Although not visible from the before pic, the frame on my Compact Jr. was in pretty shabby condition. The tongue and rear bumper were covered in coat after coat of white
paint (different shades through the years as I found out) over crusty, rusty, chipped previous coats. I decided that before I tackled the inside I should bring the foundation up to 100%.
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebf156ec9bf7My Compact Jr Rear Rt.JPG/>
I used aircraft stripper to remove the
paint from the tongue and rear bumper. The rest of the frame was just rust.
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebf162031f3cframe before.jpg/>
Next came the hours and HOURS of tedious sandblasting. At this time, I also X-braced the frame and continued the longitudinal center brace to the front. Note also the new mounting points for the swaybar brackets.
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebf16cc698f8frame sandblasted.jpg/>
I applied two coats of Rust Oleum grey primer and two coats of white to the frame. The
axle and leaf springs are silver (a "hammered finish" that looks really good), and the swaybar and brackets are black.
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebf1775025b3frame painted.jpg/>
My wife and I were only able to camp in the trailer once last year (soon after we bought it). The camper leaned mightily in the corners, particularly interstate off-ramps and cloverleafs, even when taken at quite reasonable speeds. I decided the camper needed a swaybar. The unit I used was from a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer 4x4, and it fit really nicely! I'm looking forward to flatter cornering on our next trip!
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebf18e1c28b6frame swaybar.jpg/>
I can't wait to bolt the body back on and hit the road. The interior mods (new
refrigerator,
microwave, a/c, cooktop, refinished cabinets and hardware, etc.......) will probably wait for a while. I don't want the unit out of commission during prime camping season.
Camp Naked!!!!!!!!!!