Post by vikx on Oct 2, 2018 20:13:50 GMT -8
I don't know if this is going to work, but I'd like you all to chime in on your own thoughts about buying and repairing vintage trailers for a build. We're talking vintage trailers 1969 and older. If yours is newer, feel free to add to the thread but keep your posts in the vintage spirit.
As many of you know, I have my own rules when looking:
Older than 1969, single axle
Must have a title
Must be around 15 feet or less. (My 52 Hanson canned ham is an exception at 17 feet total)
Must have most of the original parts and pieces, including appliances
Must be tow-able
Your answer could be based on what you personally want, or what you think would sell? Kind of depends why you are restoring a trailer in the first place. Will you keep it?
Hopefully, the questions below will help you:
Size of trailer?
Shape of trailer? (canned ham, toaster, retro, bread loaf, exotic)
Trunk or no trunk?
Overhang or no overhang?
Is the manufacturer important?
Year constructed?
Painted exterior or unfinished aluminum exterior? Of course this can always be changed...
Natural wood interior or painted interior? I will say most of us frown on interior paint.
Original icebox, newer electric dorm fridge or new propane fridge?
Original gas heater, newer catalytic heater or 12 volt forced air furnace?
Type of flooring? Do you like the original look? Something different? Wood? Patterns?
Stove top with oven, or stove top only? No stove top but leave a space for it??
Bathroom or no bathroom?
Hand pump faucet, electric water pump or both? City water connection?
12 volt system?
Converter?
Here's my thoughts:
I love canned hams and some of the retro mid 60s trailers. The skins are always lifted and the roof often floated to repair damage.
I'm not particularly concerned about brand or style as long as it is single axle and about 15 feet or less.
The electrical system is always upgraded and a 12 volt system added if the trailer didn't have one to begin with. All other systems (plumbing, gas, appliances) are inspected and upgraded or repaired if needed. Everything works. I add a Wave 3 if the original heater doesn't work or isn't there.
Potty closet only. I will not deal with black tanks and sewer parts. A porta potti is cleaner and easier to dump.
The interior should be real wood. I love that golden glow look!!
OK gang. HAVE AT IT!!
As many of you know, I have my own rules when looking:
Older than 1969, single axle
Must have a title
Must be around 15 feet or less. (My 52 Hanson canned ham is an exception at 17 feet total)
Must have most of the original parts and pieces, including appliances
Must be tow-able
Your answer could be based on what you personally want, or what you think would sell? Kind of depends why you are restoring a trailer in the first place. Will you keep it?
Hopefully, the questions below will help you:
Size of trailer?
Shape of trailer? (canned ham, toaster, retro, bread loaf, exotic)
Trunk or no trunk?
Overhang or no overhang?
Is the manufacturer important?
Year constructed?
Painted exterior or unfinished aluminum exterior? Of course this can always be changed...
Natural wood interior or painted interior? I will say most of us frown on interior paint.
Original icebox, newer electric dorm fridge or new propane fridge?
Original gas heater, newer catalytic heater or 12 volt forced air furnace?
Type of flooring? Do you like the original look? Something different? Wood? Patterns?
Stove top with oven, or stove top only? No stove top but leave a space for it??
Bathroom or no bathroom?
Hand pump faucet, electric water pump or both? City water connection?
12 volt system?
Converter?
Here's my thoughts:
I love canned hams and some of the retro mid 60s trailers. The skins are always lifted and the roof often floated to repair damage.
I'm not particularly concerned about brand or style as long as it is single axle and about 15 feet or less.
The electrical system is always upgraded and a 12 volt system added if the trailer didn't have one to begin with. All other systems (plumbing, gas, appliances) are inspected and upgraded or repaired if needed. Everything works. I add a Wave 3 if the original heater doesn't work or isn't there.
Potty closet only. I will not deal with black tanks and sewer parts. A porta potti is cleaner and easier to dump.
The interior should be real wood. I love that golden glow look!!
OK gang. HAVE AT IT!!