Maintenance & Restoration

K.L. Hawker · 07-15-2013, 08:39 AM

Hi all! I have been wandering through this website for a few days now as my husband and I search for a fibreglass trailer. You all seem to be a wealth of knowledge, so I thought I would throw out our dilemma and see what can be learned.

We are stuck on the nostalgia of the Boler trailers, but I think the Trilliums have a bit more storage space (?). Are there any other advantages / disadvantages of owning one over the other? Currently we are looking at the following:

1. 1977 Trillium for $3,500 with "a few small leaks that can be fixed with re-caulking the seam."
2. 1976 Boler for $3,500 that has an awning (Trillium doesn't), but there are some water stains leading from the kitchen window corners down to the counter. Owner says not aware of any leaks. Maybe this is normal (?). Also, caulking in corners of trailer seems to be erratic (strips missing in some places).
3. 1980 Boler for $5,500 that has been nicely refinished on the outside, and the inside seems to be kept in great shape too. Waiting on more pictures of the inside. Not updated inside, but looks clean and no signs of water as of yet. And no awning. Can these be easily purchased and installed?

What are your thoughts on Boler vs. Trillium, and on the above choices. Thank you!

Thomas G. · 07-15-2013, 09:12 AM

Welcome to FGRV.

I'd concentrate on the major stuff. Small leaks can be fixed with patience. Cosmetic and decorating stuff can be done as you go along.

Major stuff:

Rotten floor - need to check it very carefully
Sagging door - framing near hinge area gets rotten
Cracked frame - check carefully especially at bends
Sagging axles - all torsion axles sag over time. Check the travel left in the suspension.
Dead refrigerator / furnace

In any case, plan on 3 new tires and a new battery on nearly any used trailer.

David Tilston · 07-15-2013, 09:14 AM

OK, lets go to the pictures......um....I know they must be here somewhere.

TRILLIUMS ROCK! (slight bias)

Thomas G. · 07-15-2013, 09:22 AM

By the way, you can search this forum much more effectively if you use the tip in the graphic below. You will find discussions on most if not all of your other questions.

K.L. Hawker · 07-15-2013, 03:30 PM

Wow, thank you for that search tip. I could not seem to find anything the other way! Will check out what's already been said.

Terranovafox · 07-15-2013, 07:18 PM

Hi, Kimberley.

We just recently purchased a Trillium funny enough in Halifax. We looked long and hard and for quite a while learning and asking questions along the way. Like you, some of the same questions crossed our minds. Other than paying close attention to the major structural issues mentioned above the deciding factors for us were storage space, head room, ventilation, the integrity of the interior cabinetry (making sure there was little to no dry rot) all the while keeping in mind what our "tug" or tow vehicle (TV) could handle. Bowed doors often give problems no matter the make. And leaks will occur but are usually a pretty simple fix if you can stay on top of them. Trust your nose, your gut and your picket book. We recently purchased a Trillium Jubilee which has a straight door and more interior head room.

Terranovafox

valinnes · 07-15-2013, 07:22 PM

Whatever you buy, make sure you check the trailer frame to make sure it is sound. we bought a restored Boler last year, and this year, the trailer frame cracked over the axle. It can't be driven until that's fixed, and that's very expensive.
Val

Terranovafox · 07-17-2013, 02:58 AM

Kimberley.

A final thought on what we looked for included a screened door.

Paul

Donna D. · 07-22-2013, 07:41 PM

Hi Kimberley

to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here.

I offer no opinion whether a Boler or Trillium is best for you... I own a Scamp

I just want to tell you to download and print the Buyer's Check List in the Document Center. You should take a fresh copy with you everytime you check out a trailer

Good luck on your egg hunt!

K.L. Hawker · 07-22-2013, 08:05 PM

Thank you, Donna. I will download that checklist now as we are going to take a look (and hopefully buy) one this weekend. WHEN (not IF) we buy it, we will post pictures. Plan to have it painted on the outside (will have to check the other discussions on how best to do this), and a few other minor things on the inside.

Thanks!
Kimberley

Donna D. · 07-22-2013, 08:14 PM

Kimberley, just a hint. Unless you've already decided the trailer needs paint (and these trailers come from the factory with gelcoat, not painted), we can give you some great information that, with sweat equity and about $30 in supplies, you will have a trailer that shines like new! True story.