Forum Discussion

michelle_diekma's avatar
michelle_diekma
Explorer
Oct 25, 2014

GREETINGS, I'm a newbie....

Hello fellow R.V'rs.
I have recently moved from Rosarito Beach area, Baja, MX to have some pretty serious back surgical procedures done. I've taken over my folks 32' Fleetwood trailer as a home until all the body stuff is taken care of. I have been here in Dana Point, CA. for the last 7 months, recovering from all that surgery. When I thought I could start making plans to go home to Baja, I found yesterday, I need another surgery to fuse two more vertebra. It's a bit of a bother, but I recover quickly so I'm not too concerned. Just annoyed.
Seeing as this is my folks VERY generous gift of giving me a place to live through this, I wish to keep the trailer in pristine condition for them.
The rainy season is approaching and as this is a 2002 trailer, I believe it is more than overdue for a good seal and paint job.
I have hired my parks maintenance man to scrub the roof, sand and re-seal all the roof seams with a 2" brush, using a product I have heard of from, 'Rick's Trailer, in San Clemente, CA. He ( The maintenance guy) is charging me $230 for this work. Is that reasonable? I will provide the product.

Also, the paint is becoming a bit chalky, the decals are peeling.
I want to repaint the trailer, I can re-do the color stripes myself, but the 'Fleetwood' decals are a bit hard to find. Actually, I don't care if they are Fleetwood or not, just a size appropriate attractive graphic. Any ideas where to find?
Also, what would the best paint be for such a paint job. Should I use a marine type paint? or an oil based automotive. What sort of caulking should I use for the vertical seams?

I'm a 55 yr old 'Fem'. Despite currant back issues, I have been an outdoor girl all my life. I've written for sports magazines as a 'Lady Angler', big game mostly. I'm not helpless, I would prefer to do the work myself, but unfortunately, I'm a bit body limited right now.

Any help or advice with such things would be greatly appreciated.

With sincere care and gratitude,
Michelle Diekmann
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    Painting a 32' RV is not something I would undertake after surgery. Done right, it will be a lot of work, some of it on ladders.

    Heres what I would suggest: reattach any decals as much as possible or leave them for now. Treat the exterior surfaces with an anti-oxidant. There are special marine based products but I like Jasco Prepaint Conditioner. It's less expensive and is available at the big box or paint stores. It will take 90% of the dull out. After the wash and rinse, use some marine cleaner wax on the surfaces and take your time. I would bet if you do this, the RV will look ten years newer.

    Good luck with the RV. Hope the surgery goes well and the fish are biting!

    BTW, I spent a couple of Winters in Monte Rio, the Russian River valley is a special place.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    Sounds like moving from the Honda to a 3/4 ton truck for your 32' trailer would be a good change and ultimately cost effective if you could find a good, gently used one. Hiring all that done is just throwing that money away, IMHO. I do like the idea of splitting your time with both parents. You may also find that you'd like to make some short trips with the trailer and this would give you that freedom. Sorry about the back issues, not a pleasant experience. Hope you'll be 100% soon.
  • MargaretB's avatar
    MargaretB
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2014
    You could do a LOT worse than divide your time between Dana Pt. and Guerneville! Both gorgeous. Maybe a truck so you can go back and forth? You could easily visit your Baja friends with a reliable vehicle.

    This is a terrific place to get help - I speak from experience. Ya done good in coming here.
  • michelle_diekma's avatar
    michelle_diekma
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2014
    Caveman Charlie wrote:
    Unfortunately, I can't help you because I've never done anything like that. I just want to say Welcome.


    Thank you Caveman, and all others that are making me feel so welcome.
    I have been incredibly lonely since most of my friends are in Baja.
    THANK YOU AND EVERYBODY for your warm welcome and great advices.

    BIG HUGS,
    Michelle
  • texasclarks's avatar
    texasclarks
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2014
    Welcome to the forum. The price for that amount of labor is about right.

    Otherwise, good luck, speedy recovery, and thank you for joining!
  • michelle_diekma's avatar
    michelle_diekma
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2014
    darsben wrote:
    Is the trailer moved from place to place or is it on a permanent site


    Actually, I'm rather permanent in Dana Point, CA. I don't have a truck and annoyingly, I have to move out of the park every 6 months to avoid the permanent resident monthly rent. It's $650, vs. $950 per mo. as a permanent. The last time I moved, it cost me $530. 3 day storage at $60. $260 for a hotel for 3 days, also, another $50 for my animals. then, $160 to tow it 400 feet to a dirt lot for 3 days. Yeah, I get it, it's a total rob-fest, but I have no other options.

    I don't know what my body is going to be doing, so making any permanent decisions right now is tough. I have a Honda Accord now, but it may become useful to just buy a truck and follow the weather.

    My Father is growing older and lives in an AMAZING place, Guerneville, CA. About 30 miles North of Santa Rosa, CA. (Near San Francisco) right on the Russian River in Sonoma County. Summers there would be fabulous, winters would be fine here near my Mom's home in Dana Point, CA. (Where I am at now) Getting to spend more time with both parents would mean a lot to me. So much is in the air now, it's hard to make decisions. Again, any suggestions or help would be gratefully appreciated.
    Thank you for your post, I get a bit lonely here, seems like the world is on my shoulders sometimes. All advice and comments are incredibly appreciated. All my friends are in Baja, but I feel very comfortable and welcome here, reading so many past posts.
    GRACIAS,
    Michelle Diekmann
  • Caveman_Charlie's avatar
    Caveman_Charlie
    Explorer II
    Oct 26, 2014
    Unfortunately, I can't help you because I've never done anything like that. I just want to say Welcome.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2014
    Welcome to the forum.

    I don't know anything about your TT. If it is sided with fiberglass one option is the ZEP/Red Max Pro application.

    I think $230.00 is a reasonable price for the labor to apply the products you are furnishing.

    Keep us updated on your project. And, ask lots of questions, there is plenty of information available on the forum.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Oct 25, 2014
    Is the trailer moved from place to place or is it on a permanent site

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