Rex's Camper Build

[RexInTheCity]

I've been lurking around these forums for a few weeks now and I've finally committed to my build. I found a 1976 palomino pop up camper on CL and picked it up for $220 (even have the title). All I plan to keep out of it is the frame and maybe axle. Everything else is being sold or trashed.

It hadn't been moved any real distance in 8 years. It took some WD40 and magnetic trailer lights to get it home.




The roof is garbage and barely holding together. I got a brief look at the inside before we tied everything down for the trip home. I didn't smell mold and nothing felt damp so I'm hopeful that I can salvage some cushions.



The canvas is in great shape and looks almost new. The previous owner was going to keep it and try to sell it but didn't have time to remove it (the wife wanted it gone). Any opinions on how much it might be worth? Anywhere to list it besides craigslist?

I can't get it fully open in my current garage. I'm moving into a house later this month so I might not get to start the teardown until then



I'm still in the design stages but right now I'm thinking of 6x12ft camper with a SawTooth profile. Final dimensions will be determined once I see the bare frame and decide on wether or not to upgrade the axle and wheels. I'd really prefer some larger tires to get this thing raised up more in line with my truck.

[Gold5one]

I'm sure you got a good deal on that trailer. My neighbor keeps his popup in his garage and it is very nice for 15 years old.

[RexInTheCity]

I decided to remove the propane tank and replace the tongue jack tonight. There were 4 bolts going through the tank base into angle iron. The screws/bolts were rusted and stripped so I ended up just cutting out the entire mounting system. Anyone know how I can safely dispose of the tank? It feels too heavy to be empty.

[Vedette]

Your choice for larger wheels is right on track!
Go to 15" radials if you can....that is if you want to travel any distance with your new Teardrop.
We have towed over 21,000 miles in the past two seasons, with a second thought about our tires (which still look like new)
And the axle??? If there is anything you might be sceptical about.....and think you it might not suit your needs? Then you should give some consideration to a Rubber Ride axle. We have a Dexter and just love it!
As a matter of fact I will be ordering another one shortly for our second build.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[dales133]

Not sure where you would advertise that canvas but it costs a small fortune to get that sort of thing remade.
I'm sure there's someone scouring ebay or Craigslist for one.
Ebay might be the go as the market will set the price.
Good score by the way

[Vedette]

For anyone in the PNW that might be considering that route for their next build.
I too have a 7' "Bonair" tent trailer (pop up) For Sale CHEAP!
$200.00 takes this thing home.
Has lots of Value in parts alone.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[dales133]

Do you deliver [WHITE SMILING FACE]

[RexInTheCity]

Spent a couple hours hacking at the roof today. I got the canvas removed from the roof without too much trouble and I don't think I damage it. A warning to anyone else that might be doing this down the road... unbolt the strut arms (for lack of better term) when they are in the open position. I unbolted one of them with the roof down and the arm came flying up at me.

I managed to get half the roof cutup into dumpster sized pieces before my sawzall battery ran out.




I'll finish off the roof tomorrow and then clean up a bit with the shopvac. I have rotten wood everywhere. Then I can finally pull the side wings (?) out and see what all is inside the camper.

[dales133]

Hopefully you get some useful bits for the new build...be very surprised if you can reuse alot of it

[RexInTheCity]

Hopefully you get some useful bits for the new build...be very surprised if you can reuse alot of it

I thought I saw some bags and bins under one of the foldout sections. I'm hoping for buried treasure here.

[dales133]

Cross my fingers

[RexInTheCity]

Removed the rest of the roof and one of the side pull outs. Found some trash and treasure underneath!

Old beat up refrigerator with no door and cracks: trash!


Stove, sink, and an electrical panel underneath: Possibly treasure!


Parts for a removable table: treasure!

[rebapuck]

I know you are excited, but with a move coming up, I sure would have waited to bust that thing up..

[RexInTheCity]

I know you are excited, but with a move coming up, I sure would have waited to bust that thing up..

Yea, that was my original thinking as well but it is a lot easier to get rid of the scrap here where I can toss it into a dumpster. Once I move I have to work with the city's pickup schedule.

The sides are still strong so I can just toss the parts I'm keeping back into it and cover it with a tarp when I need to move it.





.... and I'm not known my patience when it comes to tearing stuff apart

[RexInTheCity]

It took two trips to the Tax Assessor, one to the old owner, and $100 in fees but I finally have the title transferred and registration renewed! I'll be moving the carcass to my new place next week and then I can finish the tear down and finalize the frame changes that I want to make.