|
Post by Paws on Jan 11, 2006 7:55:01 GMT 12.75
Hi! ;D Just bought myself a POS camper of around thirty years old. It has a shower, pottie, sink, furnace, cook top and supposedly sleeps six. it has interior dimensions of 7.5 feet by 17.6 feet and is on a 19.5 foot frame with tandom wheels centered on the frame. I want to rebuild it touse for camping, hunting, hauling reenactor stuff, and storing my Civil War and Cast Iron things. I would like your suggestions/assistance on redoing this thing. special ideas, tricks, and gizmos on the market that would help will be appreciated. I'll add pictures in a couple of weeks. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Carter Northcutt on Jan 11, 2006 10:43:21 GMT 12.75
Sell it and buy something better ;D
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on Jan 11, 2006 11:01:18 GMT 12.75
My first thought was to pay someone to haul it off and and start over ;D
|
|
|
Post by Brikatw on Jan 11, 2006 11:25:45 GMT 12.75
Awww Phil, them guys just aint CHEAP as you and me. Come on with it, we'll figure out where to make the hole in the floor and where to put the bucket...
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on Jan 12, 2006 11:09:05 GMT 12.75
I'm with ya' buddy! I don't have the deep pockets like those other guys do, so I understand your do it yerself approach. Beside, a good project helps you stay active, allows a sense of satisfaction and contentment once the jobs done, and keeps you out of the wife's way, too! ;D
My first suggestion is, get a shit-load of duct tape!
|
|
|
Post by bloodlust on Jan 12, 2006 20:27:32 GMT 12.75
As long as the frame's in good shape, it's fixable. First, find an RV store with a good parts dept. Get a catalog, and you'll see that anything you could possibly need is available.
First off, is the floor solid? Next, how's the plumbing?
|
|
|
Post by Paws on Jan 13, 2006 2:51:41 GMT 12.75
Cold blooded! I figure I'm guttin it out and starting over. Plan to peel all the exterior stuff off and do some corrosion preventive on the frame too. The cabinets and built ins I plan to design and build myself. All the plumbing gets replaced for certain, all the wiring, and I plan to do some re-work of the gas hook-ups. I want to re-work the shower to add a wash basin. The bedroom loft gets converted to gun safe and storage. The bed gets raised to 24 inches with cabinets built in underneath. The kitchen gets a new sink counters, refer, microwave, toaster oven, convection oven, coffee pot, T.V. and Stereo CD/DVD/AM/FM player and satellite dish. I plan to drop all the tanks and probably replace them. I need an extension bumper on the rear for the grill, smoker, and 2 more gas bottles. Adding gas bottles and storage on the tongue. Adding overhead storage on the roof. Adding a 5K btu AC. Probably will replace the furnace and cook top as well. Want to redo the LR window to convert it to a drop down shelf where things can be passed to the outside kind of like a canteen wagon or roach coach. My budget is $4,500.00 cause I found one like it for that price "in good condition." So now, shall we begin again? ;D
|
|
|
Post by Carter Northcutt on Jan 13, 2006 3:59:28 GMT 12.75
I suppose the frame will support the weight of the add-ons you are proposing? If you were down this-a way I'd help you with it
|
|
|
Post by bloodlust on Jan 13, 2006 5:03:23 GMT 12.75
WOW!!! Now, THAT'S drastic! Now, I can see how deep this is. Well, I've never peeled the skin off one, so good luck there! I'd try to salvage the tanks, at least. As long as they're not leaking, they should be OK. You'll find that AC units are pricey, so try to find a good salvage unit, or just have a heating/cooling guy take a look at the one you have. The gas range is probably OK, as well. That's something that's so simple, a thourough cleanup makes for a 100% improvement. Is this a fifth wheel, or a travel trailer?
|
|
|
Post by Brikatw on Jan 13, 2006 6:37:27 GMT 12.75
I have a brand new 5000 A?C unit here Phil, all you gotta do is come and get it. It's a window unit that runs off of 110 volts. I forget where I got it but it is a new one that I have only run once when the one for the house was out for a few days.
|
|
|
Post by Paws on Jan 13, 2006 6:38:27 GMT 12.75
It's a Travel Trailer. I already have the air conditioner. I bought two a couple years ago that have never been used. I have the smoker, grill, two of the propane tanks and am toying with the idea of a commercial 3 bay stainless steel sink I have that may get added. The stove, furnace, HW tank, and refrigerator are reported to be functional, but I have not tried them yet. The tanks, if solid will be cleaned up, painted and reinstalled. No use wasting money. I started pulling furniture designs out of catalogs this morning. Getting kind of excited about this project.
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on Jan 13, 2006 8:16:40 GMT 12.75
Don't forget the disco ball and karaoke machine, a mini-bar, and a set of those spinnin rims foe the wheels.
Also you might want to put a kennel in for the feline pals and some green shag carpet. That ought to liven it up!
;D
|
|
|
Post by Rich on Jan 13, 2006 8:23:59 GMT 12.75
Hey,
While we are on the subject of air-conditioners, does anyone know if they make a propane ac?
Rich
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on Jan 13, 2006 11:24:04 GMT 12.75
Phil, What are you going to pull this with? Do you have something that is big enough without burning up the motor or transmission? Remember to figure that in with your budget.
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on Jan 13, 2006 14:55:46 GMT 12.75
Rich,
I've heard of propane AC units, but never saw one. They make propane fridges, so why not AC's, right?
I bet any RV center could find one for ya. If so that might be a good way to go and get away from depending on electricity altogether.
Paws, reckon there's room for a small jacuzzi?
|
|
|
Post by Paws on Jan 14, 2006 4:49:36 GMT 12.75
Phil, What are you going to pull this with? Do you have something that is big enough without burning up the motor or transmission? Remember to figure that in with your budget. Nope not yet. My vehicles both have over 130K on them though and are getting traded on something anyway. I was thinking of a truck, Ford of Chevy. Decided on Chevy because the parts are more available at present. Will be looking for something between five and seven years old with an 8, auto, air, AM/FM Stereo, probably four wheel drive not absolutely certain though since I don't do any nasty weather driving to speak of. If finances work out should be able to swap out this year. If not, will wait until next year.
|
|
|
Post by Paws on Jan 14, 2006 4:53:09 GMT 12.75
|
|
|
Post by Brikatw on Jan 14, 2006 5:35:20 GMT 12.75
I kinda like the Ford F-150s Paws. Especially with the 4.6 in them. For me, the seats are much more comfortable. Of course you'ld probably want 3/4 ton so the 250 is an option. Just take your time and drive them then pick which ever works best for you. Have you considered putting a sink on the outside of the camper. Helps keep some of the messes on the outside. Just an idea. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Buckeye on Jan 14, 2006 6:11:50 GMT 12.75
Hew Paws. I came up with a couple of ideas!
|
|
|
Post by Buckeye on Jan 14, 2006 6:16:41 GMT 12.75
Or how about this?
|
|