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Post by sprinklesoflove on Nov 16, 2022 8:50:35 GMT -8
Hi guys! Recently purchased my 1st travel trailer…1975 Coachmen Cadet. There was a leak in the roof around the vent pipe that goes to the kitchen sink. The pipe comes out of the roof and into the wall in the upper cabinet. I pulled the ceiling off around it to remove the rotted paneling. What I found was insulation and then the aluminum skin. So, I pulled all of the ceiling off inside the cabinet (the length of the kitchen area, about 6’ x 1’ ) and there’s only insulation and then the aluminum skin. As that common for this age camper?
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Post by vikx on Nov 16, 2022 12:12:01 GMT -8
Vintage trailers are repaired from the OUTSIDE in. The roof should be floated or removed to do repairs. Please do some research before pulling any more of the ceiling down. Construction: The walls are installed on the trailer framing. At that point, the front, rear and ceiling panels are placed at and on top of the wall edges. The cross boards and rafters are then placed on top of the panels. In other words, the ceiling panels go on first, then the rafters go on, insulation and finally the skin. Here is a trailer with the front and ceiling panels going on: <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/52504316601/in/dateposted-public/" title="003 r Hanson First Panels"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52504316601_21a56dff0c_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="003 r Hanson First Panels"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Here are the cross boards and window framing on top of the panels. They add strength and support the panel seams. <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/52504585499/in/dateposted-public/" title="003 r Hanson Framing (3)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52504585499_e415f2b8cc_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="003 r Hanson Framing (3)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> I recommend studying Mobiltec's videos on Youtube for more information. There is a book available with lots of photos: vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com/NOTE: when you see rot and water damage INSIDE, there is often great damage to the trailer framing and rafters in the walls or ceiling. The reason to remove the skins is so you can properly repair (and access) rot. It is not possible to do it all from the inside. |
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Post by sprinklesoflove on Nov 17, 2022 6:25:16 GMT -8
THANK YOU so much!! I am quickly learning that a travel trailer is nothing like converting a skoolie (did that last year). Will slow down and do more research before proceeding. I appreciate the advice and will look into all of it.
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Post by vikx on Nov 17, 2022 11:40:27 GMT -8
You will find that outside in is MUCH easier as you continue your build. Believe me, I've had to re-do work after trying to repair portions.
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