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JCTSMOM's avatar
JCTSMOM
Explorer
Jul 27, 2017

Unsure where to start with redo of our Sky Cruiser II

We were given a 94 Sky Cruiser and were aware of the water damage, but it's worse than I thought.

The roof is totally rotted, as are the walls in the front and both sides, but the wall where the door is is okay. The floor is okay as are the cabinets, but the bunk board is also rotten. My question is....where do we start? I've removed the Luan and foam panels from the walls, the appliances and the terrible carpeting from the step up to the bunk this far. In an earlier post, I was told that the vertical cabinets are supports in this model, so I haven't touched them. Do I remove the roof completely and start there? If I do that, there's nothing to attach it to! If I start with rebuilding the walls, it's the same scenario.

Also, suggestions for a new roof? It looks like the water is getting in because the wood frame is so rotted, the aluminum shell has pulled apart. The camper sat for a few years out in the open apparently. I'm unsure how to tell what condition the membrane on the roof is. Should I just redo the entire thing or try to patch if needed?

There'll be no kitchen in our redo, but a mini fridge will be installed as will an air conditioner.

Help!! :)
Truck Campers
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2017
    Give it back. No one did you any favors with that "gift." You got a disposal problem dumped on you.
  • joerg68's avatar
    joerg68
    Nomad III
    Jul 27, 2017
    Anything can be rebuilt... But I am wondering if that camper is worth it.

    Have you looked through the rebuild threads in the Truck Camper University thread?

    Typically they deal with only a small part of the damage you describe.

    Usually the owners find the damage is even worse than it initially looked, and it is much more work than they anticipated.

    Do you have the time, money, skills and tools to pull off something like that? Do you have a dry place where that camper can sit for an extended length of time while you work on it? Woukd you rather go camping during that time?

    If you get all the money you will be putting in that camper, plus the time... do you really think it will be worthwhile? Why not save up and get something in better shape?
  • JoeChiOhki's avatar
    JoeChiOhki
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2017
    Pull the appliances if they still work, compartment doors, etc and sell them. Take off the aluminum and haul it to a metal recycler, any remaining wood, burn for a back yard bon fire if you can.

    That unit isn't worth the energy to restore. :(
  • JCTSMOM's avatar
    JCTSMOM
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    Thank you for your answers thus far! I need a cheerleader though as I'm pretty firm in my decision to move ahead with this project!

    We already have a camper...this is a project one really and something for just my husband and I instead of lugging around our popup. I do have the tools, patience, time, and am willing to put some money into it. I only lack a dry place, as we live in NH, but will purchase something to cover it.

    It sounds rather daunting, but if I'm able to soak some money into a rebuild, then it will be customized and exactly what we need/want. If I purchase another one, then I'm stuck with a cookie cutter camper with God knows what for problems.

    How much will a total rebuild cost do you think? I have an estimate for $1400 from our carpenter just for labor, so maybe that's the way to go. The camper is 8' and the roof is mainly taken up by a 5' skylight. I did find a gentleman on this site with the same camper, but can't get his pics to load. :(

    I'm thinking to just take the aluminum off one side at a time, reframe, and then put the aluminum back on, and then the roof? It's currently under tarps and is dry despite heavy rains this summer.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jul 27, 2017
    I'm not bashing you or the hubby but if you have to ask how to start tells me you shouldn't mainly because you have no place to keep the exposed unit out of the elements (rain/wind/etc). This isn't a job that can be done in a couple of weeks with a hammer and a power saw.

    If the roof is rotted the metal has to come off first....then attention to the side/front and rear walls and possibly the floor if it needs to be replaced.

    When removing the metal from the ground up match mark each piece where it meets the next one. I always started with a A1...A2 ...A3/etc for one side and used a B1....B2/ for another and so on around the trailer.

    Tarps ??
    If you use those blue thin Walmart then plan on replacing them often. I would invest in a heavier canvas type.
    Good luck
  • JCTSMOM's avatar
    JCTSMOM
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    My Fein Mulitmaster is my favorite tool! :)

    So, take off the aluminum on one side at a time and then work my way reframing and reapplying aluminum as I go around the camper and then the roof? If the membrane looks okay, is it okay to just reseal?

    Thank you for you comments. I've been warned and will take lots of pics!! ;)
  • 1995brave's avatar
    1995brave
    Nomad
    Jul 27, 2017
    Start with one side, take the outer skin off, then start cutting and building that wall(match piece for piece). When completed brace up that side of the roof, cut the old wall out, and put the new wall in. Then do the other side and then the bunk. Your roof will be last. Then skin the whole unit. If you need a cover for it check Harbor Freight they have a 10x20 car port starting at $99.
  • JCTSMOM's avatar
    JCTSMOM
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    You are super awesome 1995brave! Exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you so much!

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