sourcing locally heavier 40 mil aluminum from the trucking industry. Overcome the challenges to fabricating, installing, cleaning, and buffing to a mill finish or custom painting with hand tools
- Choose materials and fabrics for a custom bed tailored to your comfort
- Create an awning with a pole hoop system to avoid rain puddling
- Design and build a custom storage shed for home enjoyment
Terry, thank you for putting this out. I’m thrilled that books are selling. I hope it helps folks in the hobby.