U-Haul CT-13 Project - Detroit - Fiberglass RV
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Old 11-15-2015, 04:47 PM   #1
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Michigan
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U-Haul CT-13 Project - Detroit

Yesterday I picked up my first ever camper -

A 1986 U-Haul CT-13!

I'll use this thread to detail the work done on it!
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Exterior - Before.jpg   Exterior - Before 2.jpg  

Exterior - Before 3.jpg  
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Old 11-15-2015, 04:55 PM   #2
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Here are some shots of the interior when we got it.

Notes:

-AC installed through the fiberglass.
-Ice Box removed, Dorm Fridge installed.
-Stove & Sink missing
-Furnace missing
-Table top & post missing
-Roof vent cap missing.
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Interior - Before 7.jpg   Interior - Before 6.jpg  

Interior - Before 3.jpg  
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Old 11-15-2015, 05:12 PM   #3
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Here are some shots after an initial gut.
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Old 11-15-2015, 05:14 PM   #4
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three more.
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gutting 4.jpg   gutting 5.jpg  

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Old 11-16-2015, 08:10 AM   #5
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Looks like you've got a reasonable platform to begin with, there. At least, I don't see floor rot, for instance, which some have struggled with. What are your plans for the camper? Semi-restored, or customized however you see fit? [I ask that because you mentioned several missing pieces of original equipment, and I don't know if that's a problem, or just how it is.]
I'll have some of those original pieces, if you're wanting them......... furnace and stove, for instance, and maybe the sink. I'm working at repairing body damage from a collision on my 85 CT, so I haven't got around to the more normal decisions just yet. By spring, I should know what I'm keeping and what I'm swapping out.
Best of luck on the project, either way.
Gary [central IA]
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Old 11-16-2015, 08:14 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by groys02 View Post
Looks like you've got a reasonable platform to begin with, there. At least, I don't see floor rot, for instance, which some have struggled with. What are your plans for the camper? Semi-restored, or customized however you see fit? [I ask that because you mentioned several missing pieces of original equipment, and I don't know if that's a problem, or just how it is.]
I'll have some of those original pieces, if you're wanting them......... furnace and stove, for instance, and maybe the sink. I'm working at repairing body damage from a collision on my 85 CT, so I haven't got around to the more normal decisions just yet. By spring, I should know what I'm keeping and what I'm swapping out.
Best of luck on the project, either way.
Gary [central IA]
My plans are to do a clean remodel, that's not gaudy. I don't need things to be original - I need them to function well and not look totally out of place. I'm still a while out from those decisions as well - so I will keep your generosity in mind! thank you!
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Old 11-16-2015, 09:14 AM   #7
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Welcome, Christopher, to the Uhaul family. We own one of the larger ones, the VTs.

And welcome to the Facebook Uhaul group too. I admitted you there; I remember your picture (As admin, I have to be somewhat nosey before I admit.).

Both groups will give you plenty of help, and most Uhaul owners here are there too and vice versa.

Original Uhaul stickers are available if you want them or you can also ask them to be modified. Ours have some blue that are not original.

And, if you are interested, we are having a rally in Bardstown, KY next June 10, 11, 12. You can reserve here: MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE PARK, KY - Campground & Camping Details - ReserveAmerica - [KY] but check the Facebook posting about the rally for the ones that we recommend you not use. I don't have the numbers off the top of my head.

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Old 11-18-2015, 07:41 AM   #8
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My first plan of attack is to rewire the brake, turn, and running lights. They are currently not working, and I would love to have clean, working, runs for all my electrical.

I've done some searching and cannot seem to find specific threads on this.

I will be following Tom's Diagram that utilizes the Curt 56196 Adapter.

My questions are:

-anything specific I should be aware of when re-wiring?
-what is the best gauge and type of wiring for this?
-did I miss a thread on this somewhere?

Thanks guys!
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Old 11-18-2015, 10:19 AM   #9
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I hope you posted this on Facebook. You will get loads of help there, some of which is not available here.

CindyL
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Old 11-18-2015, 10:20 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CindyL View Post
I hope you posted this on Facebook. You will get loads of help there, some of which is not available here.

CindyL
heading there now
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Old 11-28-2015, 09:27 AM   #11
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Instead of tackling wiring, I decided I should give my frame some love....work from the ground up!

The previous owner had installed a window AC unit under the dinette by cutting out some fiberglass. That will be fun to patch...

With the help of my father and a few friends, we were able to remove the shell from the body.

A good majority of the bolts snapped off while removing (which was actually preferred to a clean bolt removal. MUCH faster). We then used a car jack and some wood spanning across the underside to jack the shell up enough to slide 2x4's in between. We did this on the front and the back. This allowed us to use a hi-lo (VERY carefully...) to remove the shell. We pulled the frame out from underneath and set the shell down on furniture dollys with 2x4's extending out.

The frame is in MUCH better shape than I anticipated. Before removing the frame, I knew of two 1" rust holes that were visible from the outside. I expected to find more spots like this on hidden parts of the frame. To my surprise - the frame is in phenomenal shape! No cracks and no more than surface rust underneath!

My plan is to take the frame to a trailer shop to have them fix up those two rust holes (they are on the round tubing) and attach a new coupler. Then I will do some wire brushing and painting of some sorts!

A few things:

  • What preventative rust measures have people used?
  • Has anyone replaced the 3" rubber washers between the shell and the frame?
  • What paint have people used?
  • Anything glaring that I may be missing so far?
Attached Thumbnails
shell removal - 1.jpg   shell removal - 2.jpg  

shell removal - 3.jpg   shell removal - 4.jpg  

shell removal - 5.jpg   shell removal - 6.jpg  

shell removal - 7.jpg   shell removal - 8.jpg  

shell removal - 9.jpg   shell removal - 10.jpg  

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Old 11-28-2015, 09:32 AM   #12
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A few more photos - Including the previous owner's poor AC installation.

Also includes a photo of the cover I purchased on eBay - "Deluxe UHaul CT-13 13' travel trailer Camper Cover w/Zipper Door Access"
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shell removal - 1 (1).jpg   shell removal - 2 (1).jpg  

shell removal - 11.jpg   shell removal - 12.jpg  

shell removal - 13.jpg  
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Old 11-28-2015, 10:34 AM   #13
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Wow your off to a great start
I agree with the exception of the spots you mentioned the frame looks to be in good shape
Keep up the good work and keep us updated with your write up and of course pics



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Old 11-28-2015, 11:47 AM   #14
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Here's some photos of the rust holes.
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByFiberglass RV1448732849.929154.jpg
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ID:	90850Click image for larger version

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Size:	104.5 KB
ID:	90851


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Old 11-28-2015, 01:12 PM   #15
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Christopher,
Congratulations!... solid frame, and the care you took removing it.
I've used POR15 before on car & pickup frames, with good results. Fairly pricey product, as paint goes, but definitely good & tough. Got something fairly similar on the most recent car frame project... Chassis Saver. Available in 2 or 3 colors/finishes, available in quart cans, and still very tough... I liked it. [available where automotive finish products are sold... Arnold Motors, O'Reilly's, etc]
With either product, it seems that even with considerable care in cleaning the lids when done using, they pretty much "weld" themselves to the can........ so I liked being able to buy a quart, use most of it, let the rest harden up thoroughly, and then dispose of it. [your results may vary]
Good luck on your project,
Gary
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15-1128-ChassisSaver paint.jpg  
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Old 11-30-2015, 09:05 AM   #16
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Hey Christopher,
I have also begun a rehab on a Uhaul.
Your great pictures have helped me with what to expect.
I won't be removing the shell. I will be learning to lay fiberglass though.
I do have a question for you and the group.
In the photo of the frame from the passenger rear quarter, I see a 3/4" pipe with a yellow plug or cap.
Any idea what is for?
On my frame it is tack welded in a different location.
Keep up the progress photos. Maybe I should post some as well.
I'll be watching,
Steve
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Old 11-30-2015, 09:57 AM   #17
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I think that's probably the registration tube. Usually we owners find them empty, but sometimes there's a registration or some such tucked in there.
[I think I got this info right... more senior members will probably chime in.]
Gary
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Old 11-30-2015, 10:16 AM   #18
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Hey Bob!

I'd love to see your project. You should start a thread.

As far as I know it is the registration tube. Mine was empty.

I plan on putting something in there. I'd love to hear what others have done!


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Old 11-30-2015, 11:50 AM   #19
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BobDog Steve,

If you have not joined us on Facebook, do so. There is a lot of help there too, some of which is not available here. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UHaulCamper/


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Old 11-30-2015, 12:21 PM   #20
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POR 15, after opening the can use wax paper or saran wrap under the lid so you can open it again. I put my leftover in a glass jar with screw lid with saran wrap between the lid and jar. That worked OK, but then after the jar sat on a shelf for a couple years it somehow got a crack in it and I found a 1/4" thick solid chunk of POR on the shelf with other paint cans stuck in it. Check Eastwoods site for a similar product.
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