I'm a complete and total newbie. Never owned a TH before, infact have never owned an RV before until a week ago. I've always wanted a TH to drag with me to motorcycle race weekends so I wouldn't have to pay for the hotel room etc.I stumbled across a deal to good to pass up last week so I jumped on it.2002 Haulmark Elite II race trailer with factory "Escape Package"Trailer is in overall good shape. Had a bunch of creative add ons from the previous owner that I have removed to return it closer to its original build that will work best for my needs. All that being said I do have some questions that I need help with.1. The battery isn't holding a charge. What do you all reccomend as a replacement for the existing house battery?2. Two of the windows are leaking some. I found a video on youtube showing how to repair that with Butyl tape and silicone. The leak resulted in some bad paneling. The plan is to pull the paneling and replace it. I stopped at an RV shop and they recommended some stuff similar to what was in it, basically luan with a type of wallpaper on it. I want something more water/moisture resistant. Any reccomendations?3. It looks like my existing paneling was attached with staples and glue. Is that the correct way to re-install?4. The existing 50amp service entrance is kind of flimsy when plugging in, is there a way to stiffen that up w/o having to tear all the cabinets out of the front of the trailer to get to it?I'm sure I'll have more questions the farther i get into the clean up and restoration process. Thanks for any help you can provide.

1. Make sure you do not have a phantom draw pulling down your battery. Get a full charge on it while disconnected, let it sit for 24 hours and check the voltage. If the battery holds a charge, you may have something connected like an inverter all the time pulling it down. 2. FRP used on kitchen walls works well in damp locations. 3. I prefer screws into the vertical ribs. 4. You will have to post pictures of the existing setup so we can suggest improvements.

1. A pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries. 6 volt recharges faster than 12V.2. You could roll Varathane lacquer on the back of the wall board.3. Use wire brads and wood glue to secure the wall board. Counter sink the brads and cover/hide the hole with puddy stick of similar color.4. Maybe spray expanding foam insulation into wall cavity. 5. Inspect the roof for leaks.

Bedlam wrote:1. Make sure you do not have a phantom draw pulling down your battery. Get a full charge on it while disconnected, let it sit for 24 hours and check the voltage. If the battery holds a charge, you may have something connected like an inverter all the time pulling it down. 2. FRP used on kitchen walls works well in damp locations. 3. I prefer screws into the vertical ribs. 4. You will have to post pictures of the existing setup so we can suggest improvements.After letting it sit on the plug for 2 days, the battery charge indicator shows it dead as soon as the plug is pulled. I'll have it tested when I pull it. I'd guess a bad cell.FRP? What's that?Didn't think about a pic, but will post one shortly.

BIKERK9 wrote:1. A pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries. 6 volt recharges faster than 12V.2. You could roll Varathane lacquer on the back of the wall board.3. Use wire brads and wood glue to secure the wall board. Counter sink the brads and cover/hide the hole with puddy stick of similar color.4. Maybe spray expanding foam insulation into wall cavity. 5. Inspect the roof for leaks.The roof isn't showing any signs of leakage. All the paneling is dry and solid there. It has a one piece aluminum roof, which from what I gather is the best option?

Here is link to FRP:http://m.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-4-ft-x-8-ft-White-090-FRP-Wall-Board-MFTF12IXA480009600/100389836

Toy Hauler newbie | Good Sam Community

ACDNate
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Bedlam wrote:

4. You will have to post pictures of the existing setup so we can suggest improvements.

Ask and you shall receive :)

When you pull the plug out the whole panel wobbles about. Not really very solid at all.
ACDNate
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
New progress today. Started on one side of the trailer pulling off everything and getting the paneling off.

Some water did make it's way to the plywood below.

I'll be pulling the window and door on that side to facilitate replacing that piece of plywood and applying the FRP. Also I'll be resealing the door and window properly.

On that note, should I use treated plywood or regular?
ACDNate
Explorer
Mar 25, 2014
Bedlam wrote:
Here is link to FRP:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-4-ft-x-8-ft-White-090-FRP-Wall-Board-MFTF12IXA480009600/100389836

Ah I was just looking at that on lowes. Thanks!
Bedlam
Moderator
Mar 25, 2014
Here is link to FRP:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-4-ft-x-8-ft-White-090-FRP-Wall-Board-MFTF12IXA480009600/100389836
ACDNate
Explorer
Mar 25, 2014
BIKERK9 wrote:
1. A pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries. 6 volt recharges faster than 12V.
2. You could roll Varathane lacquer on the back of the wall board.
3. Use wire brads and wood glue to secure the wall board. Counter sink the brads and cover/hide the hole with puddy stick of similar color.
4. Maybe spray expanding foam insulation into wall cavity.
5. Inspect the roof for leaks.

The roof isn't showing any signs of leakage. All the paneling is dry and solid there. It has a one piece aluminum roof, which from what I gather is the best option?
ACDNate
Explorer
Mar 24, 2014
Bedlam wrote:
1. Make sure you do not have a phantom draw pulling down your battery. Get a full charge on it while disconnected, let it sit for 24 hours and check the voltage. If the battery holds a charge, you may have something connected like an inverter all the time pulling it down.

2. FRP used on kitchen walls works well in damp locations.

3. I prefer screws into the vertical ribs.

4. You will have to post pictures of the existing setup so we can suggest improvements.

After letting it sit on the plug for 2 days, the battery charge indicator shows it dead as soon as the plug is pulled. I'll have it tested when I pull it. I'd guess a bad cell.

FRP? What's that?

Didn't think about a pic, but will post one shortly.
BIKERK9
Explorer
Mar 24, 2014
1. A pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries. 6 volt recharges faster than 12V.
2. You could roll Varathane lacquer on the back of the wall board.
3. Use wire brads and wood glue to secure the wall board. Counter sink the brads and cover/hide the hole with puddy stick of similar color.
4. Maybe spray expanding foam insulation into wall cavity.
5. Inspect the roof for leaks.
Bedlam
Moderator
Mar 24, 2014
1. Make sure you do not have a phantom draw pulling down your battery. Get a full charge on it while disconnected, let it sit for 24 hours and check the voltage. If the battery holds a charge, you may have something connected like an inverter all the time pulling it down.

2. FRP used on kitchen walls works well in damp locations.

3. I prefer screws into the vertical ribs.

4. You will have to post pictures of the existing setup so we can suggest improvements.

Forum Discussion

Toy Hauler newbie

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Toy Hauler Pictures

Toy Hauler Toy Selection

New toy hauler newbie

Newbie questions: Tiny toy haulers

Toy hauler newbie