Oh the joy and disappointment of a 1973 Compact II

[CherylT]

It has been a couple of years since we have used our camper. We spent several hours cleaning the inside and rewashing all the contents. The excitement was mounting.

Then trouble started, First we had to replace a spigot under the water tank, then after filling the tank we had 3 water pipe leaks. We fixed those then when we last used the camper the license plate and holder fell off. We finally found it but the tag was expired and we were not able to renew it on line. Then when we washed it up one of the tire stems started leaking.we were glad we were still home, After all of that we decided not to wait till we got it fixed and just took off in the tow vehicle for a day trip.

Bummer What next?

[Donna D.]

I think these trailers are very similar to motor vehicles. Cars/trucks and the like are actually better off being used than just left to sit. Seals dry out, fuel goes bad (I realize a camper doesn't use gasoline... but does use propane generally), batteries die, plus bugs and varmints like to find a dry place to nest. If used, all these items typically don't happen... or happen when you know it, instead of like you've found out... all at once.

You're half-way there, but glad you got out to enjoy the day even if it was sans trailer.

[CherylT]

You are right. It does make sense to use them regularly. Since March of '08 life has been a struggle, getting laid off, then my husband's employer started paying late, then weeks behind, then he was laid off. Now my hubby got a wonderful job and we now wanted to get away for the weekend. We hope to get the repairs done and try again before it gets too cold. We have many fond memories of previous camping trips.

[Mary F]

We encountered a bunch of problems like that last year - but we were on the road!

It started with a blow-out on a very hot day. While changing the tire we discovered 2 of 3 bolts were missing from a crosspiece underneath the trailer frame. Once we got to our destination we discovered we had no hot water. During the course of clearing the check valve, our little flashlight rolled off the top of the battery box (admittedly a stupid place to lay it!); it took us a couple hours to fish it out...

Anyway, that trip presented a series of challenges, but we overcame them. It made the trip very satisfying, I must say.

So, hang in there. You'll work through all the issues, one by one. And when you're ready to get going again, you'll appreciate it all the more!!

[Mike Ames]

Seems like "sitting" is harder on mechanical things than using them.