Newbie from WA State - Can I really build one of these?

[djdawg]

So I may have found something...but I'm a bit reluctant to share because it's definitely not a td nor a standy, etc. I hope it's ok to get the perspective of you folks on this and if I go any farther with it (refurbishing it) I know that I'll have to go to another forum because it's not a td. I'll say up front that you guys have been so helpful and amazing and I thank you for helping me out so far!

So I've been keeping my eyes out on CL for utility trailers, old standy's that people might be letting go cheap, etc when I came across a woman that is selling a 17' Wide World trailer. Yeah...hardly a td but maybe I could still get some feedback? Pretty please?

She was asking $300 for it, I got her down to $190. Here's what I know after seeing it today...the good and the bad:

Clean title and new tabs and license plate
Tail lights work pretty good although the 2nd right tail light is not blinking....could just be burnt out bulb
The inside is a mess....seriously disgusting. (dirty) There is stove and fridge (not sure if they work) and bathroom with toilet and shower. On the outside two corners of the siding are coming apart and when I pulled it back I could tell there was rot there.

Inside there were areas where I would push up on the ceiling and I could tell there was rot in the ceiling. Not the whole thing but some areas. Floor didn't seem too bad aside from the bathroom.....bathroom was definitely the worst area. Some wall areas were obvious rot (not surprisingly the areas where the outside siding was coming apart) but most seemed ok. Of course until I tear off some siding, who knows.

When she plugged in power from an extension cord a light went on inside and the pump started up which was good news. No idea if anything is working off propane as there were no tanks.

As I'm listing all of this it's starting to sound like a joke but maybe this still has potential. I have pics but I'll hold off on posting them because I may just be missing the obvious.

I've already thought of gutting the whole thing, maybe even the bathroom (or at least taking out a shower) and I'm expecting worse case scenario that I will find rot in many areas. I'm pretty handy (remember the hot dog cart? ha ha) but I'm worried about replacing joists or ceiling beams, etc. After watching some videos it appears that trailers like this are merely framed with 2"x2"'s, some trailer plastic/aluminum siding is put on, and then paneling is put on inside. (with insulation)

What I really want to do is put corrugated steel on the outside of my trailer whatever it happens to be. (this size, a tear drop, etc) I may not cover the whole thing but I definitely want a retro look to it and I think it would work great. But because of my limited expertise, I'm not even sure how to do it with a unit like this. Of course it needs to be skinned and sealed with some type of siding before putting on steel but not even sure where to start with that.....anyway...veering way off course now.

That's about all I know at this point....thanks for reading everyone. I don't mind cleaning, scrubbing, repairing, building (or learning how to build) the things I would need to do to make this thing like home, but what I'm afraid of is running across something that needs to be repaired by an RV professional and getting in deep over my head.

It sounds like a deal for $190 but I'm seeing guys on youtube doing repairs on similar size trailers that were GIVEN to them and they are in better condition! Yike!

[CarlLaFong]

I think 190 bucks is a bargain. Sure, there are a lot of people who get them for less, but still, under 200 bucks you get a rolling, titled trailer. Even if you decide to strip it down to the chassis, it's still a deal. There will be all sorts of things you'll be able to salvage for the new build.

[djdawg]

Thanks for the input Carl...maybe I'll share some pics. These first ones are the ones that she had sent me after I responded to her on CL. I'll add some more that I took today in the next post..

I forgot to mention the windows are all in great shape...not a cracked or broken one in the bunch that I could see.

[djdawg]

Not sure what this is....ha ha. Maybe hose hook up?



One of the corners that is coming apart....





























The floor looks good here...




I believe this is the water tank

[Corwin C]

I've seen worse ... definitely going to be a "project." I agree with Carl ... for that price you might be able to buy one window new. It all depends upon how much work you're willing to take on.

[djdawg]

Thanks Corwin...the work and time I don't mind. I'm worried that I run into something that requires a procedure that I won't know how to do but I guess that's all a part of learning.

Worst case scenario...if I start gutting it and I find it's so rotted that it's worthless I could tear it down to the trailer itself, clean it up and sell it as a utility trailer. I should be able to get back my money on that and then some. (to reimburse me for dump runs, ha ha)

[Roly Nelson]

If you can buy that trailer for 190 bucks, you better grab it. A bit of work should be of no concern, since you got such a good deal on the buy. I found the ideal trailer that I had been looking for, and even though the interior was less than ideal, the exterior was in great shape. A few months of work, made the inside look like brand new, and it was a great little vintage trailer, that my great grand kids are enjoying. Buy the trailer, you won't be sorry.
Roly

[bc toys]

if you get it and run into a spot that you don't know what to do next just ask someone on here they can answer anything you might need.

[Forrest747]

What a great find!!!! Gut it rip it apart take every thing out. leave it bare to the bones. Then plan out your perfect camper. the right bed size kitchen loo eating area. take all teh wiring out and put new stuff in. replace teh insulation with rigid foam that is what i would do.

If you still need plans there is Zachs
http://www.zkaylordesigns.com/xii_plans.html

[djdawg]

Wow, thanks everyone for the encouragement! It's nice to know you're not alone when attempting things like this

I offered her $125 and I haven't heard back from her yet but I'm guessing that she will take it. I think she's going to be thankful with just getting it off of her property anyway possible. I would love to document the build here on this site but I don't think it would qualify? I certainly don't want to violate any forum rules...heck, I don't think it even qualifies as a standy.

One buddy that I talked with said that I may have to replace the axle & wheels which would totally bum me out. I could look at the tires and see that they are fine but how could I determine the state of the axle & wheels? That seems like a major cost and kind of defeats the whole purpose of fixing this up....my goal is to do most if not all of the work myself and trying to avoid any single large expenses...I know, I'm dreaming. But even if I have to rip this down to the trailer I'm hoping I can start with a good foundation and if the axle & wheels need replacing that doesn't sound like very good foundation to start with.

I would love to get someone's thoughts about the propane compartment picture. There is a circular vent like object next to the red knob what I can only assume is a vent. It's quite rusty and I'm not sure if that should be a major concern or not. Of course I would like to clean as much rust off of there as I possibly could.

thanks again everyone!

[bobhenry]

There is one in every crowd.......The sky is falling....The sky is falling !

When you get time pull the hubs and clean and repack the bearings. Look for discoloration or scratches in the rollers if either are present simply take them to be matched up and replace them. Total should be well under $20.00 with a tub of good grease , some cleaner and a can of aerosol "Brake Kleen" .

[Forrest747]

Do a build journal I would be intrested in seeing this build. Now if your building a 50 foot RV than maybe not the place, but since you are doing the work its not an issue to me.

[Mary C]

I think you should do a build journal then we could all watch and see if anyone would like to do it, there is a first for everything and you could always call it a glamping trailer.

Mary C.

[djdawg]

You guys convinced me! I'll do it. I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow and then maybe start this weekend.

[Junkboy999]

Renovation and rebuild stuff is usually more time consuming than building stuff new. Trying to fit new work with to old work can be slow. If you got the time and the place to strip it down and follow Dougs lead on how he rebuilt his, it can be a really sweet camper. Dougs Kamp King if you have not seen it.

It looks like all the outside trim is there except the fender trim, and all your windows appear to be in good shape. Not trying to sound bad, but if the project, well, falls apart and stops. You can get your investment back by parting it out.

I only wish I had the room to the side of my house to get a camper like that back to my shop. GL, I keep my fingers crossed you can get the trailer.

Ps When you're ready to start working, Start a Build thread in the build area. The build in the newbie area and other strange area like gathering threads tend to get lost and forgot about.