10 Eggs Shy of a Carton: My Instant Remodel

[Michele B]

How to remodel a 1985 13' Casita Patriot Deluxe:

1. Ask around for advice
2. Start gathering components and drawing schematics
3. Arrange to borrow somebody's covered driveway for 2 weeks
4. Look at calendar, contemplating upcoming camping opportunities
5. Contemplate other unfinished projects
6. Buy a nicely-restored 1988 13' Casita Patriot Deluxe for less than aggregate cost of initial price of trailer #1, plus estimated repairs (but not counting marriage counseling bills).
7. DONE!

Yep, I now have two trailers in my driveway. Still haven't completely decided if I'm going to sell the '85 right away, though I have offered it to a friend and will sell it to him if he wants it. Part of me wants to tackle the renovations, now that I have a working trailer in which to camp in the meantime...I have a lot of ideas for #1 (Esther Egg) and I think I could send her out for some of the finish work after following Robert Johan's advice and doing all the tear-out myself.

Having the two trailers side-by-side really gives me ideas on how hard (or easy) certain repair jobs might be.

The "new" trailer was recently restored...in great condition, obviously much-loved. It was kind of a "surprise" find, and a great deal, so I had a nice big fat grin on my face the whole ride home. And yes, got the usual "ooohs" and "aaaahs" at every stop.

So unless I go for a Three Egg Omelette and find myself a 17', I'll have a different trailer at the April NOG than I had at the Fall rally...both, if I can con my buddy into buying Esther and bringing it along!

[Donna D.]

Congrats Michelle! Either trailer you bring, we'll look forward to seeing you at the NOG.

Have any pictures of the new-to-you trailer to post

[Michele B]

Thanks, Donna...and, LIKEWISE!

I've posted pics in my Trailer Registry, so they can be accessed in my profile. Coffee hasn't kicked in, but when it does I'll post them here, too.

[Robin G]

Congrats! ( you so sound like me, I bought 2 within a few weeks of eachother) Only because I found the perfect, much newer trailer.

And yes, the travel home with both was the best feeling. The first one, an 85 in need of love, just because I finally scored a egg ! The second 07 because I found the perfect egg for us .

The first was an easy sell.

Have fun with the restoration if you decide to take it on.