Another teardrop noob introducing myself

[H3LlIoN]

Just introducing myself...I'll be lurking here in the near future trying to get ideas on a build out.

I've got a Little Guy Deluxe Tailgater (the one with the built in beer tap) that was given to me. The roof hatch had shattered due to sun exposure, and rain had gotten inside. This spawned mold and mushrooms, as well as a rather torrid smell. Anywho, I've got it now, my first order of business was buying a replacement vent. I went with the upgrade for the fan model, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the wiring was already in place at the top of the trailer. I also dropped the cash and bought the cover for the camper to both keep it dry while I work, and protect it in the future.

Pics are below, but basically I pulled up the carpet and decking, as the water had seeped all the way through and the whole thing was coated in mold. I am asthmatic, so I have to get as much as possible. There is still some on the lower part of the sides, but I'm not taking it that far apart, so it'll have to do. I'm leaning towards removing the rest of the interior....there is this overhead cupboard thing that never really served a purpose and I think I'm going to go ahead and lose it. Plan then is to remove the remaining carpet and spray everything with diluted bleach water a few times over. Once that is good, I'll go ahead and coat everything with an encapsulating fungicide layered with an anti-mold primer. Finally, I'll probably throw on some top coat and go back with carpet. I'm not sure though...the carpet made it dark inside, but carpet or upholstery in general is great for covering things. Still not sure how I'll finish it. Lastly, I'll build out a package tray accessible from the tailgate for baggage and such. I'm a scuba diver and plan on using this primarily for scuba related camping, so I was thinking of building in a drain and lineX-ing the package tray so that wet scuba gear would drain without damaging anything. Not sure though...still down the road. I'll be perusing the galleries looking for ideas on the final build out.

Any way, just wanted to introduce myself. Thanks for listening.

H3

The decking after removing carpet:




Stripped down:

[razorback]

Welcome H3
What a wonderful gift. I would suggest a few drops of dish detergent added to the diluted beach. It acts as a surfactant and will help the solution penetrate deeper. You might check with local Janatorial supply companies to see if they have some hospital grade disinfectant. Usually a dual quat. ammonia. Not one with cleaners in it. Just the disinfectant only.
Buy only a pint or quart If it is full strength; then use a 1/4 ounce which will make 4 gallons of product. Way more than you need but a little goes a long way.
Use this after the bleach. Leave it air out and dry.
Anyway, welcome to the forum.
Larry

[H3LlIoN]

Thanks for the welcome, and the tip! I'll look in to seeing what I can find in my area.

[doug hodder]

Welcome aboard! I'd try to lift the carpet a bit and try to see what the condition on the wall is. Carpet will hide a lot. Just a suggestion. Doug

[bc toys]

Welcome to this great site and enjoy the camper after you get it all cleaned up and ready to use

[Shadow Catcher]

Your LG was certainly the right price
We had an undetected leak in our water system and some mold and damage to the bottom of the galley cabinets. I was able to pull the affected wood out and treat it with chlorine and sun (UV) and then applied CPES from http://www.rotdoctor.com/products/cpes.htm
I am also asthmatic and would not want carpet that can hold smells or mold or pollen or anything I can not clean, on an interior. Yes it does cover up problems but what happens when you smash that mosquito that is whining around on the wall? The interior of Compass Rose is the typical vinyl covered luan wall, easy to clean off the bug guts and blood from those that were successful (hay they at least did not profit from it).

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum!
And Good Luck with your new project.
I am sure you are going to enjoy the restoration process as much as you will the camping lifestyle of Tear Drop Camping.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Rhino Ray]

I was also a scuba diver and I didn't want to carry the wet gear in an enclosed area so I got a platform that hooked into a receiver and built a box around it to carry the tanks and wet gear. The floor is metal mesh so it has no problem with moisture. I haven't used it in a few years so depending on where your located you could probably get more use out of it than I am.

[H3LlIoN]

I went with the advise of Razorback and did some research...this stuff came out on top, so it's purchased and waiting to go in.




I also removed the rest of the suspended cupboard today, bringing it down to just the shell. I cut back the carpet some more, but am leaning towards removing it altogether, for the reasons Shadow Catcher mentioned. I'm out of town this weekend, but next week I'm planning on removing the port side door so I can re-bed it, as it appears to have not been installed properly and has a leak. The tailgate also seems to have a leak, so I'm going to clean that up and redo the seal as well. Once that's done, I'm going to clean her out one more time, and then start hitting it with the Shockwave. I'll post pics then. Thanks for the warm welcomes everyone!

[H3LlIoN]

I was also a scuba diver and I didn't want to carry the wet gear in an enclosed area so I got a platform that hooked into a receiver and built a box around it to carry the tanks and wet gear. The floor is metal mesh so it has no problem with moisture. I haven't used it in a few years so depending on where your located you could probably get more use out of it than I am.

I appreciate the offer! Unfortunately, I'm on the opposite side of the country, in Virginia. Thanks though! I think I'm going to relocate the spare tire on the trailer (it mounts alongside the tongue) so that I can put an accessory rack on the front like the current run of 4-wides. Just not sure yet about where I'll move it. I've also been considering a rack for the top. Just not sure yet. Thanks again!

[Rhino Ray]

Great idea for wet gear. I also use a plastic tub when it's stored indoors. You can build cabinets to store or carry your tanks under the back galley. Good luck.