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Green_Wizard
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2017 16:34 - Edited by: Green_Wizard
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We inherited a 12'x8' shed from a friend who was moving out west, he used it for a storage shed for his firewood. He'd tow it down to the bush and fill it with firewood and then tow it back to his house. I was hoping to someday make a cabin on wheels, so I could move it about my farm, and I thought this would make the perfect project. I really rushed to get this project done before the snow started to, unfortunately I didn't take many pictures along the way. There is one before picture - but I'll fill the void with stories.
I wanted to utilize as much reclaimed materials as possible also, my father in law is an auction hound so I was able to benefit from that as well. My plans were to give it a rustic feeling with single pane windows, wood interior and wood heat/cooking. Also it needs to sleep four and I love playing with energy so powered by solar/wind and any other possible alternatives.
I first started by stripping the shed down to the studs, I wanted to vapor barrier and insulate it. I was going to cut cedar and have it processed into 3/4" boards to use on the walls and ceiling. What was supposed to be "cheap" for processing turned out to be my entire budget so I passed on it. I ended up using plywood on the walls, painting the walls black and then use cut up pallet slats for that classic cabin feel. My original plan was to have the woodstove on the back wall of the cabin and the bunks on either side of it. A few friends showed up to check out my project, we ended up discussing the plan over some beers and next thing I know, we've completely changed things around. As you can see from the pictures I went with a sectional/L-shaped bottom bunk with fold down top bunks. Under the bottom bunks are hinged and open up for ample storage. I feel like that this current design is far superior to what I had originally visualized. I'm quite pleased with myself on how I was able to re-purpose so much to make this cabin happen. Anyways, looking forward to sharing my experiences and receiving your input.
Notes:
- The cabin is wired 12vdc, I have access to an abundance of automotive batteries, so I haven't acquired a deep cycle yet. I have 4, 40 watt panels on the roof. Currently playing around with an old alternator/wind turbine. I know there are better options out there but I play with what I have. If everything is running, which it never will be, I'll be utilizing 95 watts/hour.
- I ran out of time but I still want to cover the faces of the bottom bunks with pallet slats, the window fit and finish could use some time spent on it, and some work on the roof/ceiling around the stove.
- Really struggling with the heat, too much to be honest. Any input would be great on this subject. The stove is 1'x2' deep and was given to me by a friend. A nice large top for a skillet and a kettle but unfortunately it's been badly overfired and now warped. It runs hot, but still takes loads of heat to get that skillet to a good temperature and my coffee boiled. Looking at ways to improve this...
G_W
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neb
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2017 17:50
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That would make a nice cabin.
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Green_Wizard
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2017 20:01
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A few more pictures...
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2017 08:43
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That's a pretty nifty setup, you can move it around and use it where you need it. A old farmer near my place did something like that on an old Hay Wagon, drag's it out to different spots on his farm (he has ponds, creeks etc as well as a Maple Bush) and rents it out to "glamper's" through some site dedicated to "Glamping".
He was saying that he originally did it for the kids & grandkids to have a spot on the farm and to move it around to where they wanted to camp and then came to the idea of renting it out... He's now talking about building 2 more on Hay Wagons, slightly more upscale and for rental... He's making bux and is having fun as he is not farming anymore (late 70's).
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Green_Wizard
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2017 07:04
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I've thought about maybe making two or three more of these over the next few years. So far it's working out fairly well. I'm glad I went ahead and installed two windows on the front of the cabin, the wood stove heats it up super quick.
I'd be interested to see what the farmer does for insurance. It's crossed my mind every time a friend comes and stays in the cabin. Not sure what would happen if they burnt it down or if my craftsmanship failed and the upper bunks came crashing down.
- GW
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Cowracer
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2017 10:18
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That is cool as hell. But I would have the irrational fear of waking up in the middle of the night with that thing rolling out of control down a hill.
But then again, despite the fact that I an religiously anal about how I set up my camper, I have that same irrational fear anytime I camp on an off-level site.
Tim
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2017 11:27
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Gee, I dunno about his insurance or anything, only chatted with him in passing one day. Apparently he got the idea from an old circus movie with the "Caravan Wagons" or whatever.
I looked on the web ands kinda like the idea of the Gypsy Style wagons or the British Showman's Wagons which would likely make amazing AirBnB Camp Wagons or for those "Glamper's".
Hey.. if ya got the land and a few carts, away from the homestead that could generate a bit of extra loot to pay for independence from .... whatever ....
Some really cool ideas in those Showman's Cars and Gypsy Wagons.
Wheel Chocks & Blocks along with leveler's reduce many potential "adventures". 
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2017 12:27
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Quoting: Green_Wizard Currently playing around with an old alternator/wind turbine. I know there are better options out there but I play with what I have.
Let us know how that turns out. Keep in mind that (I'm assuming) a car alternator runs at some pretty high rpm. You might do better with a DC motor, sometimes found cheaply from "abandoned" exercise machines (wait a month or two for those new years resolutions to tank, and you might have a DC motor to play with! Might be easier to adapt. Charge controller is another story though).
As far as heat, might consider a kerosene stove? See current resurrected thread on Dyna Glo" kerosene heater.
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