1973 Trillium- how did I do?

[rollerton]

Hey guys-- just been lurking recently, and came across a 73' Trillium after I got a bright idea that camping might be fun again. I've had many (and by that I mean dozens) of VW busses, many of them campers. But those have become seriously unaffordable. Also didn't want to go back to maintaining anorther old VW.
So, figured a F.G RV might be a decent bus-substitue.
Found this 2-owner 73' Trillium on CL for $4500. It wasn't pretty right off, but other than a few pretty minimal flaws I couldn't find a reason to pass it up. So far I've yanked out a couple funky plywood shelves (since it never had the overhead shelves) scrubbed it inside and out, painted a couple things, repleced the roof vent, and started with the ZEP FLOOR POLISH treatment.
The p.o. recently had ALL cushions rebuilt (new HD foam and microfiber).
And I'm installing curtains pretty quick. I have all the screens.
Everything works well- fridge works on all 3 sources (Lp/12v/110), stove works, tank/pumps, sink all great, and it has very few modifications- a trickle charger, 110v fuse panel/switch w/ Voltmeter.
It cam with a big folder with ALL the manuals and sales literature if anyone is interested.
I'll see if I can post some pics-
But from what I've seen I think I came out Ok on the deal?
-Bob
Central Washington

[bec]

Congratulations ..... think it looks in very good condition ...... you'll love it !

[GreatDane]

Jalousie windows all around! I love them.

[jlbails]

You got a nice, clean one! Lucky find!

[kootenaigirl]

Trilliums are my favourite and it looks like you got one in great shape!

[Robin G]

Congratulations! And Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined the fun..........

[David Tilston]

Nice unit. I like the hubcaps. I have never seen a stove cover like that. It looks like it is in good shape. You will have some fun camping.

[Jill_Schroeder]

This looks wonderful! I love the windows. I think that's a really great price - AND it sounds like you have all new cushions too which I'm finding out can be more than $1000 alone. Has your axel ever been repaired or is it too in good shape?

[rollerton]

I looked around underneath when I took the wheels off. It has a 'bearing buddy' setup and the bearings are less than 2 years old. The frame hardly even has any surface rust, looks great- except for one dent just inboard of the right side axle. Looks like they misjudged a tall rock or something.
But, it doesn't look like it needs any maintenance- I mean, no rust, good bearings, and it sits level so I imagine the torsion bars are Ok?
One thing I'm curious about-- the fridge works on all the sources (110/12v/LP) but the freezer seems to ice up fairly well before the fridge area gets very cold. Then it seems to do a defrost cycle until the ice melts..
So, SUPER cold for a day and a half, then it sort of warms up, then cycles back to cold.
Seems to be worse when on the colder you set it. And, I haven't verified it 100% on 110v, but it seemed like it did that.

[rollerton]

Another thought-- I'm considering pulling out the LP heater to add some extra more accessible storage- for dishes and whatnot. I'll keep the heater of course, and won't do anything irreversible.
But I can't imagine camping somewhere so primitive AND cold that I'd need such a powerful heat source. I mean-- that's why we invented fire, right? Also, it seems like a liability- after only a couple minutes the thing is as hot as a volcano and any wrong move would get you some serious burns.
Also--
I thought of a good way to 'freshen up' the front--Check out the front rock-guard:

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by rollerton

But I can't imagine camping somewhere so primitive AND cold that I'd need such a powerful heat source. I mean-- that's why we invented fire, right?

Depending on when and where you camp, there may be nights when you wish you had one. Yes they can pump out a lot of heat, yet we have found that firing ours up for a few minutes and then leaving the pilot lit all night will keep dampness or chill at bay.

[hajnfur]

Nice Trill! Same year as mine and just slightly different. I don't have the easy access doors on the front bench/bunk bed. Yours looks great!

[Hansen family]

Very nice! I just picked one up one myself..

[rollerton]

Maiden voyage ~ you wouldn't believe the road I towed it down to get there, no problem.





Weird coincidence-- on the way home, look in the background of this shot:

[jlbails]

I've given lots of thought to removing my heater also. The pilot light won't stay lit, and I have no idea how much effort it will take to fix it if it is easier just to remove it and use the space for storage. It just seems like too much heat for a Boler. I camp from April to October, and if I'm not at a plug in for a space heater, then it's warm enough to have the windows open. (I must admit that I camped in Mission, BC in late June and froze all night because the power was out due to a huge storm. Everyone else had turned on their propane heaters...) There are a few reasons to keep it if it works!

I see you are in WA-so much great camping over there!

[jlbails]

PS I'm VERY impressed with your camping spot!

[rollerton]

You would be REALLY impressed with the road down to that spot. I can only describe it as painful to even walk down or up. It's only 150 ft with 2 switchbacks, but its a cardiovascular challenge. Once I comitted it was a breeze, but SOME people in my family had doubts.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by jlbails

The pilot light won't stay lit, and I have no idea how much effort it will take to fix it

Could be a < $20 thermocouple.

[Donna D.]

Check out Roy's reply. It MAY be a simple and (relatively) inexpensive fix!

[floradora]

I just purchased a 1973 Trillium that has been gutted. If you have any manuals I would be more than happy to pay you for it, Flora