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Post by Shasta newbie on Apr 16, 2014 6:03:30 GMT -8
I just purchased a 68 compact (? 13') and my hubby already teases me that I have a new 'lover' as I'm spending all my time & attention on the camper! My son & I just finished our first camping trip & all I can say is it was definitely an adventure. We experienced a tire falling off the camper while towing, leaking windows & mice stowaways. I've MANY projects ahead of me.
Heidi
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Post by bigbill on Apr 16, 2014 6:25:20 GMT -8
Read the many sections of this web site it will tell you the things you need to check for safe towing and how to clean and rebuild your trailer. if you don't find the answer just post your question and usually someone here has already experienced the problem and has the solution. Glad to have you and enjoy fixing up your trailer and camping in it.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 16, 2014 17:27:39 GMT -8
Ouch! But still, congrats on your new trailer. Good luck with the fixes, take your time to make sure it is structurally sound. The easy part is making it look cute. They are already inherently cute. You had a tire fall off, and that was bad enough. What you REALLY don't need is one whole side falling down while you're on the road because the structure underneath it is rotten.
Yup, read, read, read. Most repairs are within the realm of the handy person. Good luck!
Oh yeah, pictures, we want pictures!
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bmxovich
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1952 Airfloat Skipper
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Post by bmxovich on Apr 16, 2014 19:20:33 GMT -8
Welcome, enjoy the new Shasta, and by all means heed Hamlets advice about "structurally sound". When my wife bought her compact the interior was partially in a state of having a Glamping makeover. She finished it up, and i now have to tip toe around that cute interior to make repairs to the rest of the trailer. Basically backwards of how it should be done. So fight the temptation, and fix the major stuff first. I've only been here a short while myself, but I've learned this group can talk you through anything that little trailer will need.
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Post by Shasta newbie on May 11, 2014 6:06:28 GMT -8
Thanks for the advice, it is greatly appreciated. Definitely tackling the structural issues first. New rims & tires this weekend. I replaced the existing regular car tires with ST and it felt different on the tow home - don't know if this makes sense but the trailer felt like it had more support with the new tires. Today I will be removing the internal paneling to check the wood under the leaking window. The window came out without a problem and I have the new butyl tape for when I put the window back in but I'm not sure the structure inside the wall sound.
Also learned the lesson of check the tow hitch to the tow ball connection numerous times before leaving the neighborhood! Thank goodness for tow chains!
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on May 11, 2014 6:33:57 GMT -8
Are you talking about the leaky back window? If so, check the window itself. Mine was sealed tightly around the frame but the glass itself is what leaked and rotted out the back panel. I think this is very common. Also, if the window leaked, water runs down so you probably have rot in the framing or skirts boards below and in the corners, also common.
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Post by Shasta newbie on May 11, 2014 6:38:15 GMT -8
Side window actually - but I'm pretty sure it's as you stated. Unfortunately, My back window has been replaced with a poorly installed air-conditioner and piece of plexiglass. that is on also on my to do list.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on May 11, 2014 6:43:13 GMT -8
In that case, while you're at it check the panes in the window. If they are loose you may need to replace the little round discs that hold the panes in. They can be purchased at VTS and there's strip across the bottom that seals the window, too. There's a thread here somewhere about replacing it.
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