Calling all Trillium 1300 Experts!

[HillaryR]

I currently have my eye on a 1974 Trillium trailer that appears to be in decent condition (going to look at it on Wednesday). I have been trying to figure a few things out and thought maybe I could get some assistance on here. First, I cannot see any electrical outlets in any of the photographs. Is it possible that particular 1974 models do not have this kind of power available? The description states that it has a 12 v battery but doesn't mention anything about additional power. I'd like to be able to plug some things in when I camp on electric sites. Secondly, the model I am looking at does not have a window in the door. I find this odd because virtually every other model I've viewed has a window in the door. It also appears that the furnace has been removed. Is this something I should be concerned about or is it easy to find some kind of replacement heater for the cooler months? I have also been considering adding a small portable AC unit and a small microwave (not to run at the same time). But again, I have concerns about accessibility to power. Any thoughts you have about the subject would be appreciated. I have also been thinking about looking into solar alternatives for power for when I don't have access to electricity but don't know a lot about solar energy (or electricity for that matter). Otherwise, the trailer seems to be in good condition - I will have to inspect it more closely for water damage etc. when I see it in person. One last thing - the description states that it has its original awning. I have researched and cannot find information about how that awning is stored or how I would go about setting it up. If anyone can provide some wisdom on any of the topics I have mentioned here, I would be very grateful!

[Burroman]

Major item of concern is plywood sub floor on these older trailers-Burros, scamps, trillium.
I’d check it with a moisture meter and crawl underneath and probe with a pointed tool.
It’s a major concern, but fixable.

[Steve Hague]

Originally Posted by Burroman

Major item of concern is plywood sub floor on these older trailers-Burros, scamps, trillium.
I’d check it with a moisture meter and crawl underneath and probe with a pointed tool.
It’s a major concern, but fixable.

Dry rot of the structural plywood floor is a major concern in a Trillium 1300. Unfortunately most of the plywood is sandwiched between two thin outer layers of fiberglass and it is difficult to assess directly. The edges of this 1/2 plywood may be visible with a flashlight from the inside of the front and rear bunks. Another way to assess the integrity of the plywood is to feel for sponginess while standing in the middle of the floor. Yet another way is to check for level across the floor from the refrigerator area to the entry door (breakdown of the plywood results in a sag at the door.) I just completed such a repair, and it may not be something you wish to take on.
Steve

[Steve Hague]

Hillary,
I suggest downloading the "Buyer's Checklist" from the Document Center. I think it is a useful tool.

Has the bellyband been reworked? This is a common failure point in vintage Trilliums. I have removed the bellyband on both of mine and found that the backing plates were rusted and needed to be removed. This is a fairly simple fiberglass repair as these things go.

Have the windows been maintained. The butyl tape dries out over time, requiring the windows be removed and reinstalled with new butyl tape. The window gaskets also harden and crack over time. Window gaskets, hinges, regulators, and other parts are available, but this requires that the windows be disassembled.

The frame and torsion axle should also be inspected, but that is beyond my expertise.

Enjoy the adventure.

Steve

[Francis C]

Originally Posted by HillaryR

I currently have my eye on a 1974 Trillium trailer that appears to be in decent condition (going to look at it on Wednesday). I have been trying to figure a few things out and thought maybe I could get some assistance on here. First, I cannot see any electrical outlets in any of the photographs. Is it possible that particular 1974 models do not have this kind of power available? The description states that it has a 12 v battery but doesn't mention anything about additional power. I'd like to be able to plug some things in when I camp on electric sites. Secondly, the model I am looking at does not have a window in the door. I find this odd because virtually every other model I've viewed has a window in the door. It also appears that the furnace has been removed. Is this something I should be concerned about or is it easy to find some kind of replacement heater for the cooler months? I have also been considering adding a small portable AC unit and a small microwave (not to run at the same time). But again, I have concerns about accessibility to power. Any thoughts you have about the subject would be appreciated. I have also been thinking about looking into solar alternatives for power for when I don't have access to electricity but don't know a lot about solar energy (or electricity for that matter). Otherwise, the trailer seems to be in good condition - I will have to inspect it more closely for water damage etc. when I see it in person. One last thing - the description states that it has its original awning. I have researched and cannot find information about how that awning is stored or how I would go about setting it up. If anyone can provide some wisdom on any of the topics I have mentioned here, I would be very grateful!

From the factory,a 1300 only had one electrical outlet. depending on the year, it was either part of the light fixture over the sink { as my '75 was} or just under the window by the dinette

[Patricia Baxter]

I've done a lot of work on our 1973 Trillium 1300. There is no window in the door. There are plenty of places to install outlets, and lots of space to run cable. Your biggest concern should be the condition of the 50 year old (probably rusty) steel frame and torsion axle. We tore the furnace out; a tiny space heater works well. Good luck!
Dale

[thrifty bill]

Window in the door and kitchen were options, many didn’t have them.

On the upper right of the main screen, click on the manufacturers tab and then pick Trillium. IMO of all the 40 to 50 year old FG trailers, Trillium had the best design. But it still had some flaws. Belly band, frame, body to frame bolts, wood inside where windows attached and door hinge wood.

[John McDonald]

Originally Posted by Francis C

From the factory,a 1300 only had one electrical outlet. depending on the year, it was either part of the light fixture over the sink { as my '75 was} or just under the window by the dinette

Was the outlet 12v or 120 v? I think that is the question.

[thrifty bill]

Original just had a 120v outlet.