Starting an overhaul on '77 Holiday Rambler Wide World

westend wrote:
...The stove burners can be soaked in a sauce of baking soda and water to remove grime....

So I've done this overnight and they seem to be better but still a lot of gunk on them. I just filled up the sink with water and dumped a big load of baking soda in there...not sure if it was a sauce per say...just water with baking soda. Would it hurt them if I took a scrubber to them and scrubbed them gently? I'm not really sure what's inside of them...propably just chambers and metal?

Wow...thanks guys! (and gals...just in case. Hard to tell with the screen names, ha ha)

Westend...great stuff. I have come to the realization - mainly after talking with Hemet RV & Siding - that I'm going to have to live with the current siding. I really, really, really, really hate it but perhaps I can paint it somehow when the time comes. I've seen some youtube videos of some folks that did it rattle style and of course it's hard to tell watching it but maybe the quality isn't too bad.

I think what I will start to develop this week is a to do list. As much as I can see what there is "to do" at this point. Most people probably think I'm an idiot because the last time I actually slept in an RV was years ago with my folks when we bought a used trailer. And now I'm trying to overhaul one! Coo coo!

I will start making a list, in the order that I think it should be done, and post it here. And perhaps you and others can tell me if the order is wrong, etc. How about that?

In the meantime I will check out the two build threads that someone posted....thank you everyone!

Hey Squealers, thanks for the compliment! Ya, UP Builder restored a Holiday of about the same size.

Just looking at the pictures and from your description, I believe you will have a bit more work than originally estimated. The usual schedule of events is: The roof leaked at joints or through holes. The previous owner didn't see water problems or just let them go. The wood framing and floors failed due to rot and continuing intrusion. Owner sells trailer for close to nothing because of the amount of work needed vs price of same model in good condition.

There are two methods to proceed with repair: remove the exterior siding or remove the interior paneling and everything in the way. If you remove the siding, you'll probably also have to replace some paneling. When you have the frame exposed, you'll probably want to upgrade or add wiring runs and insulation. The insulation upgrade is the best modification you can do, it keeps the interior cooler in summer and saves heating costs when cooler. It also makes the interior a lot more cozy and quiet.

I would also look at replacing antiquated appliances with ones that use less energy or have better functionality. The stove burners can be soaked in a sauce of baking soda and water to remove grime. The water heater is best replaced with a new tank model. The on-demand heaters don't work out that well for trailer application, there is not enough demand to keep a constant temp for showering. Look on Ebay, Craigslist, or at an RV salvage yard for cheaper replacement.

The best advice I can give anybody restoring one of these vintage trailers is: Make a plan/s. Take pad and pencil, list what's needed, and draw things out. There are multiple systems and locations in a travel trailer with limited space. The plans will help to insure that installations are done in appropriate schedule and your new work isn't removed to accommodate a necessary item in a location.

Good luck with the restoration, if you have questions, fire away.

You need to check out a couple of member's rebuilds here on this forum.

One is Westend's and the thread is here:

Cowboy Hilton

And the other is UP Builder and his thread is here:

UP's Build

Massive amounts of intel and these guys did it incredibly well.

While tackling other areas on your camper, keep a study eye on Craigs list under Rv's in your town and towns around. There seem to be a study stream of guys parting out RV's in my area.

Hey folks,

I'm trying to locate new burners for the stove. I'm not sure what they're called other then "burners" but every google search comes up with whole stoves. I think it's probably good to replace the aluminum burner itself...they are the parts where the flame comes out. They lift completely out and there is some rust on them and they are disgusting covered in food and all. I know I could clean them but not sure about the rust part so thought it would be best to replace them.

Looks fine to me , you should be camping by the end of next week.

Thanks Avion,

I just found the manual for the water heater. Mor-Flo/American Applicance MFG Corp.

I'll look on the net....thanks!

Some of the old thermostats only controlled the gas for the heater. The fan may be conrolled by nothing more than a Thermodisc. As the heat gets above say 130 degrees F the fan will start and when the temp gets below 90-100 degrees F the fan will shut off since the contacts in the Thermodisc are normally open. I'm not saying yours is that way, but it is old enough that it may be.

As far as your water heater, it is usually easier to replace it (decent prices off the internet) with a like model. The old Bowen heaters are now made by Atwood. I replaced my old Bowen with an Atwood with an electric igniter. I'm not familiar with your particular instant water heater.

If the structure of your trailer is in good condition, your project can be a lot of fun and very rewarding if you just take your time and don't give up. There is a lot of work required. I only caution you on the structure, because that is where I would draw the line on trying to fix one. A Holiday Rambler was a decent trailer when they were new.

Another question I have is regarding hot water...It seems like the price to either fix or replace this original hot water heater is going to be quite expensive. Has anyone used an on demand type like I have pictured? I use one of my hot dog cart and it works quite well. I know they are originally made for portable showers in a camping environment but I can't see why I couldn't use it in this situation. It needs to be vented so it needs to be mounted outside. Thoughts?