nn
New Member
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
1971 Cygnet
Currently Offline
|
Post by nn on Jun 6, 2014 7:57:20 GMT -8
my camper's propane lines were ripped out before I bought it. The old propane fridge was toast so I ripped it out and the stove was already gone. I'm rebuilding the kitchen unit and I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to bother running new propane lines. Will it be worth the cost? My alternate (cheaper) plan is to build a slide out compartment under one of the benches that will hold a five day cooler. And then just cooking outside with our coleman stove and not putting a stove in the camper at all.
I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions on living with or without propane. Or any opinion on whether or not the cost and effort of installing propane is worth the pay off.
Thanks!
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 576
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Jun 6, 2014 8:22:13 GMT -8
First, you have to understand that these trailer's are "just toys", and you are only a temporary owner! Trust me on this, you will be selling it some day down the road.
Without the ability to cook/heat/light inside, it's just a large "tear drop" trailer.
Buyers expect to have a certain number of amenities for a given size trailer. The larger the trailer, the more features are expected like hot water heaters/bathrooms/showers/holding tanks, etc. On the very small 13' trailers, having propane accessories is about as basic as you can get. Even if you do not want any propane accessories at this time, make sure you at least plumb the copper lines "for future owner use" before you seal up the walls. A restored trailer with No propane available will adversely affect your resale value, IMO.
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Jun 6, 2014 10:07:58 GMT -8
Is there a lady involved or are you just making this decision for yourself... Because on a cold wet day.. If my husband made me sit in a cold trailer and cook outside.........We would move to a hotel and eat in a restaurant!
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 6, 2014 13:28:47 GMT -8
I find more and more people are not interested in propane. many only stay in places with electric there for they are more interested in a microwave and a toaster/convection oven and a/c /electric heat. If you are doing a 100% original restoration then propane is a must, if you are rebuilding to a modern standard I don't think it matters. ladyW My wife says she doesn't go camping to sit a a trailer and cook it is either outside or microwave inside or Restaurant.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 576
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Jun 6, 2014 13:45:59 GMT -8
I find more and more people are not interested in propane. many only stay in places with electric there for they are more interested in a microwave and a toaster/convection oven and a/c /electric heat. If you are doing a 100% original restoration then propane is a must, if you are rebuilding to a modern standard I don't think it matters. ladyW My wife says she doesn't go camping to sit a a trailer and cook it is either outside or microwave inside or Restaurant. BigBill, we both agree that a modern, safe, adequate, 110v electrical system is a "must have" for any rebuild.
But for twenty bucks, why would you not run the copper tubing inside the walls for the next owner. You can then at least advertise it for sale "as plumbed for propane". It just opens up your potential buyer options, it's "smart money" spent.
One big advantage is the need for propane if your driving with a electric/propane refrigerator. I like my Popsickles frozen. LOL
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 576
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Jun 6, 2014 14:04:42 GMT -8
Is there a lady involved or are you just making this decision for yourself... Because on a cold wet day.. If my husband made me sit in a cold trailer and cook outside.........We would move to a hotel and eat in a restaurant!
LOL, You sound like my wife. We already camped out of the back of a 1961 station wagon, with a tent for our kids fifty years ago,.........but this time we enjoy the nicer things.
Since she's is a NASCAR fan "we need" to have Sirrus satellite radio in the trailer for the weekend races. The hidden flat screen TV is cool, the hidden micro wave "is needed" to do the popcorn for the nightly movie. We "need" the wireless web connections to stay in touch with email, and our VTT friends, the electric heater, electric fans, reading lights, you can't camp without the frozen Popsickles, as you can see it just goes "on and on".
I guess dry camping is out of the question for us city slicker's.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 6, 2014 14:34:19 GMT -8
John I could buy a lot of dry ice for the cost of a propane fridge. Also what if you live in an area with tunnels that prohibit propane. And the list goes on. I have two different friends that ordered new trailers with no propane, they were both career firefighters and did not want propane in or near their units. So each person has to decide what they wish. Frankly I am like Mr. Butler from Gone with the Wind. (his famous words to Scarlet) Also for your Popsicle if you know someone who receives frozen meds or food delivered by Fed Ex they will have a foam container that will hold them frozen for 4-6 days with the included ice packs.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 6, 2014 15:03:55 GMT -8
John Another thought if you rough plumbed for propane stove and light but didn't install them then the cabinet area would need remodeled to install a stove and how would you find the light tube unless you put an ugly wall plate over the hole, then what if the new owner didn't want the light where you put the line. I am not arguing I am just thinking out loud. I guess you could make an exact measured drawing as where to cut the hole in the wall to find the tubing for a light.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 576
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Jun 6, 2014 15:22:23 GMT -8
LOL......Soooooo Big Bill, I guess it's safe to assume you not interested in "my fire trap" of a trailer!
I like your Gone with the Wind quote! LOL
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 6, 2014 18:57:49 GMT -8
John I personally am not afraid of propane. As I said above in an exact restoration it has to be there in a rebuild to different standards I don't think it has a major effect on selling price. This unit I am redoing now will be all electric but only because I no longer plan on camping in primitive areas. I have already had offers to buy it when it is finished but I have no plans of selling it. Years ago propane was a requirement but now in this part of the country even our state parks have electricity. And I don't think propane makes a fire trap, I just don't see hauling it around if you aren't going to use it.
|
|
lakewoodgirl
Active Member
Posts: 270
Likes: 92
1954 Lakewood
Currently Offline
|
Post by lakewoodgirl on Jun 6, 2014 19:58:57 GMT -8
I'm one who votes for just electricity. My opinion in this argument probably doesn't matter, but as trailer camping is becoming more popular, and people (mostly my generation and the ones after me) can't live without their electronics, I think bringing yesterday's trailer into the modern world is a must. I'm looking into outfitting my trailer with a couple of solar panels, flat screen, satellite,etc. Plus, I just can't stand the smell of propane, especially in such a confined space. But, to each his/her own!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
SusieQ
Global Moderator
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 1,197
'62 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by SusieQ on Jun 6, 2014 21:03:29 GMT -8
I agree with Corvett. While it might increase the resale value, most people I know with small campers do not cook in them except to boil water because of grease and food odors. I wasn't looking for something with gas ( but then, I am teardrop camper) I just happened to get it. Funny thing is, I didn't know my little Shasta had electricity when I bought and figured I would be adding it (which I have totally rewired it). If it is for you, you should do what suits your needs. I bought mine for camping and it will be comfortable for me. Yes, it will be nice to cook inside when it's raining or cold. But that can be accomplished with electric small appliances, too if you are not boondocking.
I just want hot water for washing dishes. I'm a little over boiling water in a pot outside to wash dishes. I will have a portable water heater for TD camping as well as for my Shasta.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 576
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Jun 6, 2014 22:10:38 GMT -8
John I personally am not afraid of propane. As I said above in an exact restoration it has to be there in a rebuild to different standards I don't think it has a major effect on selling price. This unit I am redoing now will be all electric but only because I no longer plan on camping in primitive areas. I have already had offers to buy it when it is finished but I have no plans of selling it. Years ago propane was a requirement but now in this part of the country even our state parks have electricity. And I don't think propane makes a fire trap, I just don't see hauling it around if you aren't going to use it. Fair enough BigBill, were still friends. LOL
The neat thing about rebuilding these little rolling houses, is that we can tailor the systems to our exact needs. And those needs will be different for all of us.
I would not consider myself "a trailer flipper", more "of a repeat builder". I rebuild a trailer, use it for awhile, figure out what works for me, then sell it, and repeat the process on the next trailer. I have never had a trailer for more than two seasons.
I have built some "really deluxe" Tear Drops, and found "they were still just tear drops"! The next step, was 13' canned hams, they were a nice step up, but no adequate room for a toilet, which I'm told is very important for The Palmer's. The 17' canned ham I currently have seems about right in size for the two of us, and I have "built in" many comfort amenities. I've have a 24' Boles Aero "in waiting" for a rebuild, but it now seems "too big for the two of us. One thing that I have learned the hard way is to not sell the current trailer, until the next one is road ready, and fully campable.
Susie, This current trailer "has an under sink" electric built in hot water heater. It is not technically correct for this restoration, but "I'm told", it's very nice for washing dishes! LOL I try my best to "build in", or "bolt on" as many things as possible. I hate, packing, and unpacking stuff for camping. I like things to be attached, such as drop down corner stabilizers. It's just one less thing to haul and pack. You might consider looking at a built in one for your water heating needs. They work fine for an apartment sink, but maybe not enough volume for a small shower.
|
|
SusieQ
Global Moderator
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 1,197
'62 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by SusieQ on Jun 6, 2014 22:27:12 GMT -8
John, I've considered a permanent tankless heater but I think I'm going to start with a outdoor gas model and just run the hose through an existing opening that I will be re-purposing. Since I still use my teardrop, I can use the portable one with both trailers until I break down and by an indoor one to install. It will be gas and I will have a 12v pump so I can boondock.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Jun 6, 2014 22:47:24 GMT -8
I always include the propane system, whether it will be used or not. The lines don't have to go in the walls. Just under the trailer (either black iron or original copper with protection) and up thru the floor. Usually the closet for the Wave 3 and under the kitchen area for the stove. The only line that really needs to be in the wall is the gas light line. It often runs up the wall and across the ceiling, then into a cabinet. If you don't want the gas light, the propane lines can be run later...
|
|