Camper Rehab
Hey guys, I am hoping you can help me out with a camper project. I have a new to me 1995 Shadow Cruiser that is in need of roof repair before I can use it. Before I tear into this I wanted to get ...
Forum Discussion
Well good for you that you have made the decision to fix the old camper.
I'm on my fifth camper now, the first two needed extensive dry rot repair that I was able to accomplish myself, and when I sold those campers they went to new owners who got solid campers for a great price. Number 3 didn't need any rebuilding, it was an all aluminum framed unit with a one piece fiberglass roof, just needed mechanical repairs from neglect.
Number four was the one that tripped me up. It was vacuum bonded walls and ceiling, which included aluminum framing and wood, unlike your stick and tin camper. I too thought I would rebuild the roof, but once I tore into there was no end to the damage.
It didn't take me long to realize that the parts list and more importantly for me, the time required to put it back together was simply not worth it for me. I even have a large shop so I can work indoors. So sadly I cut my losses though I hated to give up on it, sold almost everything that came out of the old camper and made more money on the parts than I paid for it originally.
I hauled the remains to the dump on my utility trailer and then went out an bought a camper a couple years older, but in better shape, and returned to an all aluminum framed camper, including roof joist, with a one piece fiberglass roof. I paid $1200 for the whole camper, and everything works.
I'm not a quitter and I like a challenge, but I had to cut my losses and get back to camping. Do please post pictures of your progress and I look forward to that trip report of your first camping experience. Happy Fathers Day too. Hans
I'm on my fifth camper now, the first two needed extensive dry rot repair that I was able to accomplish myself, and when I sold those campers they went to new owners who got solid campers for a great price. Number 3 didn't need any rebuilding, it was an all aluminum framed unit with a one piece fiberglass roof, just needed mechanical repairs from neglect.
Number four was the one that tripped me up. It was vacuum bonded walls and ceiling, which included aluminum framing and wood, unlike your stick and tin camper. I too thought I would rebuild the roof, but once I tore into there was no end to the damage.
It didn't take me long to realize that the parts list and more importantly for me, the time required to put it back together was simply not worth it for me. I even have a large shop so I can work indoors. So sadly I cut my losses though I hated to give up on it, sold almost everything that came out of the old camper and made more money on the parts than I paid for it originally.
I hauled the remains to the dump on my utility trailer and then went out an bought a camper a couple years older, but in better shape, and returned to an all aluminum framed camper, including roof joist, with a one piece fiberglass roof. I paid $1200 for the whole camper, and everything works.
I'm not a quitter and I like a challenge, but I had to cut my losses and get back to camping. Do please post pictures of your progress and I look forward to that trip report of your first camping experience. Happy Fathers Day too. Hans
