FRAME UPDATES for your VINTAGE CAMPER PHOTO BOOTH

[@mobiltec]

So far so good. The "outriggers" are important so getting them all straight is the right thing to do. Before you begin your build is the time to rebuild the brakes...

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Neither of these have brakes currently, and I sort of waffle back and forth about upgrading them. Regardless, I'll be getting into the bearings in short order though!

[@mobiltec]

@@TrailerTrashtoTreasure Your Kiosk trailers are under weight anyhow so I wouldn't worry about it. For travel trailers I recommend functioning brakes. In most states they are required over a certain length or weight or both.

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Kansas requires commercial trailers and campers of a certain size and weight to have brakes, but I can't remember what the specifics are. I've always sort of wondered what they'd say about a kiosk trailer, but it's kind of a gray area.

[@mobiltec]

@@TrailerTrashtoTreasure You should check your laws so your insurance will be good if you are in an accident.

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Good point!

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

MAN, THE COMPANY REALLY PUT THAT FLOOR ON THE FRAME. NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE THAT SOLID.

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Considering how much rot there was, I was maybe a little surprised as well, lol!

[@toastthemosty]

Awesome job! Can't wait to see the regrets later 😅

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

There will be plenty, I'm sure!

[@jennyleef1775]

Well that flooring didn't want to give up its resting place easily. When it was put on they did a good job. I love watching you give new life to these old caravans.

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

They really had a surprising number of carriage bolts holding it down! Thanks for watching!

[@grannyanniesfarm4972]

Thanks for this explanation. I am 60, disabled and beginning a remodel on a vintage Road Ranger into a tiny home and no idea what I am doing but determined. I got a lot of needed info from this video.

[@jackielowery119]

I’m remodeling a 1979 avenger all by myself, I have no idea what I’m doing either, wanting to turn it into a tiny home also, so we will both learn together from this totally awesome guy and all of his knowledge!!!

[@grannyanniesfarm4972]

@@jackielowery119 sounds wonderful! Did you have to gut most of yours too?

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

You're welcome, I'm glad you found the video useful!

[@henrymiller9055]

My wife and i love watching your videos, we are working a 50s 60s wilderness coach and just purchases an 59 Ideal. Thank You for all the info!!!

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Nice, those sound like great projects! Thanks for watching!

[@CowboyGirl007]

Wow. What are size wood supports you tore off? I have some rot on a support beam. I dont have table saw to rip them. Theyre not 2x4s, or 2x2s. More like 3x3. Suggestions? Ty

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

I don't remember exactly, I'd have to go back to my notes, but typically they're about 3" tall on this type of camper. They'll likely be the same height as your trailer frame c-channel. You're pretty unlikely to come across lumber at the hardware store that will be an exact fit, so I would highly highly recommend picking up a basic job site table saw to rip your own boards to the right size. If purchasing new isn't an option for you, you can rent them from most chain hardware stores, or you might consider buying used.

[@muzakmike]

Do you ever worry about asbestos in these old trailers??

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Interestingly enough, I spent a few minutes talking about asbestos when I was recording this, but it wound up getting cut from the video. All that dust you see flying in the video is pulverized wood from carpenter/termite infestation, so don't worry too much about that! But yeah asbestos can be found in several things on some of these old campers, including the floor tiles. You have to determine the level of risk you're comfortable with when it comes to taking precautions around it, as no level of exposure is considered healthy. That being said, most of the folks that tend to get sick from exposure, tend to be people that had large continuous exposure to it, such as people that manufactured products with it, or worked around those products daily (brake mechanics, construction workers, etc.). Smoking also seems to be a contributing factor. It's not something to take lightly though, but like I said, you've got to decide what you feel comfortable with, and take whatever necessary precautions you feel are needed. Thanks for watching!

[@bearsstuff]

Is it 1/8” or 3/16” material? Looks light-duty.

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

Most of these smaller campers that I've ever worked on have been 3/16" on the c-channel and 1/8" on the angle iron.

[@bearsstuff]

@@TrailerTrashtoTreasure Thank you!

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

You're welcome!

[@henrymiller9055]

when you're restoring these, where do you find the missing item?

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

I try to find ones that aren't missing much, or at least ones that are missing things that can be replaced with new off the shelf items or easily rebuilt from scratch. Missing windows can be a real pain to replace, but a lot of other essential pieces can be purchased online from places like vintagetrailersupply.com.