@ParkerSystems it's framed with 2x4s, the interior ceiling is only about 8ft tall, blown in insulation was used above that and foam board insulation was used on the walls. Its been finished for 17 years. We don't live it but we use it as our restroom at our yard.
It's has house grade appliances such as heater, water heater, stove, all running on a stationary propane tank. We are planning on moving it next year but all the connections were installed as quick connects from the beginning.
The way that Walmart loads these, they use a couple of different configurations. They either haul meat and produce (32F & 40F) or they freezer dairy deli (-20 F and 34F). They usually will load meats and frozen foods in the middle. No particular reason other than how the route is setup. The last way they use them is a single zone for times when they have a backhaul of product to the warehouse.
Thanks for explaining that -- I just assumed you would load cold from the front to the back -- I appreciate a professional explaining how they are typically utilized -- thanks for watching
Oh this is awesome!! I iDrive truck and have spent a lot of time thinking about converting one. Have you considered a drop deck van trailer? I wondered which would be a better platform to start with. I've built a few tiny houses and wanted to build one on a semi trailer platform. Looking forward to this!
Yes. I would agree. 53 drop deck vans are a little more pricy … (people like to convert them to custom hauler trailers for race cars monster trucks drag cars etc.) 48 footers are a little better in price. You would still have to insulate … but to your point you could create some multi level living space and once you insulated all your drop bays we have to create would already be inside your thermal envelope the closed cell spray foam is going to cost you about 2.00 a square foot for 2” so 53’ x 12 x 2 (Sides) 8 x 2 x 12 (front back) and 53 x 8 x 2 top and bottom. That will work out to about 6k plus a little more for the bottom labor … which we can build the basement or under box storage for …. So kindva a push for us. But if you wanted a unit rated for the cold that would be way to go. Plus the lower level access would make ingress/egress easier
when I looked into the gas mileage of a ambulance, I was like ok 7 miles ?. You know, might as well pull anything. This gives you room for a nice bathroom, a kitchen, etc. Really hard to do that in a camper.
On this particular trailer we did not insulate them. However, we do a have an Electric heater and thermostat to maintain the lower bay. It would be no issue to insulate …. Great question. Thanks for watching
I DIY RV battery's lithium lipo4 projects, im a truck driver by trade used to be Automobile mechanic. Im very interested in this, i recently purchased an GD RV and getting ready to modify it, looking forward for some good ideas.
Thanks for watching. On our channel we have a couple of other videos on the existing trailers, battery systems, etc. Stay tuned we will get additional videos as work progress.
So if i was to buy one of these, And get a semi truck to haul it. Do i need a CDL since the CDL = commercial driver's license and i would not be commercial and i would own it and not be for hire. and its basicly a Rv.
You are correct. If you owned it privately and are not in the pursuit of commerce and it is classed as an RV you DO NOT need a CDL to operate it on the roadways. We utilize them in a commercial fashion so all our drivers are CDL. There is an entire community of people that use commercial trucks to pull their fifth wheel trailers if you looked up HDT (Heavy Duty Truck) they typical use volvo trucks with automatic transmissions and single out the rear drive train -- search on youtube for HDT Rv and you'll find lots of examples. To class your converted semi trailer to an RV to my understanding you have to demonstrate 3 things a place to sleep, a way to prepare food and a bathroom. I have heard examples of portable basic examples that were successful (cots, cassette toilets and a hot plate and a cooler) ... hope this is helpful. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@ParkerSystems So where do i find that in the law, I mean i asked Arizona and they told me just becuse i convered the inside to a RV the trailer is still rated, and that rating puts me over the allow waight before you need a CDL.
Each state is a little different -- I was quoting the information that I believe correct for GA. In the States that I am familiar some may require a CDL type license but typically they have a commercial version and non commercial version, and non version is typically easier to get and maintain -- I do know that my Georgia rules will apply to any state you are traveling. --- I guess the worst case is goto a friendly RV state -- I did not realize the can of worms this topic is --- if you google this there is a LOT of conversation on the ol interwebs
If you're using it as a camper or Motorola, you do not need a CDO in most states. Some states you would need it because of the weight you got to check the states
Cant wait to see more. Im in the bus conversion scene and have often thought about how much more flexible a semi trailer would be. Cant wait to see more.
Cool. I too converted an old mci bus. It’s a lot of fun. The buses are more interesting. Lots of radius work on those units. Especially the old ones. I believe the one I did was 70s model mci7
In the first unit that we built we did exactly that. Great idea. In that unit we used a traditional forced air heating and cooling. In the next unit we did a mini splits. Great comment.
Very few things keep my interest ... as most folks making videos use a lot of "filler talk". Man ... you had me engaged for the entire duration of the video!! You kept it straight forward and to the point, which tells me you're a straight shooter. I do have a question. Are there any 20' trailers like these or can one be converted to a 20' equivalent? Throwing some solar panels on the roof with an inverter and some batteries are what I was thinking would be a good addition. Now I'm anxious to see the other videos! lol
Absolutely. There are what we call pup trailers. I think these are 24-28 feet long. I’m sure there are viewers that know Excatly. I have one that I converted to a generator trailer. And yes I have had in my mind to add solar and make total off grid trailer ….
WOW ! The level of quality,fit and finish is off the charts! Found your channel on accident immediately liked and subscribed Looking forward to every step by step video
Thanks for watching. I hope we can keep you engaged…. Sometimes a tight line between intresting and facts that people don’t care about… thanks for watching
Interesting concept. I do have a few suggestions, though: 1 - Install some windows. Yes, they would add some cost - but, anyone using the trailer is going to appreciate them. 2 - Install a second bathroom, including a second shower. 17 people sharing this space is going to represent too much of a demand for just one bathroom. Alternately, make a larger commercial style bathroom with stalls and urinals, along with two shower stalls. Put the sleeping area at one end of a hallway and the living area at the other end of the hallway with the restroom(s) in the middle, along one side. Put a door at the end of the hallway going into the sleeping area. 3 - Go to just a little extra trouble to use actual printed labels where you are currently using hand written Sharpie labels. 4 - I think you would be better off with a rubber penny flooring, rather than the wood flooring. This would be more rugged and less maintenance. It would also be more quiet when people are walking on it while others are sleeping. 5 - An emergency exit or alternate entrance towards the front of the trailer, for safety. This could also be in the hallway where the bathrooms are located, making it easier to access the bathrooms on site. 6 - The roof of the trailer could support a few thousand watts of solar panels. Along with a sizable battery bank and 12kw inverter and operating costs could be significantly reduced, while providing shade for the roof of the trailer, reducing costs for cooling.
Thanks for watching..... 1. (windows) We contemplated windows -- we put windows in the doors of the units -- but we basically sleep in them and the bunks are dark and common areas have the door windows. Then we would need black out curtains -- so we opted for no windows -- band buses are the nearest commercial thing to these units and they dont have windows either. 2. (bathrooms) We should have been more clear the sleeping trailer that has capacity of 16 people, this unit has 3 bathrooms and 3 showers. The baths are in the middle and bunkhouse on each end with another shower and bath in the rear office/bunk area. The first sleeping trailer only has 12 bunks and has one shower and one bath -- in each case the showers and bathroom are seperate which allows the showers and toilets be used in separate areas simultaneously 3. (labels) I agree on the labing -- most of the trailer uses those labels -- I have used a sharpie in some locations -- but you are correct. 4. (flooring) I agree on the flooring -- I didn't know any better - did actual commercial tile and hardwood -- it has worked great and is easy to clean - but I do like your suggestion -- the newest units do use the floating floor type -- but i like the solid wood better -- 5. (exits) I have the exits in the middle of the units -- no person is more than 14' from the exit -- the new unit will have an additional exit. The units also have commercial wired smoke and carbon dioxide detectors -- the fire alarm will e-stop the gensets immediately if activated and have horn sirens and strobes and pull stations -- I also built the cabins areas positive pressure with makeup air on the opposite side of the trailer from the exhaust and more than 40 feet away and the genset/hvac units compartment which is negative pressure --- we now run in camp with a remote genset to further prevent genset issues -- 6. (solar) You are correct -- we did a large gneset with 5 tons of cooling and dehumidification units -- the roof has 6 inches of closed cell foam -- this gives us a r30 -- cooling hasnt been an issue -- these trailers are 13'7", real solar panels with an air gap will add another 3" which would put us at 13'10" 4" above the 13'6" -- I realize that you typically don't have an issue till you exceed 14' -- the new unit will have this solar -- thank you battleborn they saw our video and made us a partner -- thanks for your comments and suggestions we appreciate you watching -
This is awesome. I have been pondering something similar but using the trailers from the moving industry. They can have a drop deck setup and under boxes already installed. Any thoughts on that?
Yes sir. I answered another gentleman in this section before regarding a step deck or drop deck van. I believe his name is Shawnweaver39…. I think it would be an excellent idea. In his comments I laid out the offset cost for the closed cell and cost of belly compartments or basement boxes. You definitely get more cubic space opens the opportunity for multiple levels and multiple people levels and you get the infrastructure like water and grey-black and prehaps batteries in the thermal envelope… the downside is the genset and HVAC heat exchangers and areas for the exterior equipment … although one or both can be added as an exterior unit on the front. However Baird type ac units and front mounted trailer gensets tend to be expensive…. Check out the other comment for cost of the closed cell foam as well. Thanks for the suggestions … if I had unlimited budget or a nice ROI model I would probably convert a 53’ step van.
That’s a cool idea. Lots of these trailers get replaced that could be utilized. I also know there is a pretty large movement to convert containers …. Although most people just use the “normal” containers they also make insulated shipping containers. Thanks for watching
lol. That is lucky cat. We can’t let him get in too many of the videos as he has a way of stealing the show. He got a free ride on a rollback when he was a too little to be separated from his mom and ended next door at another shop … we took him in and now he does security for us.
Yes -- i don't know how efficient they are -- when you twin gensets together and have the controller and breakers set wrong the genset that fails will become a motor and start turning -- i know pipeline welders that even start their welding machines in this fashion. --- thanks for watching
What runs thru my mind is where can you camp with a semi height and size apart from truck stops and rest area?? I am a trucker so those are all I ever see so genuinely curious.
If you were planning on using this as a personnel RV I believe you concerns are valid. We are utilizing these to deploy behind a hurricane or events, so moving them down the highway is our concern and after fighting with tag trailers behind pickups we wanted to move to a commercial platform. Those light trailers and lower quality tires created a lot of issues.. RVs are basically overload and could not keep up with the movements and equipment we were doing. I can tell you I have a personal RV its a bus at 45 feet length with a 13' clearance -- it also can be a challenge to find a typical RV spot -- with that said I have been in several rv parks where an old truck driver could get around with a 53 trailer -- you could also consider a 40 or 45 foot trailer in place of the 53', move the axels up a little more than normal and get in a lot rv parks -- There is a whole community that uses typically volvo tractors singled out on the rear drive to pull those big fifth wheel campers -- check them out on youtube search for HDT RV you'll find a lot of content ... thanks for watching
@ParkerSystems thanks didn't know much of the rv places had tht kind of spacing! I seen the Volvos but never said anything but was always on my mind that's for responding and interested on how it will come out
Absolutely love these videos! I always keep redundancy and reliability in mind for any project I’m involved with, and it’s cool to come across these videos and be able to “nerd out.” Keep up the good work!
Thank you! We appreciate the comment …. With a background in network connectivity redundancy and diversity are always on our minds as well. Keep watching.
Should be pulled by a diesel electric truck tractor. Solar panels on the top of the the trailer and everything can be run by a couple of battery packs. Edison in Canada have started converting diesel trucks to diesel electric. That is the future.
Would love to see solar implemented onto one of these, even if it's only to keep the essential systems (water pumps, refrigeration, etc.) online during total engine failure. Not sure that having an entire trailer be powered via solar would be logistically possible.
Yes. We have that plan. I have a couple other trailers with lift gates Ann I have a little solar on them to keep those batteries charged. I still want to do like a tiny house version and do the entire roof in solar. Stay tuned.
Will you discuss the cost of the project as you go? Also, I might have missed it, what is the mission these trailers are designed for? Great video, I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks for sharing.
Yes sir. I do have plans to build a tiny home version. Cover the entire roof in solar … 1000-1500 of lithium battery…. HVAC …. Prehaps water generator and RO for drinking …. Designed for two people. Thanks for watching .
I’ve been a truck driver for 40 years currently me and Dogg are getting paid to see the country. That’s the way I look at it I will definitely follow your build. Curious what state you’re based out of
40 years. That’s a long time. I have a couple of guys that used to be full time drivers and have nothing but respect for you guys. We appreciate what you do for the success of our economy… truckers are the backbone of what makes our country great. We are based out of NW Georgia.
Yes. Check out a couple of our videos. We have an agreement with battleborn. On the new trailer we have a plan to do a lot of solar and lithium … we have 600 amps and 200 amp hours on the other trailers …. Thanks for watching and stay tuned.
why not use solar? you got a massive roof space and it will save weight too. but i suppose it's not wasteful enough for you, being an American company. also you second build seemed pretty substandard, inside. judging by the second trailer.
I like what I see. I am trying to turn my 48 foot reefer spread axle trailer into a tiny home on wheels. My question is the insurance company that I have been with for several years doesn’t want to insured the 48 foot trailer since it is going to be a tiny home. They will continue to insure my Peterbilt with the 53 foot trailer, so what type of insurance will cover the tiny home?
Been thinking about getting into emergency response using our small fleet of trucks, being out of the Oklahoma we probably would focus more on tornado response for large disaster areas such as the recent tornado that hit barndall and sulfur OK
That’s a great idea. Since we are doing the radio infrastructure we typically don’t respond on tornados. We have on a couple in the past. While devastating tornados tend to hit smaller areas than hurricanes and typically doesn’t affect tower sites like hurricanes. During disasters communities need all types of support, I think it’s amazing you’re considering helping. Thanks for watching
Yes. I was trying to relate the differences in the insulation of the various trailers. It’s been my experience that all the units to set those values. Thanks for the comment.
I wouldn’t use a reefer trailer. Install ac unit & you can haul trailer with only double axle tractor. With reefer engine you’ll need a triple axle-diesel wasted.
Very interesting. Whats the total cost to build one. We loat our houae in a flash flood memorial weekend. Trying to find something economical to live in.
We buy these trailers for around 10-15K -- we put 50-75K in materials and probably that in labor -- however we way outfit them is typically more than if you were trying to create a tiny home for a couple of people -- also we need the road worthy part to be in great shape -- if you were building a stationary unit you could save some money. thanks for watching
I think the majority of my questions come down to differing needs but i do need to ask ; why not keep the refrigerator off the front of the trailer? And one more would be why not take advantage of the raised floor trailers for heated and cooled floors?
Thanks for the questions. The unit on the front is loud. The air velocities are way too high and the system is around 10-15 tons. They use diesel and at that capacity it’s way over kill. They would short cycle never maintain the humidity etc. …. I have utilized the floor for the return in the first unit I built …. Check back a few videos for a more detailed explanation…. That unit was built several years ago and has a split 5 ton HVAC …. I have since moved to mini splits …. But heated floors would be cool (lol) and the ribs would hold the lines nicely. Thanks for watching
The new H&H catamaran 44 has solar panels on top of the boat. Could you put solar panels on top of the trailer and put batteries where the refrigeration unit was in the front?
Not the military. We deploy following disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, events, etc. And restore the communications for the 911 center and radio communications for first responders. Check out the balance of our channel and we have a couple videos on deployments…. Thanks for watching
@@ParkerSystems Perhaps that aspect should be part of the intro as to who you are. Or perhaps you might want to contract with a "real" producer to help your organization rather than what it seems which is an underground para-military group with an ill-explained sketchy mission. No one is going to go look at"other" videos. The one that is being watched should be self-explanatory.
We respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which means that we bring a team of people who need a place to sleep and have other amenities. We don’t want to be a burden on the affected areas, so we bring everything we need to be self sustaining while we’re deployed. You can learn more about how our operations work in this video: th-cam.com/video/lUWYmbcduWA/w-d-xo.html
Question: since it is insulated, do you still get any condensation on the inside when people are living in it? If so, how did you work that out? I would think not, but want to make sure. I am in the planning stages of making my 53’ reefer trailer retirement mini home. Thanks for posting the video!
we have not had a condensation issue --- the typical use of these units are an environment that is warmer outside than in the trailer, however the units are so tight that if you did live in it in a cold climate condensation would be an issue as the inside would reach a high level of humidity with the occupants -- so the exterior wall and surfaces would reach the dew point at that level of humidity -- on the first unit we built we used a 5 ton split ac unit -- this was way too big and the short cycle of this unit did not achieve the dehumidification that we needed and we added a small dehumidifier to address this issue -- this would also take care of the cold weather issues that I mentioned ... on the next units we built we used smaller mini splits and they take care of the humidity by running at lower capacities for longer, I would also consider an air to air heat exchanger to help with fresh air, as we are not really concerned with heating and cooling efficiency in a our deployments we did a 15% markup air replacement with all of the interior fans which we run continuously so we get main cabin pressurization and fresh air --- great question -- thanks for asking
10-15K for the used trailer -- If you were doing a tiny home type deal -- I think if you didnt go crazy you could do it for 25-40K --- we spend like 75K
Great technology and well thought out lay out, for a disaster relief truck! I am guessing the cost to be very high, but perhaps some states could afford this type of 'rescue' vehicle.
Can’t wait to to see how the belly box is made! I was planing to build a not so little , little house with my son but it turns out he is also a hoarder so little isn’t our thing. But I keep thinking about it! Also very intin to cost for one of these!?
Cool -- thanks for watching - we will document the bell boxes in a upcoming video --- we have 10K in the trailer - 50-80K in material and probably 50K in labor -- remembering we have gneset -- many water systems -- fuel tanks -- lots of items a tiny home may not require --
Man i did SAR and fast water rescue during hurricane Harvey down in Texas, i spent 12 days sleeping in my pickup or on a sleeping pad in a VFW parking lot lol. This would have made it a vacation for 🤣. Very cool concept though.
Hello, what are you using to heat the water with diesel? I've been trying to find a suitable product but all I find is chinese junk. I don't need hot air, just hot water.
We are using a Wabasto heater -- this is a coolant heater, I would have to look back but I'm pretty sure its a 90,000 btu -- around 27-28KW similar to the electric heater that I have in the units. The one used I actually found on ebay -- a new old stock kind of deal. -- I think I paid around 1,000.00 (i believe new it would be around 4K into today money) -- I have a similar unit on my bus -- Mine was made by a secondary company with the wabasto unit inside an enclosure -- I think Wabasto now makes a similar box -- these units are very well made and tip/filter is all that requires service. -- if the burner camber is not cracked and the electric module is good the tip and filter is all that needs work -- the electros that arch to ignite need pointing and gapped but it is a good platform ... i then used 3 plate to plate heat exchangers I cant remember exactly how I sized them but if you decide to go this route comment back and ill refresh my memory and suggest the correct size. -- If you are looking for domestic water heat for like one shower or fixture probable 30-50K btu unit will be great - it would preform like a continuous water heater like electric or propane -- I had to add a tank with water and glycol (antifreeze) -- if you are using this in an rv you can use the trucks radiator and get the benefit of heating the engine and making the over the road heater work other wise you'll need to add a tank -- i insulated mine..
@@ParkerSystems Thank you so much for all the information! I really appreciate the time you took to write this up. I found a similar one on eBay and I am working out a price with the seller. I am using this for my traditional home, where I have a diesel generator that isn't powerful enough to drive my 18kw on demand heater. I live in an area with frequent storms and power outages. I want to slowly burn diesel fuel and avoid diesel bug, otherwise the 500 gallons I have on site will slowly go bad. I did notice you had 3 plate exchangers in your video, are those in parallel or series? I can do the thermodynamic calculations, but I have a few other questions. Based on the specs of the one I found (same manufacturer) the output water temp is 90C/194F, which is too hot for a sink / shower IMO. Does it have a variable set point? Can it modulate like the electric Eco heater? If not, how do you reject the excess heat? Does it just short cycle? Do you have a thermostatic mixing valve to reduce the max temp of the water output? I'd be happy to pay you for your time if you prefer to have a quick chat about it. Happy Holidays!
I would be happy to chat with you. @@fluke196c Call the office 800 8 PARKER tell whom ever answer the phone that we have spoken and leave a number and I will call you back, reference this video. 800 872 7537 thanks I had the same issue with the temperature -- I used a electronic thermostat and reduced the output temperature to 150 -- similar to the 140 setpoint I used on the electric tankless -- most people dont realize that the 140 is residential limit -- if installed in a commercial setting they can go upto 180 degrees --- to hot for a shower but great to help clean in a dishwasher in a restaurant -- I used a 50 gal glycol tank --- so my cycle time was not that short and put a delta T of 10 degrees so the short cycling is not an issue. -- I placed the heat exchangers in series -- the hot water of the first exchanger runs against the domsetic water at the coldest point -- We get to with in 5 degrees even with 3 showers running -- we do have those "safety" mixing valves but we turned them up pretty hight. -- we dont take small children on deployment so we are not as concerned about the shower heat -- if you get it too hot step out of the shower --- I dont believe i could change the setpoint on the unit -- most gas - diesel motors operate around that 190-200 range and these heater are designed to heat those vehicles if the motor isnt operating --
I will say, as someone who’s spent several nights in one of theses trailers during our deployments, it is a little strange to stay in the same room but then walk out to a different location 😂 at least the beds are comfortable.
Yes sir -- I could not agree more. The main areas the kitchens, office areas and main entrances have doors with half lites in them. I considered windows in all the bunks but with complications with light and shades plus the number required we did not think it was worth the complexity and cost -- we have a canopy system were the guys hang out when in camp so when you are in the trailer you are basically sleeping in the birth areas -- the kitchen area has the window and rear office of the second trailer also has a window. I plan on building a trailer like a personnel RV or Tiny Home -- for this unit I will do windows. -- it would be easy to do a large window where the reefer unit is installed and I would add windows in other areas -- great point and tanks for watching and taking the time to comment --
I have a great editor … that I like very much. You have to remember he doesn’t have much to work with. The on camera guy is all over the place…. Maybe there is better way to handle all of my tangential ramblings … but hard to blame the editor when this is what you have to work with. Thanks for watching.
Like the guy has already commented we pay 10-15k for these units. The tires and hours will determine the price. When we purchase we look for the rails and side panels. We can paint the unit but a crinkled side rail is a pricy fix. The way we outfit them with HVAC, gensets and lots of tanks. We have nearly 50k in materials…. The labor is difficult to track as we build them in house and just track hours with other shop work. I would estimate if you paid an outfitter you would be in 75-150k range but as with anything the level of finish and materials will dictate the final price. I think if would be fun to create a tiny home out of one of these trailers … do the entire top with solar … do a de-humidifier water gen and RO fresh water 1000-1500 AH of lithium batteries with goal of green and 100 percent off grid with HVAC and water heating for two people.
@@ParkerSystems Ideal tiny home - mobile home. Either to be parked without the truck, or to be a motorhome. For long stays and away from the city of course.. The height and the length (as well as the weight capacity) is second to none. For a family who is ok with staying for a while, an option is moving around in a car or van that can be towed, or even smaller vehicles stored inside (bike, scooter, unicycle, etc). The roof can fit 13-14 solar panels of 550watts each...Also interesting would be to have rain collection. Ideal off grid home really. My preference would be huge windows for the view and open design for shared spaces (living room, kitchen). Subscribed, looking forward to your next videos. Cheers
We typically pay 10-15k for the trailer. I would estimate that the equipment supplies and materials will cost 50-75k and the labor will around that same estimate. So the total unit will cost us 110-150k Dependant on the level of finish. We will track all the cost on this unit and provide them as we continue.
Would there be a benefit to installing solar panels on the roof? Maybe even something that could extend away from the side (like a porch roof)? I’m not sure of the weight and potential power it might supply. But in your “off grid” situations, curious if it would be worth the investment?? I like the idea of going carbon neutral - but know that much of the technology isn’t Quite “there” yet…
Yes. Absolutely. One thing i want to do next is build a tiny home. Full solar on top with enough battery to get you thru the night and couple of rain/cloudy days. Great idea.
We should be putting out the next episode sometime in January. We’ve just had the reefer unit taken off and we’re getting ready to start the demo process!
I am a reefer trailer technician. And I work on these trailer daily. My questions are 1. How are you going to deal with the humidity that builds inside 2. And most used cold storage trailers had a off smell, how do you guys solve the smell? We wash out several times and spread coffee and let sit for a day or so.. thanks can't wait to see the end
Great question, so we take the front unit out and leave the rear doors open, pressure wash the entire inside of the trailer then when we do plywood and hardwood / tile floors, 1/2 inch plywood on the walls and do then ceilings out of plywood as well we have no issues. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your insight to these units.
Never thought of that angle. I will tell you when we are running down the road we typically leave the inside lights on. We get lots of looks. Thanks for watching
Interesting. I work for a 4 letter agency that knows something about hurricane deployments. They put us on cots in abandoned walmarts or some other luxurious location, LOL. I am going to check out your other videos.
I guess you could hire a water truck and septic tank pumping truck to stop by every few days and fill/empty tanks. The multiple grey/black water tanks might make that a pain to do though.
We primarily use these trailers on hurricane response and they're constantly moving locations. To date we have been able to deploy just outside the affect area of the storm, we actually pick these areas for the fact that the water system is unaffected and still working. We find these areas 30-60 miles from the landfall of the storm. When I purchased my fuel tanker I purposely made sure it had all double bulkheads, I did a test I took a compartment (2700 gals) that had diesel fuel in it ... loaded a it full of gas dumped it and then filled it 75% with water and gallon of dawn dish soap -- drove it around and dumped it, refilled it with water and a super scientific test -- I could not smell or taste the fuel -- while we obviously we would not have used this water for cooking or drinking I believe it would have been okay for showering ... we also have access to 6,500 food grade stainless tankers (check out our video "We made a Temporary Water System ....) and 2,000 gallon water truck we use in our directional drilling business our plan is deploy them if required since we carry enough water for the first 3-5 days ... but thru the last 15 years we have found a site with water for all our deployments. For the black and grey we have dumped into working sewer systems, typically if the water system is working the sewer is as well. We carry a dual 2 HP grinder pump and several hundred feet of lay flat pipe to pump away the black and grey as required. Thanks for watching --- great questions.
Check out Episode 3! th-cam.com/video/i2MlpvgpTmY/w-d-xo.html
Q
We lived in a dry van trailer for a couple years, my dad outfited it with bedrooms, kitchen, restroom and a laundry room
Oh wow! -- thats cool -- did you notice how he insulated it -- did he leave it mobile or use it fixed --- thanks for commenting - -
@ParkerSystems it's framed with 2x4s, the interior ceiling is only about 8ft tall, blown in insulation was used above that and foam board insulation was used on the walls. Its been finished for 17 years. We don't live it but we use it as our restroom at our yard.
It's has house grade appliances such as heater, water heater, stove, all running on a stationary propane tank. We are planning on moving it next year but all the connections were installed as quick connects from the beginning.
thanks for replying thanks -- @@jgutie4377
I'm a trucker and I like it a lot!
Real estate developers are scrambling to make this illegal.
Oh yeah in our area they are tightening up the tiny homes all the time.
Excited for this series!
I came here from tiktok. I can’t wait see see this process
Thanks for taking the time to make the TH-cam trip.
Me too 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Same
Don’t worry, it’s 3 months later and they still haven’t done anything with the trailer besides waste 2 videos.
The way that Walmart loads these, they use a couple of different configurations. They either haul meat and produce (32F & 40F) or they freezer dairy deli (-20 F and 34F). They usually will load meats and frozen foods in the middle. No particular reason other than how the route is setup. The last way they use them is a single zone for times when they have a backhaul of product to the warehouse.
Thanks for explaining that -- I just assumed you would load cold from the front to the back -- I appreciate a professional explaining how they are typically utilized -- thanks for watching
Oh this is awesome!! I iDrive truck and have spent a lot of time thinking about converting one. Have you considered a drop deck van trailer? I wondered which would be a better platform to start with. I've built a few tiny houses and wanted to build one on a semi trailer platform. Looking forward to this!
Yes. I would agree. 53 drop deck vans are a little more pricy … (people like to convert them to custom hauler trailers for race cars monster trucks drag cars etc.) 48 footers are a little better in price. You would still have to insulate … but to your point you could create some multi level living space and once you insulated all your drop bays we have to create would already be inside your thermal envelope the closed cell spray foam is going to cost you about 2.00 a square foot for 2” so 53’ x 12 x 2 (Sides) 8 x 2 x 12 (front back) and 53 x 8 x 2 top and bottom. That will work out to about 6k plus a little more for the bottom labor … which we can build the basement or under box storage for …. So kindva a push for us. But if you wanted a unit rated for the cold that would be way to go. Plus the lower level access would make ingress/egress easier
when I looked into the gas mileage of a ambulance, I was like ok 7 miles ?. You know, might as well pull anything. This gives you room for a nice bathroom, a kitchen, etc.
Really hard to do that in a camper.
Exactly and you get that full 102” overall width. Thanks for watching
Is solar power something that would work well with this setup
Yes. check out our channel we have a couple of videos on our solar systems and what we intend to do in this area -- thanks for watching
Are the water tanks under the trailer insulated and winter capable?
On this particular trailer we did not insulate them. However, we do a have an Electric heater and thermostat to maintain the lower bay. It would be no issue to insulate …. Great question. Thanks for watching
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I DIY RV battery's lithium lipo4 projects, im a truck driver by trade used to be Automobile mechanic. Im very interested in this, i recently purchased an GD RV and getting ready to modify it, looking forward for some good ideas.
Thanks for watching. On our channel we have a couple of other videos on the existing trailers, battery systems, etc. Stay tuned we will get additional videos as work progress.
So if i was to buy one of these, And get a semi truck to haul it. Do i need a CDL since the CDL = commercial driver's license and i would not be commercial and i would own it and not be for hire. and its basicly a Rv.
You are correct. If you owned it privately and are not in the pursuit of commerce and it is classed as an RV you DO NOT need a CDL to operate it on the roadways. We utilize them in a commercial fashion so all our drivers are CDL. There is an entire community of people that use commercial trucks to pull their fifth wheel trailers if you looked up HDT (Heavy Duty Truck) they typical use volvo trucks with automatic transmissions and single out the rear drive train -- search on youtube for HDT Rv and you'll find lots of examples. To class your converted semi trailer to an RV to my understanding you have to demonstrate 3 things a place to sleep, a way to prepare food and a bathroom. I have heard examples of portable basic examples that were successful (cots, cassette toilets and a hot plate and a cooler) ... hope this is helpful. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@ParkerSystems So where do i find that in the law, I mean i asked Arizona and they told me just becuse i convered the inside to a RV the trailer is still rated, and that rating puts me over the allow waight before you need a CDL.
Each state is a little different -- I was quoting the information that I believe correct for GA. In the States that I am familiar some may require a CDL type license but typically they have a commercial version and non commercial version, and non version is typically easier to get and maintain -- I do know that my Georgia rules will apply to any state you are traveling. --- I guess the worst case is goto a friendly RV state -- I did not realize the can of worms this topic is --- if you google this there is a LOT of conversation on the ol interwebs
If you're using it as a camper or Motorola, you do not need a CDO in most states. Some states you would need it because of the weight you got to check the states
Random TH-cam recommendation got me here! Let's see where this build goes!
Same bruh I’m invested now
Extremely well explained. Its a pleasure to listen to someone who knows his work. Well done brother !!!
thank you -- I appreciate it -- I watch them back and I know the presentation could be better -- I hope I'm getting better.
Something you may want to consider as the donor trailer..... old mobile medical trailers. Especially the Pet / Cat Scan trailers they have slideouts.
Funny you mention those. I have bid on a couple in the past. Never been the “right” bidder. But yes excellent idea.
Cant wait to see more. Im in the bus conversion scene and have often thought about how much more flexible a semi trailer would be. Cant wait to see more.
Cool. I too converted an old mci bus. It’s a lot of fun. The buses are more interesting. Lots of radius work on those units. Especially the old ones. I believe the one I did was 70s model mci7
Imagine a 1000 (or more) of these arriving in Tennesee and providing the people who lost their homes a place to live while they rebuild their lives.
But... who would pay for it
I've worked on command center trailers. You have good ideas. Still a work in progress.
👍
Thanks ... we try to improve something each trip out.
Why not utilize the return air channels as underfloor heating? The underfloor would already be insulated for heat intrusion…
In the first unit that we built we did exactly that. Great idea. In that unit we used a traditional forced air heating and cooling. In the next unit we did a mini splits. Great comment.
Very few things keep my interest ... as most folks making videos use a lot of "filler talk". Man ... you had me engaged for the entire duration of the video!! You kept it straight forward and to the point, which tells me you're a straight shooter. I do have a question. Are there any 20' trailers like these or can one be converted to a 20' equivalent? Throwing some solar panels on the roof with an inverter and some batteries are what I was thinking would be a good addition. Now I'm anxious to see the other videos! lol
Absolutely. There are what we call pup trailers. I think these are 24-28 feet long. I’m sure there are viewers that know Excatly. I have one that I converted to a generator trailer. And yes I have had in my mind to add solar and make total off grid trailer ….
WOW !
The level of quality,fit and finish is off the charts!
Found your channel on accident immediately liked and subscribed
Looking forward to every step by step video
Thanks for watching. I hope we can keep you engaged…. Sometimes a tight line between intresting and facts that people don’t care about… thanks for watching
That is a nice setup. One way to think outside the box. It’s something I may entertain the idea of doing
Interesting concept. I do have a few suggestions, though:
1 - Install some windows. Yes, they would add some cost - but, anyone using the trailer is going to appreciate them.
2 - Install a second bathroom, including a second shower. 17 people sharing this space is going to represent too much of a demand for just one bathroom.
Alternately, make a larger commercial style bathroom with stalls and urinals, along with two shower stalls. Put the sleeping area at one end of a hallway and the living area at the other end of the hallway with the restroom(s) in the middle, along one side. Put a door at the end of the hallway going into the sleeping area.
3 - Go to just a little extra trouble to use actual printed labels where you are currently using hand written Sharpie labels.
4 - I think you would be better off with a rubber penny flooring, rather than the wood flooring. This would be more rugged and less maintenance. It would also be more quiet when people are walking on it while others are sleeping.
5 - An emergency exit or alternate entrance towards the front of the trailer, for safety. This could also be in the hallway where the bathrooms are located, making it easier to access the bathrooms on site.
6 - The roof of the trailer could support a few thousand watts of solar panels. Along with a sizable battery bank and 12kw inverter and operating costs could be significantly reduced, while providing shade for the roof of the trailer, reducing costs for cooling.
Thanks for watching.....
1. (windows) We contemplated windows -- we put windows in the doors of the units -- but we basically sleep in them and the bunks are dark and common areas have the door windows. Then we would need black out curtains -- so we opted for no windows -- band buses are the nearest commercial thing to these units and they dont have windows either.
2. (bathrooms) We should have been more clear the sleeping trailer that has capacity of 16 people, this unit has 3 bathrooms and 3 showers. The baths are in the middle and bunkhouse on each end with another shower and bath in the rear office/bunk area. The first sleeping trailer only has 12 bunks and has one shower and one bath -- in each case the showers and bathroom are seperate which allows the showers and toilets be used in separate areas simultaneously
3. (labels) I agree on the labing -- most of the trailer uses those labels -- I have used a sharpie in some locations -- but you are correct.
4. (flooring) I agree on the flooring -- I didn't know any better - did actual commercial tile and hardwood -- it has worked great and is easy to clean - but I do like your suggestion -- the newest units do use the floating floor type -- but i like the solid wood better --
5. (exits) I have the exits in the middle of the units -- no person is more than 14' from the exit -- the new unit will have an additional exit. The units also have commercial wired smoke and carbon dioxide detectors -- the fire alarm will e-stop the gensets immediately if activated and have horn sirens and strobes and pull stations -- I also built the cabins areas positive pressure with makeup air on the opposite side of the trailer from the exhaust and more than 40 feet away and the genset/hvac units compartment which is negative pressure --- we now run in camp with a remote genset to further prevent genset issues --
6. (solar) You are correct -- we did a large gneset with 5 tons of cooling and dehumidification units -- the roof has 6 inches of closed cell foam -- this gives us a r30 -- cooling hasnt been an issue -- these trailers are 13'7", real solar panels with an air gap will add another 3" which would put us at 13'10" 4" above the 13'6" -- I realize that you typically don't have an issue till you exceed 14' -- the new unit will have this solar -- thank you battleborn they saw our video and made us a partner --
thanks for your comments and suggestions we appreciate you watching -
This is awesome. I have been pondering something similar but using the trailers from the moving industry. They can have a drop deck setup and under boxes already installed. Any thoughts on that?
Yes sir. I answered another gentleman in this section before regarding a step deck or drop deck van. I believe his name is Shawnweaver39…. I think it would be an excellent idea. In his comments I laid out the offset cost for the closed cell and cost of belly compartments or basement boxes. You definitely get more cubic space opens the opportunity for multiple levels and multiple people levels and you get the infrastructure like water and grey-black and prehaps batteries in the thermal envelope… the downside is the genset and HVAC heat exchangers and areas for the exterior equipment … although one or both can be added as an exterior unit on the front. However Baird type ac units and front mounted trailer gensets tend to be expensive…. Check out the other comment for cost of the closed cell foam as well.
Thanks for the suggestions … if I had unlimited budget or a nice ROI model I would probably convert a 53’ step van.
Can’t wait to see the finished product fellas!
We use 53’ expanding side trailers in the remote TV production world. Sometimes used/old TV trailers end up on the used market.
Yes. I have actually bid on a couple of those. Great suggestion. Thanks for watching
Build a semi trailer's to semi truck's a al barsha south
Yall just develop the cure for homelessness seriously
That’s a cool idea. Lots of these trailers get replaced that could be utilized. I also know there is a pretty large movement to convert containers …. Although most people just use the “normal” containers they also make insulated shipping containers. Thanks for watching
Im thinking of the Knight industries semi trailer. Cool build.
Is it amazing as we watched that show and now my pickup trucks is almost as smart. Crazy. Thanks for watching.
Ive been wanting to do this for a decade. Its been my zombie survival home on wheels.
I used to build sleeping trailer at this one job I had man horrible company 😂
some people are no fun to work with-- thanks for watching
I love seeing the "rodent suppression system" walk by at the end!
lol. That is lucky cat. We can’t let him get in too many of the videos as he has a way of stealing the show. He got a free ride on a rollback when he was a too little to be separated from his mom and ended next door at another shop … we took him in and now he does security for us.
@@ParkerSystemslet him steal the show
we will get in some videos -- thanks for watching@@jeffheins6624
This is the perfect apocalypse rig. Just needs to be pared with the Mythbusters wedge semi!
And maybe a proton blaster from ghost busters. lol. Thanks for watching
And could you convert your generator over like Edison motors?
Yes -- i don't know how efficient they are -- when you twin gensets together and have the controller and breakers set wrong the genset that fails will become a motor and start turning -- i know pipeline welders that even start their welding machines in this fashion. --- thanks for watching
As a camper owner and a semi driver I’ve spent many miles dreaming about this
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
Where u get the money I been wanting to do it I have tractor
Just save it over time -- the tractor is a big expense. Good you already have that part.
What runs thru my mind is where can you camp with a semi height and size apart from truck stops and rest area?? I am a trucker so those are all I ever see so genuinely curious.
If you were planning on using this as a personnel RV I believe you concerns are valid. We are utilizing these to deploy behind a hurricane or events, so moving them down the highway is our concern and after fighting with tag trailers behind pickups we wanted to move to a commercial platform. Those light trailers and lower quality tires created a lot of issues.. RVs are basically overload and could not keep up with the movements and equipment we were doing. I can tell you I have a personal RV its a bus at 45 feet length with a 13' clearance -- it also can be a challenge to find a typical RV spot -- with that said I have been in several rv parks where an old truck driver could get around with a 53 trailer -- you could also consider a 40 or 45 foot trailer in place of the 53', move the axels up a little more than normal and get in a lot rv parks -- There is a whole community that uses typically volvo tractors singled out on the rear drive to pull those big fifth wheel campers -- check them out on youtube search for HDT RV you'll find a lot of content ... thanks for watching
@ParkerSystems thanks didn't know much of the rv places had tht kind of spacing! I seen the Volvos but never said anything but was always on my mind that's for responding and interested on how it will come out
Well done, I’ve never subscribed so fast!
I like your no nonsense approach.
Just the facts.
Thanks. We are trying … thanks for watching and supporting
Episode 2 is Out Now! Go check it out th-cam.com/video/P1Br2cv1PwA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tEHsLYkfFl9xY4sR
So 😎 cool
Thanks for watching
try fitting a solar heat powered soot hot air blimp on top of the container/trailer.
because every rv needs a blimp ... thanks for watching
of course. better views from sky high. better fee movement also.@@ParkerSystems
Absolutely love these videos! I always keep redundancy and reliability in mind for any project I’m involved with, and it’s cool to come across these videos and be able to “nerd out.” Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
We appreciate the comment …. With a background in network connectivity redundancy and diversity are always on our minds as well.
Keep watching.
A lot of people would buy these. this is incredible.
Should be pulled by a diesel electric truck tractor. Solar panels on the top of the the trailer and everything can be run by a couple of battery packs. Edison in Canada have started converting diesel trucks to diesel electric. That is the future.
You got to my dream idea before I did!
Thanks for checking it out. We should have the next video out in a couple of weeks
Would love to see solar implemented onto one of these, even if it's only to keep the essential systems (water pumps, refrigeration, etc.) online during total engine failure. Not sure that having an entire trailer be powered via solar would be logistically possible.
Yes. We have that plan. I have a couple other trailers with lift gates Ann I have a little solar on them to keep those batteries charged. I still want to do like a tiny house version and do the entire roof in solar. Stay tuned.
Will you discuss the cost of the project as you go? Also, I might have missed it, what is the mission these trailers are designed for? Great video, I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely that’s part of plan. We will keep you posted on the cost expended as we go. Thanks for watching
Tiny home ideas with trailer!
Yes sir. I do have plans to build a tiny home version. Cover the entire roof in solar … 1000-1500 of lithium battery…. HVAC …. Prehaps water generator and RO for drinking …. Designed for two people. Thanks for watching .
Even the, closed captioning cannot understand you, are you saying "deployment?"
lol. Yes. Sorry for thick southern accent… following disasters, hurricanes tornados earthquakes etc. Thanks for watching. I’ll try to annunciate more.
Glad I subscribed at the right time. Looking forward to your build
Incredible Work.Good Job.❤
Thanks 🔥
I’ve been a truck driver for 40 years currently me and Dogg are getting paid to see the country. That’s the way I look at it I will definitely follow your build. Curious what state you’re based out of
40 years. That’s a long time. I have a couple of guys that used to be full time drivers and have nothing but respect for you guys. We appreciate what you do for the success of our economy… truckers are the backbone of what makes our country great. We are based out of NW Georgia.
Any thoughts on using solar/wind with lithium batteries for backup for powering the trailer with diesel generator as additional backup?
Yes. Check out a couple of our videos. We have an agreement with battleborn. On the new trailer we have a plan to do a lot of solar and lithium … we have 600 amps and 200 amp hours on the other trailers …. Thanks for watching and stay tuned.
why not use solar? you got a massive roof space and it will save weight too. but i suppose it's not wasteful enough for you, being an American company. also you second build seemed pretty substandard, inside. judging by the second trailer.
We will utilize solar. We have a plan to incorporate more in the future. Thanks for watching
If I had the money I'd buy a new Volvo 860? and buy that Trailer and GO, GO, GO.
The HDT people agree -- thanks for watching --
I like what I see. I am trying to turn my 48 foot reefer spread axle trailer into a tiny home on wheels. My question is the insurance company that I have been with for several years doesn’t want to insured the 48 foot trailer since it is going to be a tiny home. They will continue to insure my Peterbilt with the 53 foot trailer, so what type of insurance will cover the tiny home?
Why don’t you suggest to them to insure it as a RV. I will check with my loss manger and see how ours are insured. Thanks for watching
Been thinking about getting into emergency response using our small fleet of trucks, being out of the Oklahoma we probably would focus more on tornado response for large disaster areas such as the recent tornado that hit barndall and sulfur OK
That’s a great idea. Since we are doing the radio infrastructure we typically don’t respond on tornados. We have on a couple in the past. While devastating tornados tend to hit smaller areas than hurricanes and typically doesn’t affect tower sites like hurricanes. During disasters communities need all types of support, I think it’s amazing you’re considering helping. Thanks for watching
Most all refer trailers do both frozen and fresh.
-20------>+38 and higher.
Yes. I was trying to relate the differences in the insulation of the various trailers. It’s been my experience that all the units to set those values. Thanks for the comment.
Is the walls all composit or metal and composit?
The walls are made of a combination of fiberglass, Styrofoam, and Aluminium.
I wouldn’t use a reefer trailer. Install ac unit & you can haul trailer with only double axle tractor. With reefer engine you’ll need a triple axle-diesel wasted.
Great point. We also use our tractors for more typical trucking. Otherwise you could most likely optimize for a single axle. Thanks for watching
Then you realise that the only place you can park it is at a truck stop and truck stops generally suck.
Of course -- we are creating these for deployment -- check out our videos -- utilizing this as a typical RV would be tricky -- thanks for watching
Other TH-camrs, like @Sasnak, tried, but all ran into the insurance issue, how did you handle that?
We just insured it as a commercial trailer - thanks for watching
Very interesting. Whats the total cost to build one. We loat our houae in a flash flood memorial weekend. Trying to find something economical to live in.
We buy these trailers for around 10-15K -- we put 50-75K in materials and probably that in labor -- however we way outfit them is typically more than if you were trying to create a tiny home for a couple of people -- also we need the road worthy part to be in great shape -- if you were building a stationary unit you could save some money. thanks for watching
something wrong with your camera bro, it keeps zooming in and out really fast over and over.
Dang commentary is all over the place. Thanks for watching
I think the majority of my questions come down to differing needs but i do need to ask ;
why not keep the refrigerator off the front of the trailer?
And one more would be why not take advantage of the raised floor trailers for heated and cooled floors?
Thanks for the questions. The unit on the front is loud. The air velocities are way too high and the system is around 10-15 tons. They use diesel and at that capacity it’s way over kill. They would short cycle never maintain the humidity etc. …. I have utilized the floor for the return in the first unit I built …. Check back a few videos for a more detailed explanation…. That unit was built several years ago and has a split 5 ton HVAC …. I have since moved to mini splits …. But heated floors would be cool (lol) and the ribs would hold the lines nicely. Thanks for watching
I've liked subscribed shared and commented I look forward to watching this trailer build❤🎉
Thank you -- I trust that you will enjoy our content -- thanks again
Great video I hope you go viral someday you deserve more subscribers for the effort you do
Lol, Thanks! We're glad you liked the video!
The new H&H catamaran 44 has solar panels on top of the boat. Could you put solar panels on top of the trailer and put batteries where the refrigeration unit was in the front?
Of course. We do basic solar now. And have plans to do the entire top of the next trailer. Thanks for watching
I would love to work with this man on this project. It would be a dream come true
thanks for your kind comments -- thanks for watching --
I have been think about doing this. Do you still have to stop at weigh stations and still need a special license?
Not in most states … you are considered an rv. Unless you are using your trailer in the pursuit of commerce. Thanks for watching
I was really interested in this but there is way too much talking.
I would agree. Follow along as we get more in the details. Thanks for watching
I've had this idea in my head for a while, but with no funding. It is awesome to see it be done professionally!
Glad you like it! Thanks for watching and commenting!
You're not military so what is this deployment stuff... are you proud boys?
Not the military. We deploy following disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, events, etc. And restore the communications for the 911 center and radio communications for first responders. Check out the balance of our channel and we have a couple videos on deployments…. Thanks for watching
@@ParkerSystems Perhaps that aspect should be part of the intro as to who you are. Or perhaps you might want to contract with a "real" producer to help your organization rather than what it seems which is an underground para-military group with an ill-explained sketchy mission. No one is going to go look at"other" videos. The one that is being watched should be self-explanatory.
What do you'll primarily use these for i kept hearing you say deploy them?
We respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which means that we bring a team of people who need a place to sleep and have other amenities. We don’t want to be a burden on the affected areas, so we bring everything we need to be self sustaining while we’re deployed.
You can learn more about how our operations work in this video: th-cam.com/video/lUWYmbcduWA/w-d-xo.html
Boy this should really tell you that the price of housing is off the hook
We are utilizing these for deployment, exploiting the commercial platform to get them into our event. thanks for watching ---
This is something I can't wait to see.
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next video in the series!
Question: since it is insulated, do you still get any condensation on the inside when people are living in it? If so, how did you work that out? I would think not, but want to make sure. I am in the planning stages of making my 53’ reefer trailer retirement mini home. Thanks for posting the video!
we have not had a condensation issue --- the typical use of these units are an environment that is warmer outside than in the trailer, however the units are so tight that if you did live in it in a cold climate condensation would be an issue as the inside would reach a high level of humidity with the occupants -- so the exterior wall and surfaces would reach the dew point at that level of humidity -- on the first unit we built we used a 5 ton split ac unit -- this was way too big and the short cycle of this unit did not achieve the dehumidification that we needed and we added a small dehumidifier to address this issue -- this would also take care of the cold weather issues that I mentioned ... on the next units we built we used smaller mini splits and they take care of the humidity by running at lower capacities for longer, I would also consider an air to air heat exchanger to help with fresh air, as we are not really concerned with heating and cooling efficiency in a our deployments we did a 15% markup air replacement with all of the interior fans which we run continuously so we get main cabin pressurization and fresh air --- great question -- thanks for asking
@@ParkerSystems I really appreciate your explanation. Thank you very much for getting back to me.
How much does it cost to do the whole thing if you want to do it your self
10-15K for the used trailer -- If you were doing a tiny home type deal -- I think if you didnt go crazy you could do it for 25-40K --- we spend like 75K
Great technology and well thought out lay out, for a disaster relief truck! I am guessing the cost to be very high, but perhaps some states could afford this type of 'rescue' vehicle.
east euro migrants dream
For the past few years I’ve only watched youtube but I’ve seen just about every category of video so I got TikTok and it lead me to this video
Can’t wait to to see how the belly box is made! I was planing to build a not so little , little house with my son but it turns out he is also a hoarder so little isn’t our thing. But I keep thinking about it! Also very intin to cost for one of these!?
Done right, I can imagine something like this running $350k, or more.
Cool -- thanks for watching - we will document the bell boxes in a upcoming video --- we have 10K in the trailer - 50-80K in material and probably 50K in labor -- remembering we have gneset -- many water systems -- fuel tanks -- lots of items a tiny home may not require --
Man i did SAR and fast water rescue during hurricane Harvey down in Texas, i spent 12 days sleeping in my pickup or on a sleeping pad in a VFW parking lot lol. This would have made it a vacation for 🤣. Very cool concept though.
Thank you for your service. During these events we see what the best of mankind can bring. Thanks for watching g.
Had no clue after a difference in refrigerated trailers.
The only way figured it out was one trailer I bought had a 1” wall and the other had a 3” wall. Thanks for watching.
Hello, what are you using to heat the water with diesel? I've been trying to find a suitable product but all I find is chinese junk. I don't need hot air, just hot water.
We are using a Wabasto heater -- this is a coolant heater, I would have to look back but I'm pretty sure its a 90,000 btu -- around 27-28KW similar to the electric heater that I have in the units.
The one used I actually found on ebay -- a new old stock kind of deal. -- I think I paid around 1,000.00 (i believe new it would be around 4K into today money) -- I have a similar unit on my bus -- Mine was made by a secondary company with the wabasto unit inside an enclosure -- I think Wabasto now makes a similar box -- these units are very well made and tip/filter is all that requires service. -- if the burner camber is not cracked and the electric module is good the tip and filter
is all that needs work -- the electros that arch to ignite need pointing and gapped but it is a good platform ... i then used 3 plate to plate heat exchangers I cant remember exactly how I sized them but if you decide to go
this route comment back and ill refresh my memory and suggest the correct size. -- If you are looking for domestic water heat for like one shower or fixture probable 30-50K btu unit will be great - it would preform like
a continuous water heater like electric or propane -- I had to add a tank with water and glycol (antifreeze) -- if you are using this in an rv you can use the trucks radiator and get the benefit of heating the engine and making the over the road heater work other wise you'll need to add a tank -- i insulated mine..
@@ParkerSystems Thank you so much for all the information! I really appreciate the time you took to write this up. I found a similar one on eBay and I am working out a price with the seller. I am using this for my traditional home, where I have a diesel generator that isn't powerful enough to drive my 18kw on demand heater. I live in an area with frequent storms and power outages. I want to slowly burn diesel fuel and avoid diesel bug, otherwise the 500 gallons I have on site will slowly go bad.
I did notice you had 3 plate exchangers in your video, are those in parallel or series? I can do the thermodynamic calculations, but I have a few other questions.
Based on the specs of the one I found (same manufacturer) the output water temp is 90C/194F, which is too hot for a sink / shower IMO.
Does it have a variable set point? Can it modulate like the electric Eco heater? If not, how do you reject the excess heat? Does it just short cycle?
Do you have a thermostatic mixing valve to reduce the max temp of the water output?
I'd be happy to pay you for your time if you prefer to have a quick chat about it.
Happy Holidays!
I would be happy to chat with you. @@fluke196c
Call the office 800 8 PARKER tell whom ever answer the phone that we have spoken and leave a number and I will call you back, reference this video.
800 872 7537
thanks
I had the same issue with the temperature -- I used a electronic thermostat and reduced the output temperature to 150 -- similar to the 140 setpoint I used on the electric tankless -- most people dont realize that the 140 is residential limit -- if installed in a commercial setting they can go upto 180 degrees --- to hot for a shower but great to help clean in a dishwasher in a restaurant --
I used a 50 gal glycol tank --- so my cycle time was not that short and put a delta T of 10 degrees so the short cycling is not an issue. -- I placed the heat exchangers in series -- the hot water of the first exchanger runs against the domsetic water at the coldest point -- We get to with in 5 degrees even with 3 showers running -- we do have those "safety" mixing valves but we turned them up pretty hight. -- we dont take small children on deployment so we are not as concerned about the shower heat -- if you get it too hot step out of the shower --- I dont believe i could change the setpoint on the unit -- most gas - diesel motors operate around that 190-200 range and these heater are designed to heat those vehicles if the motor isnt operating --
Windows are needed for psychological reasons.
I will say, as someone who’s spent several nights in one of theses trailers during our deployments, it is a little strange to stay in the same room but then walk out to a different location 😂 at least the beds are comfortable.
Yes sir -- I could not agree more. The main areas the kitchens, office areas and main entrances have doors with half lites in them. I considered windows in all the bunks but with complications with light and shades plus the number required we did not think it was worth the complexity and cost -- we have a canopy system were the guys hang out when in camp so when you are in the trailer you are basically sleeping in the birth areas -- the kitchen area has the window and rear office of the second trailer also has a window. I plan on building a trailer like a personnel RV or Tiny Home -- for this unit I will do windows. -- it would be easy to do a large window where the reefer unit is installed and I would add windows in other areas -- great point and tanks for watching and taking the time to comment --
Random TH-cam recommendation, Ik I’ll never afford one or build one so watching this is just crazy !
We're glad you enjoyed it! Be on the lookout for Episode 3 coming soon!
Holy jump cuts.
I have a great editor … that I like very much. You have to remember he doesn’t have much to work with. The on camera guy is all over the place…. Maybe there is better way to handle all of my tangential ramblings … but hard to blame the editor when this is what you have to work with.
Thanks for watching.
What would be a ballpark price for one of these?
A solid reefer should run you at least $15k to start
Like the guy has already commented we pay 10-15k for these units. The tires and hours will determine the price. When we purchase we look for the rails and side panels. We can paint the unit but a crinkled side rail is a pricy fix. The way we outfit them with HVAC, gensets and lots of tanks. We have nearly 50k in materials…. The labor is difficult to track as we build them in house and just track hours with other shop work. I would estimate if you paid an outfitter you would be in 75-150k range but as with anything the level of finish and materials will dictate the final price.
I think if would be fun to create a tiny home out of one of these trailers … do the entire top with solar … do a de-humidifier water gen and RO fresh water 1000-1500 AH of lithium batteries with goal of green and 100 percent off grid with HVAC and water heating for two people.
@@ParkerSystems Ideal tiny home - mobile home. Either to be parked without the truck, or to be a motorhome. For long stays and away from the city of course.. The height and the length (as well as the weight capacity) is second to none. For a family who is ok with staying for a while, an option is moving around in a car or van that can be towed, or even smaller vehicles stored inside (bike, scooter, unicycle, etc).
The roof can fit 13-14 solar panels of 550watts each...Also interesting would be to have rain collection. Ideal off grid home really. My preference would be huge windows for the view and open design for shared spaces (living room, kitchen). Subscribed, looking forward to your next videos.
Cheers
Hi much does it cost to convert it to a home
We typically pay 10-15k for the trailer.
I would estimate that the equipment supplies and materials will cost 50-75k and the labor will around that same estimate. So the total unit will cost us 110-150k Dependant on the level of finish. We will track all the cost on this unit and provide them as we continue.
840
Could a dually pull that trailer or nah?
Negative Ghostrider
Would there be a benefit to installing solar panels on the roof? Maybe even something that could extend away from the side (like a porch roof)? I’m not sure of the weight and potential power it might supply. But in your “off grid” situations, curious if it would be worth the investment?? I like the idea of going carbon neutral - but know that much of the technology isn’t Quite “there” yet…
Yes. Absolutely. One thing i want to do next is build a tiny home. Full solar on top with enough battery to get you thru the night and couple of rain/cloudy days.
Great idea.
When is the next episode coming?
We should be putting out the next episode sometime in January. We’ve just had the reefer unit taken off and we’re getting ready to start the demo process!
I am a reefer trailer technician. And I work on these trailer daily. My questions are 1. How are you going to deal with the humidity that builds inside 2. And most used cold storage trailers had a off smell, how do you guys solve the smell? We wash out several times and spread coffee and let sit for a day or so.. thanks can't wait to see the end
Great question, so we take the front unit out and leave the rear doors open, pressure wash the entire inside of the trailer then when we do plywood and hardwood / tile floors, 1/2 inch plywood on the walls and do then ceilings out of plywood as well we have no issues. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your insight to these units.
That's a neat mobile roomy quarters that don't attract much attention from authorities and/or criminals. I'm very interested how it turns out.
Never thought of that angle. I will tell you when we are running down the road we typically leave the inside lights on. We get lots of looks. Thanks for watching
Interesting. I work for a 4 letter agency that knows something about hurricane deployments. They put us on cots in abandoned walmarts or some other luxurious location, LOL. I am going to check out your other videos.
Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
I guess you could hire a water truck and septic tank pumping truck to stop by every few days and fill/empty tanks. The multiple grey/black water tanks might make that a pain to do though.
We primarily use these trailers on hurricane response and they're constantly moving locations. To date we have been able to deploy just outside the affect area of the storm, we actually pick these areas for the fact that the water system is unaffected and still working. We find these areas 30-60 miles from the landfall of the storm. When I purchased my fuel tanker I purposely made sure it had all double bulkheads, I did a test I took a compartment (2700 gals) that had diesel fuel in it ... loaded a it full of gas dumped it and then filled it 75% with water and gallon of dawn dish soap -- drove it around and dumped it, refilled it with water and a super scientific test -- I could not smell or taste the fuel -- while we obviously we would not have used this water for cooking or drinking I believe it would have been okay for showering ... we also have access to 6,500 food grade stainless tankers (check out our video "We made a Temporary Water System ....) and 2,000 gallon water truck we use in our directional drilling business our plan is deploy them if required since we carry enough water for the first 3-5 days ... but thru the last 15 years we have found a site with water for all our deployments. For the black and grey we have dumped into working sewer systems, typically if the water system is working the sewer is as well. We carry a dual 2 HP grinder pump and several hundred feet of lay flat pipe to pump away the black and grey as required. Thanks for watching --- great questions.