kimberwarden
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17' 64 Oasis
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Post by kimberwarden on Jun 10, 2015 9:04:06 GMT -8
I had hoped to get my trailer finished in time for a big trip in a few weeks, but reluctantly abandoned that idea when I realized it probably wasn't possible to check everything off my to-do list in time. We're planning to tent camp instead. But here's what I'm toying with and I'd love to hear other people's thoughts about it. I currently have most of the skin and windows off. I've already run new electrical and plumbing, have replaced most of the dry rot, and have put in foam board insulation in half of it. Once I finish replacing the rest of the rotten wood, I could, theoretically, put it all back together in time for the trip. In combination with the tons of other work I've done over the last 2 years, we'd be good to go from a safety and general comfort standpoint. After we get back, I could take it apart again to finish insulating, replace some interior panels, polish windows, and do some other non-essential stuff. Is it crazy to put the skin, windows and trim back on, just to take them all off again in a few weeks? I fear two things: - Removing fresh butyl tape when I take everything off again. The old dried-out stuff is easy, but I've learned the hard way that removing fresh tape is a sticky mess.
- Once it's all put back together, I'll lose interest in taking it apart again. When no one else is looking, I find myself secretly searching for my next trailer.
Thoughts? I need some advice!
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Jun 10, 2015 9:29:57 GMT -8
I considered the same thing with mine and decided it would be better to complete the work while it was all apart. I'm glad I did because putting it back together is not as easy as it sounds. Also, that's extra stress on the metal to remove and replace the skins repeatedly. You can only straighten and bend those edges of the roof so many times before the metal breaks.
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azshastanut
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Post by azshastanut on Jun 10, 2015 11:03:32 GMT -8
Rent a trailer, camp in a tent, or stay in a motel! LOL Really I don't think you would be wise to rush your project. Schedule out the things you still need to do in detail and adjust it by another week or so and all of the "what if's" that come along when you are rushing that you have to do over again. Play it smart, take your trip, and have a great time!
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kimberwarden
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Post by kimberwarden on Jun 11, 2015 6:46:39 GMT -8
Good point about the metal having a limited number of times it can bend, SusieQ. I hadn't thought of that. I'd love to rent a trailer, but I could BUY one for the price of renting one for 3 weeks!
I still haven't decided what I'll do. I think I'll keep working hard on it. Who knows, maybe all of suddent things will start taking me LESS time to do them than I expect, rather than MORE!
A fairly reliable equation at my house: The amount of time I THINK something should take x 2 (sometimes 3!) = The amount of time it ACTUALLY takes!
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Post by bigbill on Jun 11, 2015 11:08:22 GMT -8
kimberwarden I see two major problems. They are the bending of the skins and the extra wear on the screw holes. Also any time you once use something it is harder to take it apart and redo unless you are a very determined person. I don't know how big your family is but I know a guy that rented a U haul cargo trailer, built a quick door window unit that sat just inside the trailers doors so they could have security and ventilation. Next he put the their port a pot in and he built a bunk frame out of 2x4s and plywood bought a couple nice air mattresses and they were in business. It worked out so well they wound up taking two or three vacations that way. He said it blew peoples mind in camp grounds. He also said they bought a box fan and a couple wall lamps. after the first night.
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kimberwarden
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Post by kimberwarden on Jun 12, 2015 7:39:16 GMT -8
Funny, Bill! I actually thought about the U-Haul option, but only for hauling stuff. The idea of camping in one is genius! Not sure it's for me, but genius all the same!
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Post by bigbill on Jun 12, 2015 11:55:08 GMT -8
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