Camper Repair-Big Rebuild

[420RVfun]

Extensive water damage. Roof leaks will be sealed soon, lots of rotten wood. this is an 88 aluminum exterior, stick built interior pull behind camper. After it is all cleaned out I'm thinking about using flex seal on the inside along seams. Any thoughts on this idea? Then installing new wood, that I was going to waterproof somehow, maybe flex seal wood also. And trying to figure out how to make it all strong again, maybe use liquid nails as I rebuild, to help wood stick to frame(aluminum siding was stapled and screwed to wood support structure originally) because I would prefer not to mess with the aluminum exterior, it seems to be in good condition. The leaks I know about are in the roof and around a vent and window. I am replacing floor, walls, and ceiling support structure. Then new siding and interior rebuild. This is my first work on any camper and am looking for some guidance.

[420RVfun]

Has anyone used the Seal-tite corner seam tape. It sounds great, mainly because it will hold the siding together at the seam while reinstalling the corner molding.

[420RVfun]

So the camper is drying out. I will be replacing wood around the top and bottom corners, and a significant part of the floor. I will be cleaning and sealing the seams on the roof soon, it has been raining frequently. As I replace the wood inside along the seam I need to cut off old rusted staples and screws so it fits flush. However I want the seam to stay tight. I'm trying to figure out the best method for this. Should this be a two step process- replace screws as i install wood, then after inside is put back together and camper is structurally strong again I can remove the corner seam cover and staple and caulk and re screw. Or just replace screws and caulk the edges of the corner seam cover.

[420RVfun]

done.

[westend]

Hey OP,
Update your profile to accept private messages. I can't reply to the private message you sent to me.

[SuperiorBound]

Post pictures. I would love to rebuild an old trailer. I also know I would never finish it. I do enjoy watching others work.

[Gdetrailer]

fireman41 wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

DownTheAvenue wrote:
Is a 28 year old camper worth all that expense and work?

While YOU may not see any "value" or "worth" in an old trailer OTHERS might.

Bought my 1984 Komfort for $700, took a lot of time and money but the end result is a much higher quality camper than the junk that you buy now days.

My KOMFORT TT

Granted rehabbing is not for wimps or those of weak stomachs.. But someone with a vision can turn them into hidden gems.

Wow.
I just skimmed through the write up and wow. Wish I was that talented with construction. Thats a real nice rebuild. Want to do mine?

Thanks for the kind words!

At one time I had considered the idea of a side business in rehabbing/customizing TTs.. But then I came to my senses..

Realized that most RVrs either are not willing to spend what it would cost in material and labor or not able to spend that much at all.

As you can see by one of the posts right out of the gate that there is a strong opinion that it is far better to spend money on new rather than update and upgrade a older one. I don't think I could ever make it work as a side venture with that kind of strong feelings..

[clangille]

Aqua-Andy wrote:
I would say go for it. With aluminium siding I would just pull off any siding that is needed to access the bad wood. For all the naysayers, I would not listen to them. I rebuilt a camper a few years ago and I enjoyed every minute of it. Actually the wife and I keep playing with the idea of doing another. This is blog my wife started when we got our camper, everyone we talked to said that it could not be done. There is nothing like enjoying the fruits of your labor. In your endeavor you will realise how crappy these RV's are built from the factory and you will end up with a trailer that is better than new.

That was some excellent work!! I just read the blog, you did an amazing job on that trailer!

[fireman41]

Gdetrailer wrote:

DownTheAvenue wrote:
Is a 28 year old camper worth all that expense and work?

While YOU may not see any "value" or "worth" in an old trailer OTHERS might.

Bought my 1984 Komfort for $700, took a lot of time and money but the end result is a much higher quality camper than the junk that you buy now days.

My KOMFORT TT

Granted rehabbing is not for wimps or those of weak stomachs.. But someone with a vision can turn them into hidden gems.

Wow.
I just skimmed through the write up and wow. Wish I was that talented with construction. Thats a real nice rebuild. Want to do mine?

[2012Coleman]

Not sure of your budget, but maybe look into something like RV-Armor for the roof? I'm not affiliated with them.

Welcome to the forum. Please excuse our dust (naysayers).

[westend]

Uh...I don't think a 15 ft trailer is going to be a decades long project.

Memories can also be made with hammers in hand. I have a few of those, my Dad was a very resourceful guy.

For cost projections--My final remodeling costs on a 22' ft. gut and rebuild were at almost exactly $4K. The trailer cost was $700. That cost included new windows, replacement of all electrical and mechanical systems, building materials, and new mattresses and cushions. I saved some fixtures that were still usable and had some small bits of building materials on hand.

The great thing about the total restoration is that you can lay out the predominate aspects to fit your own personal use. Also, upgrading insulation is not trivial. I enjoy the benefits of that every day.
Folks with new trailers are envious of my counter top space, too. I probably have at least twice what a similar sized trailer comes with.

[DownTheAvenue]

420RVfun wrote:
When you throw something away, where is away?

Yes it is worth it. It is 15 ft and is going to be awesome when finished. Just what the family will need for camping trips. Unless with all your help you want to give me $10,000.00 to buy something newer.

Thanks but no thanks for your comment. Anyone else out there with some productive thoughts.

I am sorry you took offense to my thoughts. It was not to offend, but to offer some thoughts. That is what a forum is for- to share thoughts and ideas with others. My opinion is as valid as yours, maybe different, but valid.

Unless you have a classic "tin can" you will probably invest more money in the finished product than buying a much newer already serviceable trailer. Your finished product may be awesome and just what the family needs for camping trips. What will the family camp in while you rebuild? Camping is for building family memories, and I doubt you will build many family memories while you are out in the shop working away days, months, maybe even years, getting that trailer ready for an awesome family use.

[jerem0621]

Gdetrailer wrote:

DownTheAvenue wrote:
Is a 28 year old camper worth all that expense and work?

While YOU may not see any "value" or "worth" in an old trailer OTHERS might.

Bought my 1984 Komfort for $700, took a lot of time and money but the end result is a much higher quality camper than the junk that you buy now days.

My KOMFORT TT

Granted rehabbing is not for wimps or those of weak stomachs.. But someone with a vision can turn them into hidden gems.

Thank you for sharing!

I've been beating the idea around of a project trailer. I loved the layout of our 95 Layton. It was a no slide front kitchen, mid living room, rear bedroom trailer. Loved it! But they do not make that floor plan anymore in new trailers.

You may have just inspired me to start looking older again.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[westend]

Depending on the damage, it is an easy task to replace rotten frame and floor. The real work starts when assembling.

I completely gutted and replaced frame members that were rotten in my trailer. It is all pictured and chronicled in this thread: The Cowboy/Hilton.

[Gdetrailer]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Be aware that the cabinets inside also serve the purpose of adding rigidity to the envelope.

Not really.

The real strength actually comes from the PANELING on the inside of the walls. The combination of 2x2 wall studs and the paneling stapled and glued to the studs results in a lightweight yet very strong side wall.

Cabinets over all are too small to add any real effective rigidity or structural integrity.