The Right Way To Restore Your Vintage Trailer
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- čas přidán 1. 03. 2022
- I'll explain how the structural integrity is built into these light weight boxes on wheels that we call trailers. You'll also get to see the progress on the 1954 Jewel which is our class project.
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LOL! In a Nut Shell.
I watch these Tube vids of people so called 'rebuilding' these classic trailers and i just shake my head, I used to design RV trailers, Truck campers. Mobile homes. And Modular homes for several MFG's in the NW and I have just one thing to say....'If you want to do it right' pay attention and follow the advice offered in this video.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I try to relate the proper information to people.
You are right Larry, I was born and raised in Elkhart Indiana, my whole family has been in the Travel Trailer industry since the 1940's. I watched my Grandfather build those canned Ham trailers in the 1960's the same way that I have seen you restore yours.
Thanks. It's good to hear that from someone like yourself who has been there. Some of the people I learned this from are dead now. More will follow. We have to preserve the information.
HAHA Larry you hit the nail on the head about these "Isn't it cute?" vintage camper folks and their, "Beat it to fit, paint it to match" craftsmanship. Keep preaching the right way!
“#1: It’s not my way, it’s the factory’s way….” ACCURATE
Exactly... And they have been using the same engineering to build trailers for 100 years. It must work.
I was just telling Conan over at TTtT I’m finally pulling the trigger on a 68 Yellowstone Cavalier. I guess you’d call it a 15 footer. Frame-off. Frame and floor have been sitting in my garage for about 4 years now ready to get built upon. Can’t wait!
@@kevinleeobermeyer5601 Take your time and think everything through. If something doesn't work the first time, think about it again. Mistakes and failures are just stepping stones to success.
You are sooo correct. I started watching your videos a few years ago and thank goodness I did because everything you said is true. I finally finished my 1957 Scotsman last year (less graphics).
Listen to Larry, he really knows what he’s talking about . Thanks, Barb KC3TJN
Oh I'm really happy for you. Congratulations on completing your project Barbara. And thanks for letting me know. 73 to you. Larry - K7ZFI
I sold RVs for 15 years and I recommended to everyone to take a factory tour. Its scary but educational.
Yep I have visited a few myself. Now I know why they begin to fall apart as you leave the driveway. That literally happened to a friend of mine with a brand new Class A. As he hit the driveway the cabinet over the driver and passenger fell down on to the dash board. LOL...@@doncrossley2844
@@mobiltec We sold National motorhomes out of Riverside California...ya I'm from Indiana. Going on a test dive in a $250,000 motohome back in like 2004ish, we are sitting waiting to pull out on the road, in a diesel pusher and this one had big HP,. coming from a 454 Chevy to a 350hp diesel,, huge difference in takeoff! the customer wasn't ready and pushed a little hard and we zipped out on the road.....and 2 gallons of water, at least, came out from the overhead on top of my customers. I wanted to laugh but he slammed the brakes in the middle of the highway. They formed their own plastic bulkhead and it would hold a ponds worth of water lol. Peace your awesomeness
Oh gawd that's just perfect. I was just telling someone how a friend of mine had the overhead cabinet over the driver fall down on the dash as he was pulling out of the lot in his brand new class A. There are many more stories like that.@@doncrossley2844
Absolutely correct. These trailers must be built from the inside out. They get their strength from the cabinets...period. Referring to the door being a weak area in the structure, consider how weak slide-outs make the structure. I've had trailers with slideouts....never again. The whole structure twists and flexes, weakening everything in the structure. It's not so bad in the short units, but long trailers will shake and twist themselves to pieces. Not to mention the maintenance, leaks and crazy addition weight. But hey...everyone likes something different and that's ok. I just prefer strength, lightweight and low maintenance that no slide-out RVs offer.
JUST FOUND YOUR YT. WE HAVE A RAT VINTAGE SCOTTY CAMPER TRAILER FALLING DOWN AT OUR CAMP AND DECIDED TO DO A GROUND UP REBUILT. LOVE IT SO. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR KNOWLEDGE WE WILL DEFINITE BE SIGNING UP FOR THE CLASSES. OH AND EVERYONE LAUGHED AT US BECAUSE THEY WANTED US TO JUST JUNK THE THING....PEOPLE!!!
Thanks for saving another piece of history. And check out my website. www.cannedhamtrailers.com
Great video. Straight forward and to the point. My family and friends know that restoring Shasta’s is my passion now. They are always sending me ones of facegram and insta-twit that are for sale. They think they have found some great ones until I point out everything that’s wrong with them. The first big clue is if they have been painted on the inside. Dead give away.
Yeah, Larry, you are the ONLY person on The 'Tube who has consistently been doing this type of work. AND, improving said work through research & mistakes.
You are far better that those who are too timid to attempt & possibly fail.
I believe every word you said on the way to rebuild your camper! I have a lite weight 20 year old tandem axle hybrid, I’m restoring. I’m gather materials before I start. I tore into the inside see what I have. I found a company that sells trusses that are made identical to length and the way they are shape with the same technique on the build of them . It was like nearly $300 shipped to my door to replace all of them! But I’m rebuilding like the factory did. I’m also glade I found the owners manual, it’s a bible on this camper, how it was put together! Good luck with your build and be safe!!!
Hehe! Right on Larry! Most people don’t want to invest the time and hard work these days. Hard work sucks sometimes but it’s got to be done. The right way is the long way most of the time. I’m not a trailer restorer, but watching your videos and seeing the end result shows you definitely know what you are doing. There is always a step by step process.
I am listening!
I was just gifted a 1971 Lee Liner by Fan. I have a very short window here to demo and rebuild this gem. I will be watching your class and I will most certainly have a million questions because this will be my first one.
You'll have to join the class first.
@@mobiltec I am a bit technologically challenged and I feel a bit overwhelmed because my skill level is "beginner" and I only have a few weeks to do this repair as I do not have a workshop. This one may need more TLC than I am able to give.
For the class, are they live or pre-recorded? When/if I sign up, is it month to month or do I have to commit to X amount of time? Outside of the class, can I send you photos and ask for your guidance?
You can't restore a trailer in a few weeks. It will take you longer than that just to go through the basics course I send out to all my students when they sign up. The classes are live weekly and they are recorded so that you can watch at your leisure if you can't make the live ones. Also a 71 is outside of the era of trailer that I teach about. Mainly I teach about vintage trailers that were made between 1945 and 1965. The later trailers beginning in the late sixties were built using a lot of fake materials like plastic and cardboard. They are not made to be easily restored because you can't get materials any longer. I doubt my class can help you.@@patricialussier2267
Hey Larry just came across your tutorial.
Immediately subscribed.
Seriously thinking of selling my house and living in a older renovated camper
Well then the first thing you want to do is join my classes. That way you won't get screwed buying a vintage camper because you'll know what to look for. If you're going to live in it, you better do things right. Don't want leaks. And you don't want it falling apart on the road.
Nothing replaces the original look better than the original type of materials, and that’s why I am not going anywhere else to learn how to rebuild a canned ham or build my own rv ,thanks Larry I’m an old guy that respects and admires how you do your restorations!
Right on Larry!!!! If it wasn’t for you I’d be going down the wrong path on my 57👍Thanks again for your knowledge and understanding of these old beauties.
Well said Larry! Thanks to you I'm doing it the RIGHT way! I can't stand going to rallies and seeing all these painted, "cutsie" trailer interiors people are doing now.
Well put. Plus I learned something today about cabinets and structure. Thanks Larry
I want to refurb my grandma's trailer and this had a ton of great tips for things to look for before I start making plans and tearing into it. Definitely subscribing and will be using your videos to help me keep my trailer and as true to form. I'll join your patreon whenever I can afford to.
Welcome. You'll find my website very helpful so that you won't have to search all over You Tube for my videos. Go take a look. It's free. www.cannedhamtrailers.com
@@mobiltec Thanks a ton!
Great work, keep doing what you do and forget the haters. 👍👍
FINALLY!!! PUBLICLY SAID!! AMEN!!! ❤❤❤
Larry, thanks for showing us the right way to repair a vintage trailer from the outside working in.
Love it! I’ve been fortunate so far with not much rot, if any in the 2 trailers I have. I know I’ll run into one that will need the skins removed which makes me nervous but your videos give me hope! Thank you!
Don't worry about it. You'll find it's not hard to remove the skins. Just lots of fasteners which can be time consuming. And then underneath? Well that part can look a lot scarier than it really is. Glad my videos help.
Wow, #1 that doesn't happen to often/never. Looking forward to watching the resurrection.
The build is for our class project so the build videos are private. But I will be doing public updates. I'm going to do one today. Probably be on the Tube by the weekend.
Hi Larry from Australia Watch all your videos People need to listen to you You know you're stuff It helped me so much with my restoration There are so many people out there Do not know what they're doing
I'm trying to get the word out Neil. You can help by sharing my website. Glad to hear I'm of some help with your Caravans... I've seen how they are built and they look difficult. LOL..
Hi Larry I will spread the word and share your site The hard bit trying to get people to listen.thank Neil
I’m listening - we need more honest folks out there like you. Thank you!
good to see you again Larry
You are *A Master at caravan renovating * in the world in my book. You are AWESOME! So much knowledge and thank you for sharing your knowledge THANK YOU!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the information 👍
Oldschool! Love it! Tell it like it is!
Thanks...
Nice job Ol Buddy.
This truthful vid earned you a new subscriber. I appreciate the candor and brevity.
I do get some flack from it by people who just don't get it. Thanks for subbing.
Brilliant thanks for sharing your knowledge.☘
It's my pleasure...
I build and rebuild houses and Office Buildings and when you say stuff about spackle and paint I get that crowd. I like the way you think about building! I am right between buying a plastic bubble and restoring or building a ham because I don't need a lot of space for what I want to go do. So I'll probably will join your class, if something I don't normally do.
I was in construction for almost my entire adult life. So I know where you are coming from. The sequence of build with these trailers are a bit different but you know how to use all the tools. You should have no problem.
Great Video!
I shared your channel with my son. He is wanting to build a trailer
Thank you. I'm about to go get an old Shasta trailer out of a field. There is a big hole in the skin and the whole interior will have to be removed. The Shasta is a small one and we were on our way to look at another 20 ft Rambler (?) by TCA (Terry) which is vintage and the exterior is in good shape. So, I would like to know how to rebuild correctly. When, I get the trailers back here if I can accomplish that.
i think if i had a vintage trailer the best way to restore it would be to bring it to mobiltec!
Great video. Just picked up a 54 Jewel that is in great condition. What size tire should I have on it? It just has some cheap new Wal-Mart tires on it at the time. Any help would be great.
Trailer Tires Only. Ask for a trailer tire and you want to make sure that it's not so big that you have a hard time getting the wheel and tire off the trailer in case you need to change it on the road. Trailer Tires are higher ply tires and made for this kind of wear and tear. You should have a 15 inch rim. Go as skinny as you can get. I like Americas Tires. Also known as Discount Tires. Check out my website. www.cannedhamtrailers.com And think about joining the class. If you do you will receive the entire archived video list for the Jewel rebuild. And you can watch me finish it.
Great video. I am so grateful that you talked about the need for floor to wall cabinets. I need to incorporate that somehow as I will be gutting it to turn it into a snack wagon. I recently bought a vintage trailer that I can't find any information on. It is a 1973 RTRAV by Maje. Have you ever heard of this make or model before? Thanks.
Never heard of it. Sorry.
@@mobiltec Thanks.
Him and trailers,Patton and tanks!
No b.s.,get 'er done!
Good info thank you very much & now I know what trailer not to buy from the ones im looking at....👍
I'm getting ready to rebuild my little 13ft trailer. I would like to put the kitchen where the dining area is. Would that be a bad idea because of the weight?
I tell my students not to change the layout of the trailer as it will hurt the structural integrity of the trailer box. Engineers designed how these trailers are held together while bouncing down a road at 60mph. So if you're not an engineer, I would leave it be.
Hi Larry. I was wondering if you could help. My husband and I are restoring a vintage 63 Shasta compact and we’re wondering what to use for the wheel well trim? Thanks for all your helpful videos
If you email me I can send you a link to the stuff and they will ship it also. mobiltec@gmail.com
Thank you so much!! I’ll email you now 😊
I just got a 1966 utopia and want to learn how to do it the right way . I got it for free !! Rotten inside . Needs rebuilt for sure .
Real question just wondering can you put two cabinets at the ends instead of one big one in the middle
The big one in the middle is there for a few reasons, one of which is because you have a big hole in the side of the trailer called a door. The big cabinet makes up for the lack of framework where the door is. You need that extra strength right next to the door.
I have an Algo 1956 I need to know what kind of gasket for the front solid window please
Here's part one of how to deal with that window. Find part two by going to my free website at www.cannedhamtrailers.com. Easier to find the videos you need there. Part 1. czcams.com/video/7mA5pDLEWSM/video.html Get the gasket material from Robert at www.vintagetrailergaskets.com Tell him Mobiltec sent ya.
My way was to create a 4x8x4 coffin squaredrop camper, encase it in fiberglass, put a pretty coat of gelcoat and saved a fortune. Do you know runaway campers? They said they couldn't deliver before 9 months.
Doing it my way was a lot more fun.
Never heard of them.
And you got exactly what you wanted, where you wanted it.
Dude…..you’re funny as hell! I’m gonna sign up with you now, we’re doing a ‘74 Tag a long right now, I could use the knowledge!
I think you'll be pleased with the class.
Hi Larry .I have never own a camper. Just a tent .I'm up there in age like 60 .you r right .wood .big 👍up to your video. I believe ever word about doing it right the first time . Me and my brother r doing one from frame up . 11 feet long x6 feet wide. 6 feet hi .on a aluminum trailer 2023 trailer. I pick up last year for .6.725 dollars. 7712 .look it up. And mine is a 04 made in Canada 🇨🇦. I pick it for my arctic cat .side by side 700 cc.and my brother just bought it from me yesterday. 14.000so the money 💰 he gave me is going to be my camper log house. Lol .I looked it up trailer can be loaded under 2.440 ponds .I do my home work .being an old truck driver. Hauling logs .. lolttul .
How about 1967 Model 260 Kencraft Fiberglass travel trailer? I can't really remove the roof/ceiling. I can gut it and work from the outside without removing the cabinets. But is that the right way with this one? This thing has a lot of rot, but I got it because of the fiberglass roof and the benefits of that material.
I don't know anything about a trailer like that. I mostly deal with 50s and 60s Canned Hams.
True
Thank you for the video Larry! This is timely for us, as we finally have our 1962 Shasta done, but we had to get a builder-friend to finish the job, it was too much for us. He started with the frame and went from there, but he ran out of time and didn’t put any of the cabinets back on the door side over the wheel well, so I’m glad we haven’t taken it down the road! Feel kinda silly for not realizing this. Your “Restoring the Shasta” videos have been so helpful these past 8 years as we slowly worked her over. So, I need to ask, is it possible to just add cabinets (ceiling to floor, from what you said here) and be okay? Would any sort of shelving or 1x4 racks give strength? I don’t want to do this wrong or possibly cause harm or injury. Thank you again for sharing.
The floor to ceiling cabinet is the most important one in the trailer and needs to be fastened from both the back against the wall from the inside and the top from both the inside and the outside. This means you need to remove the roof. You probably need to do that anyhow just to get it back in there.
My classes would help you understand how all this work but you've already been watching for a long time LOL..
Is there a way to check if it’s really road worthy in original form. I have what I can tell a pretty solid camper except one spot in the rear storage area. The ceilings and walls are all original
Look for things like sagging at the bottom where the front or the rear of the trailer box comes in contact with the chassis. Tongue area especially. Look for soft floors and sagging roof. Get underneath and see if any of the bolts are rotted out that hold the floor to the chassis. Take an ice pick to the framing undneath all around the outside edges, under the walls. Poke it and see if it's rotted. If it's good on all those counts then check the wheel bearings and put new tires on it before transport. Get it home and take all the metal skin off to check for rotted framing.
@@mobiltec thank you for the response. I think the goal now is to tear down, fix what needs to be and reapply all the original metal again.
@@ThomLaand Before you do, watch a lot of my videos. Watch my builds on my website www.cannedhamtrailers.com It's much easier going there than searching around You Tube for my videos.
So I think I see from
This point of view, Larry, there is also welting between the cabinet back and inside of the wall. And I assume the same goes for the top of the cabinet frames and the ceiling panels?
Top, bottom and back. Anything that comes in contact with the floor, wall or ceiling.
Larry, I try to glean every possible fact, tip & trick from your learned work.
After watching this video again, I'm curious about what hardware you used to install the cabinet. And, is the same hardware used for all such installations.
Just screws. Screws large enough to take a good bite into the framing, flooring and soon ceilling. There will also be nails installed from the top down to help with shear strength. You'll see when I get the rest of the wrap on.
Hey Larry,
You sound aggravated at the people that post negative comments. That’s understandable but forget them, most don’t have a clue what they are talking about and couldn’t build a sandwich let alone a trailer. Their only purpose in life is finding videos and placing negative comments. We call them trolls!
you have to laugh off the haters!
It's like house flippers who paint out the ugly and swap out appliances but don't fix the foundation or bad electric. It becomes "somebody else's problem."
Hi Larry, we just finished a complete remodel. We ripped out everything, replaced rotten framing, pocket screwed instead of stapling the wood together and then rebuilt the cabinets, bathroom etc out of wood according to the original floor plan. It took a year to get to this point. We haven't taken it out on the road yet, literally just finished, but is this the kind of rebuild you are saying will explode? We did not remove the skins at all but replaced the j rail
If you replaced the wooed paneling from the inside then the trailer's structural integrity has been compromised. Most people who just don't know any better do it the way you have done it. I can't say if your trailer is going to explode on the road or not because I haven't seen the work. But the paneling is removed from the outside. Not the inside.
Thanks for this video, I bought a 1972 Pathfinder that someone was trying to restore with cheap materials and paint. It was gutted and I couldn’t find specs on cabinets inside. I completely disabled the camper, rebuilt walls, roof, floor frame, and cabinets. I did not build an overhead bunk in the front of the camper yet. What are your thoughts on the importance of a bunk or cabinet across the front of the camper for improving structural integrity of the camper? It measures 8’ wide by 12.5’ long.
An overhead cabinet in the front of the camper helps a lot with structural integrity. Fasten it from both the inside and outside. Check out this video. czcams.com/video/l7hmzzzsbK0/video.html
@@mobiltec this answers my question and is very helpful. This will be one of final steps to finishing the rebuild this spring, thank you!
I found you a few years ago from watching your DeVille restore some 15 years ago. We have a 57 DeVille we will be rebuilding. Our frame looks a lot like the frame you have on this Jewel, did you add any additional supports to it? I found another video of a 58 DeVille rebuild and they had a whole box around the bottom, when we went to the Vintage Trailer Magazine bootcamp to learn how to rebuild/restore the rebuild guy said there would be a whole box frame to screw the carriage bolts through but again ours frame looks just like yours here, where wood frame extends out to make the rectangular bottom rather than metal frame.
This Jewel build is currently my class project and I have the entire build on video from start to where it is today. I teach an online class about all this. My students have been able to watch this build as it happened and anyone joining the class has access to it. I don't know what goes on at those "boot camps". I just know how the factory did things and that's what I teach. Although I rebuild them pretty much exactly the way the factory did, I do uncut some of the corners they cut and make them structurally more sound. I teach that in the class as well.
This is looking better Larry. I would only want to buy one of these only if you rebuilt it.
This one is for sale.
@@mobiltec I will keep that in mind and continue to watch this rebuild.
@@talldude5841 Wait till you see the metal skin that is going on to the outside.
What is your weight distribution? My first trailer was 45/55. Nice and light on the tongue empty. I add or subtract weight to keep the ball from bouncing.
It really depends on the trailer. But usually it's about 10 to 20% on the tongue.
If you completely rebuild the whole thing from the ground up. Is it still the same trailer? Can you still say it was the first one ever made? I know this is just a ship of Theseus question but what do you think?
Most of the cabinets are original. The chassis and axle are original. The coupler is original as is the tongue jack. The interior lights are mostly original including the gas lamp. The windows are all original. The hardware is all oriiginal. Only the rotten wood has been replaced and the metal skin will be replaced. The original graphics will be duplicated...
R those new fender wells Larry?
No. Those are original. I just painted them is all. I also plugged up some holes.
I’ve been watching your videos but one thing I’m not hearing- if the camper exterior metal is in great shape but there is some water damage/ rot in a few places on the interior, is it necessary to break the entire camper apart or can those few pieces be repaired/ replaced from the inside?
We are removing booth framing, and wall materials. We are also removing the cabinets to fully replace the ceiling wood. But will re-install those items. Is this an acceptable method?
Not at all. The paneling may NOT be removed from the inside. Many of the cabinets are attached from BOTH sides and the only way to do all this is to begin by removing the metal skin and inspecting the damage...
You might want to join my classes so you can see how all this works.
I’m remodeling my 76 Chevy P20 RV and this is helpful. Other videos I’ve watch just replaced wood and I’ve wondered the integrity. I’ve always thought the heavier the wood the stronger the integrity will be. Very interesting that the power comes from a cabinet.
If I take your class may you tell me what does it entail?
It's just $10 per month to sign up. Although I don't discuss much about Motor RVs, you will gain a lot of knowledge about how Trailer RVs are built and the Motor Rvs are pretty much the same but with a motor and steering wheel. Try it out for a month and see if it works for you. You'll also get my Basics Video Series, Anatomy Of A Vintage Trailer. A great value in itself... Take a look. www.patreon.com/cannedhamtrailers
@@mobiltec
Hi, as you mentioned they’re pretty much the same and I have an RV.
I’d like to learn to remodel and reinforce it structurally, for example I’m going to be gutting it and installing all new wood.
I’d like to do it right the first time with your expertise, you’re the first person that’s explained that the wood and cabinets etc has to be installed in a way that will make it structurally sound vs slapping new wood in and removing the old!!!
Can this be accomplished purchasing your class? I am very interested I need to remodel mine!!! Please let me know I’ll purchase it ASAP :)
My method will work for you although all you will see me working on is small Vintage Trailers. No matter though. I have students working on newer ones and even the ones today use the same engineering and building methods. Come on in and check it out and if you don't like it you can cancel anytime.@@briizcustoms9543
Hey, hows it going! I've been restoring my 1979 class c. I redid the roof, rebuilt the left wall, and partially rebuilt the right wall. I had to relaminate a lot of my siding (wrap) as well. Right now, I'm rebuilding the entire over head sleep in area above the cab and was wondering what the best way to reframe it would be. The manufacture used wide crown staples, but the staple guns are a bit pricey and was wondering what your opinion is on how to properly reframe it, taking strength as well as flex into concideration. I can use screws, or get a cheaper narrow crown stapler that can use broad nails as well for $30 compared to $150. What are your thoughts? Thanks man, I love the channel!!
I use a pocket hole jig. Here's a video from my website and channel. czcams.com/video/nUsYyTUVDlw/video.html
Larry I bought a 1962 Tepee travel trailer. Is road worthy, but there are a few things I need to change. Main concern is the door. It doesn’t lock, the handle has a welded metal bar to open/shut with, AND it has been worked 😢on before and drags so bad that it takes two hands to open! Is this a rebuild endeavor or should I see if I can possibly locate one somewhere?
Are you talking the entire trailer or just the lockset? Teepee trailers are few and far between so they are a bit on the rare side. If you like the trailer and the layout, keep it and restore it. Join my class and I can help you...
Lock set messed up and door dragging bad.
Sounds like the wall on your trailer is beginning to sag. This is usually due to rot. Again I have on line classes where I help people restore their trailers.@@SheltiesRule49
Larry, I bought a 1968 Serro Scotty 3 months ago. It is all original but has a lot of wood rot. I think the only way to do it right is to completely tear it apart and replace the wood siding and roof. I want to keep and reuse all of the original parts. What kind of cost am I looking at to do a total restore right now?
Also is it a good time to be doing this with the RV market going down from what I am hearing? I’m not necessarily wanting to do this to make money even though I don’t want to lose money if I sell it later but I’m doing it more for therapy. Thank you. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Mike
I should see photos of it to give you a good answer. Email me at mobiltec@gmail.com Mike.
Listen to Mr. Larry… 💪
How do I join your class Larry
Just click on the link in the information below the video. Or here. www.patreon.com/cannedhamtrailers
Whoa your voice change is epic! lol
That's why when we were looking for our first trailer we went with a '71 Ozark LL that we could mess with and glamp up. We looked at a beautiful '60 Lincraft canned ham for sale, but we would have had to do everything right to do it justice and that was too much pressure, lol. With the 1971, we can paint or swap out fixtures without feeling guilty for ruining it.
We did the same with our house - we looked at a beautiful old Victorian with all original woodwork and decided that someone with money to do it right should have it, and we bought a 1940 ranch instead.
That said, all the building/engineering principles still apply, and we're not gutting anything, just to clarify.
@@DawaLhamo Good for you.
Turns away, trying not to laugh at himself 🤣
Not really sure how to take that. But I do laugh at myself all the time. After all. I make mistakes so you don't have to.
@@mobiltec I meant because you're funny!
If I had not watched your video I would have never known that that cabinet was structural and would have been screwed going down the road. Now here is the question I do not like the cabinet located there. I have a 1967 Williams craft that I am rebuilding. I have already removed the cabinet and the floor and I am putting in an entire new floor system so as I am turning my attention towards that cabinet, what else if anything can I do to provide that same structural strength on that side because I have removed all of the cabinets? Thank you in advance.
Nothing.... The entire trailer was engineered and designed around the cabinets and where they need to be and how they need to be fastened in order to keep the trailer together. If I removed your skeleton from your body and you asked me what you could do to mitigate the problem, what do you think the answer would be? :) You will need to put all of the cabinets back in their original locations and hopefully you will remember how they were fastened. Many are fastened from both the inside and the outside. How many fasteners were used and what type? All of these little things add up to the final product.
@@mobiltecthank you for your reply. I will replace them all. Ugh. I’m going to have to rebuild them though which is going to be a chore. I hope I can pick your brain from time to time as I go along.
@@culturalfusion If you would like advice 24/7 why not join my class? I have a few others that got started on the wrong foot like you and they are moving along with their projects quite nicely.
@@mobiltec I will do that. How?
@@culturalfusion Go to www.patreon.com/cannedhamtrailers and sign up. Also visit my website. www.cannedhamtrailers.com
If you weren’t, you would have been a great school teacher.
😊
I'm between being an idiot and learning from my mistakes, I'm using thick plywood for walls 😮the floor kind
That's crazy. Plywood walled trailers don't last and your's is going to weigh a ton.
I listened! I agrees a thousand percent. The only pristine 1960’s trailer are in museums.
They were NOT made to last 60 years. I would venture to say all have succumb to rust, corrosion, rot, and various other forms of decay. So the only thing that older trailer is good for, is a template to build your NEW trailer from.
I still try to save the cabinets as much as I can. Same with the hardware and appliances.
Yes, I'm listenin'
Great.
Larry, I'm back after about a year having hauled a 69 Shasta to my home with the dream of rebuilding it to camp in. It was recovered from a field and was so filthy from vermin feces, etc. that I couldn't accept any stick of wood on it, so I "disestablished" it completely and so I've had a long time to think about the dream. I've kept all the sides, roof, cabinets bullet customized windows, etc. in a 60' container. I've taken the axle off and re packed the bearings, bought new tires that are now on the cleaned and painted rims. My immediate question is about flipping the axle, which I can find no specific advice about. This axle I would like to flip, (turn over) as well as put below the springs. The axle is 58 " from wheel to wheel. It has an upward angle right angle bend at each wheel 3.5" measured from the center of the square tube axle. I want to keep the brake adjustment and wiring in the correct places so I have unbolt in order to switch the wheels? I will weld a large washer so the axle will not slip on the springs. Is what I am proposing something that is feasible? The trailer is too low for a camper trailer. I believe I can rebuild a camping trailer and I took photos as I took the trailer apart, but as you are telling me there are a million little details I need to be aware of. There are quite a few changes to the original design I would like to make, if I can afford to launch myself into the effort. I'm still not so sure I should try. I found that I have two 10' redwood 2x4s down the middle but would like to use 3" steel channel for the outside edges to fasten the cabinets to. Wishing I could incorporate a bathroom and a refrigerator.
Never flip a drop axle. It's very dangerous. The axle was not designed to work that way. Also it will not track right because of the toe of the axle. I don't really teach remodeling of trailers. I teach people to rebuild them in the exact same fashion as they were originally built in. That's because lots of highly paid engineers figured out how to build them so that they don't fall apart on the road. You don't know how to redo that.
Thank you Larry for your time and advice. I kind of had a feeling about what I was thinking I would do and needed someone to tell me that is not the right thing to do. I had begun to think about a new axle but I don't that idea still needs some more cooking. I just watched this video again so your message is understood. That is why I kept all the old cabinets and the sides. I love seeing the videos as they are presented. Wish I were younger. Have a good day and thanks again.
You're welcome. @@daultonruff2281
You're great! I like your straightforward no BS let's get down to it instructions. Got a 56 Shasta can ham
I appreciate that! Some people take offense to my way of teaching. I don't hold anything back and I always show and explain how to avoid the mistakes I make. We all make mistakes.
@mobiltec your welcome!! We've never tried restoring a vintage trailer. My boyfriend is an old-school custom car and body repair. We have a small shop here in Montana. Anyway, we were intimated to Crack open our can ham. I had no idea they were staples and nails. (Beautiful wood.) Maybe a few screws. Idk. It's amazing she's been around since 1956. We're restoring on a dime, and she's in fairly good shape. Good bones. I have another one, but I'm going to have her restored professionally. Other than the cabinets, I can do the rest. And we have a spray booth as my bf is a body, paint & mechanic for 30 years. So, were not totally helpless. I appreciate brutal honesty. Lol. Thanks
@@rozalilu1 Be very aware of people who say that they restore vintage trailers professionally. I have a customer showing up here at the end of the month who just got charged $4k from a guy who said he was a pro and he used up about a case of calking on the trailer and called it good. WRONG.... Please watch a crap load of my videos before you start in on your trailer and once you are educated in how these things come apart, you'll probably forget about hiring someone. I am a pro at this and I charge an average of $25k and up for a small trailer restoral.
The right way is to have a guy like you do it then buy it from you, easy as pie.
New ideas or better ideas come from not following how an engineer designed something ( sometimes ). An engineer designed the one way street for people too waste gas. Being creative is not a bad thing .on the other hand that bolt is there for a reason.good video.
So are the cabinets. The structural integrity depends on the cabinets, how they are built and where they are installed. Even how they are installed has a lot to do with it. I go into much further detail in other videos and my classes.
I brought home the 1966 Shasta. It is thrashed and I have this question. Is it worth it? It needs to be completely rebuilt. I need to know if I should use the old axle. This one has brakes. I really do want to take on the job but it will be expensive. The door is gone. I found the hinge and the door handle some feet away in the dirt. I rebuilt a 1970ish trailer and used it for some years and loved it. I do want to attempt this rebuild. I have the bunk bed out and a lot of the debris and dirt, sticks, etc. out. Still more cleaning of animal habitat ugly stuff yet to do. I took off the tires, but not the wheels yet. Do I need to change axles because of the bearings? I don't know what a title search will cost. Hints, as I'm in California? I think I need a class...
Hi Raelyn, Yes you need a class and yes it is worth rebuilding if you have the time and the money. The axle is probably fine. I can help you make that determination. Go to my website and join the class. www.patreon.com/cannedhamtrailers
Me, totally not watching this with a very gutted trailer in my driveway 😶
Well with some research and a bit of schooling you can find out how to replicate the stuff inside that you need for sturctural integrity. You can even design your own interior floor plan if you now how this works. I can help.
@@mobiltec I greatly appreciate that! I've learned a lot from your channel already . we're documenting it on our channel if you ever feel like taking a peek 😅
@@thechaffeechannel I'll take a look. Thanks.
Did you delete some comments?
A few...
@@mobiltec 😂😂
If Shasta trailer windows leak so bad, why not replace them with ones that don't?
Because then it wouldn't be a Shasta...
I love the vintage trailers that are done in natural wood, They are so cozy in my opinion, the ones that are painted do not have any charm at all and are actually ugly. I do not have a vintage trailer but I do have a 2019 Apex trailer. The wood inside is natural which I like. If the wood was painted, it would take away the charm.
Totally agree.
Where's the best place to sell a vintage trailer?
I like Craig's List because it's local. People can come take a look at what they are buying.
I so love PMF, poor man's fiberglass. What?? Not. Spending good money after bad.
We are buying one today. It is in rough shape. AND I’ll have no idea how to repair it all. Yikes!
So how is it a restoration if you're making everything totally new?
Not everything is new. The two walls and the wrap are new. Most of the cabinetry is original. The chassis and axle are original. The windows are all original. Even the wheels are original.
A mobile home is supported by the inside walls I know because I had one colapse after removing them and almost killed me
Yep. Just like in these smaller trailers, which have no walls, it's the cabinets that hold it all together. Glad you are OK...
Eh... factory way isn't exactly the right way. When I built my teardrop I counter sunk screws and attached framing together that way, plus glue. When I bought a 1957 Santa Fe and opened it up I saw that they got the framing members close enough to the right length then stapled them together and relied on the interior panels and aluminum siding to do the actual work. Did it hold up for 65 years? Yes but it hadn't traveled for the last 30 years until I bought it and limped it home. You can be Hoover Dam sure that I'll be securing the framing together better as I replace the rotten pieces, not this "good enough" factory work. Other than that, good work here soldier.
Oh I agree but the basic design which determines the structural integrity is what I was talking about. I teach my students to uncut the corners that the manufacturers cut. We do build them much better. But it's the basic design that is important. In other words, the stuff that holds it together while it's bouncing down the road for decades.
Rob the builder just uses plywood for the walls not stick built ,more stable no cabinet needed
Some trailers are built with solid plywood. I did one. The 48 Mainline. You can look it up. Most are stick and tin though. It's not "Robs" idea to use plywood. He is matching what the factory did. Corvettes, Cerro Scottys and Scottsmans are all solid plywood. And still they need the cabinets. Without them there is no structural integrity.
Welp i guess im building a vintage full of "structural" cabinets, 😂😅
Huah! Trier words haver said. Crappy trailers made “glamper” are unsafe, unprofessional, and done too often.
all you had to do was follow the damn train cj
OK what ever that means LOL
@@mobiltec The music at the end of the Video is most famously in GTA San Andres and I quoted one of the many meme worth phrases from the game.
OH ok... I don't game so I had no idea. Thanks@@MoMoGFunk