Forum Discussion

GreyHairedGeek's avatar
Nov 18, 2013

Guideance or support material to learn from

Bottom line of the request is that what I “thought” was a small problem is in actuality a very large problem. I fear I have inherited some left over problems from the previous owner. I have some significant structural repairs to the floor wood beams, and the adjoining wall across the back of the 5er. Cabinet removal and replacement is going to be a must and I would really appreciate some guidance. I have good carpentry skills, tools, and a barn to work in however time is not on my side. The work does not appear to be heavy in nature so with care I think I can pull it off by working smarter not harder. But anyway you cut it this job will be difficult and tedious.

Any links to good web material of any sort, books, videos and the like, that someone would like to suggest would be greatly appreciated. I want to do this right so I can sell at some time with a clear conscience. Any suggestions, warnings, tidbits learned from experienced gained would be very valuable. Or if anyone knows of a trustworthy RV tech in the Portland, OR area they could share contact information on would also be of a great help.

A quote I noticed on one of the threads really fits here:
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment"....... Will Rogers
It seems clear I have qualified for the second half of that quote at least. :)

Thank you for considering this request…take care o/
  • GreyHairedGeek wrote:
    Thank you for considering this request…take care o/
    Sounds like you're a thinking man and will do just fine.
  • Mr. Geek,

    I award you much patience and work ethics for your desire to tear into this project.

    If you visit Youtube and search for RV rebuild, you will encounter several videos of indivuduals who have taclked such projects. Maybe some of them will enlighten you as to the duties faced.

    I hope your search provides guideance and information that is beneficial as your work will be both rewarding and valuable. Just keeping thinking of the pride you will have once successfully completed the repairs.

    I once purchased a wrecked fiver and began my repairs at the salvage yard, because new axles were necessary before it could be moved.

    Best of luck.
  • GreyHairedGeek wrote:
    And for the most part you are correct DryCamper11 but for me visualizing things and having a basic idea of how these are put together will help a lot. A little knowledge going in is empowering and hopefully keep me from creating a lot of unnecessary work. Kind of like the old "measure twice and cut once" maxim. :)

    Cabinet removal is going to be the first hurdle, and from what I have read they were not built with the idea of R&R at all.

    I'm a big fan of learning from others - regardless of whether that learning comes from books, the web, consultation, etc. I rebuilt my RV - at least most of it, but I didn't really find much that helped with the job until I was inside it and had specific questions. I remember taking the prybar and sledge to the bathroom - kind of scary wondering if it would ever be back together. I'm glad I did it. I rebuilt parts of the cabinets, rather than replace them. I had to remove them in areas, and the kitchen came out great with a new solid surface countertop.
  • Thanks WestEnd that is a fantastic link for me to visualize what I am ripping into. Just pulled it into the barn and going to start on this project.

    And for the most part you are correct DryCamper11 but for me visualizing things and having a basic idea of how these are put together will help a lot. A little knowledge going in is empowering and hopefully keep me from creating a lot of unnecessary work. Kind of like the old "measure twice and cut once" maxim. :)

    Cabinet removal is going to be the first hurdle, and from what I have read they were not built with the idea of R&R at all.
  • I suspect you're going to be better off spending time doing repairs than reading up on how to do repairs. :)

    That sort of work sounds like it is just basic carpentry, possibly with some metalwork/welding thrown in. Once you spot something specific you need more info on, asking here or doing web research will come in handy.
  • Check out the link in my signature line--"The Cowboy/Hilton".

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