Viny
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Post by Viny on Sept 14, 2017 10:05:36 GMT -8
![]() ![]() So, I recently purchased some land and while cleaning up and looking around, I discovered this old Aljo travel trailer. I don't know how old it is, I haven't yet found a title and I'm wondering if this would be a good restoration project. The trailer is in a pretty rough condition, having been used as a storage building. It was stuffed with all kinds of junk, most of which should have been thrown away. Anyway, it has a hole in the roof near the AC unit and subsequent floor rot. I really think it is a complete teardown and rebuild. I have the room to do the project. I'm just trying to figure out how to assess whether this is the one to pursue or not. Anyone have any guidance or advice? If so, thanks in advance...  Aljo 1 by Randy Vinyard, on Flickr  Aljo 2 by Randy Vinyard, on Flickr |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 14, 2017 11:06:18 GMT -8
Welcome to our little mad house.
Well,,,,, It's an Aljo so it's built well. Looks to be a 70s trailer. Not really all that valuable as far as vintage is concerned but if it's what YOU want to dive into and spend time and money on, it's a well built trailer. Next thing you want to do is remove or at least lift the skins to see what's on the inside of the wall. You will be looking for rot.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Sept 14, 2017 17:11:07 GMT -8
And let us know if after you peruse, you decide to persue.
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Post by vikx on Sept 14, 2017 22:26:31 GMT -8
Welcome Viny!
I'm gonna say pass. It's a little long and too "new" to make an effort worth it. This era of trailer often has MDF cabinets which will all need to be replaced. It appears to be tandem axles, so the frame may be worth more than with a trailer body on it...
Might try it on Craigslist to see if there's any interest. And good luck.
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Viny
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Post by Viny on Sept 15, 2017 3:06:37 GMT -8
I'm actually kind of on that same page of thinking the dual axle trailer is the real find here. After completely emptying it of all the contents, it will have to be torn down to the frame and completely rebuilt. Had any of you said something like: "Oh, wait! That's the holy-grail, unicorn trailer everyone has been on the lookout for..." I might have more enthusiastic.
After witnessing that wood rot first hand (almost stepping through the floor), and watching many Youtube videos on restoration, etc. I'm kind of wondering why more people wouldn't attempt restoration (or DIY builds) with steel framing? I'm not expert on it, but it appears to be much stronger and lighter weight. I get it if you would want restoration to be historically accurate, etc., but it seems to be a great way to avoid all that seemingly probable, eventual rot.
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datac
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Post by datac on Sept 15, 2017 10:36:24 GMT -8
For the same reasons the factory didn't do it that way- expense and weight. One of the reasons smaller trailers bring more money than bigger trailers is the fact that they're towable with something besides a 3/4 ton truck. A trailer that size with a steel frame would be a monster.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 15, 2017 10:54:46 GMT -8
I'm actually kind of on that same page of thinking the dual axle trailer is the real find here. After completely emptying it of all the contents, it will have to be torn down to the frame and completely rebuilt. Had any of you said something like: "Oh, wait! That's the holy-grail, unicorn trailer everyone has been on the lookout for..." I might have more enthusiastic. After witnessing that wood rot first hand (almost stepping through the floor), and watching many Youtube videos on restoration, etc. I'm kind of wondering why more people wouldn't attempt restoration (or DIY builds) with steel framing? I'm not expert on it, but it appears to be much stronger and lighter weight. I get it if you would want restoration to be historically accurate, etc., but it seems to be a great way to avoid all that seemingly probable, eventual rot. The whole idea here is to build your trailer so it doesn't leak in the first place. And then it must be maintained. Metal rots too. It's called rust. |
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Sept 15, 2017 15:30:11 GMT -8
Steel framing as used in home construction isn't that heavy. But it does rust and that pesky thing called galvanic corrosion happens when mated to aluminum.
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Viny
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Post by Viny on Jul 22, 2018 5:59:15 GMT -8
So, I've been focused on other things. At this point, I plan to retrieve the trailer, move it near my barn and demo it to see what shape the actual trailer is in. I've also started a spread sheet of features, etc I would want in a travel trailer if I were to design it from the ground up. I'll keep you all posted on this effort as it (and cooler weather) develop. I also plan to video and time lapse this effort for posterity and possible Youtube posting.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 22, 2018 10:22:44 GMT -8
"... time lapse this effort for posterity"
A fun idea.
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