Maintenance & Restoration

davidlebrun · 06-12-2006, 02:16 PM

Hi we picked up a used scamp 5th wheel this weekend and I could use a little info on the trailer. The unit was very clean and looked well cared for, AC and Reefer both worked on 110v, no odor's of any kind on the inside. I didtn't see any evidence of water leaks.

Anything special to keep an eye out for.

david

PS;

It came with 1988 Ford Ranger, 2.9L , which I think is a little small. We have a 4.0L Ranger, so I was planing on switching the hitch over to the newer truck.

We're really a bus-nut pair, but I think this unit will work very well for camping in some of the smaller campgrounds.

thanks

Penny Taylor · 06-12-2006, 05:31 PM

Happy to hear from you, and congratulations on your Scamp 5er. I think that they are so neat. I have wanted one, since I first saw one. !!
Yes, I am with you, the 4 lit. Ranger will do a better job, if properly equipped. Did the smaller Ranger come with HD suspension, brake control, tranny cooler, and bigger radiator, too. ?
Don't be a stranger, we would all like to hear about your trailer, and your travels.

jrnutpaul · 06-12-2006, 05:57 PM

Welcome,

The love of my life lived in York, Pa., but that was 40 years ago... anyway, glad to have you as a new member.

Penny didn't mention pictures. We love pictures, please post some when you can.

Paul

David & Leslie · 06-12-2006, 08:18 PM

Hi there, and congratulations on finding the FGRV just right for you

!! Wishing you many safe, happy miles and wonderful memories. Hope to see ya down the road in the future. And yep, we love 'pitchers'

Take care, L 'n D

Donna D. · 06-12-2006, 09:01 PM

Welcome to FiberglassRV and congratulations on achieving Fiberglass Nirvana! I'm a 5th wheel envy-est (is that even a word?). At any rate, we're glad you're here. And yes, we love pictures.

To answer your question, check all the safety stuff; wheel bearings, brakes, gooseneck hitch, tires...you know, the stuff that gets you down the road safely. Then get out and enjoy it, the rest of the stuff you'll find out about as you go along making memories.

davidlebrun · 06-13-2006, 10:51 AM

We'll be picking it up tonite, I have the wife shoot some photo's.

What the current superdoper wax/cleaner to get the oxidation off?

david

Roger H · 06-17-2006, 03:12 AM

There are lots of ways to get the oxidation off. If it's badly oxidized and powdery, washing it using a fine scotchbrite pad applied lightly with lots of soapy water will remove the loose oxidation, followed by a couple of coats of GelGloss (available at most camping stores and boat stores as well as online) will make 'er shine like new! A new coat in the Spring and Fall will keep 'er that way. If it's just slightly oxidized, a good washing followed by a couple of coats of GelGloss ought to do the trick.

Roger

davidlebrun · 06-17-2006, 08:54 PM

Well the last post just went off into the ether. Most of the oxidation came off with a good soap washing the wife give it yesterday.

I got three new tires for it today, mounted and balanced, also checked the brakes and after removing all the cobwebs, things didn't look to bad. I took the brakes apart and cleaned everthing up, springs and stuff, put some white grease on the backing plate and repacked the bearing.

I check with the factory on Friday, and they will sell the compelete, brake set for $96 plus shipping, doesn't sound to bad a price, if anyone's has any better site, let me know.
The above includes everything from the backing plate out.

Changed the goose neck hitch from the 88 ford range, 3.0L 4x4, stick, to our range 02, 4.0l 4x4 auto, I hope this pull's it better. The original 88 Ranger was a little gutless on the way home, of course the PO didn't have any problem, pulling mountain's or anything, LOL. Got to love old guys.

Then next thing is putting a brake controller on the truck, I have two options,
1) take the one out of the 88 and retro into my truck or
2) get a new one,
any thoughts.

thanks for the input and here's some pic's