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Anyone ever taken on a restoration or fix up project on an old camper? I know there are groups and clubs for that sort of thing. We currently have a 42 year old popup camper that the previous owners redid the interior of. They did a nice job. We have been toying with finding a travel trailer or 5th wheel to have some more versatility and convenience.
We would like something that offers some more comfort. Like running water, working shower and toilet. Where when we are traveling we can stop run back to the camper for lunch and a break.
On our current rig we pulled it 1200 miles in a weeks time with no problems at all. I did redo the wiring for lights and repacked the wheel bearings. With the age and other problems that can arise the trip went off without a hitch. Last summer it was a 400 mile trip to the Bighorns in Wyoming.
The major things like roof leaks and weak floors are the watch outs. Assuming the roof is solid, I am comfortable taking on most other aspects of a restoration, what are some other thoughts or input?
I haven't, but I do have a 1995 23' Jayco which is in great running condition but needs some interior care that I just don't have the chops for on my own. I wish I could find a local club that was into that or better yet some small business that I could drive my MH over too, give them like $10k and say "Pimp Out Everything". But I don't think that exists. My local mobile RV repair service wants $100/hour no thanks.
I have an older Class C motorhome. It's got some water damage and needs some general updating, I keep going back and forth between doing a full restoration or just continuing to fix what's wrong until it collapses around itself. Since I only paid $250 for it I'm leaning toward the latter, I've already gotten several times myu money's worth out of it in terms of enjoyment.
Does it see much use? I think it would dandy. Update the camper, subfloor and floor, insulation, plumbing and electric.
It was a small trailer I used it a few times then bought a bigger trailer, the people who bought it have used it a lot, even took it on a 3000 mile round trip.
My trailer was in pretty good shape, I did electrical work, lighting and such, added a new water system and propane system besides adding a hardwood floor and some painting. I did modify the dinette into a nice comfortable bed with storage underneath plus moved the table to the edge of the bed mainly for more counter space while cooking. It was a lot of hard work, the only problem was starting with too short of a trailer, it was only 14 feet.
Currently I am working on a 1954 Aljoa. I'm afraid to camp in this one cause it is in such great shape already.
I looked, briefly, at a 60 Shasta. If I was in a better spot I would be more excited. I wouldn't mind gutting and redoing it all. Good foam insulation in the floor, walls and ceiling. New paneling and mill work. That all adds up.
We re-built a 1976 Amerigo truck Camper. It was a complete re-build. Even started with all new framing. HUGE project! Took approx. 1 year, but it is beautiful now. Debi_Clark_Szekely's Library | Photobucket
We re-built a 1976 Amerigo truck Camper. It was a complete re-build. Even started with all new framing. HUGE project! Took approx. 1 year, but it is beautiful now. Debi_Clark_Szekely's Library | Photobucket
That is excellent work. That looks awesome. We ended up with an 87 Coachman 5th wheel. Not really a retro camper.
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Retro Camper
