We're new

[felix2]

Hi all,

We're Oscar (F) & Felix (M), from Vancouver, WA. We just purchased a new-to-us 'Land Yacht'...an '82 Burro 13'. We are so excited! There's a lot to do - we've gutted it and are giving it a once-over; new cushions, appliances, flooring, headliner, and a bunch of fixes on the outside too. There is so much great info here - thanks everyone! I'll post pix as we go forward. Man, cushions are expensive! But one whif of the trailer when I bought it was enough to make me toss everything fabric or wood inside...it smells okay now that it's aired out and dry.

New windows, vent, door alignment, so much to do...but it tows great, so we have a good shell to begin with.

[David Tilston]

Welcome to the site Felix! The double shell construction of a Burro would make it perfect for a person with chemical sensitivities.

[Donna D.]

Hi Felix, welcome to FiberglassRV. We're glad you're here!

Just a hint... NEVER toss anything until you have the replacement(s) in hand. You may need measurements, model numbers, etc. For instance, you could have always used the cushions to make a template for new cushions.

There are two Washington gatherings planned in the next three months. Hope to meet you

[deryk]

Welcome Aboard the "Odd Couple"

I do love the retro look of Burro's. Post lots of pictures so we can watch your progress...its also good to document what you do so when someone brand new joins they can see what wonderful things others have done to give them inspiration!

Good Luck!

[just mary]

Hi there! We just bought a 13' Burro, too, and I feel your pain on the cushion cost! I still haven't decided what route to take with replacements. I look forward to hearing what you decide - and pictures!

[Thinh]

Originally Posted by felix2

Hi all,

We're Oscar (F) & Felix (M), from Vancouver, WA. We just purchased a new-to-us 'Land Yacht'...an '82 Burro 13'. We are so excited! There's a lot to do - we've gutted it and are giving it a once-over; new cushions, appliances, flooring, headliner, and a bunch of fixes on the outside too. There is so much great info here - thanks everyone! I'll post pix as we go forward. Man, cushions are expensive! But one whif of the trailer when I bought it was enough to make me toss everything fabric or wood inside...it smells okay now that it's aired out and dry.

New windows, vent, door alignment, so much to do...but it tows great, so we have a good shell to begin with.

...Welcome to the forum, Buddies. I am a new member, too! -less than one week ago- I am also in the beginning of process to "refresh" my baby. Even Daddio bursts his bum on the work but the kids will surely throw him and Mama out in the tent and invade the whole cab with their friends. No matter, kids are kids, I will try my best for them and down the road in futrue they will know their Daddio tried his best with...a tight budget. No more tent campings for them unless they choose to do so...This forum is very great and I will post every step of what I do, enclosing photos. Cheer!

[Loyce]

Hi Felix, I'm a little south of you near Portland. I'm new to a FB trailer but I have a '63 aluminum that we re-did. In that trailer I got futon mattresses and covers that were as close to what I needed as I could. Then I took scissors and cut them down to fit. I left a flap of the futon "skin" and hand sewed it with cotton string to close the mattress. I cut and sewed the covers to fit. What I found after a few trips is that I want a dedicated bed. I hate making and unmaking the bed while on vacation so I have switched to airbeds with mattress toppers. If there is space around the airbed I pad it with foam stuffed into king size pillow cases.

[Taylor Kissinger]

welcome Felix
There is so much good info on this site, and lots of helpful advise, wanted or not LOL. Enjoy the fiberglass adventure

[Brian M. in NY]

Welcome!
I really admire you folks who are motivated (and have the ability) to take on the job of rehabbing a 30+ year old rig of any kind and truly making it your own. Looking forward to seeing your pix. Best of luck creating new adventures!

[felix2]

Thanks everyone...we figure it'll take about 6 weeks to get everything done, then we can be off on our first adventure!

I revisited the existing cushions...what came with the trailer are not in any sense cut to fit the layout! it's just a hodge-podge collection of foam pieces that someone sewed bedsheets over - using loose basting stitches! -, and not good foam at that. And they smell musty. So no loss there. I guess we'll just knuckle down and shell out $$ for the good stuff. Biggest expense next to the new windows.

[jcham1970]

Hi Felix and Oscar, I am fairly new here too. I am from Olympia. I just wanted to mention if you are looking for anything for your project, I found a great place in Milwauke, OR. I was down there about a week ago. It's called Affordable RVing. It's on the old 99 highway. Great deals on almost everything you can think of for an rv. They have lots of cushions, that you could probably modify to fit your needs. Welcome!

Jeremy

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by felix2

Biggest expense next to the new windows.

What's wrong with the current windows? Maybe we can help you repair so you can keep money in your pocket for other things...

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by felix2

Thanks everyone...we figure it'll take about 6 weeks to get everything done, then we can be off on our first adventure!

I revisited the existing cushions...what came with the trailer are not in any sense cut to fit the layout! it's just a hodge-podge collection of foam pieces that someone sewed bedsheets over - using loose basting stitches! -, and not good foam at that. And they smell musty. So no loss there. I guess we'll just knuckle down and shell out $$ for the good stuff. Biggest expense next to the new windows.

Felix,

I have a full set of cushions from a Casita 17LD that were replaced when I widened our bunks. You're welcome to have them for free. I bagged them for storage and would like to have someone recycle the foam instead of landfill.

You can email me at tractors1@helvetia.us if you want them

Charlie Young
Hillsboro, OR 97124

[just mary]

Originally Posted by tractors1

Felix,

I have a full set of cushions from a Casita 17LD that were replaced when I widened our bunks. You're welcome to have them for free. I bagged them for storage and would like to have someone recycle the foam instead of landfill.

You can email me at tractors1@helvetia.us if you want them

Charlie Young
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Charlie, if Felix decides not to take you up on that offer, I would love to get ahold of those cushions! I'll email you!

[felix2]

Originally Posted by tractors1

Felix,

I have a full set of cushions from a Casita 17LD that were replaced when I widened our bunks. You're welcome to have them for free. I bagged them for storage and would like to have someone recycle the foam instead of landfill.

You can email me at tractors1@helvetia.us if you want them

Charlie Young
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Wow, Thanks, Charlie...I have been traveling for work and haven't logged in for quite a while, so I missed this kind offer. We have already committed to brand-new custom-made cushions with new foam - quite an expense but now they'll be just what we want. I'm sure someone else will jump on your offer!

[tractors1]

Yup, cushions departed for their new life less than a week after my post!

[Carol H]

Welcome Felix & congrats on the new trailer!!! We love pictures!!!

[felix2]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

What's wrong with the current windows? Maybe we can help you repair so you can keep money in your pocket for other things...

Yeah, I thought about rebuilding the windows...but the front & rear are a total mess, with lots of silicone on them. I priced a complete set of tempered glass windows, with front & back having a slider at each side (slider/fixed/slider), and Motion Windows in Vancouver will make them new for $300, but I'm concerned if they will mate well with the 'curve' at the front & rear of the trailer...any thoughts anyone?

[felix2]

Also, I really want venting windows front & rear...fixed plexiglass doesn't thrill me. However, it's a potential $1500 savings to rebuild the originals...how does anyone deal with only the two small side slider windows as far as venting goes? Does it tend to hole too much moisture in the trailer? Too hot in summer?

There is a definite curve to the original windows...around 1/4" - 3/8" at each side compared to the middle. I fear either using glass and having a bad seal (because it won't curve to mate with the opening properly), or stressing the glass too much and having road vibrations cracking it. Has anyone installed glass windows in their burro?