AR | SOLD '78 Trillium 1300 $2900 half restored

[Ruth C.]

My husband gave me until spring 2012 to finish my project or get it out of the yard. It didn't happen then, and it's not going to happen this year, either. I've written up what I think is a pretty thorough description. When I get all of my tools, cleaning supplies, etc. out of the interior, I'll put in the new cushions and take some pics. For now, the "before" photos are in my album. Please remember that these trailers look a LOT better in the photos than they do in reality!


Major things to know:
This is a 13' trailer that sleeps 3 as is. I've sent some pics to another '70s Trillium owner, and he thinks it may have had a bunk at one time to sleep 4. If that's the case, the bunk is no longer there.
It is also all-electric right now although the propane lines are still intact and tucked out of the way. I took out the 110V fluorescent lighting because not only was it ugly and not original to the trailer, it was also dangerously wired by an amateur. I've put in LED battery-operated lights instead.
The refrigerator is an electric replacement. I'd like to have ultimately found a good, used 3-way (Gas/AC/DC) but have had no success. It hasn't been an issue, so I haven't been hunting too aggressively. I did paint this fridge so it isn’t such a glaring substitution.

Two things this trailer has that are desirable are a door window and a kitchen window. Trillium added those in the late '70s.
It also has the original, elusive Bargmann lock.

Improvements so far:
All windows were pulled, the wood replaced, cracked/broken glass replaced, and everything reassembled with stainless steel screws.
The interior seam cover strips were taken down, cleaned, boiled, and reshaped.
The front window stone guard’s Trillium decal was repainted red (to match upcoming red racing stripe)

There was a hideous air conditioner hanging out the back window that someone stuck in. I removed that and replaced the missing glass with Lexan. It's a good temporary fix until I can find an original escape window, but they are not to be found.

A previous owner took out the furnace, and since a small electric heater would do the trick, I put in a new 5000 btu air conditioner in the vacant spot, instead. In the pictures, it's now in the hole under the sink.
I replaced the cushion covers with indoor/outdoor decorator fabric. The cushions are reversible two design looks.

To Be Done:

I also replaced the roof vent and still need to caulk up there. That is a top priority

The air conditioner has a baffle/collar directing the hot air out the old furnace vent. The few times I've run it have produced no condensation, so although there is a drain pan/drain hose under it, I haven't drilled the hole in the fiberglass to run the hose out. I have spent so much time repairing other owners' messy modifications to get it back to original, I abhor the thought of purposely drilling a hole! I'll get over it, though.

Some of the Philips hinges on the windows have broken. They haven't affected how tightly the windows close (yet), so replacing them is down toward bottom of my list.

The frame/tongue is in good shape, but I intend to wire brush it and repaint with rust inhibiting paint.

The tires probably have a few hundred miles left on them at most. There is definite crackling on both. The spare is just fine.

I've got two boxes of floating Pergo flooring to put over the (original?) linoleum and carpet. I'm leaving the old materials down for added insulation. I also wasn't sure how this Pergo would work; it might be too much unnecessary weight. If so, I can just take it out again and revert to what's in there now.

I've got a jug of the RedMax Pro I read about on the forum. I'm waiting to pull the trailer onto a level area for a good wash and treatment with the RedMax. I'm also going to create new "trillium" decals for the front and back in red to match the new logo on the front stone guard. I was also going to redo the racing stripe in red instead of the current orange. Thus, the exterior would be all cream and red as opposed to the cream, orange, and green.

There is an additional wood brace attached to the frame. I posted pictures on the forum for the pros to assess, and nobody saw a problem with it UNLESS it was a quick fix for another problem, like a rotten subfloor. However, I don't see any evidence of that. The exposed flooring is old but dry, and there is no evident "give" on any of the unexposed parts. I could pull everything up to check it out, but since I am not equipped to repair it, I was prepared to use it as is.

There are plenty of other little things that need replacing to make this one of those expensive renovation jobs. The door gaskets are unsightly but work just fine. The door hinges were painted for some reason, but they, too, are just fine. One hinge has two extra bolts in it, so something must have been up with that years ago. It closes and locks just fine right now. (bottom of list)

I'm sure there are other cosmetic improvements needed, but I can't think of any right now. If I see some when I go down to take pictures, I'll pass them on.

A few of the cosmetic plastic screw cover strips around the windows on the exterior won't fit since a previous owner used larger than the original screws when the windows were worked on at some point. When I redid the windows, I had to use the same sized screws, and the heads are preventing the screw cover strips from snapping on. I haven't taken time to figure out how fix/alter them. (bottom of list again)
As I said, I have been working on this trailer way too slowly. Even though I've enjoyed every minute of it, I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew, and since I declared that this was going to be MY project (so I didn't end up holding the flashlight as usual), I haven't dared ask for my husband's help. He has been great with answering my questions, and the forum has been phenomenal with my questions about products, processes, etc. I just was hoping to be able to take it out camping on my own by now, and it's still a ways from that. I'm a writer, and my recent book has kept me busy since its August publication. I've got book signings to attend on that one and pressure to finish my next. Time is just getting away, and I'm spending less and less time on the trailer. Also, we own a 17' Casita, so it's not like this procrastination is keeping us from camping.

All in all, I think this gives a good idea of the condition. If I end up having to finish it up, I figure it'll be worth $3200-$3500 in this part of the country, but I really hope someone wants it as is!
Ruth

[Roy in TO]

Wondering if Randy needs another for his fleet? Might be close enough.

[Randy Bishop]

Roy
Now you have went and done it.. My wife's going to kill me if I get this one... sent Ruth a P.M. I don't really know where in Arkansas it's located.... I'll let you know where to look for the body if I buy it..............

[David Tilston]

Remember me in your will Randy. The red one, (78 4500?) is nice.

Ruth, would you like to add your trailer to the Trillium serial number list? A picture of the data sheet on the inside of your closet door would be all I need.

[Belinda]

Ruth, is this still for sale? Is it towable as is? Where in Arkansas is the trailer? Are there more pictures?Thanks
Belinda

[Ruth C.]

Thanks for all of the messages and interest.