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Post by vikx on Feb 3, 2016 22:14:15 GMT -8
I certainly don't want to dictate to ANYONE how a trailer is repaired for personal use. However, when they start to repair and RESELL, that is another story.
When buyers expect well restored and get covered up rot, I am concerned. VTT is all about education and also to enjoy each other and different opinions. That doesn't mean that a lipsticked trailer should be presented as "restored".
What I'm trying to say is it's OK to do whatever with your own trailer. Honesty is extremely important if you decide to sell. Most members know (or should know) that inside repairs can not address skirt and sill rot. I feel that sellers should be asked about rebuld photos and actual repairs accomplished.
Pictures or it didn't happen.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Feb 20, 2016 1:45:35 GMT -8
Gossip on the accident: Lady was towing across a bridge and lost control; possibly speed and overloaded Shasta contributed. The entire trailer was FULL of PINK and had had no structural repairs, lots of lipstick. (yes, pink) The trailer started to sway. I'm assuming the rotten skirts allowed the body to twist loose from the frame with the bolts then failing. Highway patrol wanted to fine her $1500 for an unsecured load but lowered it to $850 when it was revealed to be a "trailer". There was quite a hoopla on the old board when the lady challenged use of the photos... Lipstick is right. There wasn't even enough work done to qualify for old hooker/new dress status. As an aside, isn't it about time that science comes up with some way to remove pink from the visual spectrum?
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Feb 20, 2016 4:44:59 GMT -8
Eliminate pink? Heaven forbid! Can you imagine pepto bismol in blue?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 20, 2016 8:29:41 GMT -8
When used properly, pink is a very appealing color. There is such a thing as too much of anything. In this case however the color was used in the wrong places for the wrong reasons. When displaying an un-restored vintage camper at a rally there is no reason to dress it up with odds and ends. Just let it sit there in all it's glory as a testament to time and travel. Oh the stories an old trailer could tell...
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Feb 20, 2016 9:58:48 GMT -8
That's what draws us to old things, the stories. And that's why I wrote the stories for our grandkids about Hamlet. It is as fun for them to conjecture about what adventures other families had as it was for me to write about them. Unfortunately, I still haven't found an illustrator, so we just have hard copies on paper. Someday there will be a new member who does cartoons that can draw pics for me.
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randys
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Post by randys on Aug 8, 2016 6:36:12 GMT -8
This is a good post if folks would take time to research before buying. When my wife first wanted to buy ours she thought a few repairs and paint would do. I started pointing out things such as the two prong power connection (out of date, has to be replaced) moved things around and pointed out some wood rot and told her that there would be more that we can't see. I first said no and we walked away. I was however curious about the possibility of a restoration. After a couple days off spent binging on videos and other forms of info I went back and took a second look. After a conversation about just how much a challenge we were taking on we decided to buy. I am glad I did and am excited to tackle this project but I can see how someone could fall into a bad camper without knowing what they were getting into. I knew I lacked the knowledge to take on this project alone. Thanks this forum and other sources of info I found out lot. I think I may also be the only person to never see that show on TV about restoring RV's.
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chickenfarmer
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Post by chickenfarmer on Aug 10, 2016 17:31:41 GMT -8
I wish I had known about this forum before I bought mine. I saw an old camper on side of the road and bought it on impulse. Long story but after 1 1/2 years and about 4K, I have a new trailer except doors, windows, sink and frame. I don't know if it is restored or homebuilt.
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jeremiah
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Post by jeremiah on Nov 20, 2016 9:56:09 GMT -8
What about parts for sale or wanted ? I have not seen how to put up an Ad there . Is that restricted ?
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Post by vikx on Nov 20, 2016 22:25:14 GMT -8
The For Sale section is restricted to Jr. members and above. (50 posts +) Anyone caught flooding the board to reach the magic "50" will also be restricted. VTT is not for selling, Craigslist works better for that.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Nov 21, 2016 6:36:12 GMT -8
The For Sale section is restricted to Jr. members and above. (50 posts +) Anyone caught flooding the board to reach the magic "50" will also be restricted. VTT is not for selling, Craigslist works better for that. Although it is nice having the option to get the "for-sale"s out to our friends here first. jeremiah. A real good way to look here for parts is to run a thread with photos of what you are working on, and what you are looking to replace. It is amazing how many real good suggestions you can get as far as finding parts and even alternative solutions in cases of really tough-to-find items. It's fun on my end to watch what others are doing and set my imagination loose!
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Post by iluvs2fish on Aug 15, 2017 15:33:08 GMT -8
Can someone tell me a person goes about looking for a seriously restored trailer as we are too old to do that kind of work ourselves but want to enjoy a few years of camping while we still can. thanks/
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 15, 2017 17:09:52 GMT -8
Can someone tell me a person goes about looking for a seriously restored trailer as we are too old to do that kind of work ourselves but want to enjoy a few years of camping while we still can. thanks/ There are certain things you should look for. As stated in the rest of this thread, ask for photos of the build. "Photos, or it didn't happen"... All trailers that are more than 20 years old have a certain amount of water damage in them unless they have been well taken care of and stored out of weather their entire life. Rot happens when water gets in and can't escape. One of the reasons we don't paint our skirt boards and framing. A lot is going to depend on whether you are buying a trailer that was built to use by the owner or buying one that was built to sell. You are going to have to determine what kind of work was done, what was replaced and what was left behind. If a trailer has been painted inside when it is supposed to be birch or some other paneling, you can usually bet that it was a putty and paint trailer that we lovingly call "Lipstick On A Pig"... One of the best things you can do is learn as much as you can here first and then go out and start looking. When you find something you are interested in, take lots of photos, ask lots of questions and especially ask to see the build photos. No photos? No sale. Then show them all to the people here. Show us the answers to your questions, show us the photos of the build and show us your photos. We will be glad to help you make up your mind. We're here to help... We love our trailers and we love our hobby. You won't find better advice anywhere on the internet.
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Post by vikx on Aug 15, 2017 21:11:22 GMT -8
I agree! There are way too many trailers out there claiming to be "restored" that are simply patched and camouflaged. I think taking a look at Mobiltec's videos will give you a good idea of what goes into a build. All of us are here to help and can steer you toward a nice trailer.
The price of a well restored trailer will start close to 10K. They are well worth more if we counted our hours involved. But we do it because we love it...
PICTURES OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Aug 16, 2017 8:56:46 GMT -8
I think it would be good practice when you get finished restoring you trailer to have the trailer weighed so if you resell it won't be any argument of what it weighs. Most of use build back a little more heavy duty materials so why not take it to some scales and actually see what it weighs. You can do this at a scrap yard or possibly local land fill. I know tongue weight is going to make a lot of difference also. I always judge that by how it pulls. Is their an actual mathematical formula for this? I know if it's not heavy enough on the tongue that's when you get the fish tailing.
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studeclunker
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Post by studeclunker on Mar 19, 2019 10:17:15 GMT -8
sixty percent of your load forward of the axle. One way to get tongue weight is to weigh the trailer, then back the axle(s) off the scale so that only the jack post is on. Then get the weight on that. If the tongue weight is less than one quarter of the trailer (empty/dry) you have a serious problem. Also, if you are going to load extra items (bicycles, coolers, folding whatever) put it in the FRONT. Heavy on the tongue is good. Heavy on the tail is disaster!
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