Planning the next steps | Another VLOG

[@phyllismurray525]

Josh, you will definitely have to insulate. If you do not, that camper is going to be an oven in summer and an ice box in winter. Just do it now and you will not have any regrets later.

[@marilynpowell6881]

Hi Josh, Would definitely put in insulation. Especially as you can get condensation even in hot and cold weather. The evenings can get very cold even in the late summer and Autumn. I owned caravans (trailers) so I know quite a lot about them. You need stabilisers at the back and front of the caravan that go underneath and swing out or back when travelling. If you are ever thinking about pulling this you need to be careful of the weight you are putting in it with the materials you use. I'm sorry if I'm teaching grandma to suck eggs, I expect you know all this, but just in case. Can't wait to see the finished project, all your other makes have been superb!! Thanks xxx

[@jubileebay]

If anyone can turn this sow’s ear into a purse, it is you Josh! It’s a cute camper and I love the style, so I hope that you can resurrect it. This is a great project for you and thanks for bringing us along!

[@JannaMontanna]

Don’t add so much new strength to it that you exceed the load rating for the axle and the frame and the tires! Put some scissor stabilizers on the back so it doesn’t tip. And you can get sheets of rigid foam insulation to put between the wood. It’s such a cute camper, I can’t wait to see how it turns out!!! I know it’s gonna be cool!

[@lorettalouvros207]

It’s always a good idea to insulate. It keeps the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter Even if you aren’t planning on using it in the winter. Insulation helps protect the inside from rotting and degrading more quickly. I hope you rethink that My uncle had one of these growing up and it was so hot in the summer we would be sweating like crazy. He ended up insulating the entire thing over the winter cuz it was horrible. I remember after it was like so much better!

[@ecc84]

you need insulation cause you'll get a cold void between the outside and the plywood which will cause condensation build up and eventually rot out the plywood.

[@chrishagberg3420]

Wow. You all struck gold when you bought your place next to Armando. He's such a great neighbor and friend - but I'm sure he feels the same about you and Ashley. It's really fun to see the two of you discuss your plans for renovating the camper. Sorry it's so much work, but this is fun and really interesting to follow along. And five days? Seriously? Whew! What a teaser for all of us who follow you. This is going to be great! 😀

[@pippipants]

I think you'll regret not insulating it. It's basically a metal box so it'll be like an oven in the summer and freezing in the winter. We insulated our van and there is a massive difference between the front (cab) and the back that is insulated. Watch KZbin videos on van conversion and electrics and solar set up. There are so many good ones that explain it really well. Can't wait to see how it goes.

[@fasteddy917]

Build the wall flat and stand it up whole. Kreg pocket screw jig will give you much stronger wall. Sheet it with 1/4" luan plywood glued and nailed then the metal. Insulate it. Make sure 60% of the weight is in front of the wheels or it will fish tail. Every time it goes down the road it's in a hurricane. The material under the trailer is called Ten Test. Old building material used mostly on walls and ceilings. Yours has an asphalt coating for water protection. Used there as a sound barrier and plywood protection. There is no such thing as a cheap trailer build done right and that's personal knowledge x 4. Loving the build.

[@katwitanruna]

I’m really enjoying this project. I’ve been totally disabled since 2009 so I’m pretty much down to beading and hand sewing so being able to follow along is cool. And please insulate! I’ll be 61 on Friday and this elder says you’ll regret it if you don’t. It’s like sitting in the shade on a hot day or using peppermint water in your mister or kerchief water. 😉 Trust me. I’ve done decades of reenactment camping with folx who made their own campers. Insulate.

[@sunflower5170]

Happy Birthday on Friday !

[@katwitanruna]

@@sunflower5170 thank you!

[@pegweg47]

I’m joining the chorus “put in insulation!”

[@truckerswife5060]

Turn the chickens loose on those ants.

[@HannahMattox]

😂😂😂 Not a bad idea

[@caroled5734]

I love the updates on the camper. I’m so excited to see what you do.

[@jodirauth8847]

At least 2 inches of closed cell insulation, all the way around. Floor ceiling and walls. I would put aluminum sheeting on the bottom before you put anything else on the floor. Waterproof plywood above the insulation in the floor.

[@marieevelyndunlap]

Is is just me, or is it hilarious that Armando is right next door but watches Josh's vlog's? 🤣😂🤣

[@kathyriggs7266]

Hi Joshua, what ever you use as the flooring for the little rv you should bottom line it with tin. Because if you and Ashley ever take the rv camping you want it waterproof if it storms while on the road with it. Since your also rebuilding the whole rv why not replace the entire roof with new tin? I can't wait to watch what you and Ashley do with your little rv! Good luck!

[@meredithc2755]

I agree with the insulation comments. Also, you’re set If you do decide to add heating and cooling later. Keep in mind that with insulation, a trailer that small will be cheap to heat and cool.

[@dcallan812]

I would recomend insulation in the walls and roof otherwise you will end up with the walls covered in condesation the next morning f you sleep in there. When I was a kid my parents did not have extra cash so they bought an old caravan to take us (my sister and me) away on holidays Regarding the lack of cash they bought a wooden caravan it was like a shed on wheels. When we got it we all sanded and painted the outside of it with Gloss house paint. 🤣🤣 Thankfully we did not have to deal rot Im sure once you finish Ashley is going to love it. 👍👍

[@troz451]

It may have been built very cheaply but its still around 50+ years later LOL. Even after sitting in a field for years.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Alexander family. 😱 Good heavens! l have sooo much compassion with you two and I feel so sorry. It looks as if the only relatively good parts left are the stove, the chassis, the metal sheet side walls, perhaps the metal sheet rear wall and some metal sheet pieces from the roof and the front. This definitely turned into a horror project (at least for my kind of personal taste). Best regards, a lot of luck and health to you all.

[@LupeBlindArtStudios]

I’d rather just do it,” is a great attitude. You are inspirational. ……0ne time I thought, Armando is so bossy, but dude, he is so generous . He is just so much like your second or third dad. Yay Armando.

[@divinewrath3142]

This is so much fun! I know it's gonna be a little bit of a challenge, but you're gonna kickass! & I agree, insulate if you can now. It will make a huge difference in comfort no matter the weather. If you add a shore power line to it you'd be able to plug it into your power when people are staying in it and you wouldn't have to worry as much about solar. If you travel with it, a good cooler and a camp stove are a good alternative... Solar isn't cheap lol

[@Spazcan]

Insulation is a must. I would suggest either rigid foam or even better spray foam. It would not only keep out drafts but add structural rigidity to the walls. If you have warm humid days and cool nights its going to condensate on the inside without insulation, Also noise, insulation will dampen outside noise from the inside as well as inside noises from the outside.

[@mayloomis9638]

You gotta insulate anything in there will freeze in the Winter if you don't insulate

[@helenes52]

He mentioned that

[@karenmilligan5597]

I bet you have already got a good bit done since this was recorded. Chop chop! 😁

[@katwitanruna]

Put in insulation. It keeps it cooler in the summer.

[@XanBos]

This is gonna be wild….to rebuild in 5 days? What an adventure! You should consider insulating though, it will be better for if you wind up selling it down the road, as well as keeping you separated from the outside temps. Summer will be brutal. I hope we see the quick build, cuz this could be one heck of a ride! You have my interest piqued!!❤️❤️

[@caroled5734]

Oh, honey! You have to insulate! You’ll never be able to use it in heat or cold & what’s the point of having it if you can’t use it at any time?

[@janetk7196]

He will insulate once he has the framing fixed. Stay tuned!

[@suzanneknollinger5533]

Insulate is a must!!

[@srqlisa7881]

Don't forget to keep the weight of your building materials in check, single axle. If not anything else you got a trailer. Lol good luck! 😁

[@kristyleger6938]

Courage ,vision and perseverance. You got all that and more ! You can do it. Great videos.

[@patriciamoore3166]

No need to overthink it….famous last words! After seeing you build the ‘simple’ chicken coop, Joshua, I have faith that you can do this. You have the vision but please be careful with your head!

[@deannedflrocks5337]

Replace the flooring in sections if you take it all apart at once good luck putting it all back together again, add temporary braces between the walls across from each other as you slowly replace the floor sections, starting with the front end to back.. I'd get some ant spray honestly to get rid of them before they move in on the new building. Once it's finished the ants might crawl in bed with you or invite themselves to the picnic.

[@treehuggingmusician595]

You need insulation to keep it cooler in the summer and to make a sound barrier. You could have a high quality cooler with ice to keep it simple. You can use led string lights for lighting. Microwaves use a lot of electricity and really if this a camper you don't need it. You could use a Coleman style cooker for cooking outside and a induction burner for inside.

[@lorikendrick5076]

As cold as your climate is, I think you would want a small heat source and insulation.

[@thecrystalcrow]

Does your camper not have the stabilizing feet? They should be underneath at each corner of the chassis/frame, and swing down so the camper has four secure points of stabilization (not including the hitch).

[@tj..aworkinprogress1102]

that's what I was thinking :)

[@kathyriggs7266]

You also need outside lights by the door and running lights would be cool on the outside.

[@perfectlyimperfect9526]

I love logging in and seeing a new video from you almost daily

[@randyw6288]

This is what happens when you start digging too deep. Be confident Josh...you can make this thing right. It is too late anyways, once you pulled off the walls..."you bought the farm". This is painful to watch, but I will be watching.

[@tdiscbetween]

Hey Josh, I like the "Marlboro Man", right to the point. 🤠

[@kpdvw]

best option is to remove the entire upper part , jack it up and pull the floor/axles out from under it and start fresh with a new pressure treated and waterproofed floor!

[@TeriTurnmire]

This may have been suggested already, but newer campers these days have an induction cooktop that slides out from under the counter, giving you a bit more counter space in a small area.

[@hermithag]

There are lots of new insulation products available now that has vapor barrier

[@leahr.2620]

I think you need insulation, at least the foam board with metallic skin or it will be like a oven in the sun, also i think it would help prevent condensation.

[@agnesgosling3347]

Good luck Josh and I mean it sincerely if anyone can do it you can.👍

[@salina1147]

Defo put insulation in or it will get damp inside from condensation. This is gunna be awesome 👌 👏 👍 x

[@franswey2]

Sounds like a good plan! 👍🏼 Ashley’s going to love her camper and so will everyone else. I’ll be watching. Thank you for sharing the cutscenes, I do enjoy them. Fran

[@robstephens]

I believe that rockwool insulation would be better that fiberglass for the trailer. Insects don't like it, it doesn't absorb much moisture, and it has a higher R value.

[@barrychandler5250]

Insulation is also sound proofing

[@johndavis1686]

Josh use treated plywood for the floor and use 2/4 treated wood under plywood and water prof under side that’s connected to trailer so it won’t rot out again. And I would use treated also for the whole frame,it becomes rot and bug resistant.

[@lesliebeckwith2483]

you need insulation more for summer time...

[@melcampbell8627]

I'm really looking forward to seeing you make this caravan. Brilliant.

[@hsimpson6581]

The stuff / shit on the bottom is a fiberboard insulation from the 1950s-1970s. You may google if you want more information.

[@deborahmapps1430]

Love it, and you have an awesome neighbor can't wait for the next episode x

[@michelleleonard2421]

So much work and so much fun! Can’t wait to watch every single vlog!!!!

[@sharonhammann8322]

My God I am 1/3 into this video and already thinking redo from the bottom up. Storage in the back end? You are having problems already with your body weight making it tip backwards. You have to even it out according to where you plan to store things. I wish you well and can't wait to see the end.

[@kevinmccarthy1076]

Good luck! I have done a lot of wood repair and replacement but I wouldn't want to even try that one.

[@Alena-kd8ch]

Hi Joshua you went all that way to pick it up and now there’s going to be nothing left. You may as well have just made one from scratch .I’m really enjoying watching though .

[@mamab4211]

I hope you continue to upload videos on the progress of your rebuild . 💪🏻♥️😎🥳

[@marielg9143]

you ever seen the lay outs of the happy campers that might be a idea, for organizing the inside space.

[@barriepedersen8720]

Josh, all the TVs we tore apart were done in three layers in the walls. Metal outside, then inch and a half(or maybe 1 inch) rigid foam board insulation, real easy to cut and use, then quarter inch luann paneling. Glued on with Liquid nails. Just another idea. I know you can anything. I love your building vids.

[@barbaraann7173]

Gotta love your enthusiasm..."no need to over think it"...kudos...You're the "get it done" kinda guy...lovin' these vlogs...smiles for you & Ashley!!!💞🔨

[@Melanbrocolli]

Josh INSULATE INSULATE INSULATE!!!! For the Sun! It will be like a freakin oven in there!!! and it will help with winter too! PLEASE INSULATE!!!!! Love these vids, Love from NZ 🇳🇿💗

[@tinabranch321]

They have small pull in heaters that with pump out some heat. I have one it plugs in . Have a craft room in my 2 car garage and in 30 minutes I’m turning the heat down. It’s made by Honeywell. Check it out if your interested. If you insulted it you can control the temp. Never know where you and Ashley might want to go and what the temp will be.

[@hermithag]

Solar powered Jackery or other mini generator can run small appliances for short term.

[@puffyjo]

insolation is also needed for dampness which will cause rot again or dry out your wood so insulation is a MUST

[@deniseboldea1624]

Might be easier to just rebuild the entire wood frame to make sure that the carpenter ants are completely gone, then rewrap the metal back around it. Those pest really did a number on it! Too bad they don't make flat panels out of recycled plastic like they do the planks for the TREX decking, you'd never have to worry about those wood munchers ever again. I agree with the suggestion to insulate, it would help with thermal regulation.

[@kham7426]

Look at all that hidden rot. No wonder why so many old trailers and campers smell so bad.

[@billygraham8662]

Do not for get the more wood you add the more weight it adds.

[@debbieenglish7515]

Josh watch some van conversions and see how the builds go

[@barbarat0203]

Looking forward to see what you do with this. I am sure I would trash it; but with your super skills; I am quite sure she will be a beauty when you are done.

[@puffyjo]

for your electric I can tell you this . you need a small breaker box , mine had one in case of overload. 15 amps min for the things you want to add to it, i had a small microwave . coffee maker , tv and fridge . and i used an electric heater. but you can't run a microwave or kettle or heater at the same time. as for the insulation , your neighbour is right you have to it . it will keep your camper protected. it can get cold overnight even in the summer, so yes its a must. for mice you must must use moth balls during storage , ask me how I know. those little guys will destroy your camper in no time if you don't. i owned mine for 5 years . trust me

[@b.bennett3]

if you don't insulate, you will be living in a sauna.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Yes, putting a TV (and a DVD player/firestick/etc. and a gaming system) wouldn't be a bad idea. You know, there are 12V TVs that take MUCH less juice than regular TVs. Also, be sure to remember the template of the cabinetry because most of those old trailers relied on the cabinets as part of the stabilization when you're pulling that sucker down the road. I know of several trailers that have "self-destructed" on the freeway because of rot issues and because the interior integrity of the design was compromised. This is certainly a great project ... but you probably should refer to KZbin videos of experienced people who have done (down to the studs refurb) what you are doing ... Tin Can Tourists is a great organization with a lot of experienced trailer restorers. Yes, insulation is a must .... not only for comfort in every season, but to minimize condensation that can ruin your framing all over again. I would suggest rigid insulation. As for your power source ... solar is great and will power a "chest-style" refrigerator, but if you want to do an electric cooktop, that will take a LOT of your power. I would carry a propane or butane cookstove/grill with me when traveling. One more suggestion is to use bed liner paint on the bottom of the trailer .... just having wood is a recipe for disaster. Also, stuff some steel wool into any little holes (like where wiring comes in, water lines, etc. and cover it with spray foam --- mice and bugs usually won't go through steel wool) to make it "tighter."

[@patriciageorge2531]

My hubby is listening in and started shaking his head no at the short electrical convo. But, I think josh has enough contacts to bring in someone to advise on electrical.

[@cryptoslacker-464]

I ran a 29 inch TV. (Ie not big but not small ) on my vans solar system plus a cheap pure sinewave inverter. ( 300watts ) As Modern lcd TV s don't use much electricity. My one only 48volts. Therefore if you just go solar you will not need heavy gauge wiring. I never plug my van in and don't miss it. I am in Australia so not lacking sunshine lol.

[@adapoole4515]

You have a pattern of a tee pee camper. you will build it better then before. Keep that pattern in mind and you can copy and build more campers.

[@reneebekas8977]

I’m still biting my nails waiting to find out how the trailer did through that storm you guys had. Can it really be finished in 5 days?!

[@carolynhurnacki8866]

So nice to have great neighbours!

[@flam8882]

You need a Jackery for your frig and electric. A Buddy heater for heat.

[@robshamel3210]

U can use a space heater.

[@tinabranch321]

We took tape And placed it where we wanted outlets light fixtures etc. easy peasy.

[@curtainsup9]

yes , insolate...cooler in summer, warmer when cold...No heat source--I have been thinking about the terra cotta flower pot/tea candles heaters...I have the makings should the electricity go out. Then there is a video on brandnewtube where this fellow rigged one to cook on.

[@the_oslovian]

I love how positive you are :) This sounds like a talk between me and my partner. He is seeing all the possible faults and I am sure it will work out and we can find a way :) hehe

[@francescam9539]

Looking forward to the next one, you got this! 👍

[@d.a.scrimgeour7713]

Beyond comprehension … but I’ve no doubt you’ll pull it off !!

[@leannewacker589]

😂😂 warble? Does that mean that in the middle of the night the trailer will burst into song?

[@falstar2020]

How about a forward-facing sliding Picture Window Patio Door? It would need to be rock-proof though. :D

[@adapoole4515]

Hey, put a tiny wood stove in it for heat. Or use an electric space heater

[@jessmattina8685]

Heard about your sister and praying the funds will come in so you an come to US for services. I am so very sorry for your loss. Seasons like these are painful and difficult. Praying for you and your family.

[@andrealucas2238]

Yikes! This looks like a daunting task. Hopefully all the ants will vacate the premises. I know it will be awesome when you are done!

[@Shuggysmama]

Im so excited for this project!!!

[@carolmiller7310]

Thanks 😊

[@crinkle2649]

5 days !!??

[@tessaelvan5149]

oh cant wait to get started, thank you

[@melonie9605]

You're probably half way done, but watching a couple bus builds might help you wire up for solar.

[@dymondwillow2]

you need insulation to keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Otherwise, it will be so hot in the summer, it will cook you if you try to stay in the trailer.

[@pattys6619]

Josh, how will you prevent the ants from being in the new wood floor and structure since they are still around. I know you will remove the old wood but the ants are all still around that area. Sorry if that is a silly question but I don’t know much about this kind of stuff. Just worried the newly built camper will still be subject to the ants.

[@Mudjie50]

The carpenter ants area attracted to not just wood but wet wood.. If he makes sure they are all out, it shouldn't be a problem. They will march off into the woods and find a nice rotting tree

[@SarHje]

This will be interesting … he is probably right about insulation. To keep heat out is also an issue.

[@patriciacoleman6806]

There is a company called Flyte Camp in US that refurnished old campers . They have a lot of You tube videos to watch.