We bought a Cheap old camper to use as a cabin! (needs work)

[@richardguerzon9672]

I would put a roof over the whole deal. No matter how well you think you seal it, that old camper will leak and start rotting the wood in the walls. Speaking from experience.

[@zanedzikonski4234]

Especially tru if you get extreme weather. Lots of expansion and contraction in these older rigs

[@dalehovland3283]

My grandparents had a mobile home they put a whole second roof over also had a big car port that way

[@jr540123]

Makes sense. Unless you go in there and basically do another 20k of sealing and reinsulating you may as well just buy a carport for it and plan on keeping these old rigs under it. Same with single wide's.

[@mick00000000002]

Australia wa bad weather and 50 plus temps. Putting a support roof with insulation is the best. No water. And keep heat of your home. God bless mick wa Australia

[@j.a.r.family2576]

Great idea!! I love it

[@georgedavidson1221]

Derrick. You should put a pole structure over the top. Cedar posts or pressure treated poles and a roof Fairly easy build

[@jacksonbennett6151]

An “equipment barn” if you’re Andy’s little homestead haha

[@owenshiverdecker6999]

Yes, those pop outs will leak eventually but a poll barn with a porch would be pretty comfy

[@ColdStartAuto]

@@jacksonbennett6151 this. I wouldn’t even bother repairing the roof and just make a roof structure that’s an inch or two above the top of the camper with a slab.

[@darkwood777]

Yep. The snow will slide off in the winter, and it won't be an oven in the summer.

[@intothewild2345]

yes, I've had campers upon campers and that is a must! Dang wasps seems to get in no matter what

[@rocketsauce8017]

Seems like a guy is living his best life. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!!!

[@aspalovin]

Works his ass off to do it

[@tblbaby]

@@agnez___9613 Stop that ... maybe

[@butlerproman]

@@tblbaby It's a bot. Just report it. Maybe FB will get their head outa their ass and develop an algorithm to stop them.

[@roylars1594]

Masterbait or

[@billthompson7579]

A slab under the camper would be great. You could skirt it off for storage. Block it up permanently and install some anchor points for high wind. The best mouse repellant we found is natural mint oil on cotton balls

[@FoolOfATuque]

Take it from a guy who lived in a 38’ fifth wheel RV for two years. Dicor sealants are the best thing in the world for RVs. The self leveling for the roof and the normal stuff for the sides. You goop that self leveling stuff on and it just kind of melts into everything. It’s good stuff.

[@ViceGripLodge]

Thanks

[@davidmatthews1654]

@@ViceGripLodge what makes Dicor so good, is it doesn't actually harden, stays flexible. There is also a Dicor tape that can use to seal roof seams.

[@capnhowdy3406]

Build a pole barn over the camper and deck. Never have water issues again

[@scrapdaddyservicesniagara]

...cover the barn roof with solar...turn this into a series about building an Off Grid place?..Or don't...I mean I'd never try to tell a guy how to live his life..thats just rude...The expense for a driveway to get to the old home site Jessica could be hefty

[@lukeoforcas]

I saw a doublewide assembled inside a pole barn with insulated roll up doors between every pole. When they leave for any period of time they just lock the doors.

[@sterlingprice5100]

A buddy of mine just used tar paper. In the heat of the summer it kinda melts and seals all the little nooks and crannies.

[@huxleyhornm7405]

Exactly what I did once upon a time. Took the wheels off, she never moved again. Many years later sold it to a guy that winched it out, put some temp axles/wheels under it, and off he went. He moved to his chicken farm for a family of poultry house workers to live in.

[@TheHiddenPart]

Sorry Derek but I thought yall were moving south? I'm glad you plan on keeeping some space for yourself up north.

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

what makes y'all so great is that you're just like most of us................ happy to have what ya need. No need for "fancy" out there. Rock On! said Rob Halford!

[@SERMANDAVE]

I am 75 years old and have had campers for 47 of those years. There are two types of campers, one that leaks and one that is going to leak. Everyone below is correct, Put a roof structure over it as that is the only way to stop a camper from leaking. Love your channels, you are a fantastic technician.

[@markc5593]

That there Clark is an RV. Good times for the family, congrats.

[@chuckstith838]

Just attach it to the Griswall station wagon and what could possibly go wrong? Enjoy

[@mikeinkorea61]

Cheap pole barn with roof over top of the Camper and deck. Make sure if you have slid outs or pop outs they all must be under the pole barn roof. You will regret it if you don’t. Park on all bedrock. Or make the same ground prep as you would for road, or garage concrete floor. Dig down 24 inches or so fill and level withe the 1 inch sharp stone then get a vibrating compactor top off with pea stone. Vibrapack that too. Oh and before filling whole with the stone put down vapor barrier (Big rolls of poly plastic) all these suggestions are so that you don’t find out what most camper owners do to late….water is the enemy of you dream and the campers survival. Good luck guy.

[@phillipfleming5891]

I love thatvyour brother just nods and doesn't say anything, I'm the same when I have to speak to actual people. I don't mind listening or hanging out just don't like to talk.

[@aspalovin]

Just got home and clicked.....right now....perfect. Derek and the family have spoiled us again this week. The appreciation knows no bounds. Best show on any media.

[@likesbikes77]

Keep a close eye on the slide seals, especially if you plan on keeping them out for any amount of time.

[@keeganlangford5580]

Yep. Always best to keep them closed when not in use.

[@TheBibliofilus]

Or build a roof over the whole thing, slanting backwards down over the slides and it will last for a long time!

[@likesbikes77]

@@TheBibliofilus And the single AC unit won't have to work as hard.

[@mr.skeltal8687]

My grandparents have this same model camper that they've been using as a getaway cabin for over 20 years now. This walkthrough gave me so much nostalgia, fishing with my grandpa and hucking stones at rattlesnakes. Ah, good times. Awesome deal, she's gonna clean up nice 👍

[@JeffReeves]

Thank Mr. Skeltal

[@puddleduckist]

Not a bad old camper, such a great deal! That's such a beautiful view and area. All the best to you and your awesome family!!

[@VintageTexas59]

Pss, build a roof over the camper & porch for entrance, that will prevent any water leakage and lower electric bill cooling camper at the same time. Very good price for a camper this size !

[@TwistedpepperQueen]

My husband Eric Castle works on those and winterizes everything... He says don't forget to put your slides in, use some RV antifreeze after you pull the plug on your water heater and flush the system with antifreeze. Just trying ta help a feller out

[@frankrizzo5057]

I do the whole roof on my 92 motor home with Henry’s every year since it leaked in 2000. The hardwood in mine is because of water damage and I suspect that could be why you have the hardwood floor too. More or less sayin a guy should check the walls real good in case there could be some penicillin in em.

[@ragnar7162]

Awesome channel look forward to all your videos . Love from Ulster aka Northern Ireland

[@marinablueGS]

My parents have a park model camper in a RV park in Gatlinburg for about 25 years. It doesn't have slides but it's been our getaway place for many years. You're gonna love it!

[@lost1nanger]

Smart thing to do, would be to Lay a slab with anchor points, put the camper on top, Put it on blocks, anchor it down, and then build and insulate around the camper and put a nice a frame roof over it. I know everyones gonna say "well that defeats the purpose of the camper" well no it creates a more sustainable living quarters out there, and safe from high winds.

[@Justme-jt1ef]

Nope I think that a good idea especially if it gonna stay for years

[@MrPaige222]

I agree. Those roofs are not meant to last too long. If you do as suggested, it will last many years.

[@michaelscott-joynt3215]

Yeah, considering he was talking about the lack of hail damage, makes you think the last owner had it parked up with something overhead.

[@bronctobreakfast377]

Probably somehow work in the piping for black water, gray water, and potable water systems when laying that slab. Derek may want to give a shoulder test in the bathroom.

[@freedomdesign4688]

Even a roof frame on a slab would require a lot of excavation and deep footings. The ground freezes deep that far north, and foundations and pipes have to be dug even deeper.

[@Dave-1277]

Coffee, Derek, Vice Grip Lodge, what more could you ask for in the morning? Can a guy just bondo a bullet hole with some roof sealant? Nope, way too much! Perfect!

[@Bryanja81]

Irish Spring bar soap. Cut into quarters and place randomly throughout the trailer to repel rodents. Don’t know why it works, but it does. And it don’t smell too bad either!

[@randystrand5887]

It does work. Always put a bar of I.S. on the engines of the riders and the go kart when storing in the garage. Them critters don't like it for whatever reason

[@rockandmeatroll]

Currently living in a mobile home, 35 by 12 ft, plumber installed a radiator oil heating system, it's going to be cosy in winter, I bought an old thing, find surprises all the time, cosy with the heat, temporary before I build a house. Good luck with this, will be great.

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

Hey Derek, That water leak is most probably coming in from the Radio Antenna. The water will leak down the centre of them. Most factree installations are on the side wall. Just a Tip. Thanks for all the Great content. Cheers 🍻👍

[@jasonscott3712]

@@agnez___9613 Damn it Agnez. I thought I told you to stay in the kitchen.

[@butlerproman]

@@jasonscott3712 It's a bot. It isn't listening to you. Just report it.

[@vickjules]

Hey Derek, just a thought, you should caulk the top of the windows. If water gets there, it will get between the walls then freeze and blow out the walls. Love the show! Keep up the good work. Brad

[@bobbytownlain]

Hey put you some dryier sheets all over the inside and it will help keep the mice away. Put under cushions in cabinets ect.

[@mrmotofy]

No it won't the mice will chew on the sheets

[@LOGO98]

Well that was a great buy Derek you all will enjoy spending time out there roaming around. 👍🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@juztyn00]

Id pull in the slides and put a heavy tarp over it before you head back to TN. Like others have said, A carport type roof would be a good idea for longevity. Those roofs suck and yours looks like its at the end of its lifespan. I just redid mine with the kit from amazon, not a hard weekend project unless you find a lot of rot underneath.

[@celiaspiropoulos7596]

Looks good to us, my husband watches you all of the time. He’s a 40yr retired mechanic, loves and built cars. Kept all but 1. We have a 34 ford sedan, 36 ford pu trk, (got those 2 in bushel baskets) A 71 nova not rebuilt, he built this one in 1961, 27 model t roadster pu, 83 GMC suburban. 1970s ford van rebuilt, showed and won 1st place in car show. Sold and it was converted into a chicken coupe. Never sold another after that.

[@danguyette8984]

The pole barn is a good idea, especially if snow load might be an issue, but if you don't, just keep joints caulked a couple times a year. Nice camper, should last a long time.

[@benkanobe7500]

You can purchase replacement vinyl in rolls very cheap in lots of colors and white is everywhere. It is super easy to install, makes the rig look good, and seals all those screws.

[@sasuva1]

That park model travel trailer has an EPDM roof. It needs DICOR or an EPDM approved sealant. It will NOT hold as EPDM expands and contracts at a specific rate. If you do use an alternative sealer, it needs to be reapplied every year or the leaks keep on a'coming. .

[@robertlawson1053]

You are absolutely right; Elastomeric is not so elastic, from experience.

[@2LaneTraveler]

Yeah, 1996 sounds about right. I own and wrench on a Class B RV of the same vintage. It's my escape pod and my tinkering project. That's two subs you've earned from me, Derek.

[@canadaeast8358]

Nice . What a beauty rig and even nicer location

[@williamlabrie6562]

Hey this kinda stuff and I’m 37 father of 4,showing content of every day stuff on this channel is great,we enjoy this stuff to and keep it coming brother!!!

[@normenderle550]

For a 97 model that camper is in great shape and for only a little over two thousand bucks it’s a steal. it’ll feel like it’s worth a million bucks when a guy is shacked up there enjoying some downtime with the family.

[@j.a.r.family2576]

Holy cow man, please do more of this camper work stuff and show the progress please.

[@2ndCavTrooper]

Guy can't get a word in edgewater with Chris rattling all the time....lol

[@blacksheepcustomspa8787]

How bout it that feller don't stop talking dam let Derek get a word in

[@chuckstith838]

Such a chatty Cathy

[@Dave-ty2qp]

@@agnez___9613 That's what I say too.

[@TheJmich2001]

Welcome to you all's new life! Ever forward!!! I miss your overly talkative brother. I always smile when I picture him falling out of the recliner and rolling around in your Christmas bus video. Thank you.

[@andyreid7274]

That one was great. A feller had cold snack coming out his nose, he was laughing so hard!

[@drrrrockzo]

Great find man...it's nicer than the first 4 apartments I lived in when I first ventured out on my own.

[@SethBergile]

Tip for you.... Lots of dryer sheets. Put them in every drawer. Rodents hate them. We have been using them for decades to winterize our trailer.

[@tommyboy8524]

That’s a really cool trailer. Good luck with it

[@IntenseKustoms]

Good score for the price. My 1st travel trailer was a 31ft 2001 Forest River Cherokee. No slides. It had some bad water damage. Only gave $1,400 for it. Used it for 3 years. Fixed some of it. Sold it for $1,500. Bought a brand knew travel trailer. Year and a half later traded it in for brand new 5th wheel. Have had the 5th wheel a year and a half now. Love it. I pull it with a 1988 Squarebody crew cab dually with a 454 tbi and th400. On the older models with the metal. Definitely watch all the corners, roof and windows. Can't wait to see a tour of it after you all do some more work on it.

[@Vanbooskie]

A feller is awfully excited about this episode. Love some Vice Grip Lodge

[@MP-zf7kg]

Good point, doesn't need to be "perfect", just dry and cleanable.

[@karvanznlife9227]

Love that ur doing a caravan if u need any pointers I've just finished renovating ours which is probably half the length of urs but I live in Scotland so I'm pretty good at the waterproofing part 🤣

[@rsmith3062]

Pole barn enclosure is a must, the sun and cold winters will eat that thing up in just a few years. one more layer of protection will make the AC's job so much easier too. You'll feel better about spending a few more dollars to make it nice. Great idea perfect location by the lake!

[@mgmnfld3109]

Congratulizations on your find. A guy just can't seem to have a rig with a decent "headliner"...lol. It's great to be in on the family story. Thanks for the vidjeos, the entertainment and the edumacation.

[@wesleystoway6887]

We lived in a camper for a year while building a house. I put a 4x4 under the slides with some old jacks and jack stands. It helped support the slides when they were out and took some of the shake out of the camper when the kids were running around inside.

[@gepettoe]

Was gonna say, the perfect NEW mouse house for all those dwelling in those abandoned cars.

[@gordonkellogg225]

Thanks Derick, enjoying your adventures

[@kerrylewis2581]

I'm guessing Derek's idea of interior decorating starts and ends with cold snacks and something crunchy. He's a smart fella so he will let his lay D fix up the inside. Maybe with some Sprayway? That stuff smells great.

[@ginggur17]

This guy here in the UK, gives the main guy over there in the USA a big thumbs up pal. 👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🤜🤛

[@dirtyroofer3678]

Silicone coating works good on those roofs , home depot sells it. Henry , gaco both are good 👍 editI commented before you fixed it, the elastomeric isn't for standing water it washes off

[@rbye]

That looks like a place you and your family will have a lot of fun. I pray that you are all blessed with your new vacation home and build wonderful memories there. Congratulations on getting it and thank you for sharing!

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

A fella should always listen to their elders...those homesteaders built that house on top of the hill for a reason. Good idea to do what they did and move your rig up there. And it's good to see Crang again! I can never get enough of his humorous yet thought-provoking witticisms...

[@barryrussell4106]

Roll 100% silacone roof coat over the whole roof of you can find a 5 gallon bucket it will stop leaks forever that white Tpo roof will get pinholes in it from the sun and leak everywhere

[@heathbuchanan6408]

Two types of campers, those that leak and those that are going to leak…

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Just like two types of motorcycle riders - those that have fallen and those that will!

[@MrCamarokid83]

@@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch I actually witnessed a motorcycle accident today.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

@@MrCamarokid83 Yikes. I hope everyone was ok!!!

[@tims8589]

@Sans u have ifunny im willin' to bet

[@garydesgres1382]

There is a third kind. bus conversions are built like tanks and don't tend to leak.

[@digitaIgorilla]

I like the lawn ornament you have in the back yard 😂 ...and now it's extra waterproof!

[@Kronik24971]

Who just likes any of Derek's vids before even watching ? confirmed.

[@aspalovin]

That is the first rule of VGG fandom. Commenting before watching is also traditional! lol. You know you are about to have fun.

[@jonsworld5307]

yep lol

[@benjammin8510]

Same!

[@jessporter3784]

👍

[@donnieconatser1232]

Yep 4 sure,,,u knw its gonna entertain

[@customprc]

Derek don't know if you're tried it yet but Level clear caulk leaves silicone caulk in the dust. It dries crystal clear and sticks to everything. I always have a clear and white tube on the shelf great stuff.

[@jarrodnewman0514]

Derek putting a big glob of roofing cement on bullet holes Me: "THAT'S TOO MUCH!!! PERFECT!"

[@Bill-xc8le]

It doesnt take much to entertain you does it?

[@timsutterby9899]

It's good to see good people doing good 👍😊

[@riwoof]

If your rig has holding tanks, plus the roof air and a propane furnace, then it is considered a "destination" trailer. A "park model" does not have holding tanks and usually would not have that type of RV refrigerator. Regardless, for $2200 you got a pretty good deal and should get some good use out of it. Let Jessica bring the thunder!! 👍💎

[@glenryan6569]

If your not going to build a roof over trailer and you get lots of snow get your self load locks from truck stop or wherever and place four or five inside to keep roof from sagging. Works fantastic.

[@scottjrichter]

I was just thinking today haven’t seen a VGL in a minute.

[@brianellison3525]

Very nice! A deck is a must, but like a lot of peeps here have said, a roof of some sort is the best idea. I've seen these get hauled to the scrapyard after a good hail storm. Love your vids, have fun.

[@larryw5429]

Put a secondary metal roof over it or its just going to cause you problems with leaking, sun UV rot, and with snow load ect ect. Also go under it and use great stuff foam in any possible holes so mice and s#(# doesn't think your cabin is their home!

[@adamlogston4841]

Hahaha, speaking from experience great stuff will NOT stop mice from making a home. Lol in fact they will use it to insulate their own nests.

[@ManBoo55]

I put white flexseal on my camper’s roof seams and on the hail damage. It hasn’t leaked a drop since. That stuff is great. Get the kind you paint on

[@whiskeybuilder6335]

If a feller found himself a milk crate to put a little TV on he'd be doin ok.

[@whiskeybuilder6335]

@@agnez___9613 well said.

[@elliotazus6258]

Hi Derek, I have used the house version of Henry's four years it's an excellent product! God bless and take care all the way to California

[@alexpacoe2768]

A fella clicked on this 7 seconds after it was posted.. seemed like the right thing to do

[@milleb17020]

Get truck bed liner spray and do all seems and rooftop, will save rooftop from worse and hail damage. Better than sealant! Bit more expensive but worth it in long run.

[@Isosceles87]

What an awesome place to kick yur boots off and get some relaxing done.

[@PaulyOutdoors]

Lots of room for activities on the ol' Bieri Ponderosa! Nappy times are a must.

[@jameschupp2230]

Henry's Elastomeric shrinks up ALOT !!! So you need to put down about a 1/4" on flashing areas if you are only using the elastomeric, Which will shrink up to about 3/32" Thin. For me, I use a Polyether Sealant like Henry's Gray Roof Caulk, First over the whole area that needs sealed, then put a medium coat of the Elastomeric on for some UV Protection, which is what it is best at.

[@justinsane7128]

I'm impressed with your brush work better than hunter biden's, let's go Brandon

[@ferrumignis]

My cat has produced better art in his litter tray than Hunter has on canvas.

[@buddybarker8511]

Keep your ridiculous political opinions to yourself

[@frankforrest1597]

Great buy on the trailer 👍 Best of luck with it, hope it brings you all lots of happy memories.

[@Vanbooskie]

Love the laid back, chill vibes of the Vice Grip Lodge vidjas

[@davidmatthews1654]

Lived for a while not too far (well not that close) from this location. Nothing is foolproof, but to help keep rodents out, fill all seams and penetrations underneath with spray foam. The black foam used for pond making (not sure if it's any better?) seems to stand up to weather better. There is also one foam that supposed to help repel rodents.

[@williamjohnson4475]

Had a 1995 very much like. Had a leak in the back, I though, kept putting sealer on it but it just kept leaking. Found out to late that it was leaking way up front and traveling. But by then it was to late, the whole roof was bad. You can replace the whole roof covering but a lot of work. Best to just do the pole barn as many have suggested. Those type of roofs can get little pin holes you just can't see and as you won't be there most of the time the pole barn is the best and it will last you a life time.

[@patladage9393]

Yep. Also speaking from experience. When that roof leaks, the water runs down the underside of roof to the inside of the walls, then down to the floor in on the underlament and rots out the floor supports and renders the camper useless in a surprisingly short amount of time

[@63mrl]

Slide-out supports are a must. If it going to be semi permanent, consider building a cabana over the whole unit, and your roof on the trailer will be last much longer once its been resealed. install wind cover over all the vent cover so if you want fresh air, the top vent can be open but the wind covers will keep the elements out.

[@garfixit]

Elastomeric is great it always stays playable good stuff that's good for expansion. That's a nice rig very nice

[@1jackvalley580]

Great camper, but leaks are a major problem for older campers. Looks like you've had some people give you great advice about putting up a new roof, sounds like great advice. Even if you caulk everything really well, they still will eventually start to leak again, so think strongly about building the roof, will help eventually. Enjoy the camper, it's great 👍👍🙏

[@montypython6564]

Eternabond tape everything on the roof and you won't have to worry about it. Did mine years ago and still looks fresh.

[@larrythompson6675]

Bought a 84 camper that had total roof rottage. Rebuild it all the way across using 4x8 pvc paneling replacing sealing sections. And pond liner as a roof replacements, almost the same thickness.

[@llew777]

Based on my experience, I would suggest. Insulate, Skirt, get rid of prop. heat and put in diesel heat, and mini wood stove As suggested below a pole barn roof and full length cement pad, I did all for a 36ft Trailer in far north BC Stayed in it minus 30 for 18 days never got cold PS the skirting make a BIIIIG dIF/ FOR SURE

[@ANOCKS]

Very cool derek! And it's all for the family, that's what I like. Don't think too hard about it just enjoy it and meet the Gremlins as they show up. Although with living space the roof is the most important to deal with.

[@dougrundell947]

Love the yard art on the slider side.

[@dianafertig2188]

Good buy!! Nice to see some of those products in action.

[@dentz991]

Thank you for the hole filling tutorial!!!. The impressions were impressionable....I dont want to bug but we need a VGL MEATLOAF

[@corydriver7634]

My vote is for the present location. Nice view out front and excellent yard art outback with the bullet-ridden rusty hulks.

[@whatsoutthere6822]

Good deal. I just grabbed a 98 park model, 44' with 2 tip-outs and the deck and porch. 5k for all but I had to disassemble it all and move it 80 miles. I'm in the process of reassembly this weekend. I have land and this is all I can afford (retired).

[@whatsoutthere6822]

And I pulled it with my 1-ton Ram dually (diesel).

[@James-zj3ud]

A guy just had his 2nd covid vaccination yesterday and feeling terrible from the side effects.. a VGL or VGG always helps a guy get through whatever hes goin' through 💪

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

Nice rig, great deal! Lots of fun, enjoy.

[@markreed171]

Do yourself a favor Derrick, build a shelter with 4x4's. There will be no need to repair the roof and, you will never have to worry about roof maintenance which will be huge between the sun, rain and snow. Nice find buddy!!

[@zanedzikonski4234]

Not a bad rig or location. A guy likes thanks for sharing

[@balcorn9211]

Maybe it's because I'm from Pennsylvania but I think a feller needs to plant about a million trees out there. Anywho thanks for taking us along

[@bryandraughn9830]

Hey Derek. Great find! Since you're just going to park that cabin, those rims WILL fit on a 85 Chevy tracker. Just puff can some satin black on em and we'll those little trucks are really something.