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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2020 9:47:55 GMT -8
Hello Folks,
I'd like to start off by apologizing, I did not realize vintage was 1969 or less.
I was just gifted a 1971 Unik camper trailer, I believe she is 27' long and weighs in at 4150 lbs according to the registration papers.
History: This camper has been installed on the same camping site for at least 20 years, possibly longer. The person who first installed it took the time to build a good roof over it (hovering, not touching). They stayed for around 10 years, and then sold it to my friend's mother. She stayed in it during the summer's for a couple of years before meeting up with someone that lived there year round and moved in with him. The camper has since been rented out for the summers to the same couple until this spring when one of them got sick and they had to leave.
The woman that owns it (my friend's mother) said she didn't want the headache of selling it, and the camp owner is trying to get everyone with the older campers to get rid of them to make the place look nicer I guess. Since I have a large parcel of land up in upper NY state, and am currently rebuilding a small cabin, it works out pretty well having a place to stay while work is being done.
The roof seems had previously been caulked, and were quite dried up from being under the roof all that time so I did patch that for now to keep it dry while I decide the next steps. I need to tow it about 1 hour away (45 miles) on relatively flat secondary roads. The wheels spin freely (it was jacked and they deliberately spun the tires every now and then), but the brakes seem to have seized. I can hear clicking, but they do not engage. I am in the middle of doing all the brake lights (sanding connections and replacing bulbs).
The obvious answer is no, but I will ask the question anyway. Can I transport this with an F250 without working brakes? This will not be a travel trailer, once on my land it will live there for its remaining days. It has one last 45 mile trip to take, but I am a bit worried about the lack of brakes, but at the same time I can't afford to replace them nor does it make sense to have all new brakes if she will just be parked again.
I have not yet opened up the drums, I am a bit worried about what I will find. Do you recommend at least having a look? Is it possible after so many years that they just need to be sanded and lubed and be ready to go?
Thanks for the advice, Adam Roby (Living in Montreal, Canada - but land is in Churubusco NY)
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Getnold
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Post by Getnold on Jun 27, 2020 12:27:53 GMT -8
You should have brakes in my opinion. Remember it's not just your trailer that could be in danger of being wrecked but your tow vehicle and anyone that might be unlucky enough to be near you if the worst happens. Safety first! Plus I think it's a law in most states that a trailer that heavy will need them to be street legal. They may be easy to replace by going to e-trailer and buying duplicates. You will also need to grease the bearings at least. I think it's worth doing even on a trailer half the weight of yours. Your land and cabin project sounds amazing btw! Good luck!
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Post by vikx on Jun 27, 2020 19:33:31 GMT -8
If you can get the brakes working, do so. Sometimes it's just a matter of an adjustment or re-grounding. For the last trip of 45 miles, going slow, you should be OK without. Just safer with. Please be careful. If the brakes are seized, the wheels won't turn but check to see that they are turning freely before your trip.
I recommend a roof over the trailer if it will be sitting. Trailers never do well out in the weather not moving, they tend to collect puddles and leak like crazy.
We would love to see photos and it's final home if you get the time.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2020 16:55:15 GMT -8
Thanks for the replies. Since we had some rainy weather today, I spend a couple hours watching videos on how to check the brakes and common things to look for. I will take the time to open the hubs and verify the brakes, as well as check and repack (or replace) the bearings. I will take some pictures when I am there. She still needs a good cleaning but I can always do a before and after shot when its all set up.
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 29, 2020 6:28:31 GMT -8
Hello and welcome! Well, what is a UNIK? So, this got me searching. Some of these are fiberglass trailers. (BTW, we welcome all trailers here regardless of build or age) Looks like they may have started out as a boxy style with a unique round window. Does yours have a round window? Then, they went to a Boler like style. I am really curious as to what shape your trailer is - boxy or egg shaped? But, then there are some references to a stick and tin trailer prior to the fiberglass models. Considering the length of your trailer, you have quite the rarity. Really curious to see images. Since trailer brakes are pretty much unchanged over the years, maybe consider calling a mobile auto repair mechanic (if available in your area) to come out and get the brakes running. I would think they are servicable and just need some cleaning up. Make sure the wiring to the brakes hasn't been chewed through by varmints. Looking forward to seeing your story unfold. Here is a link to a tutorial on how to post photos on VTT. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/7276/add-photos-hosted-flickr-tutoriaRod
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2020 11:18:46 GMT -8
It doesn't look anything like those at all. This is one pic I took while the roof was still on it. The 4x4's were holding up the roof. Its quite dirty but in pretty good shape all things considered. The papers just show 1971 Unik, with no model number. I can't find any writing on the camper either, everything has been painted over or faded away. When I do a Google search, I find nothing that resembles this at all. Maybe one of you will recognize it? - Adam
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Post by vikx on Jun 29, 2020 12:44:42 GMT -8
It looks like a great "cabin in the woods".
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2020 17:37:18 GMT -8
Anyone know what the ball size would be on this? The hitch has been painted many times, I can't find any writing anywhere. I plan to bring a propane torch with me when I go back to work on the brakes to try to burn it off. Can you tell by measuring?
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Post by vikx on Jun 29, 2020 20:52:11 GMT -8
I would say 2" ball judging by the age and size of the trailer. I'm not sure what year 2 5/16 balls were first used, I doubt the coupler is that big. You can usually tell the size by inserting a ball and closing the coupler. The ball should be snug and not come out of the coupler.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2020 9:41:54 GMT -8
Well I have made some significant headway. I just assumed the brakes were not working, I think I was expecting more noise when power was applied but after learning they were simply magnetic I went back and checked and all 4 tires brakes properly. For such an old trailer, I was surprised at just how good all the brakes looked with only surface rust everywhere. A quick cleaning and some well placed brake lube on the contact points and they were working like new. I also checked the bearings, and they all look fantastic, with no dried up grease anywhere. I cleaned, inspected, and repacked them just the same but it went really quickly with more ease than I thought. I brought a 2" ball with me, and it seems to fit right and does not come out even jumping on it so I think it is a 2" after all. I replaced the 7-way connector, the original one was way too corroded. I took off all the rear lights and brought them home to clean and replace all the bulbs. I still can't get the center marker lights working but the 4 side corner ones now have power. I am hoping when I remove the others and rewire the connections I will find a bad contact and everything will start to work again. I also had to cut away some glued on plumbing, and move some copper pipe that was hanging low (might have been snagged so I will have to inspect all that before using the stove. I even managed to wash the front of the trailer, most of the green stuff that had accumulated came off. Its not perfect since I did not have access to a hose (therefore no pressure washer) but I used a garden pump sprayer with a bucket and brush. I can see the potential... Before: SideView by Adam Roby, on Flickr After: CleanedFront by Adam Roby, on Flickr There are still some odds and ends to look after, but so far its looking promising. I wonder, do these usually have a spare tire? I don't really trust the tires being so old, so if I could find a spare then that would give me some peace of mind. Hub is a 4-bolt: Drum by Adam Roby, on Flickr This is the rim: Rim by Adam Roby, on Flickr
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Post by vikx on Jul 3, 2020 11:02:03 GMT -8
You did good! It's a handsome trailer for sure.
I'm guessing the grounds are bad on the middle lights which aren't really necessary anyway. One trick to reground the lights is to use a new mounting screw thru the light grounding plate. Sometimes even slightly larger than the original.
That sort of wheel will be hard to find, call around to salvage and junk yards. You're right on needing a spare-there would be no way to find one on the road. Another source might be a tow company-you never know, they might even have advice. It would be a shame to have to buy new tires for a trailer that won't move again...
NOTE: if the lug bolts are righty/lefty, be very careful with the left turning bolts. They are no longer available and impossible to find.
Good luck on finding the spare and on your trip!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2020 11:44:42 GMT -8
"if the lug bolts are righty/lefty, be very careful with the left turning bolts" Hah, funny you should mention that. I went to the left side to remove those tires. At first they had some give but the more I turned the harder they got. I told my buddy it felt like they were tightening instead of loosening. He told me I was nuts and to let him try... I said, wait a minute... and tried to "tighten" clockwise and sure enough they loosened. What a strange thing, is that common of these to have the left side of the trailer lefty tighty? Thanks for the encouragement.
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Jul 3, 2020 16:02:12 GMT -8
Lot of trailers used that feature, Apache pop ups for one. Your trailer is very reminiscent of a "Holiday Rambler" I.M.O.
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Post by vikx on Jul 3, 2020 20:10:46 GMT -8
The lefty bolts are common with the odd wheels. Some have a star hole while some are round like the ones on this trailer. It's hard to believe they don't offer them any more, since there are a lot of this type hub out there. You can't "buy a new spare" easily if at all. Hunt for a used wheel.
It cost me $150 for a Dexstar wheel and tire off eBay; it was only 13" and quite rare. You might check there.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2020 5:09:28 GMT -8
...Some have a star hole while some are round like the ones on this trailer... Indeed, I have been looking online but only finding the star holes like you mentioned. Its also quite difficult to explain what I am looking for. There are markings on the hub itself but I can't really decipher what it says. It looks like 9-16-14 maybe? HubWriting by Adam Roby, on Flickr I tried calling around but they seem confused by my explanation. If I knew what the tecnnical term was for this I am sure it would work better (most of these places are in the outskirts of Montreal so mostly French speaking - even harder to translate when you're not even sure what you are looking for). I think I will spend a few hours next week driving from place to place and speaking directly to the mechanics (and showing them the pictures on my phone) - they must have one sitting in a corner somewhere that they can sell me. ...You said you have a Ford F250. You didn't say what year it is... I regularly tow smaller things (popup camper/utility trailer with wood or 4-wheeler) but when I need to tow something heavy I rent from a local business. The last time I rented from him it was a Duramax 6.6L Diesel (and a trailer) to tow my tractor to the same lot. Tractor is around 6000 lbs with the bucket in front, trailer must have been 2500 lbs. That truck had the brake controller and I didn't even feel the load behind me. He doesn't seem to have that anymore, I only saw the F250 parked out back the last time I drove by. It will definitely need to have the brake controller, I still need to confirm that with him (thanks for the reminder). I have a friend that has a really old F350 flatbed but it has a manual transmission - I have a bum leg after back surgery a few years back and its hard to clutch, plus that truck has seen better days.
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