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Old 03-09-2016, 05:38 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Name: Marcella
Trailer: Trillium Trailer 1978
California
Posts: 1
Registry
New Trillium Owner - Help!

Hi Everyone! I am the proud new owner of a 1978 Trillium Trailer. This is an awesome place to find suggestions for the renovations I would like to put in place. My current situation is not really knowing exactly where to start. What are typical pressing issues when someone new buys a trailer? It looks to be in decent condition, but would love feedback and comments. My main areas of concern so far are leaks from the windows, I saw it pooling near the back and front after a recent rainstorm, wondering if the ensolite has damage or mold, a very musty smell, old plumbing lines, the heat and refrigerator work, but I am terrified to light it in fear of blowing up. There was minimal work done before I picked up the trailer and waiting to get the full work order to know. So if any of you experts out there can help a young and idealist camper turned glamper I would love some feedback.
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Old 03-09-2016, 06:20 PM   #2
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Name: Mike
Trailer: Boler13/trillium4500/buro13
Ontario
Posts: 1,138
Congrats Marcella on the new trailer.the two main issues with a trillium are the windows and the belly ban leaking . If the windows have or are leaking pull back the Ensolite and check that the inner wooden frame has not rotted as it is very common to do. If they have you will need to remove the screws from the outside and pull out the rotted Wood on the inside. You can recut new frames out of marine grade plywood but I would suggest composit flat stock as it will never rot again. The belly ban fix may be as simple as recaulking the top or exstesive as removing ,rescrewing back the belly ban or even removing the belly ban altogether and refiberglassing the joint . There are many threads here on fixing these issues and many here with great advice and in most cases it will be a simple fix
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Old 03-10-2016, 10:23 AM   #3
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Name: Duane
Trailer: 1976 Trillium 1300
New Brunswick
Posts: 180
New Trillium Owner

Hi congrats on your purchase of a Trillium.
I have a 1976 1300 the window leaks are common on these after a while. I have redone all my windows and it is not that difficult . You will need to make new wood strips 2 1/2 wide with a 45 degree bevel on one edge. These should be at least 6" longer than each window opening for trimming. You will need to buy a roll of butyl window seal at an RV outlet min 3/4 " wide. One of the most time consuming jobs is peeling back the ensolite insulation around the edges. If the wood is damp the glue will let go quite easliy, use a dull putty knife with rounded corners and shear the glue away near the wood itself. I suggest you start with a side window first since these are lighter to handle. Once the ensolite insulation is free remove the screws all around the outside of the window. Use care when removing the black snap on plastic trim strips they are brittle. Use new screws to re-install the windows. I found it easier to mark the new wood using the window opening and a carpenters square to align and cut the pieces , once you are sure that the window will fit the wood frame use a staple gun and tack across the inside corners to keep the wood from shifting. Match the new strips of wood to the old sizes and you should have no trouble doing the job. I painted my wood to seal it ,the factory didn't bother to do this. You should go all over the trailer and inspect for cracks, bends , in the frame and body. turn on the propane and listen first, then use a soapy water solution to test for gas leaks at every joint /connection prior to lighting any appliance. Be thorough and check off each item as you go. There is page here on the site for new buyers as well. Enjoy your new toy and be safe ! Duane
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Old 03-10-2016, 11:06 AM   #4
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Trailer: No Trailer Yet
Posts: 700
Hi Marcella
You may want to look at my thread on this site, and my blog. We are in the process or renovating the Trillium 5500 we bought last summer, and most of what I've done so far is re-sealing leaky windows and replacing rotten wood around them.
Here's my thread:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...0-a-71346.html

Here's the link to my blog. It's in french (my native tongue) but you will find a Google Translate link on the right. Translation is not perfect - I think it's funny sometimes! - but you'll get the idea.
Trillium5500


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Old 03-10-2016, 11:12 AM   #5
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Name: Chris
Trailer: Trillium
British Columbia
Posts: 138
Welcome to the Forum Mercilla..

From the pics it sure looks like it's in good shape.. I concure with the advice provided in the 2 previous replies andwould like to add that if you are not comfortable with firing up your propane appliances - take your Trillium to an RV service center or a propane specialist and have them inspected and tested by a professional.. They will also show you how to operate them properly and remove your fear of them doing nasty things ;-)

The musty smell will probably disappear once the wet wood around the windows has been replaced and the ensolite reattached with contact cement.. Then get some some spic and span and with some elbow grease and a fine plastic scrub brush wash the ensolite and you will have a fresh smelling and clean interior to enjoy and dream about where your first Trillium adventure might take place..
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Old 03-10-2016, 11:13 AM   #6
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Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
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Don't worry about blowing up. Your propane appliances are quite safe.

Nice Trillium by the way.
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