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Dreamchasers201's avatar
Dreamchasers201
Explorer
Mar 02, 2018

Newbie looking for knowledge *1st set of pictures*

Thank you for stopping by my post to check it out and hopefully help me along my DIY journey.


I just bought my first camper and it has been completely gutted. They previous owners planned to reno and never got to it. I'm hoping to be more productive :) They reframed the camper and put in wiring. The thing is I know NOTHING about any of this! Like I said this is my first camper. I need to replace the grey water tank and seal the seams, among other things.


For now though, I have some pictures to post that maybe some of you can give me an idea of what i'm looking at.

Thanks in advance!!

First set of pictures is in the bedroom area of the camper.







There are three holes in the bedroom wall. One for fresh water tank, one for city water hook up and I think the third is for the tank overfill drain.


This next picture is from the outside, the two circle covers are sealed shut, I am confused by this. I am not sure what the were before the previous owners sealed them up. If you have an idea, please let me know!



That is all the pictures I have to post for now, Will add more or more posts later when I get further into the process.

I have started sealing the edges with buytl tape (which has been a pain, it's so sticky on my fingers but not too sticky when it comes to sticking to seams.) *Update- have found online that if you keep the paper on the putty to use so it doesn't stick to your fingers. Will be trying soon!

I will need to reframe a wall for the bathroom, the previous owner kept the shower stall but laid it down on the side with the faucet so it is now broken. The shower stall sits over the wheel well and I've found from a little research that it will cost me to find a new one. I am thinking of cutting the bottom out so it can still be used (though it is fiberglass and i'm not sure how to go about that) and putting in some surround walls instead. Trying to save as much money as possible while still turning this camper into a badass camper!

Thanks!
PS- I am looking for tips and tricks not negative feedback. I understand the need to put opinions where you think fit but a project like this is a big one and the discouraging messages don't help.

47 Replies

  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2018
    I wonder how this project is coming along ? And new updates OP ?

    Or did we scare you off never to be heard from again ?
  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2018
    Another suggestion before you start getting carried away with build ideas, is to start from the bottom. You need to have the frame, axles and suspension inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, to determine what repairs need to be done.

    Just like building or restoring a house, you start with a solid foundation.
  • Dreamchasers201's avatar
    Dreamchasers201
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2018
    westend wrote:
    Lots of negative comments. I understand it's a big project.
    I love traveling, this is my first step towards going on the road in the future.

    Understood. I was actually young, once. :B

    There were a lot of posts on this thread while I was typing so here are some follow-up ideas:
    Forget about any schematic drawings or mechanical plans for your trailer. They wouldn't help and the advantage, as it is now, is that you can build out to your needs and wants.

    You should make your own drawings and plans so that you can develop a schedule of installation. There will be no worse feeling than tearing down a panel to install a wire, later, for example. Drawings don't need to be CAD quality, draw on paper with a ruler, laying out beds, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, etc. You can even cut out small, scaled depictions and place them on a general depiction of the floor. A separate drawing for electrical. A separate drawing for plumbing.

    You should know the GVWR of the trailer and understand that any weight added back in will have, as close as possible, distribution side-to-side. Also, the end result should have an imbalance of 12% of the total trailer weight to be carried at the tongue. Weight distribution can be important because if a DIY'er imbalances greatly to one side or doesn't allow for tongue weight, the result can be untowable.

    It all may sound like a lot but if you can build a doghouse and put a light on it, you can restore a trailer.

    Since you are new to trailer, and probably, house building, you may wish to get ahold of 3D building software that will aid in depicting possible floor plans. An alternative is to visit the MFG websites and see how they do it. Most have ample images and information.



    Never even thought about the weight distribution! Thanks for that. I did a little more research last night on plumbing and got a WAY better understanding on how the plumbing works, so I was pretty excited about that. Have a lot more confidence in that area.

    Next will be learning more about electrical!
    Thank you!
  • allen8106's avatar
    allen8106
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    Honestly that thing looks like it's ready for the salvage yard. Your best bet is to strip it down the the frame and start over from scratch salvaging as much of the appliances and other hardware that you can.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    Lots of negative comments. I understand it's a big project.
    I love traveling, this is my first step towards going on the road in the future.

    Understood. I was actually young, once. :B

    There were a lot of posts on this thread while I was typing so here are some follow-up ideas:
    Forget about any schematic drawings or mechanical plans for your trailer. They wouldn't help and the advantage, as it is now, is that you can build out to your needs and wants.

    You should make your own drawings and plans so that you can develop a schedule of installation. There will be no worse feeling than tearing down a panel to install a wire, later, for example. Drawings don't need to be CAD quality, draw on paper with a ruler, laying out beds, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, etc. You can even cut out small, scaled depictions and place them on a general depiction of the floor. A separate drawing for electrical. A separate drawing for plumbing.

    You should know the GVWR of the trailer and understand that any weight added back in will have, as close as possible, distribution side-to-side. Also, the end result should have an imbalance of 12% of the total trailer weight to be carried at the tongue. Weight distribution can be important because if a DIY'er imbalances greatly to one side or doesn't allow for tongue weight, the result can be untowable.

    It all may sound like a lot but if you can build a doghouse and put a light on it, you can restore a trailer.

    Since you are new to trailer, and probably, house building, you may wish to get ahold of 3D building software that will aid in depicting possible floor plans. An alternative is to visit the MFG websites and see how they do it. Most have ample images and information.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    2oldman wrote:
    westend wrote:
    Resize pictures, please, so we don't have to scroll side-to-side.
    The mods usually take care of this. A couple of us have shown him how to do that. Somehow overnight they got a lot bigger.

    Yeah, that's why I linked to the photo app. It takes image size out of the equation. The OP can delete the posted images and run them through the app, copy, and paste. Five mouse clicks. :)
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Mar 03, 2018
    westend wrote:
    Resize pictures, please, so we don't have to scroll side-to-side.
    The mods usually take care of this. A couple of us have shown him how to do that. Somehow overnight they got a lot bigger.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    Resize pictures, please, so we don't have to scroll side-to-side. I use 640 p as the size limit. Here's an app that will make a Forum sized image and it's easy to use: Photoposting app

    About the holes: From the images,the two that are covered are probably the intake/outlet of a removed propane furnace. Any other holes may be for marker or running lights.

    *Where to start to give you some good info?*
    List a brief background as to your skills with electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. I won't tell a fella' how to catch sailfish if all you have is a cane pole. Also, a mission statement (what do you want to do with the trailer).

    FWIW, I have gutted and restored a few travel trailers/campers. The link to my latest effort is in my signature line, "The Cowboy/Hilton". Photobucket has nerfed the images but the text is all still there. I can send you some images at request. It is a 22' travel trailer. I did all the work myself, spent $5K doing it, worked on it for 6 mos., mostly full-time but not breakneck speed.
    I own more tools and power tools than the average guy. I also had some things in stock from my business, Residential Building Contractor. I'm real happy with the results. The Hilton is a go-anywhere-there-is pavement rig, in any weather. I spent a month installing new windows and insulating.

    Let us know how you plan to proceed and we can throw some advice at ya'. Good luck!
  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    OP stated this:

    "I have started sealing the edges with buytl tape (which has been a pain, it's so sticky on my fingers but not too sticky when it comes to sticking to seams) "
    ===========================

    I'm at least a little confused by this statement. This sounds like you may be using butyl tape for an application that it is not intended.

    Can you clarify, and maybe with a picture of where you are using it ?

    ( follow profdant's post on how to easily post photos of the correct size for the forum )
  • Bob_E_'s avatar
    Bob_E_
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    OP...This looks like a great project. I'm actually doing a similar project right now. Last summer, I bought an old 1989 rotted out camper for $650 and tore it down to the frame which is how it sits now. I'm just waiting for the weather to break here in PA to start building it back up. I'm actually building it into a toy hauler and even adding a slide. I'm hoping to be under $10,0000 when its all done. Sure I could have bought a used toy hauler for around that. But I figure at that price, I'd still have to dump money into it to fix problems, leaks, rot, etc. Other than the appliances and mechanicals I am re-using from the old camper, mine will be totally brand new. And it would cost over $40k to buy what I'm building. Don't let some people bring you down and get discouraged. Keep posting photos of your progress. Lots of us would love to follow along.

    Gdetrailer...thanks for posting the link to your build and the helpful hints. I'm looking forward to reading through it.

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