Removing a Bathroom | Vintage Trailer Talk

sonanova
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1983 Fleetwood Southwind P30

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Removing a Bathroom Jul 21, 2015 8:50:24 GMT -8

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Post by sonanova on Jul 21, 2015 8:50:24 GMT -8

Just bought my first RV, a 1983 P30 Fleetwood Southwind with a rear bathroom and bath. Ideally, I wanted a RV that was designed much more like a traditional Vardo (minimalist with only a few kitchen ammenities and no bathroom) but this just wasn't a reality. Plus - the price I bought her for was really unbeatable. We are ready to spend some serious time and energy (plus some money) making her into our perfect mini-home away from home.

SO the big question is: has anyone had success completely removing a bathroom from an RV? Currently we have a toilet, shower and sink. I am okay with keeping the kitchen, but eliminating the bath would lighten the weight, meaning we can carry more and expland the bedroom. I would also remove the septic (I work in biohazard cleanup, so I do have access and info about dealing with the cleaning aspect), if this is possible at all.

For the record, we camp in the same locations all the time, and these already have toilets and showers, so we will never use these RV facilities even if we get stuck with them. I know people like to try and argue with me about that, but its something I am dead set on. I want to get down to making this a place *I* want to stay

Thanks, and I look forward to learning a lot from you experts...

Best,
Ridgely

~.~**Ridgely**~.~

Trailer: "Freedom"
1983 Fleetwood Southwind P30
Midwest Area

Hamlet
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Removing a Bathroom Jul 21, 2015 9:49:50 GMT -8 vikx likes this

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Post by Hamlet on Jul 21, 2015 9:49:50 GMT -8

In old trailers, the structural integrity is compromised when any interior cupboards, etc are removed. This may not be the case if your '83 has a metal structure rather than wood. And it would also not be the case if the bathroom is not fastened into the structure of the wall, but only the ceiling.

Most folks who buy an RV want a bathroom, so if you remove it, you will be lessening the resale value down the road. That being said, we are all for making your rig something that YOU will find perfect for your family. As long as the structure is OK, then go for it and make this your dream RV.

bigbill
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Removing a Bathroom Jul 21, 2015 19:09:05 GMT -8

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Post by bigbill on Jul 21, 2015 19:09:05 GMT -8

Jul 21, 2015 9:49:50 GMT -8 Hamlet said:

In old trailers, the structural integrity is compromised when any interior cupboards, etc are removed. This may not be the case if your '83 has a metal structure rather than wood. And it would also not be the case if the bathroom is not fastened into the structure of the wall, but only the ceiling.

Most folks who buy an RV want a bathroom, so if you remove it, you will be lessening the resale value down the road. That being said, we are all for making your rig something that YOU will find perfect for your family. As long as the structure is OK, then go for it and make this your dream RV.

Hamlet is right on the thought that removing a wall or even a cupboard can weaken a trailer, new or old. BUT with a little thought you can add the strength and rigidity back as you remodel the area. You will find many trailers with several different floor plans and each is strong. as you remodel and build in the bed or a chest of drawers or a closet you can add the strength back. Give everything you do a lot of thought before proceeding it will save you time, money, and heartache.