Camper trailer renovation - need advice

[TracTrac]

Sailorman, Do you plan on camping primative or at a campground? Is this your first camper? For primative you will find that a 12 volt system is nessesary for lights. Check the spring hangers and bolts for corrosion. Brakes on the camper might add years to your life others. Brakes are a must, especially with a light tow vehicle. What do you plan on using for heat? When dry camping I use a very small coleman sportcat that has a catylist combustion system. It does not set off my CO (carbon monoxide) alarm. A smoke alarm is also a must have.
I started out 5 years ago with a 1989 39' Newmar Kountrystar. Very comfortable and roomy, but just too heavy (12,800lbs) to be practical. I now own a 2009 Palamino Puma 26rs. Not much room, but I feel safer when towing 5500 lbs with my old Dodge 3500.
The new campers are much better insulated than those of years past. Being in La. you know all about humidity. If your Ranger is an automatic I would recommend having the tranny serviced. Using the ranger you will need to be aware of your gross weight.
One thing that I added to the puma that made a nice difference is a memory foam mattress. After owning a Tempur-pedic for 2 years I found it almost impossible to sleep on a standard mattress.
Good Luck.

 

[adjusterr]

Sailorman: Please do the brakes! Until it happens, you can't imagine the feeling when you apply your brakes on a wet or loose surface road and realize your trailer is coming around to meet you. Your tow vehicle's brakes were designed to stop the Ranger, the extra weight of the trailer will cause brake fade on a long application and will tend to push the rear of the Ranger sideways. If the Ranger is automatic, you will definately need a transmission cooler, not very expensive and easily installed in front of the radiator by any backyard mechanic. You can purchase a complete 10' electric brake assembly from Trailer Parts Superstore, Trailer Parts Superstore - Recreational & Commercial Trailer Part Store, for about $40. per wheel, can't beat that. Enjoy camping.

 

[theboman]

The brakes not only will save your donkey, but your life and the life of others! Brakes the most important thing on the unit!

Storage/space. Lightweight materials.... You'll need a converter for AC/DC, find at RV graveyards all across the USA.... RV lights are 12v and run off that converter.

Propane/smoke detector. SAFTEY first. If you're asleep and there's a propane leake you may never play that ol' guitar again....

 

[Egon]

Looks like it's coming along nicely. :thumbsup:

As has been stated do the running gear on the trailer next.

Then plan what all amenities you are going to install and where they go. Build framework for them. Install inside insulation and sheeting Suggest going to foam insulation rather than fibreglass. :thumbsup:

Again; as stated, install all the detectors And have an alternate exit if possible.

 

[sailorman]

Some clarifications : For all concerned about brakes, rest assured that brakes are definately in my must have column. My OP was a bit foggy on that point. I will be adding weight distribution system with sway bar.

I will be doing a combo of primitive and hookup camping. Much more primitive than hookup. I want the camper to amount to a rolling hard body/roof tent with a few extra frills. Will spend most of my time outside weather permitting.

Potential work order list : 1. wiring for some DC power for fans, lighting, other.
2. insulation
3. kitchnette counter with sink
4. connect existing plumbing
5. interior enclosure including existing 110V outlets
6. adding a few shelves
7. new exterior paint job
8. ???

Just feel like I 'm missing something. What do ya think ? Many have suggested things I had not thought of like tranmissin cooler and I would love to hear more of them. As they say in Louisiana " when you 're up to your butt in alligators, its hard to remember your original intent was to drain the swamp ".

 

[KubotainNH]

It sounds like you are well on your way with that list. Do you plan on plumbing for propane and what about a fridge? We mainly use propane to cool our fridge (which seems wrong) and furnace to warm/dry out the camper if we have a really cold night. Most of the time we do not have 110 to hook to. I use the forum http://www.popupexplorer.com/forum/ for ideas, I'm PupinNH on there. This is where I found the battery saving LED ideas and they have cool storage setups too. I think this site has sister sites too geared to hard wall units. Looking forward to your build.

One more comment, electric brakes and sway bar :thumbsup:

 

[sailorman]

It sounds like you are well on your way with that list. Do you plan on plumbing for propane and what about a fridge? We mainly use propane to cool our fridge (which seems wrong) and furnace to warm/dry out the camper if we have a really cold night. Most of the time we do not have 110 to hook to. I use the forum PopUp Explorer - Index for ideas, I'm PupinNH on there. This is where I found the battery saving LED ideas and they have cool storage setups too. I think this site has sister sites too geared to hard wall units. Looking forward to your build.

One more comment, electric brakes and sway bar :thumbsup:

Gonna use a propane camp stove on the counter, camp fires and heavy sleepin' gear if it gets real cold ( not likely in La. ), ice chest instead of frig., and good camp porta pottie for the important stuff. I have found a good brake kit with everything I need.

I 'll check the link ya posted.

 

[spanky8N]

How about a fan (fantastic fan is a good brand and DC powered) and maybe some rain proof vents. Any lighting definitely go with LED!

 

[sailorman]

How about a fan (fantastic fan is a good brand and DC powered) and maybe some rain proof vents. Any lighting definitely go with LED!

I 'm thinkin' about installing a few cigarette lighter type adapters and using a few DC fans I have from my tent campin' days. I used them with a jump start battery that had the adapter. I 'll take a look at the LED 's. Not sure if I 'm gonna like that kind of light, but it sure would help to lower battery draw.

 

[PILOON]

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.