Finally cought one, Fiberglass Camper Newbie

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by msinger919

I don't think the trailer update addressing a recall has been performed. Didn't notice any kind of plate added to the trailer tongue.

The model year you bought is definitely covered by the original recall. The weakness in the frame won't be visible to the eye UNTIL a crack begins to open up....and you don't want that to happen when, for example, you're out on the road!

I found out about this by chance when contemplating the purchase of a 1300 for my daughter-in-law. I posted a thread here about it- folks responded with some pretty good info including the instructions for the repair recommended by Trillium's new American manufacturer. The fix itself is relatively simple and can be performed by any competent welder.

Here's the link to that discussion, for what it's worth: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...00s-46068.html

Best of luck to you!

Francesca

[David Tilston]

I think that there is some debate as to the years affected. Some say up to 1976, others, 1971 to 1972. The problem was really the heat treating of the frame. If your trailer has plates welded to the sides of the square tube, in the front just as the frame goes under the fibreglass, then you are good. The factory welded them on all the 4500's for extra strength.

My 1977 1300 has extra long plates on the sides, and also plates on the bottom of the square tube. My 1973? 1300 has a C channel frame, so a totally different set of problems. It is my unconfirmed theroy that the C channel frame was a response to the cracking problems. Perhaps they tried out a different manufacturer.

They also stopped drilling through the frame for the bolts that attach the fibreglass to the frame. The used angle iron tabs that were welded to the frame, and the cross members, instead.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

I think that there is some debate as to the years affected. Some say up to 1976, others, 1971 to 1972.

There may be some discussion of other issues /theories related to Trillium frames, but there is no debate about the model (1300) and model years ('73-76, inclusive) affected by Transport Canada's Recall notice, still posted at the following link:
Road Safety Recalls Database


Francesca

[David Tilston]

Thank you Franacesca!

[msinger919]

Well, here is what I accomplished so far:
Cleaned the camper inside and out.
Rehung the door and resealed the doors window
Freed up all jalousie windows
Cleaned, removed and resealed 3 of 4 jalousie windows with new wood
Cleaned and repainted the trailer frame (the parts you can see anyway.
Removed the belly band and cleaned up the seam.
Straighted/repaired the rear stabilizers (looks like PO forgot to retract them)
Removed, repaired and reinstalled the roof vent.

[David Tilston]

You should be good to camp in it now.
What size of ball does it use?
Does it have brakes?
Why are you pictures from your first post missing?

I know, I am just full of questions.

[kootenaigirl]

Wow, you got lots accomplished in a short time - way to go!

[msinger919]

Hey Dave,
Not sure what happened to the first pics. I tried to link to them in Photobucket, I'll just upload them from now on. My trailer uses a 1 7/8" ball. I still have to wire the trailer, make new cabinet doors, fix the stove and install a fridge. I am going to remove the belly band also and make a rock guard for the front window. Oh, and it needs to be painted at some point.

Did your Trilliums both need the frame reinforced? Nothing has been done to mine.

-Mike

[msinger919]

Thanks Koot! Still have alot to do, but I am cose to having it weather tight to get it through the NH winter. Hopefully I can put a small heater inside and keep working on it and be ready for spring. That's the plan anyway.

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by msinger919

Did your Trilliums both need the frame reinforced? Nothing has been done to mine.

-Mike

Of the four Trilliums I own, two are 4500's. By The time they came out, the frame issues had all been worked out.
One of my 1300's is a 1977. It is not involved in the recall. It has lots of reinforcements. I think the other 1300 is a 1973. When I bought it, it was registered as a 1979, but I know that is not true. The frame is constructed from C channel, not square tube, and it has a leading axle. I plan to replace it all together.

[cpaharley2008]

I can not see any pictures?

[msinger919]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I can not see any pictures?

Maybe the insert link thing will work better.

My Trillium Falcon Project Photos by msinger919 | Photobucket

This is where I am dumping all my Trillium rehab pics.

[D Davis]

Mike, I think you got a Great Deal! Finally saw your pics, you are doing a wonderful job. This web site is very inspiring and the folks here are knowledgeable and encouraging. Can't wait to see it finished! You are working very fast.
Enjoy it!

[David Tilston]

Your pictures are amazing! I am especially interested in your door rehab. While your trailer may have been in rough shape when you got it, you are clearly on your way to a pristine nicely optioned unit.

It seems a shame to suggest this, after all the work you put into your vent, but one of the better mods is a powered fan vent. Like a Fantastic vent, (http://www.fantasticvent.com/) or other models. It's like half as good as air conditioning, with 1% of the power draw. It requires a 14" vent, as opposed the 9" vent that both my 1300's have. I put a powered vent on one of my 4500's. They rock. After patching up the hole for the furnace on the Cantaloupe, I plan to put a 14" hole in place of the 9" vent it came with.