Maintenance & Restoration

Daniel A. · 12-31-2012, 01:00 PM

My Bigfoot is a 1991 the interior is original and looks like new.
Last September I took it in too an RV shop to install an air conditioner they were amazed at the condition of the trailer one of the nicest they had seen.

rabbit · 12-31-2012, 01:11 PM

To be fair to the arts and mysteries of the past as well as the present, I would say that scantling (minimum dimensions of framing) and joinery (method of framing), has a lot to do with how long a wood structure will "stand" against the wrack of the elements. In addition, wet rot- and insect-resistant species of hard and soft wood in the role of roofing and sheathing are very durable in direct exposure to weather. Not so the "pour it and press it" wood products which predominate in today's homes and today's trailers. There's more to this subject than the ability of wood and wood products to absorb water. Cedar and white oak shakes, walnut, chestnut, and locust boards can soak water forever until every bit of lignin is dissolved and retain some strength and integrity because of the orientation of long natural fibers. Not so strenboard and SPF framing lumber.

I don't believe the alleged impermeability of an external membrane is tremendously more important in one case than another. Few residential structures or trailers are hermetically sealed. There will be water vapor in either and unheated structures ("sitting in the field" with no shore power), and repeated heating and cooling will produce daily dew points which, in the very best case, will produce condensation and mildew, and in the worst, absorption and rot.

A glass surface will mildew but there is no internal degradation. All of us will rust out or wear out, so there is no absolute necessity that the products of our minds and hands should last much longer. I think a Scamp Custom or Snoozy or Bigfoot, or Escape is just fine for those who desire the interior build and look that they offer. However, to assume that everything endures once encased in a fiberglass shell is bull. I think that's something that Jim B's. posts underlines very clearly.

jack

Camilla · 12-31-2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Dunno about "best"- will you settle for "most copied"?

Of course, all little molded rigs swiped the concept from the Boler
Francesca

Now I know we have seen eggs older than the Boler. Donna knows everything and I know she will point out the older ones.

Francesca Knowles · 12-31-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camilla

Now I know we have seen eggs older than the Boler.

Well....yes, but...

Francesca

Camilla · 12-31-2012, 02:04 PM

My ideal camper and what I would really like to see in an egg is a double insulated hull, an aluminum frame and a floor and cabinets like the livinlite campers. I don't want any kind of carpet, rat fur, vinyl on the walls. They have a little video:
CampLite All Aluminum Travel Trailer Overview by LivinLite

I would like a Lil Snoozy with no wood! I wonder how much weight an egg would lose if they did this? I'd sure like to change out my Playpac floor, frame and cabinets with aluminum!

Francesca Knowles · 12-31-2012, 02:20 PM

I've been drooling over the Camplite ever since it came out...I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I were in the market/mood for a new trailer.

Francesca

Camilla · 12-31-2012, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

I've been drooling over the Camplite ever since it came out...I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I were in the market/mood for a new trailer.

Francesca

You know I like the materials used but I don't like the layouts in them for some reason. I also don't like that there is no front window.

Francesca Knowles · 12-31-2012, 02:41 PM

Camilla, Camilla, Camilla...

You've been on this site long enough to know that the very first thing everybody does when getting even a brand new trailer is...remodel!

It's called the "I have a Sawzall, and I know how to use it" syndrome...

Francesca

Camilla · 12-31-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Camilla, Camilla, Camilla...

You've been on this site long enough to know that the very first thing everybody does when getting even a brand new trailer is...remodel!

It's called the "I have a Sawzall, and I know how to use it" syndrome...

Francesca

Unfortunately for me my "Old Lady You Can't Do That Anymore" syndrome keeps kicking in!

Francesca Knowles · 12-31-2012, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camilla

Unfortunately for me my "Old Lady You Can't Do That Anymore" syndrome keeps kicking in!

Y'all come on out to Hadlock...we'll see what two old ladies can accomplish...

Francesca

Camilla · 12-31-2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Y'all come on out to Hadlock...we'll see what two old ladies can accomplish...

Francesca

Hadlock... Well, that's only about 1,947 miles from me.... I'll hop right on over!

Bob Miller · 12-31-2012, 02:55 PM

All of the wood framing and cabinets in my 1973 Hunter were in as-new condition, save a few rusty staples under the kitchen counter, when I got in in Feb of 2012.

By that gauge, todays eggs with wood interiors should last well past the centennial of Pearl Harbor Day, even if there is nothing left than can still tow them.

Maybe there will be a bigger market in 2041 for retro motels with campers as room units, ala:
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan...ailer-20110116

**Jim Bennett** · 12-31-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

It's called the "I have a Sawzall, and I know how to use it" syndrome...

Francesca

Me at the Escape factory a few years back, adding a skylight to another owners 5.0. :P

Carol H · 12-31-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Me at the Escape factory a few years back, adding a skylight to another owners 5.0. :P

LOL I recall how scared I was to cut the hole in the roof of my trailer for a new fan..... only due to Reece having assured me I could do it that I dared!! bet you felt good knowing it wasnt your trailer and that Reece was probable around to supervise!

Mike Magee · 12-31-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabbit

.... once encased in a fiberglass shell is bull....

jack

That explains why those cows are all rubbing up against the trailers! LOL

Mike Magee · 12-31-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camilla

My ideal camper and what I would really like to see in an egg is a double insulated hull, an aluminum frame and a floor and cabinets like the livinlite campers. I don't want any kind of carpet, rat fur, vinyl on the walls. They have a little video:
CampLite All Aluminum Travel Trailer Overview by LivinLite

I would like a Lil Snoozy with no wood! I wonder how much weight an egg would lose if they did this? I'd sure like to change out my Playpac floor, frame and cabinets with aluminum!

Aluminum frame: are you referring to the thing the trailer sits on, that the running gear attaches to? Because our eggs don't have internal framing, unlike the CampLite.

I bet you could get a Snoozy the way you want it. They will sell one completely empty, so if you or they had a source for aluminum cabinets ready-made, they could install them. An aluminum floor is probably easier than the cabinets to install. Or buy an empty one and have a local shop finish it out (or DIY).

CampLite's cabinets seemed pretty ugly to me before, but now with the Azdel they look quite agreeable IMO.

Francesca Knowles · 12-31-2012, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Me at the Escape factory a few years back, adding a skylight to another owners 5.0. :P

Now, that there is what I'm talkin' about!

And per the Camplite "aluminum frame" query, Mike Magee:

That puppy's aluminum from top to bottom, including the frame it sits on!

But get this:

Folks have actually challenged their "all-aluminum construction" assertion by pointing out that there are some composites/steel etc. in parts of it....so Camplite has had to add the following "disclaimer" on their home page:

"* Obviously, the “entire” camper is not aluminum. The vast majority of the main construction components of this camper are made of aluminum and composites, which backs up our claim of being 98% recyclable. There are steps and stabilizer jacks made of steel; composite wall and ceiling boards; and plastics used in trim, tanks and bath areas."

Can you believe it??? Next thing you know someone will take 'em to task because they don't mention that the tires are made out of rubber. (I think)

Francesca

floyd · 01-01-2013, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Well....yes, but...

Francesca

GRRRREAT POST! LOVE IT!

Looks like taking the pet along REX an egg!

BTW; Scamp has offered the deluxe custom interior (wood) for more than a quarter of a century.

Jane SC · 01-01-2013, 09:27 AM

I wish to add the UHaul camper to the car comparison list and compare it to a Fiat Spider.....not quite a classic, doesn't have all the bells and whistles ....but oh, so fun, gets you where you want to go and makes people smile...

Carol H · 01-01-2013, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane SC

I wish to add the UHaul camper to the car comparison list and compare it to a Fiat Spider.....not quite a classic, doesn't have all the bells and whistles ....but oh, so fun, gets you where you want to go and makes people smile...

LOL Jane they are fun cars but I hope you mean the new version and not the old version. Some UHaul owners may not appreciate the association

seem to recall (could be wrong) that the older Fiat's involved Lord Lucas, The King of Darkness