moxie
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Post by moxie on Jul 22, 2016 9:50:03 GMT -8
Hi there, my husband and I are newbies and have been doing lots of research, however, I am having tons of anxiety about what we may be getting ourselves into, especially after reading some of the stories here on the forums. We are open to doing work, but not looking for a years-long overhaul. We don't have a goal of a showpiece, but would like bring it back to something cute and sturdy that will serve us well. We are going to look at a camper on Sunday, and I'm wondering if you'd share your thoughts, as I do appreciate your wisdom! We've spoken to the seller on the phone, and he says no water damage anywhere or soft spots. Are there specific things we should be looking at with this particular camper? Can you tell the year? I'm thinking '69. I've searched for more info on Monitor campers but there doesn't seem to be much out there... maine.craigslist.org/rvs/5693789620.html
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2016 10:54:13 GMT -8
Hello! You have certainly asked the right people. Everyone on here has been in your spot. Its nerve racking for sure. Any photos or a link perhaps? Photos can help tell many stories. But regardless, it is almost impossible that the camper has no water damage in some place or another Sometimes such damage can be repaired in a couple weekends and unfortunately sometimes it does require an overhaul. Paint is often used to cover these areas inside, and outside the bottom skirt boards and framing under the aluminum skin is often rotted, at least some. So in that area, you definitely have some leverage if you can inspect closely any interior area that looks stained, wrinkled, or delaminating. And back to the skin, if you spot areas that are sagging, its probably from rot of the frame. In the interior, under the windows and the corners are the most suspect to damage, as well as the area around the roof vent. Of course water damage is very important but not the only thing to check for when looking at buying. Others can certainly help you on here.
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moxie
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Post by moxie on Jul 22, 2016 11:10:04 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 22, 2016 11:58:33 GMT -8
Rich covered some important points.
There are not a lot of photos to go by but here are a few questions to be answered.
Are you in a state that requires a title? Check before going. Even if Maine doesn’t require a title, when you decide to sell you will be glad you have one. So ask DMV what’s needed to get one.
The paint job outside looks to be brushed. Is it covering body work? Look for cracks and bumps. Stripping house paint is a big job. Something to consider.
Assume that if there is water staining anyplace there is probably rotten framing behind it.
They went through the effort and expense of putting carpet on the floor. Why? If it’s loose, ask to lift it up and take a peak underneath.
Check the tanks for leaks.
Check that the hitch is straight and not bent up.
Crawl under and check that floor. If the skirt (as rich mentioned) solid, is the wood framing solid, is the metal framing solid and straight?
Stand outside the camper and look down the side walls. Bulges and wavy sections may be a sign of rotten framing. The walls should be straight.
Bring a step ladder and look at the roof. Goop and rubber coating is a sign of past trouble. Nobody pays for materials and does the work of sealing a perfectly dry camper with no leaks at all.
Getting goop off is a big job.
Then there are personal questions.
Do you love the look of the camper?
Is the layout perfect for you or are you settling?
Don’t compromise too much on these things. It’s too much work to do unless you love the camper.
Best of luck.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jul 22, 2016 13:39:27 GMT -8
It looks like it could be a nice trailer. The skin looks like an early seventies pattern, but the shape is a nicer, more ham style. It doesn't appear to have been painted inside, so that should make it easier to see ANY staining around the vent, Windows, front and back corners and around the bottom of the door. Unless the trailer has spent all its non camping time in a closed barn or shed, it is almost inconceivable that there are or have been, no leaks. The butyl tape begins to dry out after several years, and will eventually fail in some spots. Water travels, so staining in a rear lower corner may actually come from a leak at a front roof seam.
I don't want to scare you off, because this is really a pretty trailer, and could be one you could get many years of ffun and wonderful memories, but as a wise person said in one reply... Are you settling? If you settle, you'll more likely resent any amount of "extra" work you have to put into it. If you love it, whatever you have to do will be worth the time and effort. Once you know it's sound, the "cute" factor will be even more fu to pull off.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
P.s. Bring a really good flashlight and peek into all the corners.
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moxie
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Post by moxie on Jul 22, 2016 16:40:09 GMT -8
Thank you so much for the suggestions, these are great! We will definitely bring a ladder, an awl, and a flashlight! I really do like the looks of this camper, and the layout works for us. One of the things I'm worried about the most is the brown paint over all of the aluminum around the windows...that looks like a bear to clean off. Will keep you posted!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2016 18:19:17 GMT -8
Thank you so much for the suggestions, these are great! We will definitely bring a ladder, an awl, and a flashlight! I really do like the looks of this camper, and the layout works for us. One of the things I'm worried about the most is the brown paint over all of the aluminum around the windows...that looks like a bear to clean off. Will keep you posted! Great! It matters greatly that you like this camper. And yes please keep us posted! If it has nothing major, I don't see it being a bad deal myself. These things aren't gonna be perfect. But being informed in what you are looking at sure helps!
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