Garage Systems Overview

Garage Systems Overview

The garage serves as the central mechanical and service bay for the CTC build.
With the HVAC condenser now mounted on the tongue above the propane tanks, the garage is dedicated to the hot water system, electrical routing, and future service access.
This page provides a high-level overview of all systems located in the garage and how they integrate with the rest of the trailer.

Garage Purpose & Role

The garage is designed as a clean, accessible, and future‑ready mechanical space.
It houses the hot water system, electrical distribution elements, and service access points for plumbing and wiring.
By relocating the HVAC condenser to the tongue, the garage now offers improved space, airflow, and layout flexibility.

  • Hot Water System: Gas on-demand or electric tank heater.
  • Hot Water Manifold: Distribution hub for all hot water lines.
  • Electrical Routing: Conduit paths, junction points, and protected wiring runs.
  • Service Access: Plumbing, electrical, and future upgrades.
  • Storage: Space for tools, filters, and maintenance equipment.

System Components Located in the Garage

1. Hot Water Heater (Primary Component)

The garage houses the hot water heater, with support for two installation paths:

  • On-Demand Gas Water Heater: Fueled by the house propane system (Tank 1).
  • Electric Tank Water Heater (10–20 gal): Powered by the electrical system.

The plumbing architecture supports both options without modification.

2. Hot Water Manifold

  • Distributes hot water to bathroom shower, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, and optional passenger-side outlet.
  • Mounted near the heater for easy access.
  • Includes shutoff valves for each branch.

3. Electrical Routing & Junctions

  • Protected conduit paths for wiring entering and exiting the garage.
  • Junction points for hot water heater (electric models) and future upgrades.
  • Clear separation from plumbing for safety and serviceability.

4. Plumbing Access

  • Cold water feed from the bathroom manifold enters the garage.
  • Hot water lines exit the garage toward bathroom, kitchen, and optional exterior outlet.
  • Future-ready propane branch (capped if electric heater is used).

Garage Systems Layout (ASCII Overview)

Garage Area - Mechanical Bay
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                                                               │
│   ┌───────────────────────────────┐                           │
│   │ 1. Hot Water Heater           │                           │
│   │    (Gas On-Demand OR          │                           │
│   │     Electric Tank 10–20 gal)  │                           │
│   └──────────────┬────────────────┘                           │
│                  │ Hot Water Output                           │
│   ┌──────────────▼───────────────┐                           │
│   │ 2. Hot Water Manifold        │──────► Bathroom Shower     │
│   └──────────────┬───────────────┘       Bathroom Sink       │
│                  │                                   Kitchen │
│                  │                                   Optional│
│                  └──────────────────────────────► Passenger Side Outlet
│
│   3. Electrical Routing / Junctions                           │
│   - Conduit paths                                             │
│   - Heater electrical (if electric)                           │
│                                                               │
│   4. Plumbing Access                                           │
│   - Cold feed from bathroom manifold                           │
│   - Propane branch (gas heater only)                           │
│                                                               │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

HVAC Condenser Relocation

The HVAC outdoor condenser is no longer located in the garage.
It is now mounted on the tongue above the propane tanks using a generator‑rack‑style mount, as demonstrated in the referenced installation video.
This relocation provides:

  • Improved airflow for the condenser.
  • Reduced heat load inside the trailer.
  • More usable space inside the garage.
  • Cleaner service layout for plumbing and electrical systems.

Integration With Other Systems

  • Plumbing: Cold feed from bathroom → Heater → Hot manifold → Fixtures.
  • Propane: Optional gas heater uses Tank 1 via the house propane system.
  • Electrical: Electric tank heater uses dedicated circuit from electrical panel.
  • HVAC: Condenser relocated to tongue; no HVAC components remain in garage.

Related Pages

How This Page Will Evolve

As the build progresses, this page will be updated with final heater selection, mounting photos, electrical routing details, and any additional garage-based systems.
The garage will remain the central mechanical bay for hot water, electrical routing, and service access.