Maintenance & Restoration

Reid Larsen · 10-19-2011, 07:21 PM

I found this site sometime last winter and in my introduction stated I was searching for a fg replacement for our tent trailer. Bill and Jacquie sent me a note letting me know that Tilly need a new home. After bringing her home and really giving her the once over my wife says what have we gotten our selves into. Virtually no plumbing, all the interior wiring had been removed, the insulite wall covering was coming loose and it leaked like a sieve. I had my work cut out for me. Today she is whole new trailer

Donna D. · 10-19-2011, 07:28 PM

Absolutely fabulous! I've seen that trailer many times and would never have recognized it

Reid Larsen · 10-19-2011, 07:34 PM

One of the things I wanted to do was make the Battery last as long as possible so I put in led lights- because the ones I liked would have required cutting more holes than there already were after 33 years I made my own fixtures out of cherry to match the cabinets. I told my wife, Linda, she could have one major appliance-refrigerator, furnace or water heater. We have hot and cold running water and an out side shower. You can see the power station I put in that gives me three 12 volt and two 120 volt circuits. Linda also wanted at least one good sized drawer for silverware. I did what I could.

Trill136 · 10-19-2011, 07:37 PM

Very, very nice. I hope that I can get my "old girl" (trailer - not wife) looking that good!!

(Wife already looks good)

Min

Reid Larsen · 10-19-2011, 07:45 PM

When I began the redo I showed my wife Robert Johans web site and she told me if I could incorporate some of his design elements she would be happy.It is said that mimicry is a complimentary form and all I could do was try and mimic some of his incredible work. One thing I had to do was replace the hinges. Unfortunately I got new hinges with out the off set. There is a discussion about this problem elsewhere in the forum. here is my solution. Perhaps not elegant but functional. Because a PO drilled through the trailer and door and put in through bolts I set threaded inserts in epoxy and put ss bolts into the inserts- a pain but works fine and the hinges are easily removeable if necessary

Ed Harris · 10-19-2011, 07:53 PM

Very nice!

I love the SOSS hinges on the extension and the countertop too.

Ed

Raz · 10-20-2011, 04:48 PM

Very nice job. I love it when someone brings an old trailer back to life. What did you use for your spacer material on the hinges? Raz

theresa p · 10-20-2011, 04:57 PM

terrific job!!! you should be immensely proud of all your hard work, as it truly shows like a dream.

Reid Larsen · 10-20-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Raz

Very nice job. I love it when someone brings an old trailer back to life. What did you use for your spacer material on the hinges? Raz

It is a high density plastic similar to plexiglass except opaque. A friend of mine who is a boat builder gave a couple of pieces to me and it seemed like the perfect material, won't shrink or swell and painted nicely.

Holger · 10-23-2011, 11:36 PM

Wow, that wood cabinet work is a jaw dropper. Can't have been your first project! Thanks for sharing, this is just so delightful to look at!

Holger

Reid Larsen · 10-24-2011, 09:28 AM

Holger,
Thanks for your kind words. I am a cabinet maker by trade. The cabinets are domestic cherry with custom layed up Anigre panels. The light fixture bases and counter/table top edges are also cherry.

DavidSo · 10-24-2011, 10:33 AM

Beautiful! This belongs in "Better Homes Than Yours" magazine! I was always pretty happy with my trailer till I joined this site

. Now,... not so much

David

Reid Larsen · 10-24-2011, 11:15 AM

Hours and dollars and a bit of creativity is all it takes. A supportive spouse also helps alot! These little trailers will last forever with a bit of love and attention.

Donna D. · 10-24-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidSo

Beautiful! This belongs in "Better Homes Than Yours" magazine! I was always pretty happy with my trailer till I joined this site

. Now,... not so much

David

OMG my eyes are leaking

Better Homes Than Yours hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

and, I can relate very much to the second sentence.... sigh.

DavidSo · 10-24-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

OMG my eyes are leaking

Better Homes Than Yours hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

and, I can relate very much to the second sentence.... sigh.

When I read it I just about died laughing too

I think I got that from the Simpsons. Marg was reading the latest issue in one episode.

David

itlives · 12-03-2011, 10:07 AM

You've done a bang-up job on the woodwork. I'm a wood finisher but you wouldn't want me to build anything!
Good job!

Reid Larsen · 12-03-2011, 10:36 AM

I appreciate the compliment. As a cabinet maker and furniture builder it was a fun challenge to redo the cabinets and counter. Just recently completed a cooktop cover and portable step with a compartment for ropes and stakes and the little things you use setting up.