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Build phases: C — Bath 18
Buy and build in four phases. Phase 1 makes it usable. Prices come from the price list, checked 2026-10-12.
Anything that is harder to add after the walls close goes in phase 1. Anything that bolts on later waits. Nathan set this rule on 2026-10-12: the sink, toilet, shower and air conditioner go in before the first trip, because they live in the walls, the floor and the roof. You still pay phase 1 in build-step order, so the money goes out over months, not in one day.
The four phases
Phase 1 —
When it is done you can:
- Tow it. It is titled and plated in Texas, with brakes and lights.
- Sleep in it. It is dry, insulated and locked.
- Wash and use the toilet. It has a sink, shower, toilet and hot water on shore power.
- Stay cool. The roof air conditioner runs on shore power.
- Charge and work. It has lights, outlets and a plain desk top for two monitors. The battery runs the lights and pump away from hookups.
- Take the first trip at the end of this phase.
Stopgaps until phases 2 and 3
- Use a camp stove on its own 1 lb bottles. The quick-connect comes in phase 2.
- Use a 1,500 W space heater on the campground pedestal. The furnace comes in phase 2.
- Use a cooler. The fridge comes in phase 3.
- Use Nathan's own mattress and a painted plywood floor. Phase 3 buys the mattress and the vinyl plank.
Rough-in now so later phases bolt on
- Frame the furnace wall opening. Close it with a removable, sealed blank.
- Keep the 27.5 × 24 in furnace and water-heater cabinet clear.
- Run the propane line from the tongue to every appliance spot. Cap both ends. Leak-test it when it is charged in phase 2.
- Pull a 12 V circuit to the galley for the fridge.
- Leave a chase from the bench battery to the roof with a pull string. Keep the 160 in roof space free for solar.
- Leave a spare breaker slot and wall space next to the panel for an inverter and transfer switch.
- Cut access panels at the pump, the valves, the battery and the converter.
- The water heater runs on its 120 V element in phase 1. It gets gas in phase 2.
What you buy, in build order
Phase 2 —
When it is done you can:
- Heat it with the furnace.
- Heat water on gas.
- Cook outside on the quick-connect.
- Rely on the propane alarm to watch the cabin.
After one winter weekend with the space heater, Nathan decides between the furnace and a cheaper heat option. The comfort-appliance research lists the choices under “If Nathan changes the design.”
What you buy, in build order
Phase 3 —
When it is done you can:
- Use real cabinets with doors and drawers that latch.
- Use the wardrobe, vinyl plank floor and bench cushions.
- Run the 12 V fridge.
- Sleep on a bought mattress.
- Finish the inside with trim and paint.
What you buy, in build order
Phase 4 —
When it is done you can:
- Charge from solar panels and a controller.
- Use an inverter and transfer switch.
- Charge from the truck with a direct-current-to-direct-current charger.
- Use a generator.
- Use a tote tank for the lease.
These lines are reserved. They are not priced into any first-build total.
What you buy, in build order
These are not in any total. Nathan's rule is that new parts are the picks.
If Nathan changes the design
These change the approved design, so they are Nathan's call.