Radical mod?

[Christian in FL]

Hi fellow fiberglass friends, I have a 1300 Boler circa 1974 that I am planning to renovate and live in full-time. I am considering fabricating a longer trailer, cutting my egg open and adding some much needed length. Probably about five or six feet. Interior renovation will include adding a bathroom. Any thoughts on this? I want to know the odds of my success before I pick up a saw and cut.

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[Timber Wolf]

Lisa, I don't know any kinder way to say this except this is one of the worst ideas I have heard of for a mod on a FGRV. This is a very significant fiberglass, wood, and metal work project. Only someone with a LOT of money, time, tools, indoor workspace, and experience in the dark arts required should ever attempt something like this. That said, people have made worse work I suppose. My suggesstion would be to just order a 17' Casita set up like I wanted and be happy!

[kirkman]

Some where on here is a post where some one did just what you are planing. It is quite a big job and does take a lot of skill.


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[FRED SMAILES]

Welding and frame modification or replacement +- 5000
fiberglass work, bodywork and paint +-10000
carpentry +- 2000
Plumbing, fixtures +- 4000
electrical +- 1000
____________
+-22,000
how much of this can you do yourself?

[David Tilston]

For the amount of work and money, you would be better off selling your Scamp, and buying something you can live in. Maybe a Bigfoot 19, or something similar. The cost difference between your sell an buy price would likely be much less then the project you propose.

That said, it has been done:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...oot-44623.html

[Steve_N_Janna]

Another option to consider - provided you do not plan to be frequently on the move - is the purchase of a sturdy cabin tent. Pitch the tent next to the trailer to serve as a living room/dining room/kitchen. Use the Boler as your high & dry bed room.

Steve

[Jack L]

In addition to the work and cost, there is also the time needed to complete the project. You would not be using your trailer for camping for months.

[Ian G.]

My initial reaction was similar to what has been mentioned but I am more interested in what skills you have? I know some very skilled and talented ladies in welding, autobody, woodworking, etc. A project like you are describing is a huge undertaking but if you have the skills and abilities ....

[Bob Miller]

In as much as alternatives are available I, for one, can't see how this makes any sense at all.


Adding that much length & weight will mandate a second axle, brakes and lots of expensive metal work. And then there is the coach work. Unless you are a skilled and experienced fiberglass worker it will, in a word NEVER get done.


Best bet, sell what ya got and buy what you need.


Predicted chances of success, somewhere between nil and none.
Chances of having a pile trailer parts and a lot of receipts in a year = 100%

[Donna D.]

Hi Lisa

If you're willing to throw enough time, effort and money at something... you could be succesful, truly.

I have a couple of links that show where what you plan to do CAN happen. In both cases, we're talking months and months of effort (working, family, etc. getting into the way).

I'm not trying to change your mind, truly. But if you think this is a simple solution to your problem/issue.

Take your bucks/time and buy the trailer that fits your needs.

I'm afraid you'd get part way through your dream and lose steam (money, effort, time). That's why we often see partial rehabbed all molded towables for sale.

Best of luck!

[Pam Garlow]

If I needed a larger trailer, I'd sell the 13 and just get a 16. You will wind up investing $$$ to change up this little trailer to a big one, and it seems that you might just as well go find a larger one that needs minor repairs.
The 16s are easier to find, and per square foot, they tend to be a very nice bargain (especially the Scamp 16s). And you might just get a bathroom along with the bargain!

[Christian in FL]

Well thanks everyone for the input. I do realize it would be a big project, but since it would be my permanent home it would be worth it.
Thanks In for giving my gender some credit. I do have skills that will allow me to do much of the work myself. I will hire out the frame fabrication, since I have not done welding. I am planning to incorporate some metal supports to be fixed to the frame to support the stretch section. That's as far as my plan goes right now. I will continue my planning and keep you all posted.

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[Christian in FL]

Sorry Ian, my speller "corrected" your name out of my post. Donna, could you post those links? Thanks.

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[Donna D.]

You got it Lisa. Read all the way through both threads!

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ver-39287.html

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...oot-44623.html

[neparker]

Lisa, one other option to consider, given that you have many of the skills you need, is to renovate your current Boler, sell it at a profit, then invest in a larger trailer. Perhaps one that is the right size, but needs the reno work that you can easily provide.


-- Anne

[Christian in FL]

Thank you everyone for your input and concern. Everything I know about Bolers I have learned from this forum. After some thought, I have decided to get the extra space I think I will need from my TV. Either a truck with a cap or a van. My little egg will be tight for me and my little family, but we will work it out with an add a room. I'll start a new post when I begin my renovation.

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[David Tilston]

Lisa, I think a van would be a great idea. At least that is what we did for our family of 7.

[Christian in FL]

7, in a Boler?! Must have been much bigger than my 1300, phew!

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