Page Three:  Obstacles and Learning Stretch

List and discuss at least three difficulties you might encounter with this project.  How do you plan to solve each of these problems?

The number one most important difficulty would be how to generate power in a eco friendly way. Although there are solar panels and wind turbines, they still carry the cost along with them. The reason that electricity is desired in my project is that because the camper will be titled as a home in which is livable in, there must be a way to charge electronics and give power to some sort of cooking fixture. Especially electricity that can be used anywhere in the world where there is little sun, no wind, and no access to outlets. By doing this, not only will the unit be entirely off grid, it will save me thousands of dollars in the years to come.

The second most important difficulty that would arise in the duration of my project would be the layout and livability of the actual unit itself. For the intention of being able to haul around with a car, it must be small and include lightweight materials. To meet these standards, the unit is personally advised to be less than fifteen feet long and weigh around one thousand pounds. Due to these constraints, there cannot be any wasted space and each interior/exterior fixture must serve more than one function. In order to deal with a situation such as this, everything that will be on the unit itself will have to be carefully thought out and used to the maximum efficiency that is possible.

Another issue that may arise is the ability to get every item from salvaged, thrifted, and/or donated sources and due to the nature of some items, it may be necessary to purchase them. Not to mention that each item must be of acceptable quality to even be considered for use. This will be difficult as quality is not usually found in used items. This will take creative thinking to take material meant for another use and to work it into a completely different use.

Explain how this project is a learning stretch for you.  Indicate specifically what you expect to gain and how.

As my project progresses, not only will my understanding of construction and eco friendly designs be improved, but also my ability to challenge myself with a project as complex as mine. I will learn how to construct walls and a floor as the base of the trailer is being built. I will learn how to build the framing of a structure and how to think ahead in the design involved as the walls will be put into place. I will learn how to maximize the functionality of an object and how to create the illusion of space in small areas.  By learning these skills, they will help me not only to be successfully independent, but also to be aware of my surroundings and the work that went into creating such pieces. Also by doing this project, I will learn how to live with less and how to waste less on a daily basis which is important for the health of myself and the health of the planet.