Finally got a camper!

[dragonstar85]

So excited! Few repairs will be needed and going to gut it out to remodel it to exactly what I want. It’s going to be my summer project once I get to the place I’m staying at. *happy dance*

Any advice before I start repairs and gutting it out? Things you wished you would have done when remodeling a camper, etc.

 

[bullfrog]

Okay when you are done dancing give us a tour. First check the manufacture date on the tires. Let us know make, model, year, how much it weighs and what works and doesn't work with lots of pictures, we love pictures!

 

[highdesertranger]

nice going, congrats. post up some pics. highdesertranger

 

[Weldman]

Things you wished you would have done when remodeling a camper, etc.

Yeah wished I had made more time before making deadlines on getting it done, then again it has saved me few thousands by just jumping into it.  Though stress of getting it done by a deadline outweighs the money saved sometimes.

 

[dragonstar85]

Okay when you are done dancing give us a tour.  First check the manufacture date on the tires.  Let us know make, model, year, how much it weighs and what works and doesn't work with lots of pictures, we love pictures!

It's a truck camper so no wheels. It's an older model from Wolverine. Once I get back to it I'll find out the year and model along with many pictures.

One of the first repairs I will have to do is fix the skylight above the sleeping area. It got damage at some point and leaks when it rains. Of course, after years of sitting through endless snowy winters and rainstorms, the mattress is completely ruined and damage done to the boards under the bed. But considering the frame and structure of it is still strong and I got it completely free I won't complain about those repairs.

Edit to add more info.

 

[dragonstar85]

nice going,  congrats.  post up some pics.  highdesertranger

I will once I get back out to it. Thank you!

 

[dragonstar85]

Yeah wished I had made more time before making deadlines on getting it done, then again it has saved me few thousands by just jumping into it.  Though stress of getting it done by a deadline outweighs the money saved sometimes.

Good news, I have no deadlines to meet for getting it done and I have plenty of time to work on it.

 

[ByeBye]

I agree on the deadline thing. I'm finishing up rehabbing a Bigfoot truck camper and the joy of the job is inversely proportional to how firm any deadline was.

If I had it to do over, before I started, I would do more consulting the old timers about my plan and how I intended to do it. There's a TON of wisdom, and opinions, lol, on this forum. I really had envisioned doing my rebuild over a couple of years but the Universe had something different in mind. Once I decided to fix some leak issues it snowballed and I ended up doing it in a couple of months.

I did everything by myself and in a do-over I would put energy and focus into finding a way to have occasional help. Visualize big old guy laying in overhead checking the fit of a trim piece almost 8 ft long with one foot holding one end up, one hand on the other and a cordless drill w/ screw on the ready in the other.

There were dozens of times when if I'd just had someone to hold something on the outside/inside of camper while I was on the other that it would have saved me over half the time it took.

Better tools make easier job. A real handy addition for me was the oscillating tool I got. I had a lovely Bosch cordless that got away some how and bought a much cheaper Dremel model but they are really handy.

That's all I can think of this morning. Let your creativity flow and good luck!!!

 

[dragonstar85]

Everyone on this site will end up being my favorite people during this remodel process. 

I got lucky in I have family as neighbors and they always go for quality when it comes to tools. 

I love rebuilding things and what have you so I think I may end up having more fun rebuilding than the travel itself. Lol

 

[dhosner]

MaTaLa. A real handy addition for me was the oscillating tool I got...

What is the name of this tool?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[highdesertranger]

the blades for those oscillating tools are outrageously expensive. but for a very few jobs they are indispensable. highdesertranger

 

[ByeBye]

MaTaLa.  A real handy addition for me was the oscillating tool I got...

What is the name of this tool?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

This is the one I've got:

Dremel Multi-Max 3.5 Amp Variable Speed Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with 12 Accessories and Storage Bag

It came with a few accessories including 3 types of blades.

 

[Weldman]

the blades for those oscillating tools are outrageously expensive. but for a very few jobs they are indispensable. highdesertranger

For about $8 to $6 at Harbor Freight and last as long as the name brand ones. I have two of them and have taken fiberglass stringers up here no problem on the blades from there. Dremel is best one the Rockwell one is good at tossing trash into your eyes from the air it blows out.

 

[dragonstar85]

For about $8 to $6 at Harbor Freight and last as long as the name brand ones. I have two of them and have taken fiberglass stringers up here no problem on the blades from there. Dremel is best one the Rockwell one is good at tossing trash into your eyes from the air it blows out.

Oh boy, I’ve already have a lifetime of getting gonna in my eye (fish sinker, random chemicals, salt dew times, sand, etc) I don’t want more. Lol

Thank you for tool suggestions. When I’m rebuilding the inside and outside for bigger tools (bandsaw, etc) I’ll just kidnap them from family when I need them but I know life will be 100% easier having some with me as I travel and not just your basic screwdriver and hammer. These suggestions are helping.


Plus, any reason to go into a hardware/home improvement store is a good reason for me.

 

[ZoNiE]

Probably late, but use it before you gut and remodel it. See how you like the current layout. Fix what needs fixing. Leave what works.

 

[DannyB1954]

I have a truck camper as well. Storage is a big deal unless you are towing a trailer.
The fresh water tanks on those are small as well. If you don't already have a truck, get a club cab so that you can use the back seat for storage. a one ton is better for truck campers. A Dually if you can find one.

If I were to redo mine, I would not have a queen size bed over the truck cab. Maybe a twin size with storage along the side of it, (but nothing real heavy). I would also tear out the double sink and get a rubber tub. With small fresh water tanks, do want to use up all of it in a day? More storage on top of where the sink used to be. I also don't need a permanent 4 burner stove and oven. a cabinet there up to the ceiling. A counter space between where the stove and sink used to be would be where I would use a camp stove and the bucket for washing dishes. I use two spray bottles. one with soapy water, the other with rinse water.

 

[DannyB1954]

I have a truck camper as well. Storage is a big deal unless you are towing a trailer.
The fresh water tanks on those are small as well. If you don't already have a truck, get a club cab so that you can use the back seat for storage. a one ton is better for truck campers. A Dually if you can find one.

If I were to redo mine, I would not have a queen size bed over the truck cab. Maybe a twin size with storage along the side of it, (but nothing real heavy). I would also tear out the double sink and get a rubber tub. With small fresh water tanks, do want to use up all of it in a day? More storage on top of where the sink used to be. I also don't need a permanent 4 burner stove and oven. a cabinet there up to the ceiling. A counter space between where the stove and sink used to be would be where I would use a camp stove and the bucket for washing dishes. I use two spray bottles. one with soapy water, the other with rinse water.