Telescope Reviews: Re: towable observatory

Stars,

I'll be taking my scope our of the trailer later today, so I'll take a few more detailed photos. The trailer is a ramp back,single axle Cargo-Mate that I purchased new in 97' for $1595. They still appear at that price from time to time on the e-bay trailer dealer sites. The roll-in porch is a Sidewinder II from Carefree of Colorado. I sectioned the drip molding on the right side, removed it and used it as a hole pattern for the back of the porch case. You could use a pop-up tent for a porch, but that's bulky and rather heavy. The reefer/freezer is a $120 (at Lowes)under-the-counter. 2 section Frigidaire. At the highest setting, the whole thing becomes a freezer. It never kicks the 1000W Honda up out of econo-mode. This generator runs underway and more or less continuously after arrival. The hot-water heater is electric, 2.5 gal. for under sink installation. It pulls 11 amps and can steam 2.5 gals in less than 10 minutes. These cost about $79-99 dollars. The ball bearing tool chest sits on the floor without casters. The bottom drawers are like two suitcases and hold my clothing/towels etc., The top drawer, when pulled out, gets a "Plasti-wood" Marine insert trimmed to fit the open drawer that is used for a food preparation counter in front of the micro-wave. 1800 watt micro-wave is less than $80, but the one I use also convectively heats with a coil for (what else?)crusty pizza and toasted muffins. Next to the Micro-waive is a dry-stores food cabinet that is pop riveted down to the reefer top which is pop riveted to the tool chest. On top of all of this is a high-lipped shelf for books, DC converters, etc. There is a fold-away step at the side door. I did not get a V-Nose because I wanted to mount a diamond-plate aluminum box at the front of the trailer for "dirty storage" ie. stove, griddle pan, extension cords and a outdoor carpet, stakes, etc., The lid becomes an out door work surface that lines up perfectly with the pickup tailgate. The heat pump/air conditioner is a Pelonis that ducts down through the floor at the rearmost corner. I originally had a regular RV rooftop air conditioner that instantly brought me the attention of Licenses and Inspections for having an "illegal RV/living quarters" in the driveway. The Pelonis unit was $450 on the internet, and, at 8K btu is just about at capacity on the hottest days and coldest night that I use the trailer in. If the trailer were insulated, it would run at half the rate. The shower/head is a pop-up sort of tent from Cabella's that sets up within reach of the "outdoor" shower spigot/hose. The house pressure comes from a 12V. boat pump and 12 gal. boat tank. Towing costs me .3 miles per gal. (ie 12.1 to 11.8 in a Hemi Ram 1500) I purchased this wireless 3 camera security set up that I plug into the laptop with DeLorme GPS. There is a camera inside the trailer and two at the rear for a rear view and for backing down. This set-up was $179 at Costco and works like a charm because of the infrared illumination. I can monitor my telescope and its "ride" after any potholes or ruts, plus see the ground or road at the back of the trailer with the press of a button.

Okay, Hope this gives you some ideas. I look forward to your suggestions for me.

I'll send photos later.

Ken R.

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Irish Setters
Max Mount 20"

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