Redo of 1984 Companion (U-Haul) Trailer - Fiberglass RV
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Old 01-21-2017, 10:00 PM   #1
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Redo of 1984 Companion (U-Haul) Trailer

After two years and much brainstorming, I'm ready to begin making this trailer into my personal portable office. Today I began gutting it.

If you want to follow my journey, here are today's accomplishments My Quality Day: My Trailer - Redo Day 1

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Old 01-22-2017, 08:27 AM   #2
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Hey Joan,

Just read through you blog post and wanted to comment about the windows. I have no personal experience, but most of the folks on this forum regard removing and re-sealing the existing windows to be a pretty normal maintenance project - not very difficult. I would definitely think it's something you could do. Lot less cost and work than trying to replace the windows (especially with a different size), just pull the existing ones, clean the old sealant off the window and trailer, apply new sealant (butyl tape?) and re-install the old windows.

When you get to that point, ask for guidance here, I'm sure some folks will be familiar enough to help you out.

Big project, but fun. I'm just finishing up removing my carpeting, repairing/replacing a water damaged section of floor, and installing Allure vinyl flooring to my Scamp. Fun and satisfying as you see things coming back together.

Good Luck.
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Old 01-22-2017, 08:55 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by LyleB View Post
Hey Joan,

Just read through you blog post and wanted to comment about the windows. I have no personal experience, but most of the folks on this forum regard removing and re-sealing the existing windows to be a pretty normal maintenance project - not very difficult.
Yeah, I have no doubts I could do that. I just want to be sure it's actually leaking. This trailer without the insulation has always had water just weeping down the walls when the weather changes. So this wet spot could be from that. That's what caused the water stains on the plywood bench top you can see. When I get it gutted I'll do some leak testing, and also check the condition of the sealing. Don't know if the previous guy just did them all. His work was not shoddy (just not to my liking), so if the windows look recently done I don't think I'll feel the need to pull them all.
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:05 PM   #4
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Joan,
not at all knowing about companions,wherever,i am working hard on
a 1989 16' casittie. From your photo and location i figure insulation
will be a consideration,am using "reflectix" where possible with some
"dead air", if possible. Easy to work with at $.50/psf. Also "fusion"
works well to paint plastics.
1/4" lauan plywood is much lighter than std. And can be used in some
conditions.
Good luck!!!!
I only hope the wolvrines and possums approve of our work.
Barney cone ii
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:31 PM   #5
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Thanks, Barney! After I get it gutted I'll have to wait for warmer weather to use adhesives, but I will use the time to mock up the interior with cardboard to make sure I like my non-standard plan. I enjoy doing this, but even so, would like to do it only once!

Good luck with yours. Do you have pictures on line somewhere?
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Old 01-22-2017, 07:30 PM   #6
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Love your Companion! I have one too, although I will probably sell mine in the spring having bought a Casita this fall. There are a few picture of mine in my profile. If I can help, let me know.
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Old 01-22-2017, 07:32 PM   #7
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Day two of trying to strip the interior. My Quality Day: My Trailer- Redo Day 2- More Destruction
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Old 01-22-2017, 07:41 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Karen K. View Post
Love your Companion! I have one too, although I will probably sell mine in the spring having bought a Casita this fall. There are a few picture of mine in my profile. If I can help, let me know.
Karen- you have made it very cute! (And how did you find a red microwave to build in?!) I like looking at cute, but realize that it won't work for me to live in. I'm too much of a mess. I'm working toward bright and simple.

Did you repaint the exterior?
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Old 01-22-2017, 08:01 PM   #9
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Yes, the exterior was painted. A million spider cracks in the gel coat dictated that. After 11 years it still looks pretty good.
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Old 01-22-2017, 08:06 PM   #10
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Yes, the exterior was painted. A million spider cracks in the gel coat dictated that.
Yeah, mine is really crazed too. Interior first though. Has to be at least usable by July 25.
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:23 PM   #11
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Some sorting and storing and shopping. My Quality Day: My Trailer - Redo Day 3 - I Bought the Loo
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Old 02-05-2017, 08:54 AM   #12
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Very cool camper Joan, and it looks like you're making great progress! Keep up the great work, I'm looking forward to following along!

Jonathan
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Old 02-05-2017, 08:59 AM   #13
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Thanks, Jonathan. I will only be working on it when temperatures allow until spring. But I'm constantly thinking about it!
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Old 02-06-2017, 12:26 PM   #14
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Thanks, Jonathan. I will only be working on it when temperatures allow until spring. But I'm constantly thinking about it!
Joan,
I'm sitting here in shorts and a t-shirt and thinking I should find some better shade! Sebring Florida this week, the Everglades next week, central Florida the following week, then, who knows for another week.

My point, other than to rub it in, GET THAT TRAILER USABLE, so you can enjoy it!

Don't be afraid to ask if a project comes up where you need another set of hands, always up for a short road trip for a couple of days...

Good luck and good weather,
Lyle
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Old 02-06-2017, 01:55 PM   #15
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Joan,
I'm sitting here in shorts and a t-shirt and thinking I should find some better shade!

Good luck and good weather,
Lyle
How can you abandon the North Country! You traitor!!!! Hahaha. Who knows, I might call you at some point. Ester says she'll help too. She's worked on trailers in general. Got a Multi-Max tool and am ready to rock next mild spell we get.

Have fun
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Old 02-06-2017, 02:18 PM   #16
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Have ya'll ever heard of anyone retireing to the nawth?
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Old 02-06-2017, 03:24 PM   #17
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Actually, yes! I live in a northern vacationland paradise and there are a number of people who have retired here for the year-round fun.
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Old 02-20-2017, 07:33 PM   #18
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Mild weather, and so day 4 of working on the gutting. Didn't have a lot of time, but I did get the furnace out. http://myqualityday.blogspot.com/201...es.htmlhttp://
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:45 PM   #19
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Finally back to working on the trailer. It's becoming rather overwhelming, as I'm sure most of you know. Day 3 of actual work- continuing the demolition

My Quality Day: My Trailer- Redo Day 3- Yet More Destruction

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Old 07-03-2017, 09:47 PM   #20
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Day 4 of actual work- what a beast! But it's out.

My Quality Day: My Trailer- Redo Day 4- Planning Playtime


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