Hello Happy Campers...I am Renee

[Cactus Flower]

Hello Happy Campers! My name is Renee and I have a lifelong appreciation for unique and vintage campers. So far, I've restored a 1969 Phoenix and am currently restoring a 1976 Apache Mesa.

I am here to learn more about fiberglass campers as well as I am in the market for a Casita Spirit Deluxe. I will travel for the right camper.

Looking forward to the thread discussions.

[CalCop]

Welcome to the forum. Here you will find a vast array of knowledge and friendship
So join in and enjoy the conversations.

[Borden]

Welcome to the group

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome, Renee!

You may find the Casita rather boring after your restoration projects. As long as the previous owner(s) kept up with basic maintenance, they just keep going and going and going. You’ll have to content yourself with small cosmetic and functional upgrades.

But seriously, molded fiberglass is a great choice, and the Casita 17 is the top-selling model. One specific issue to watch for is softness in the floor. Casita has a sandwich floor: plywood between two layers of fiberglass. It generally resists water penetration, but if a leak does find its way in through a crack, screw hole, or plumbing cut, and the source isn’t promptly corrected, the plywood can rot. It presents as sponginess when you walk on it. Repair is a messy project you are perhaps looking to avoid this round.

We’d enjoy photos of your previous projects if you care to share. I’ve always had a soft spot for those Apache folding trailers. Saw quite a few in campgrounds as a kid growing up in the 70’s.

Best wishes in your search!

[rgrugg]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Welcome, Renee!

You may find the Casita rather boring after your restoration projects. As long as the previous owner(s) kept up with basic maintenance, they just keep going and going and going. You’ll have to content yourself with small cosmetic and functional upgrades.

But seriously, molded fiberglass is a great choice, and the Casita 17 is the top-selling model. One specific issue to watch for is softness in the floor. Casita has a sandwich floor: plywood between two layers of fiberglass. It generally resists water penetration, but if a leak does find its way in through a crack or screw hole, and the source isn’t promptly corrected, the plywood can rot. Repair is a messy project you are perhaps looking to avoid this round.

We’d enjoy photos of your previous projects if you care to share. I’ve always had a soft spot for those Apache folding trailers. Saw quite a few in campgrounds as a kid growing up in the 70’s.

Best wishes in your search!

The people I’ve known that had Apache hardside campers all said the corners leaked and that was difficult to impossible to stop.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by rgrugg

The people I’ve known that had Apache hardside campers all said the corners leaked and that was difficult to impossible to stop.

Guess that would make it a better choice for the arid SW than other regions. Whatever their shortcomings, they seem to have a small cult following today. I have no wish for a project, so I’ll continue to enjoy them from afar.

[thrifty bill]

I took my vintage 1977 Trillium to a vintage camper rally. Everyone else had photo albums detailing the work they had to do to restore their trailer. Me, I had nothing and could describe my work in a couple of minutes. Kind of felt like I "cheated" to be at that rally.

Listened to one guy about polishing his Airstream. He told everyone he could polish it in about four hours. I was amazed, but then I asked the "key question." "How long did it take the first time?" Answer: "about four months". He then repolishes once every three months to keep it that way.

The first polish of my Trillium took about four hours three years ago, and I haven't had to do it since.

I have a neighbor that is envious of my Trillium. So he bought a similar age stick built camper to rebuild. Then he got into addressing leaks and rot. Turned out the entire trailer was rotten. He tore it down to the frame and then scrapped it all.....