1974 Beachcomber Reno - COMPLETE! - Fiberglass RV
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:10 AM   #1
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Name: Brad
Trailer: Beachcomber
British Columbia
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1974 Beachcomber Reno - COMPLETE!

So.... about a year ago I decided to buy a camper. The problem is that my old land rover can't pull much, so I needed something lightweight and compact, but it also had to sleep 4 (two adults, two kids). I couldn't find anything I liked on the lots, and the only thing that was worth looking at was a small fiberglass trailer from Escape, built out in Chilliwack. They said there was a 2 year wait list to get one, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I bought a little 1974 Beachcomber B-15 that was in VERY poor condition and had been totally gutted by the previous owner and had a cracked and rusted out frame. I picked it up for $800 and went to work.
The first order of business was to build a new frame and the guys and Wildwood Metal Works in Langley built me an amazing frame from aluminum.
These guys were really professional and super to deal with. I paid $2400 for the new frame, and the best part is that they actually built me a custom axle that is adjustable so I can lower or raise it up to suite my needs, and I tell you, that thing is massive compared to the axles you buy off the shelf.
Next I stripped out what was left of the interior and got to work framing out the inside.
The wife's "must have" list was to have solid bunk beds for the kids, a good sized fridge, hot water and a stove. So I made the bunk beds permanent, rather than the fold up original kind that are very flimsy. I put in a new fridge and then plumbed the whole thing with a 5 gallon tank for clean water, and 5 gallon for dirty water. I put the plug-in power and water connection pipes where the old signal lights were (one on each side) and relocated the signals to the frame.
I made the table myself by taking a sheet of plywood and then printing off a vinyl picture and then framing it with maple and covering it in a thick epoxy coat. I think it turned out really nice. I picked up a pedestal table for a boat dining table off ebay for $300 and its really nice and works well. Its aluminum and solid and unclamps and compresses down to 12" and up to 28".
Redid all the upholstery, new flooring, custom cabinetry, put in a large solar panel, power inverter, 19" 12 volt tv, outdoor and indoor speakers, outdoor hot water shower, a Fantastic fan with dual direction, and an A/C system.
I was just able to get it done for the last long weekend, and what a pleasure to use. It did everything I wanted it to do and more.
The guys at Dynamic RV in Chilliwack did most of the work and were absolutely excellent to deal with and put a lot of extra thought into it for me while we were designing it.
Anyways, I am now a proud owner of a fiberglass rv and I couldn't be happier that I went that way.
Hope to see you guys out on the road!
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:25 AM   #2
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Name: Brad
Trailer: Beachcomber
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Before Pics

When I picked it up.
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:26 AM   #3
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Good deal Brad, you made it your own.
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:27 AM   #4
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Name: Brad
Trailer: Beachcomber
British Columbia
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New Frame

Wildwood Metal Works in Langley BC putting a new frame together for me.
They did such a good job. Father and son business that I highly recommend.
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:31 AM   #5
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Name: Brad
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Body work and interior

New framing and full insulation on the inside, and body work on the outside.
We rhino lined the undercarriage and I decided to fill in the front window because of the permanent bunk beds.
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:33 AM   #6
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Name: Brad
Trailer: Beachcomber
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Other stuff

More bunk bed framing, some new wheels and tires that match my truck tires, and the solar power unit
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:36 AM   #7
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Finished Interior

Here's a couple pictures of the finished interior.
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Old 04-01-2016, 12:43 AM   #8
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Name: Brad
Trailer: Beachcomber
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Talking All Done!

Here's a couple photos the day I finished it up and the next day I hauled it away to Alice Lake for the long weekend.
The trailer tows unbelievably nice, and it did everything I wanted it to do.
I guess the only CON I can think of is that fact that it doesn't have a toilet.
I had to make a sacrifice somewhere and the space just wasn't there.
Oh well.. most campsites have toilets, and for those times when there isn't I think we might pick up a little porta potty and an ensuite tent.

I'd love to hear your feedback. I'm new to the fiberglass RV thing, and I'm sure their will be some criticism.

Thanks for looking, and if anyone has any questions, feel free to fire away.

Regards,

Brad.
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Old 04-01-2016, 01:02 AM   #9
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Name: Rick
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Looks great Brad. Well done.
I especially love the woodwork and the table. Also the compass points on the front design is perfect! Many happy days ahead.
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Old 04-01-2016, 06:04 AM   #10
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Wow, that is a master piece...love what you did. The table is gorgeous, compass is a nice touch...looks like it just rolled of the assembly line...well I guess it did sorta. Congrats to you & welcome to the forum!
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Old 04-01-2016, 06:05 AM   #11
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How much did your rig weigh when finished? what about just the aluminum frame?
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Old 04-01-2016, 07:46 AM   #12
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Wow! This is one of the nicest renos I've seen in some time!

Looks like a nice rig for the backcountry. I, too, am curious about the final weight.

Happy adventures!
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Old 04-01-2016, 08:04 AM   #13
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Beautiful, absolutely beautiful! I hope you can make a ton of wonderful camping memories
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Old 04-01-2016, 08:33 AM   #14
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Sweet!
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Old 04-01-2016, 09:02 AM   #15
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Excellent work there Brad! The new updated frame was a smart move allowing you many more options such as your awning mount & cargo area. Love it! Enjoy the fruits of your labor now!
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Old 04-01-2016, 09:03 AM   #16
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Truly beautiful inside and out !
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Old 04-01-2016, 09:15 AM   #17
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Bra-VO! Happy camping!
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Old 04-01-2016, 09:19 AM   #18
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Name: Brad
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Weight

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny M View Post
How much did your rig weigh when finished? what about just the aluminum frame?
Not sure what the weight of just the aluminum frame was, but I remember lifting the whole back end up off the ground with tires and wheels on it so it couldn't have weighed much.

I drove it across the scale at the landfill on the way home and the dry weight of the trailer was 1580 lbs with both propane tanks filled up.
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Old 04-01-2016, 09:21 AM   #19
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Absolutely incredible. This is one of my favorite renovations so far.
You saved an old trailer and made it a masterpiece.

As for a portable toilet there is no better option than the Thetford Curve.
I ditched the original 10 gallon porcelain marine toilet in my Scamp 16 for the Curve and I couldn't be happier. Saves water, allows me to carry an extra 2.5 Gallons since it has it's own fresh tank, I can empty it anywhere for free, and it's comfy!
Better yet the space saved allowed me to build a bathtub where the old toilet was. I simply remove the toilet from the tub when I want to take a bath.

I think it would work nicely for you along with a small tent for it that you could set up under your awning.

Again, AMAZING renovation of that trailer. No criticism here!
It really looks like a brand new factory job on a modern (and expensive) trailer. Impressive.
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Old 04-01-2016, 09:26 AM   #20
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Name: Brad
Trailer: Beachcomber
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Thanks

Thanks for all the great feedback guys. It means a lot to have it coming from experienced people like you that have probably seen a lot of these kinds of reno's before.
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