New Hunter owner. Is it a Compact or a Jr.?

[gfowkes]

Hello all,

New to the forum and new to the world of fiberglass campers, but super excited.

I recently bought, based on pictures alone, a 1971 Hunter "Compact". I'm going down to get it on Sunday. He lost the title, so that will be a bit of a hassle, but the price was right.

Few questions.

1. Is it a Jr. or a Compact?

2. I'll be bringing new tires with me. While the shop is mounting the tires, I'll be repacking the bearings in the parking lot. Anything else I should check before driving?

3. Any links to comprehensive restorations of similar trailer?

Thanks in advanace.
Greg

[Bob Miller]

No question, it's a Hunter Compact Jr.

Here's a link to some pics of my recently finished Compact-II
advocateone's Library | Photobucket

I'd also pick up a set of magnetic towing lights at Harbor Freight, just in case they don't work.

Ask lots of questions.....

[Carol H]

Not sure if this will help & if its totally correct but there is a quote below is from a thread in 2008 titled Compact Jr., Hunter Structures, Inc.?

"The Compact Jr and II have many more similarities than differences. They are both the same size though none of the body panels are identical. The raised roof section on a Jr is almost full length, but the forward 40" is above the table (or bed). Unless you plan to not use the table, this feature is of no use. The Jr has benches on two sides of the table. The II has U-shaped seating around the table. The kitchen and storage area of the Jr is slightly smaller than the II. This does give the Jr a slightly larger bed. Some IIs came with a small toilet closet. IIs seem to have been sold with more options (water heaters, furnaces, etc). I know of no difference in structure strength. I'm sure I've left out something; so I hope others will chime in. "

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by gfowkes

He lost the title, so that will be a bit of a hassle, but the price was right.


Greg

My advice is to take the owner by the hand and go to the registrar's office to get the paperwork straightened out before you leave the area- ESPECIALLY if it's in another State.

Most have provisions for the seller to sign off/certify ownership/lost Title apps, but it's much harder for a buyer to deal with alone.

Francesca

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Here's a link to some pics of my recently finished Compact-II
advocateone's Library | Photobucket

.

GREAT job Bob!! Looks good.

[GMike A]

For my two cents you can get the harbor freight lights now for 10 bucks and they work great BUT mine fell off on a four hour round trip attached to my bumper. My suggestion is to also buy at HF the welding magnets that look like triangles and are really strong. Put that on your bumper and then the cheaper magnet on the lights will attach firmly to the bigger magnetic attraction. thats what I have now.

[gfowkes]

Wow Bill! That's impressive! Looks very well thought out and well equipped for a small camper.

Would love to see some work-in-progress photos if you have them.

Where did you get the sink/stove combo?

The owner was convinced it is a Compact but I thought it looked like a Jr. too. Our plan is to get things working as they should, and enjoy for this summer. We plan on gutting it next fall for a total restore.

[GMike A]

Originally Posted by francesca knowles

my advice is to take the owner by the hand and go to the registrar's office to get the paperwork straightened out before you leave the area- especially if it's in another state.

Most have provisions for the seller to sign off/certify ownership/lost title apps, but it's much harder for a buyer to deal with alone.

Francesca

ditto ditto ditto.

[Bob Miller]

I always attach the Harbor Freight lights with extra duct tape and/or some long wire ties. I even keep a set in my travel box, just in case I come across something while on the road....

[Bob Miller]

That's an SMEV sink/stove combo from Panhter RV in Seattle, about the only place you can buy SMEV in the US. Here's a link:
Ranges & Stove Tops

The counter, shelf, shelf supports and faucet are from IKEA, my #2 RV supplier.

Hunter built three versions:

The Hunter Compact-I (basic insides)
The Hunter Compact-II (same shell, more features, loo optional)
The Hunter Compact Jr. (Different shell, basic insides, like yours)

BTW: It's Bob

Originally Posted by gfowkes

Wow Bill! That's impressive! Looks very well thought out and well equipped for a small camper.

Would love to see some work-in-progress photos if you have them.

Where did you get the sink/stove combo?

The owner was convinced it is a Compact but I thought it looked like a Jr. too. Our plan is to get things working as they should, and enjoy for this summer. We plan on gutting it next fall for a total restore.

[gfowkes]

Oops. My bad. Sorry Bob.

Thanks for the advice guys. Called our local DMV. Seems likely that I'll have to go the long route to getting a title. Vin verification, inspection, etc. However, b/c it's less than 2000 pounds it will be much easier. Did this once before and, other than taking a half day off work, it wasn't too bad.

Good advice about the brake lights. I'll go to HF and pick some up.

Yes to Ikea and HF! Luckily we have both within and hour of our house.

I recently built, and sold a "Tiny House on Wheels" (below) so I'm hoping much of what I learned building that, will translate to the Hunter.

Getting excited!

[Bob Miller]

There should be a small plate welded onto the left side of the tongue, between the body and the coupler, with the name of the frame building company and an ID number. If it's painted over just sand lightly, the numbers are usually stamped fairly deep.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by gfowkes

Hello all,

New to the forum and new to the world of fiberglass campers, but super excited.

AND we're excited you're here! Greg. Lots of kind, helpful people here, truly

The only thing I know about Compacts (and all the kissin' cousins) is they're neato. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours.

PS: Thanks for posting the pictures!!

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by gfowkes

Any links to comprehensive restorations of similar trailer?

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...-jr-49049.html

[gfowkes]

Thanks for the tips. I picked it up a couple weeks ago. It pulls great behind our TDI Jetta Wagon. Repacked the bearings while they were mounting the new tires. Here are a few photos. It's temping to rip it apart and do a major restore, but going to hold off till next fall. We want to enjoy it for the summer. First camping trip June 6th!

[gfowkes]

And a couple of the interior

[kafinefre]

Hi Greg,
I have a 1971 Compact Jr. Also. All of the Fiberglass RV members have been really helpful whenever I have any questions about how to repair my little travel trailer. I want to return the favor, so if you need any advice or would like pictures for comparison send me a private message and I would be happy to help. Welcome, you are going to love your Compact!

I also have some pictures posted on my profile.
Cheers. Linda

[gfowkes]

Thanks Linda. I look forward to it.