Camper trailer renovation - need advice

[2manyrocks]

Get that thing roadworthy and leak free. Then go camping. Make a list of what you wish you had. Run back to town and get it.

If you're going to camp where they have power, box fans, ceramic heaters, electric cook tops all work on 110v and are cheap.

If you're going primitive camping, think of what you could get by with in a tent without 12v power. Once your battery dies, then 12v power won't matter anyway.

 

[sailorman]

For fans, check out the computer 'muffin fans'. They draw less than 1 amp and push more air than conventional fans. Generally they are 4" X 4" and 1 " thick. Some creative mounting will be necessary, but the challenge is worth the amperage savings.

Now there 's a thought !

 

[radioman]

wow- after seeing all that heavy wood, I am going to bet its going to weigh around 3k. Definately get the brakes fixed for towing with such a small truck.

my order of priority-

1. brakes
2. tailights
3. couple lights inside to work on 12v
4. put in comfy bed
5. 1-4 done? call it done. I wouldnt do any more work then that since you can spend less money on a popup that weighs less with more stuff that works.

 

[sailorman]

wow- after seeing all that heavy wood, I am going to bet its going to weigh around 3k. Definately get the brakes fixed for towing with such a small truck.

my order of priority-

1. brakes
2. tailights
3. couple lights inside to work on 12v
4. put in comfy bed
5. 1-4 done? call it done. I wouldnt do any more work then that since you can spend less money on a popup that weighs less with more stuff that works.

Do you mean all the wood in the kitchen benches and couch ? I 'm thinkin' 'bout redoing them with lighter structure. Sure hope its not 3000 # 'cause the tires are rated at 2720 # same as previous ones. I might be able to spend less on a popup, but I can 't afford the note taht comes due ever month. I can afford to spend money here and there when I have it. I don 't want soft canvas walls or pull out beds. I looked at chalet 's and Aliner about 5 years ago and they wanted approx. $18000. Doubt I 'll spend that much. Not into the used market.

 

[T_e_r_r_y]

In regards to post #15. #*8 ??? How about a fold down bed or camp cot. For when the weather gets just too bad to sleep out under the stars? Closet for spare sets of clothes.
Places for pots and pans. Soap for washing up and cleaning dishes. Shovel to dig holes, for when nature calls. Extra- pieces of plumbing supplies, wire, wire splices, bulbs, cabinet locks(to keep doors closed-when traveling over the back country). Do a shake down trip.
Load up and leave, check the interior see what moved. Paper and pencil for what is needed or not. Beats remembering after getting home. See what works and what doesn't.
Most of all " ENJOY " nature.

T.J.

 

[Egon]

I want the camper to amount to a rolling hard body/roof tent with a few extra frills.

That sounds like a van may be what you want. Or a P/U with cap on the back.

 

[sailorman]

In regards to post #15. #*8 ??? How about a fold down bed or camp cot. For when the weather gets just too bad to sleep out under the stars? Closet for spare sets of clothes.
Places for pots and pans. Soap for washing up and cleaning dishes. Shovel to dig holes, for when nature calls. Extra- pieces of plumbing supplies, wire, wire splices, bulbs, cabinet locks(to keep doors closed-when traveling over the back country). Do a shake down trip.
Load up and leave, check the interior see what moved. Paper and pencil for what is needed or not. Beats remembering after getting home. See what works and what doesn't.
Most of all " ENJOY " nature.

T.J.

Got the sleeper couch already built. I just use the fire at night outside to keep warm and meditate with Doctor Bacardi and Nurse Cola ! Closet stills exist ( didn 't gut it ) . Small kitchen counter, floor cabinet for pot/pan storage with sink, and over head existing cabinet is in the plan. I still have the original sink and plumbing. Got a secondary closet in back that is gonna house quality camp porta-pottie instead of clothes. Large storage box for pickup with repair and road stuff already set.

I 've got years of experience ruff campin' from back packin' to conoein' to primitive tent. Got more stuff than I can ever use in a trailer.

Good shake down trip is a must. First one will be about 45 mi. one way with both primitive and electrical hookup as I choose.

We think much alike.

 

[sailorman]

That sounds like a van may be what you want. Or a P/U with cap on the back.

Had a full size van or two and pickup camper shells that I fixed up inside in my younger hippie days and loved them. But, the mind is young and the body is older . Gotta have some creature comforts now like standing up in the mornin' to put on my bell bottom jeans, Irish coffee instead of roll your own 's, Hats for bald head instead of head bands, Shoes that protect my arches instead of knee high moccasins, but I sure do miss the smell of patchouli oil on a lily white hippie chick in a long flowered dress. Never got into the hairy legs and arm pit thing though.

I also wish the phrase never trust anyone over 30 still applied

 

[T_e_r_r_y]

Maybe we are alike!!!! "NO" I didn't stay at Howard Johnson's last night- "BUT" I
was in cub scouts then boy scouts. "BE PREPARED"!! Try to do a good turn daily. Did a lot of camping at Moorehead Park,just outside of my home town.Grandson 7yrs old and just starting in cub scouts. Will be exciting and a good time for us both. Imangine a 58 year old man and his grandson out hiking and bird watching,maybe a little fishing thrown in. There is a state park just over 6 miles from us,close if he doesn't want to stay, but far enough from mom to be on his own.
Hope you enjoy your trailer and all the extras of nature.

T.J.

 

[Raspy]

You and Terry have the right ideas! Keep it simple and be ready to get out of the weather if needed. That trailer will be wonderful in the wind or rain. Just take the basics on your shakedown cruise and see what you'd like to add.

Simple and efficient lighting, a couple of very good ice chests, a multi burner stove (since you now have the room and a fine frying pan and a coffee pot) a couple of comfortable folding chairs, a folding or built in table, adequate cookware and a comfortable bed. Then bring the camping necessities you already have and know. Eventually, you'll add fun and practical items.

On the trip you can leave the trailer set up and go on side trips in the tow car or go to get firewood, or more Bacardi, etc. When you get "home" you can step right in out of the weather and click on the light. Nice. A porch light is a nice way to illuminate the outdoor area too.

If you bring a laptop, you can plug it into one of the cigarette lighter plugs and write. Camping, as you know, can be very inspiring.

A small solar panel can also plug into a cigarette lighter and charge the trailer battery all day. Make a spot to store it inside. Oh, that reminds me, be sure to have a trailer battery. A good group 27 deep cycle would be nice.

Bring a simple solar shower you can set on top to warm during the day.

A couple of milk crates can carry firewood to warm your feet while sampling the Bacardi and looking at the stars.