Few Wheelhouse building questions

[Judge97]

Looking for a few tips and some info on building a 6.5x10 with 3 ft v nose. I'm sure this topic may have been covered before but I'm new to the site so bear with me.

So I just ordered the frame, went with the smaller size because this is my first build. I want to give the aluminum siding a try which looks pretty straightforward according to other builds on this site. I am going to do pine tongue and groove on the inside which leads me to my first question, does anyone put plywood on first and then the tongue and groove? Or is that just more weight without any real benefits?

I am going to do the paneling insulation. What R value is the best?

When it comes to the electrical side of things I have no real experience. Is there someone that could dumb it down for me? I have done simple projects so I get the basics. Just looking for info on how the converter works. Plan on adding generator hookup.

I am sure I will have more questions along the way once the frame gets here and I get started on it. Thanks for any info tips suggestions you guys may have.

[derbier122x]

I would think the t&g will be plenty. As for insulation, I personally would go as much as the opening allows... 2x2 walls, then use the 1 1/2 pink board, giving you r-7.5 2x4, use at least the 2 inch, which is r-10.

[JigginIsLife]

If your going to go the 4'x8' sheets of insulation that I would go as thick as you can. if there is room, use the spray foam cans to fill in the cracks and corners, really keeps things tight. Most panels of insulation are similar i think 2.5 r value per 1/2 inch (definitely go to menards for the insulation) Plywood is not necessary, but i would put down some plastic behind the paneling, if any wind does get through it will be stopped there, as well as preventing condensation either way.

Inverter is pretty straight forward battery to inverter to 110. I would put lights on 12v and then put an outlet or 2 on the 110. Im not sure about if you need to bypass the inverter if your going to put a 110 jack on the ouside for a generator or hooking up electric. The main reason i say lights on 12v is that LED lights draw so little now, and are so bright, that you can save money on wire as well as on usage. We used solid copper wire from garage door circut, worked great, and easy to run. you can always run speaker wire which is pretty cheap too. If your starting now, a few things that I would wait on to buy (and i know its hard to hold off) is the hole covers, table peices or anthing that you think you maybe can buy at the ice fishing show. I was able to get the table stand, and 2 female pieces for 12 bucks for the whole set up, also hole covers are the cheapest all around, even clist, or anything.

A few notes of wisdom that i found after our build this year.

1. 3/4 in green treat for the floor is probably a bit much 5/8 or even 1/2 is probably enough depending on the cross bracing on the trailer.

2. Insulating the floor is now a must, but covering with plywood or something seems redundant. We didnt cover our insulation on the floor with anything just used industrial strenght glue the pl whatever and then left it exposed on the bottom side.

3. leaving an option for solar was a great idea i had...after the fact. There are some pretty cool things being done with solar, and getting in on it is cheaper now.

4. Dont skimp on the windows. A good window makes all the difference, in wind, in construction, in everything, so buy a decent window.

[trav102]

I actually just got done building my first wheelhouse and turned out beautiful.

I went with smooth aluminum siding on the outside. I recommend Garelick Steel in Mpls. by far had the best pricing around.

I also did pine tongue and groove on the interior. Ordered from up north grade 2 which is top knotch as far as tongue and groove goes. Hand picked, no warping and all the knots are tight. I would tell you to drive north for that and not waste time with selection around here. I did no plywood or sheeting. I wouldn't see any benefit as I glued my siding on so it was rock solid and then with the interior wood it will be even more solid.

Insulation I went with rigid foam board from the save big money store. 2" on the top and 1 1/2" for the walls. It is a pain to work with but a fraction of the cost of spray foam. (and the same r-value)

Electrical was fun! I ordered my converter box and all that stuff from ice house supply HSOforum. and ordered all 12v LED lights of the auction HSOforum. Pretty straight forward. ground and hot wire to all 12v and run regular wire to the 110v outlets if you have any. I put in over 2000 feet of wire in my 13' house. May be a little overkill but better to have too many lights than not enough.

I also put outside lights by each crank and the propane in the case your moving in the dark.

[Judge97]

Trav- thanks for the info. I did read through your build process.

I believe I have most of the details worked out now. How tall did u go? I believe I'm going to do a plastic wrap after the insulation is in. Definitely want to protect the wood on the inside and avoid any future issues.

I can believe that you put that much wire in! I'm going to also put autopilot on the rattle reels. Along with the interior and exterior lights. So at least I have a base so how much wiring is needed.

Thanks for the info guys. Greatly appreciated!

[Smoker]

Believe me the wire adds up fast. I still have a few things to do (cabinets and doors, stove exhaust, hole lights) but it was fishable this year.

[Smoker]

I was going to put some pictures on but it will not let me