Shells not aligned - Problem? - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-26-2019, 08:25 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Name: Joe
Trailer: Shopping
Michigan
Posts: 4
Shells not aligned - Problem?

Maybe someone out there with more experience with a fiberglass eggshell camper can give me some advice.

I'm looking at a 1983 Burro and the shell does not align at the back of the trailer. You can see it in the interior but the exterior looks OK. The front is aligned with no problems. It's been renovated and looks great except for this "issue." Appears to not have any leaks after a good dousing with a hose.

Is this a problem with structural integrity or possibly other issues? I've attached a few pictures.

Any help and insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

Joe
Attached Thumbnails
Shell-alignment-1.jpg   Shell-alignment-2.jpg  

Shell-alignment-3.jpg  
Joe J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 08:41 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,925
Registry
Shells not aligned - Problem?

Some Burros were sold as DIY kits. Possible assembly error? Could also be a poorly done damage or leak repair.

As long as it doesn’t leak now and the floor is solid, it’s more of a cosmetic issue. Don’t take the seller’s word on either, BTW.

It would bother me. A lot.

It is probably possible to cut the halves apart and fix it- fiberglass is almost infinitely repairable- but that’s way above my pay grade. I’d pass.
Jon in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 08:51 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
AC0GV's Avatar
 
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 1,867
Registry
What story is the seller telling about it? It would need to be a give-a-way price before I'd take that project on and I could never leave it as is.
AC0GV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 09:15 AM   #4
Junior Member
 
Name: Joe
Trailer: Shopping
Michigan
Posts: 4
His story is that he bought it that way five years ago and figured it was no big deal structurally.
Joe J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 09:49 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of North Carolina
Posts: 4,137
Registry
You decide, me, I would keep looking.

All used trailers have one trait in common, the current owners accept all the shortcomings and defects. You have to decide if YOU accept them as well. Me, I looked at several vintage trailers with defects, I passed on three of them, and bought #4.
thrifty bill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 10:19 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,925
Registry
Shells not aligned - Problem?

Very well put, Bill. My used Scamp came with a couple of blemishes that I don’t even notice any more. I have no plans to make it “perfect.” That would be burdensome...
Jon in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 12:04 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Kai in Seattle's Avatar
 
Name: Kathleen (Kai: ai as in wait)
Trailer: Amerigo FG-16 1973 "Peanut"
Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area, Washington
Posts: 2,566
Registry
Yeow!

That's not just a barely noticeable glitch. That's pretty major. I'd say it could be cut apart and pressed back into a better fit, but it's not going to be a small job.

Even Peanut the much-abused wasn't that bad.

It would depend on what you're comfortable doing...major fiberglass work is what that will be. Major.

At one point in our lives, I'd have said, Sure, if the price was good. At our age and condition now, NO. It's up to you.

As we get older, we try to remember:
"We want to buy ourselves a solution, not a problem."

It's your call if that particular trailer in that shape is a solution or a problem to you and yours.

Thanks for the photos--made considering your question a lot easier.

BEST
"K"
__________________
Semper ubi sub ubi.
Kai in Seattle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 03:43 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Raspy's Avatar
 
Name: John
Trailer: Roamer 1
Smith Valley, Nevada
Posts: 2,880
I don't see how the two shells could ever shift once the trailer is built. Aren't they glassed together? Is that just the interior cabinetry, or can the problem be seen where the seam meets the windows on the outside? Hard to see what is going on in the close up pictures.

From what I can see, it looks like it was built that way, and if so, it's just cosmetic. If it's just an interior cabinet piece, maybe it can simply be pushed back up and glued.
__________________
I only exaggerate enough to compensate for being taken with a grain of salt.
Raspy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 04:31 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
SteveV's Avatar
 
Name: Steve
Trailer: Amerigo FG-16
North Carolina
Posts: 313
If those are the interior panels (cabinets) I would guess when the renovation was done they just didn't pay enough attention when they reinstalled them.

As already mentioned a picture taken a step or 2 back may give a better idea if it's worth worrying about.
SteveV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 05:13 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Raspy's Avatar
 
Name: John
Trailer: Roamer 1
Smith Valley, Nevada
Posts: 2,880
Yeah, that doesn't look like a structural problem. Why run away from a misaligned interior cabinet?
__________________
I only exaggerate enough to compensate for being taken with a grain of salt.
Raspy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 08:20 PM   #11
Junior Member
 
Name: Jere
Trailer: Scamp
Arizona
Posts: 1
Inner outer shell

Hi, I believe the Burro has an exterior and interior set of fiberglass shells. It sounds like the outer shells are lined up but the inner shells are not. If the structure is sound, the price is good and your not planning on having judgmental guests inside, if you can deal with the cosmetics... buy it!
Jere in Arizona is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2019, 09:10 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
The Burro does have an outer shell with a vertical seam and a two piece inner shell, same as Uhaul campers. Probably it was a poor assembly job resulting in misalignment of the halves. Closer examination with more photos would be required for a better decision of is it only the interior shell or is the outer shell off also. It may be OK up higher at the window opening. Although some Burros were sold as a kit I believe the shell was assembled at the factory.
mary and bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2019, 03:48 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Name: Duane
Trailer: 1976 Trillium 1300
New Brunswick
Posts: 180
Hi I just viewed the pics of the mis-aligned pieces and wonder about the 2 bolts and plate in the first pic. I suspect that attachment is homemade due to the bolt holes not being centered in the plate (steel?). Maybe one bolt is too tight, or lacks a backer block for support. If the outside shell is OK, an adjustment to these bolts may fix the issue. No leaks is a Good thing ! Some people's "good enough" is not good enough for others ! Bet you couldn't tell anythings wrong at night with the lights out! Duane
getaway1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2019, 03:41 AM   #14
Junior Member
 
Name: Joe
Trailer: Shopping
Michigan
Posts: 4
Sorry I haven't responded in the last day or so. I've been travelling for the last couple of days and had a busy schedule.

In answer to some of your questions:

1) It appears that it is only the interior shell that is not aligned. The outside shell is lined up with the seam aligned at the bottom.

2) The misalignment is where the molded compartments in the back of the trailer meet. It seems like the bottom of the compartment where it meets the floor was pushed in when assembled. The owner said that it was that way when he got it so he assumed it was assembled that way originally. The Burro has obviously been traveled with for 30+ years with no problems.

3) I, too, am surprised that there are not leaks, considering the misalignment. I went back to look at it before I left on my trip and we had a heavy rain the night before. No evidence of leaks. He couldn't have mopped up after the rain because the carpet in the compartments were dry and show no signs of water stains. Also, when I first looked at it, we ran a garden hose over the whole trailer since I know fiberglass trailers are prone to leak.

4) Regarding the bolts: At some point in the line of ownership, a spare tire was mounted on the back of the Burro. The bolts are what hold the spare tire on.

I'm thinking about offering a significant amount less than the buyer is asking. He's at $7,500. I'm going to offer him $6,000 and see if he wants to move it. The Burro is not listed yet, it was parked with a for sale sign on it.

I bounce back and forth about it. I don't want to take on a full restoration and this one seems really nice other than the alignment issue. Cosmetic I can live. I can't live with a structural problem.
Joe J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2019, 06:25 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
Well that explains the steel plate, and may also explain the misalignment. The inner and outer shells (assuming the same as Uhaul) have a space between them that varies over the whole area. The shells are close in some areas but a significant space in other areas. So the weight of a spare tire only on that steel plate against the inner shell may have pulled the one side out of alignment. I would get rid of the plate, try to get the area back in alignment, and find another option for the spare tire. Also check the trailer frame.
mary and bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2019, 06:45 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,925
Registry
Sounds like a plan. And now that we’ve clarified only the inner shell is affected, I think even I could live with it- covered with cushions and out of sight. Best wishes!
Jon in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2019, 06:55 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Trailer: Bigfoot Silver Cloud -1988
Posts: 1,543
Send a message via Yahoo to Kevin A
We had a very similar misalignment on the inner shell of our 1978 Burro and the spare tire on the rear. Both seemed to be original and had lasted fine since 1978 with no leaks until we sold it in 2007. The misalignment was covered by our bed cushions, so it was no big deal.

Interesting how prices keep going up on old fiberglass trailers. We paid $2750 for the Burro 13 and then sold it for $3400 a couple years later. Our UHaul VT was purchased for about $3700 in 2007 and sold for over $7000 in 2016. It would seem your initial offer of $6000 may be worth at least consideration by the seller. Hopefully you can settle somewhere in the middle!
Kevin A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2019, 07:58 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Kai in Seattle's Avatar
 
Name: Kathleen (Kai: ai as in wait)
Trailer: Amerigo FG-16 1973 "Peanut"
Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area, Washington
Posts: 2,566
Registry
An initial offer of $6,000 (on $7500) is right in the negotiating ballpark. The price won't go bellow your offer once made.

Suppose the seller said okay. Would you feel happy to get it?

Lots of great comments about that inner shell. Doesn't sound as bad as the pics looked.

BEST luck to you.
"K"
__________________
Semper ubi sub ubi.
Kai in Seattle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 12:09 PM   #19
Junior Member
 
Name: Joe
Trailer: Shopping
Michigan
Posts: 4
Once again, sorry for the delayed response to all the great help and advice being offered by everyone!

It looks to me like it is the spare tire plate that is dragging the inner shell inward. There is not a problem with the window alignment or the outer shell. they are all right on. I can't see what else it could be other than a faulty assembly. The chassis is in very good condition as well as the fiberglass underbelly.

I'm going to be meeting with the seller tomorrow and already have talked to him about the price. Looks like he is willing to take $6,400 for it. Obviously, I'll need to buy it to take the plate off and make the necessary repairs myself. However, I might live with it for the rest of the season and early next year to see if it's a problem or not. Hopefully it's just cosmetic and I can live with that. He has owned it for quite a while and he said it's not been a problem. He's a friend of a friend so I guess I can trust him...

Only snoopy people lift up other owner's seat cushions, right?
Joe J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 12:16 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Kai in Seattle's Avatar
 
Name: Kathleen (Kai: ai as in wait)
Trailer: Amerigo FG-16 1973 "Peanut"
Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area, Washington
Posts: 2,566
Registry
Only smart people lift up other people's cushions--and empty cabinets and toilet niches, and thoroughly investigate a used trailer before they plunk down their hard-earned money.

Sounds like you're working on a deal and a plan...happy purchase, happy trails, and happy renovation and making it your own if you go through with it.

BEST
"K"
__________________
Semper ubi sub ubi.
Kai in Seattle is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Burro Door Not Perfectly Aligned Tommy Gun Modifications, Alterations and Updates 2 10-09-2015 12:45 AM
Battery problem or system problem? Uplander Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 4 06-01-2015 04:39 PM
Bigfoot trailer and camper shells ...... Lizbeth General Chat 4 05-24-2009 07:55 PM
Egg Shells Donna D. Jokes, Stories & Tall Tales 3 04-13-2006 09:03 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:27 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.