alliem
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Post by alliem on Jan 21, 2022 18:14:58 GMT -8
Hey everyone! My husband and I purchased a vintage trailer a year ago, and it's basically been sitting in our yard ever since. It needs lots of work so we will be touching most aspects of it eventually, but taking it one day at a time. We are also undergoing a home remodel so most energy and time has been spent on that  However, we are finally digging in to try and make some progress on our trailer and would love your input! I would love to hear what are some of the fun, creative, and extra features you've added to your trailer or wish you had added. Any features that are must-haves as well as features most people don't think of. We have only done backpacking/car-top tent trips so traveling and road tripping has looked very different up until this point. I love making spaces very functional and useful and setting myself up for easy processes in the future. There are no bad suggestions, and I welcome all advice! Thank you, Allie |
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Jan 21, 2022 19:11:06 GMT -8
This site is one of the best places to learn what is most important regarding all aspects of owning a "vintage" trailer. We always ask for details and photos before making specific suggestions. Without that, my advice is to be certain that the trailer is safe to tow. I mean even just getting it home. Forget all of the cosmetics, safety is paramount. That said, once you do finally get to experience a few trips in your refurbished, or rebuilt camper, you'll find it to be way more luxurious than tent camping. Even in cold, wet weather you can be warm and comfortable. It usually takes about 15 minutes to pull into a site, level the trailer and begin preparing supper. Then it is off to bed...a comfortable bed, maybe even with sheets. It is more like having your own private motel room on wheels. Happy trails! Pics please.
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oldman
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Post by oldman on Jan 21, 2022 19:27:35 GMT -8
I don't know about fun. But the first thing I thought of is having lights inside of everything cabinet, inside and out. I ran wired 12v led lights vs puck lights as to not deal with batteries.
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Post by vikx on Jan 21, 2022 21:46:23 GMT -8
Welcome. My advice is: don't gut your trailer! A stick and tin trailer is always rebuilt from the outside in. We are here to help, so enjoy the board and do a lot of reading.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jan 22, 2022 12:44:55 GMT -8
You don’t say much about your trailer. Do you have pictures? Depending on the model, you may be able to make some modifications without affecting the integrity of the “bones” of the trailer. Turbodaddy and vikx are eight, safety is paramount. You will almost certainly need to at least lift the skin on the part of the trailer you’re working on. Don’t let this keep you from doing it. Plenty of newbies have done extraordinary rebuilds. Get vikx’s book and watch mobiltec’s bideos. You’ll be spending a lot of time and money, make sure you don’t waste either on not doing it right the first time.
As far as your original question, I can offer the perspective of a previous backpacker/guide. My husband and I had a long backpacking history...until I had cancer twice and both hips replaced. I can no longer sleep on the ground, so even tent camping is out. We found a ham-shaped Shasta Compact that needed a complete rebuild. We were newbies, but after one initial goof related to a lack of knowledge, we got the rest of the rebuild right. What you can add, subtract, or revise depends a lot on what your trailer’s current floor plan is. The cupboards, closets and bed frames provide much of the stability, so any changes need to maintain that integrity. We were able to repurpose a large closet into a potty/shower room, change the direction of the two “beds” and gain room for a new closet and a 2-drawer chest.
We like things simple when we camp (a throwback to backpacking), so we kept the trailer pretty basic. The only thing we would add would be one or two really good lights for reading.
Take more pictures than you think necessary of the build. I guarantee you will use them as references. And please post some here. We LOVE to look at trailer pictures.
Welcome from Hamlet’s people!
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However, we are finally digging in to try and make some progress on our trailer and would love your input!
