Am I nuts? Is it possible?

[wglyons]

Greetings to all from Alachua, Florida!!!

The below camper has been sitting in my mother-in-law's back yard for I don't know how long. I've been considering a major project - and this could be it, my own little "diamond in the rough". My question for all - based on what you see, is it beyond repair, or am I just in for one crazy battle? I'm unsure of the frame at this point, so really just curious about thoughts from a cosmetic perspective. I have been browsing around this forum for a bit the past couple of days, and it looks to be a wealth of knowledge. It looks like a little bit of elbow grease combined with a little bit of searching on the internet machine, could produce amazing results, thanks to forums like this...

I have more pics, so if you want to see something specific, just ask!!!

Any comments, suggestions, positives, negatives, and anything in between is appreciated...

By the way, this is my first post - and away we go!!!!

Greg
1975 Trillium 13'
2013 Dodge Durango
Alachua, Florida

[KevinPete]

Do it! Looks like it's pretty much all there, just a matter of what needs to be replaced, and what can be repaired. Also depends on how many months or years you're willing to put into the project. Just washing it thoroughly would probably make it look more like a viable project. Lots of information here, and it seems like the price is right.

[Bob Miller]

Ya... Go For it, a can of barkeepers friend and 20 coats of ZEP Wet Look and it will look like new... LOLOLOL

But seriously, it looks like a very viable project.
Check out the frame for rust damage and get new tires on those rims before you pull it on a public road.

One of the many great features about molded fiberglass is that you almost always have good bones to build on.

[honda03842]

Our son bought a 1977 Scamp 13 and after a little elbow grease it has served them well. We did have to clean his with dawn, then bleach and barkeepers. It looks good and more importantly the shell is water tight. On his we did have to replace a portion of the floor.

The most vulnerable portion and costly is a 3-way fridge, Since the Trillium is old it probably never had one. As suggested I would clean the outside and you'll be surprised how good it can look then check the floor.

Oops it does have a 3 way fridge. If that works it will be
wonderful.

[alan H]

Most definitely go for it.....it appears to be all there....like others will say a good scrubbing on both inside and outside will do wonders.....I always loved those trailers and would love to find one as a project...Best of luck

[Jack L]

Just curious. Do you have the title ?

[wglyons]

Thanks for the responses. I doubt there is a title. If there was one, it's long gone by now. Apparently, this was acquired years ago as a trade for work done by my in-laws. There is info in terms of the serial number and manufactured date on varies locations on the camper. Is there specific info you are looking for?

[David Tilston]

What you have is a 1975, or earlier Trillium 1300. The fridge is likely an RM24, and the furnace is a Duo-Therm 7000 BTU model. It has the optional front and rear shelves. Also the optional doors in the front of the gaucho, (couch that turns into a bunk).
In short, your trailer is LOADED for the year.

Previous Owner, (PO) mods:
Window in the door, (looks like the correct size for a kitchen window)
Exterior plug below the curb side window, (handy)
Window mounted AC unit, (how much of the original window is there?)

The only thing I see that makes me concerned is that the rear shelf has collapsed. I have never seen that before. Can you post a picture from the front of the trailer looking back towards the shelf. These shelves are supposed to be attached to plywood frames on the inside of the windows that the aluminum window assemblies screw into from the outside. With that collapsed, I have to assume that the plywood is rotten. You are also missing the outside fridge vent. I have a couple of spares, just let me know the dimensions of the opening. I can probably send you a replacement.

If you can stand in front of the kitchen and jump up and down and the floor doesn't feel spongy, then that trailer is well worth saving.

Other then the previously requested picture of the rear shelf, I would love if you held down the right side of the data sheet that is inside the closet door. That is where the serial number is. If you have the manufacture date, then I definitely want both that and the serial number. I am always looking to get more actual dates on this list:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post483603
That will also allow me to ad this trailer to the list.

Additional pictures requested:
The inside of the gaucho, and the dinette seats.
The outside rear of the trailer.

[Darral T.]

Definitely not for the faint of heart! But, one thing I noticed was the old "HotPoint" A/C. It was made right here in my home town by the GE plant. It was called a "Carry Cool". I still have a couple.

If you DO decide this, PLEASE post as you go and let us watch the restoration. Then you'll be bombarded to bring it to rallies for all to see.

[wglyons]

Wow - amazing information...

Regarding the title, I'll double check when I get in touch with my mother-in-law. In the mean time, I'll check out the info on the forum with options for titling an abandoned vehicle.

Please see the attached photos...let me know if these help...



Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by wglyons

Thanks for the responses. I doubt there is a title. If there was one, it's long gone by now. Apparently, this was acquired years ago as a trade for work done by my in-laws. There is info in terms of the serial number and manufactured date on varies locations on the camper. Is there specific info you are looking for?

As it still has plates on it, it should be pretty easy to trace the title based on those! If your in laws never used it or put plates on it.

I agree with the others - I would get to work sealing it up and scrubbing it inside and out. Remove all the cushions and wash the covers and the form and check the floor for rot and go from there! Nothing to loose!

[CindyL]

To start with, just wash it. I bet you will not even ask the question when you see the results ! Even if you don't want it, there are those who would pay good money if you secure a title. However, it might begin an addiction in you that the rest of us have too .


CindyL

[wglyons]

I've heard of support before, but this is amazing...thank you all so very much!!!

Here's a few more pics...the 4th photo is what some of the exterior is covered with...







Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[David Tilston]

OK, your trailer is going to be added to the list. One quick observation that really supports the idea of saving this trailer is that the Ensolite, (spongy insulation) also known as elephant hide does not seem to be separated from the fibreglass shell anywhere. Is that true?
The serial number is just after 13-1102981 This puts it most likely Feb 1975, or March 1975. Could you also post any marks that indicate manufacture date?

On Edit:
OK the updates are comming fast and furious. May 1975. I guess sales were kinda slow that year. Feb for 13-1102981 and May only 8 trailers later.

[Dudley]

Go for it! I would check into the licensing first as I would hate to see you not be able to use it after all the work. I agree with the rest of the folks, scrub and scrub some more. I used bleach and water to kill the mold inside and out then see if there is a floor left especially under the fridge where rain may have gotten in through the missing vent cover.

No title is no real problem in Alberta as a bill of sale seems to cover it but in some states I guess its a real show stopper and can take a lot of paperwork and grief.

[wglyons]

The elephant hide appears to be intact, but it looks like some of the plastic seam cover has come loose in places. Is it recommended to keep this covering? I guess it works as sound dampening, but I have seen other restoration projects where this material was removed to get down to the bare shell.







Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by wglyons

I doubt there is a title. If there was one, it's long gone by now. Apparently, this was acquired years ago as a trade for work done by my in-laws.

Then you might be interested in this:
Florida DHSMV - FAQs on Getting a Hassle Free Title

[Dudley]

Looks like trailers under 2000lbs do not need a title, you may be off the hook.

[Rich and Rei]

Check frame first-you may have more work to do there.
Windows need to be checked for leaks.
Soap and water and Bar Keeoers Friend for the outside.
If that works then a nice wax will make it shine.
The inside can be redone to suit your taste.
New tires may be needed.
We have a 1970 Campster that looked almost that bad outside and was absolutely trashed inside.
Some new plumbing, wiring, new floor and paint-yes,
we spent lots of time and elbow grease but now have a vintage beauty.
It can be done and is rewarding.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by wglyons

I've heard of support before, but this is amazing...thank you all so very much!!!

Here's a few more pics...the 4th photo is what some of the exterior is covered with...

Attachment 77288
Attachment 77289
Attachment 77290
Attachment 77291


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

It will all come off. Some might suggest a power washer but I would be reluctant to use one, unless you have a low power option and stay away from the windows. The power washer may blow apart what ever seals you have left on the windows. If you don't have a covered spot to put it in once you have it cleaned up and no time to take the windows out and reseal them you might be sorry..... I would hose it down and use a really big scrub brush to start with to get the worst off... then start working on a section at a time with bar keeps friend and a hand scrub brush. I would then probable try using one of the 3M Marine Fiberglass products to get the shine back once it was clean but I know others here will suggest Zip floor wax, which given the age of the trailer may give you the highest rate of return/shine on time spent.

Before you tow it anywhere make sure you put new wheel bearings and tires on it - that is assuming the outside lights work.