Camper trailer renovation - need advice

[sailorman]

I 'v gotten good advice on the trailer forum from members about brakes, but its time to expand here for more feed back on other aspects. I 'm having trouble prioritizing work order for this project. I want to get it minimally serviceable for short camping trips ( mostly primitive ) while I continue work.

1973 Go-Tag-A- Long out of production

I have gutted it, repaired all exterior road lights and wiring ( 4 pin flat plug), installed new roof vent, caulked and repainted roof with polymeric paint to stop leaks, replaced old wood floor, installed new anchor bolts to chassis, checked 110 V system, new small window AC, new tires ( spare ), and built kitchenette benches and foldout couch sleeper. No DC power at present.

Tow vehicle is 2003 Ford Ranger XLT Hitch rating - Weight distribution system 6000 lbs 600 lbs tongue, without distribution 3500 lbs. 350 lbs.tongue. Have no WDS

Trailer brakes must be completely replaced.

I have no idea what the trailer weight is now, but I can pick up tongue easily and I 'm 5' 6" 132 lbs.

Where do ya think I should continue and what might ya need to know ?

 

[Western]

If it where me, I'd tackle the brakes and anything else that makes it road worthy, then at least you could use it.

Trying "her" out on a few trips may enlighten you as to what amenities you actually need to concentrate on.

 

[F250DSLPWR]

After the brakes, I would get it all dried in. Be sure to test it for leaks. Run wiring for outlets, speakers, TV. Run water pipes, gas line. Insulate and finish out the inside.


This link is to TexasBowHunter.com web site, the DIY section where one of the members rebuilds a camper from the ground up.
You might have to be a member in order to see the link or rebuild.
Camper Rebuild - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

 

[sailorman]

If it where me, I'd tackle the brakes and anything else that makes it road worthy, then at least you could use it.

Trying "her" out on a few trips may enlighten you as to what amenities you actually need to concentrate on.

Thanks for reply. I 've been concerned about brakes. Law here says over 2000 '# must have brakes and I don 't know what it weighs. Amenities - I 'm a real primitive camper ( backpacker kinda guy ). What would you tackle after brakes ?

 

[sailorman]

After the brakes, I would get it all dried in. Be sure to test it for leaks. Run wiring for outlets, speakers, TV. Run water pipes, gas line. Insulate and finish out the inside.


This link is to TexasBowHunter.com web site, the DIY section where one of the members rebuilds a camper from the ground up.
You might have to be a member in order to see the link or rebuild.
Camper Rebuild - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

Thanks for reply ! Just went through a good old tropical Louisiana super heavy rain and I got the leaks beat. 110 V system is intact and functional. Water lines are intacted, no Speakers, TV, or gas for me. Primitive kinda guy. Didn 't see the link originally. I 'll check it out. What do ya think next ?

 

[sailorman]

I should have mentioned to all who read that I am a real primitive rub two sticks together for fire kinda camper. pretty much tryin' to throw together a hard body tent. So I don 't need anything the big RV guys would want. only problem is I 'm gettin' older and can 't handle the camp site set up stuff anymore. I 'll be haulin' water jugs, propane stove, and trusty guitar for music.

 

[sailorman]

This link is to TexasBowHunter.com web site, the DIY section where one of the members rebuilds a camper from the ground up.
You might have to be a member in order to see the link or rebuild.
Camper Rebuild - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

That guy did a super job !! Fortunately for me I have a more substantial starting point and will not need to start from chassis up.

 

[Western]

Thanks for reply. I 've been concerned about brakes. Law here says over 2000 '# must have brakes and I don 't know what it weighs. Amenities - I 'm a real primitive camper ( backpacker kinda guy ). What would you tackle after brakes ?

If you cant weigh it at some local scales, I would assume it over 2000#.

After the Brakes I would go with insulating and finishing the walls/ ceiling. I would save the floor for last.

I find as I get older, I prefer "comfort" over "roughing" it. Been there done that!!

 

[Raspy]

Thanks for reply. I 've been concerned about brakes. Law here says over 2000 '# must have brakes and I don 't know what it weighs. Amenities - I 'm a real primitive camper ( backpacker kinda guy ). What would you tackle after brakes ?

You'll definitely need brakes regardless what it weighs. Wait till it starts wagging around back there and all you have to do it touch the brake button to straighten it out. Or, it's full of gear and you are on a long winding downgrade.

Best thing is pull the backing plate off and take it to a axle and wheel supply house to match it up. This is all pretty standard stuff. They'll hand you a complete bolt on backing plate with shoes and magnets and everything, ready to bolt on. Drums too, if you need them, along with grease seals, bearings, etc, and you're all set.

Nice project.

 

[KubotainNH]

You may want to look at replacing the whole hub assembly and maybe the whole axle with new brakes and current style rims. The cost isn't too bad unless you have odd sized stuff on there. You can look at electric brakes from Northern Tool + Equipment for the brake setup and axle if you go that route. I would definitely setup a 12volt system that your truck will charge while driving and with LED lights for those times that you don't have a place to plug into. Electric brakes and power from truck to camper will mean a 7 pin plug. Other than that make sure you have enough tongue weight, standard is 10% of the trailer weight I think. BTW, it may be worth while to have it weighed at a weigh station to get a baseline.