My new 1984 U Haul camper!

[LoloB]

Hi there! Just joined the site after researching about my new addition to the family this weekend. My new 1984 U-Haul camper is in my drive way and ready for some cosmetic changes and a good cleaning. I plan on painting her, tearing up the carpeting and finding new flooring, reupholstering the cushions , buying new tires and a handful of other little upgrades here and there. Was wondering what kind of luck people have had with changing and upgrading the solar panel on the top? Let the fun begin!!!

[LoloB]

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[Brandiwhne]

Welcome!! Is your solar panel nonfunctioning? My original still works great. Which state are you in?

[LoloB]

I literally got her home yesterday afternoon so I haven't tried the solar yet. How is the solar panel performing for you? What are you running off it?


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[LoloB]

Oh and I'm in Atlanta GA. You?


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[keekers]

Welcome, you will find good information here and good people always willing to help. Always nice to find another CT owner. Did you purchase one of the Florida units that were offered for sale?

[Brandiwhne]

I'm on a plane leaving Atlanta Ga to head to San Antonio Texas. Lol

Mine charges a battery and runs all interior lights.

[LoloB]

No actually found a guy on craigslist in Alabama who was selling it for his father in law. Certificate of origin lists it as being sold to him in 1991 at a uhaul location in downtown Atlanta. I'm guessing that's about the time uhaul decided to stop renting them? I'd love to find out how many were built originally.


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[frank_a]

Congrats Lolo! Make sure you have someone check out the hubs. If it's been sitting a while, I would recommend removing the bearings & seals, cleaning all the old grease out, re-installing new bearings (with new high quality grease, like Lucas Red & Tacky) & seals.

When I get new tires for our trailer, I'm getting radials. I have found them over time to be much better than bias belted.

Best of luck with the rebuild!

Frank

[LoloB]

Thanks Frank! I will check it all out it has a slight lean on it and I'm definitely
Wanting to get new tires soon.


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[mary and bob]

Don't listen to Frank about the bearings. Uhaul uses a sealed bearing hub that can not be disassembled or greased. They should however be checked for any play or roughness. They are no longer available from Uhaul, but some car hubs are the same. The original solar panel was not intended to charge the battery, only maintain it while on the rental lot. There is a Facebook group for Uhaul owners, lot of good info there, and in the document center here.

[papa-t]

Welcome Lolo. Looking forward to the changes you'll make and more photos in the future.

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

Don't listen to Frank about the bearings. Uhaul uses a sealed bearing hub that can not be disassembled or greased. They should however be checked for any play or roughness. They are no longer available from Uhaul, but some car hubs are the same. The original solar panel was not intended to charge the battery, only maintain it while on the rental lot. There is a Facebook group for Uhaul owners, lot of good info there, and in the document center here.

Oops, sorry, never heard of that sealed bearing thing before! Ya learn sumpin new every darn day!

Frank

[violet]

Welcome lots of great ideas here & very helpful group & friendly

[mary and bob]

Gotcha Frank !! Everything on Uhauls is odd, apparently designed for maintenance issues and anti-theft. Their parts don't fit anything else.Also just about every removable item is marked "Uhaul" or "property of Uhaul, not to be sold". A few parts still available from Uhaul, but the most sought after piece, the tail light lens, is unobtainable.

[Borrego Dave]

Wonder when someone with a 3D copier is going to start making tail light lenses and such ?

[mary and bob]

Dave; it's been discussed already about making the lenses with a 3D printer, but nobody will give up one for a model.

[CindyL]

I tried to get UPS to make a 3D one. The guy I talked to was enthusiastic, but there is more to it. It takes special plastic; I found some that might work for sale in the Netherlands, but I am not sure. It is transparent, but I don't know how it will work. You have to make a CAD drawing. I found software that will make the drawing and began one. UPS management said no. I don't have a printer to mess with it myself.

CindyL

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

A few parts still available from Uhaul, but the most sought after piece, the tail light lens, is unobtainable.

Aha! Unobtainium. Nearly impossible to source...

Frank

[mary and bob]

Uhaul does sell aluminum adapters to replace the curved tail light assemblies with a standard 4" round light. I have a set if something happens to my original lights, but don't like the looks of them and would try another idea if it becomes necessary.