Not sure if I should buy this trailer...

[David Tilston]

Since $5000 is kinda a target price for many trailers, I would call $2500 a bargain! Congrats Sandy. I think you will have lots of fun. I really like the Dolphin brand.
I could be wrong, but I would bet that an RM211 fridge will fit in that hole. If you are patient and shop around, you should be able to get one for less then $100. I paid $80 for one, and then got two more for free. They are small, but they seem to everywhere. I think that tent trailers, that are the same vintage as your trailer, are starting to become irreparable. The appliances get taken out and they are converted to a utility trailer, or quad trailer. Many people just dispose of the fridge, stove, and furnace.
The fitting in the side of the trailer is for a forced air furnace. I suspect that many new furnaces will fit in the same place.

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by SeansmomSandy

Donna D.... It sang to my heart. 60" wide bed which could also be 4 bunks. Front couch with top bunk. (yup it can sleep 6 if 4 are short ). Roof looks great, windows and screens are in great shape. A few minor hairline cracks at the top of the door and no more rust that expected on a 1981 frame, still solid. No mold, no moisture and no hollow sound when tapping with the screwdriver handle.
$2500 and I pick it up tomorrow.. Do I still get bragging rights?
Soon to be FG owner... YIPEEE!!

Sounds good, congratuations.
Just a little warning, since your first move is likely to look for a fridge. I suggest you think twice about buying a used fridge that is not a current model. RM11 parts are next to impossible to find. Anything you buy must have a perfect, but I mean perfect door seal. Nothing stiff or damaged. People telling you you only have to put a fridge upside down to fix it are only telling you half the truth. 3 way fridge is working on an ammonia-based circuit that must be set level to work properly. If unused for extended periods or overheated, ammonia crystals may form and stop the flow that makes it work. If this circuit is operated off level it will overheat and degrade a little more the refrigerant gas mix, up to the point it fails. Installing a 3 way fridge requires to plan for the interior access hole that must be kept separated from the outside section. It is not rocket science, but keep in mind there are not that many small fridge models that are currently available in that size range. If you work to fit something old that fails, you are likely to have to start over again with another size. If you install a current model, you will be able to fix it or replace with another unit within an hour or so. There is a cut-out valve on the fridge propane intake. I suggest you install one on the furnace too, so you can test and service them independently in the future.

Bonne chance !

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by SeansmomSandy

Donna D.... It sang to my heart. 60" wide bed which could also be 4 bunks. Front couch with top bunk. (yup it can sleep 6 if 4 are short ). Roof looks great, windows and screens are in great shape. A few minor hairline cracks at the top of the door and no more rust that expected on a 1981 frame, still solid. No mold, no moisture and no hollow sound when tapping with the screwdriver handle.
$2500 and I pick it up tomorrow.. Do I still get bragging rights?
Soon to be FG owner... YIPEEE!!

ABSOLUTELY! And, you'll post pictures of you next to your new-to-you rollin' home with a BIG ole grin on your face... won't you?

[SeansmomSandy]

Thanks Martin! But it really does sound like rocket science to me . Propane scares me so we will be using a small plug in cooler that we have for now until we can get a new fridge out in. Friday the trailer goes to the rv place to have the furnace reconnected, the regulator and the power converter checked and the brake wiring switched back to 7 pin (for some reason he cut the 7 pin wire and rejigged a 4 pin). He also disconnected the water pump for some strange reason. I will probably ask them to have a peek at the frame at the same time, just to make sure. And so it begins ....

[SeansmomSandy]

You betcha Donna! All four of us with huge grins. My aunt, my mom, my son and I.

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by SeansmomSandy

Thanks Martin! But it really does sound like rocket science to me . Propane scares me so we will be using a small plug in cooler that we have for now until we can get a new fridge out in. Friday the trailer goes to the rv place to have the furnace reconnected, the regulator and the power converter checked and the brake wiring switched back to 7 pin (for some reason he cut the 7 pin wire and rejigged a 4 pin). He also disconnected the water pump for some strange reason. I will probably ask them to have a peek at the frame at the same time, just to make sure. And so it begins ....

Water pump is connected to a reservoir usually located under the floor. Old reservoir or plumbing might need to be inspected prior to consider reusing it. You need easy access to the purge valve. Personnaly, I am reluctant to use it except for camping into remore areas where a reliable source of drinking water is not available. Sanitation and deodorizing such water reserve requires special chemicals your RV specialist can also explain to you, but cost of such chemicals is not cheap and water aftertaste is hard to avoid. I prefer using a jerrycan size portable drinking water containers which are inexpensive to purchase and simpler to maintain. Keep in mind that filling an integrated water tank (usually located right over the axle) adds a considerable weight over the suspension that often start to sag over time. I also found that expensive replacement hand pumps rarely last more than a couple of seasons. Again, this adds to the cost of using the integrated reservoir.

By the way, there is not much to fear about propane if you used approved connectors, copper lines and sealant. The most important is the soapy water test at the end. You may check with your RV expert if they can find and install a used or even 3 way fridge. I prefer by far Norcold 323 over Dometic RM2193 because they cost about the same, but Norcold has automatic temperature control under 110V or 12V which Dometic do not offer. The Norcold pilot is on the left (protected from the motion wind), so it does remain lit when driving, as opposed to the Dometic. The least trouble is to go 12V when driving and 110V when camping and only use propane when 110V is not available. Using Propane temperature setting is not as convenient: Important temperature variations between day and night or from one day to another often makes veggies freeze at night and food getting spoiled on hot days if your are not very carefull monitoring and adjusting temperature with an electronic thermometer. Norcold fridge makes both the driving and relaxing part of camping much simpler.

As for your electric brakes, you need to purchase and get installed an electric brake controller into your towing vehicle. Make sure you AVOID time based controllers. You should only consider a PROPORTIONAL type brake controller. Preferably, get a fused 12V line from your car battery added onto your electric brake hookup so you can recharge your RV battery and run your fridge under 12V as you are driving. Otherwise, you are dependent on Propane when driving, which is not recommended, potentially illegal in some tunnels and less convenient in all cases.

Félicitations et bonnes vacances !

[SeansmomSandy]

Thanks Martin! I agree sanitizing a water tank is a pain. The PO installed a new tap that is connected straight to the city way connection. I may just leave it that way. I never use the holding tanks myself. Since I usually camp with two elderly ladies, we go where there are hook ups. Undecided if I should just remove the pump and store it. I think it will be a wait and see for now.
As for brakes, I already have a brake controller on my tow vehicle, my TT weighs 200lbs more than this trailer, so towing should be ok.
Thanks so much for all the info.

[rgrugg]

Our EggCamper came with a 12 volt fridge, compressor type like in a home fridge. Does not have to be level nor does it require a heat source to make it work. Without going out to look I think it might be a Norcold. after having a zillion typical rv fridges, I much prefer the compressor model. No idea on cost. sizewise it fits just under the countertop.

[David Tilston]

A new 12VDC compressor fridge is not a bad idea. They are available in small sizes, they don't take too much power and they are easy to operate.

I would however like to address some of the points in Martin's post. Parts for an RM211 may not be available in stores, but on this site I have seen multiple people offering parts, including me.
From the parts section of this site:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ale-52999.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...top-59557.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...nto-57355.html

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

A new 12VDC compressor fridge is not a bad idea. They are available in small sizes, they don't take too much power and they are easy to operate.

I would however like to address some of the points in Martin's post. Parts for an RM211 may not be available in stores, but on this site I have seen multiple people offering parts, including me...(...)

Hi David, I beleive that for someone that has no fridge, paying for RM211 shipping and installation is very risky. RM211 is very old... obsolete in many ways and discontinued for ages which makes some critical spare parts very hard to find. I gave away mine for whatever parts that could be salvaged. Chances are very slim to find one available locally in perfect condition or worth fixing.

That being said, I've listed the two models that are current and easy to find just about anywhere at discount or used, in good condition. SeansmomSandy mentionned that propane and camping without hookup (water and electricity) is unlikely. A 12V fridge with a compressor is common on sailboats. It is quicker to cool, but more expensive, power hungry and often noisy, as opposed to a 3 way fridge. Food for toughts.

[David Tilston]

Oh, I would never ship a fridge. Every one I have acquired was in driving range. A total of four, (including the one in Wedding Gift). I have the working unit in the the trailer, a hot swappable, (working) spare, and a bone yard unit for parts. The cooling circuit still works on the bone yard unit, so if one of mine dies, then I will just transfer all the missing parts from that one to the bone yard unit, and start looking for another one.
My 4500's have RM36E fridges. Much larger, and a bit less common. I do still have a working spare though. I got it at the local wreckers for $25. I have since seen another one there, but it was stripped for parts.
I am a recycler by nature. I think that is why I love my old Trilliums so much. Why buy a new trailer, when you can fix up an old one as good as new, for half the price. The fact that there are no moving parts in an absorption fridge helps them last a long time. Since they are easily available, and cheep, to free. I don't see any reason to spend $800 to $1000 on a new one. I also like that the old fridges don't require any electrical power when running on propane, unlike today's 3-way fridges.
I plan on putting a 12VDC / 120VAC fridge in the Cantaloupe. I want to preserve the road side logo.

[SeansmomSandy]

Well, it's official. We got the Dolpin home and plated.
Yesterday I took it over to my RV guru and we decided the best course of action is for them to do a sort of PDI. They will check it from nose to tail and let me know what needs to be done. Then I can decide what I want them to do and what I am comfortable doing myself. They are really busy so it could take a few weeks. Waiting will be tough, but I don't really NEED the trailer and I couldn't be pushy just 'cause I am curious. When I get it home I will start a thread in the Mods and Alterations section. In the meantime I will just be lurking in the forums, reading up on all the stuff I can do and buying supplies to make her shine. Thanks so much to everyone for the great advice.
Sandy (doing a happy dance)

[frank_a]

Good for you Sandy! Now, calm down, things will come along. Best of luck!

Frank

[SeansmomSandy]

Calm, me? Never!! Typical type A. A little high strung I am looking forward to doing, but in the meantime I will plan and make lists... It's what I do so well.

[Donna D.]

The trailer doesn't need to be perfect, just perfect for you. Start with making certain it's safe to go down the road (you're sharing the highways with others), then the critical item(s), then the nice to haves... one thing at a time and it's much easier on your budget!

[SeansmomSandy]

I agree Donna. That's why I figured a good inspection by the pros would be best. Safety first since my passengers are precious. Now we need to decide on a name.....

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by SeansmomSandy

Calm, me? Never!! Typical type A. A little high strung I am looking forward to doing, but in the meantime I will plan and make lists... It's what I do so well.

I'm Type A too Sandy, and have to wait till next year to even go look! Grrrrrrrrrrr!

Oh well, good things come in time...

Frank

[SeansmomSandy]

In the meantime you can make lists. LOL

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

(...) I am a recycler by nature. (...) The fact that there are no moving parts in an absorption fridge helps them last a long time. Since they are easily available, and cheep, to free. I don't see any reason to spend $800 to $1000 on a new one. I also like that the old fridges don't require any electrical power when running on propane, unlike today's 3-way fridges.(...)

Hi David,
I totally agree with your philosophy and conclusions. The more knowledgeable we get at recycling, the more we can save... and have fun for cheap! This is one of the reasons that forum is great for.

I just want to reassure Sandy about the fact both current models I mentionned are totally independent from electrical power with working out of propane, even if it means more temperature monitoring than working under electricity with a Norcold (the most convenient option).

I paid only half the cost for a used Norcold fridge that was sold to me by an RV dealer with a warranty. I just did not want to invest time to spend time to adapt the opening for a defective fridge. As you pointed out, once we invest into used equipment, we must plan for a source of spare parts or working spare unit. It requires space and knowledge not everyone has. I'm glad you have both.

Best of luck for Sandy's new adventure !