Trailer Repairs Leave Camping Plans Up in the Air!
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- After returning from my trip up north, I got stuck in a line-up for getting trailers serviced. This has put me a little behind on my future travel plans. However that's not the only bad news I received.
NOTE July 2023: The Aluminum frame actually broke ( See my "Broke and Going Nowhere" video) • Broke and Going Nowher... . I therefore cannot recommend the Trillium aluminum frame until I hear they improved the design. SP
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Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
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Trailer: 2008 Outback by Trillium
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UPDATE 11/12/2020: My humblest apologies, after talking to Trillium I need to correct what I previously wrote below. The Outback does have a layer of thin wood throughout the walking area and rear of the floor, and a thicker layer under the front corners. They switched to a rot-resistant material many years ago, so what was used in my 12 year old trailer no longer applies. The good news is the bad sections have now been removed and replaced, with new fiberglass allowed to perpetrate deep into the remaining core. It is now better than new! Thanks! SP
NOTE FROM SLIM (My original post): It seems several people misunderstood the rot issue. Outbacks DO NOT have a wooden floor. It is only under the corner compartments that small sheets of board were used in between the layers of fiberglass. Their function is to secure accessories like pumps, heaters and holding tanks and not part of the body support. I could replace and re-fiberglass these myself, however it was easier and more professional for Trillium to do it. This did not significantly inflate the overall cost of repairs, and I am on budget. I will provide more info in a later video. No lectures please. Thanks! SP
Good news
Sorry Slim I for one was not trying to lecture you . From the picture you showed I did think the entire floor was built this way . Very good it is not ! Trillium must be a very fair company to deal with ,as some companies would have taken advantage of the situation. My two older boy are always making fun of me ,because some of the good deals I bring home turn out to be not so good of a deal ,thought you may have entered my zone .Ha Ha
However using wafer board or particle board is not a good idea. Since the manufacturer changed to mahogany indicates they recognize the issue.
Boats are built similarly- a wood/fiberglass sandwich with wood only where structurally needed. They also rot for the same reasons, but you can't do drain holes in a boat. So go back with the drains and however moisture finds it's way in, it can find it's way out. This is one of those things you can't see in a buying inspection so don't feel like you didn't get the bargain you thought you had- anyone else would have taken the same path as you did.
Nobody dare lecture you Slim, don't people know who you are? Your the potato head, and your shwarts is bigger then theres! You are getting that camper repaired so that its safe, and as long as it meets your approval, thats all that matters.
Brilliant customer care. They sure recognise what it takes to keep happy consumers and encourage new ones.
I suspect its costing him a fair few $ to sort this out though.
@@Daz555Daz I agree. Did I miss the part where he says that Trillium help pay for the repairs? What am I missing??
I know that a bunch of people have already said it but what a great company to work with. It's so rare, especially in the RV industry, that a company stands behind their product and supports their customers.
A great example on how to roll with the punches that life throws at us. Always with a smile, something I need to remember. Good luck with the spa day for your trailer !
Trillium sounds like an incredible company. Thanks for another great video!
Trillium is also a medicinal plant in Star Trek TOS. :D
Thanks Elsa and Barron! Sounds like your trailer is getting a little TLC as well. Can't wait to see the results! SP
@@SlimPotatohead I'd like to see Slim meet up with Elsa Rhae and Barren and you both make videos about the other.....you guys doing some winter camping together would be awesome.
Hi Elsa and Barron 😊
@@doreen3737 I think some of those issues are just regular wear and tear and some were just completely hidden. It took the manufacturer stripping it down to see the floor was melting away. It could be hard for a seller to know some of the stuff was as bad as it was. It's sort of like buying a house, but there aren't licensed inspectors who can walk through a trailer when you're buying from a private seller. Its good to see the he can get the original manufacturer to help fix some of the stuff up. Not sure what his final costs will be though.
Great customer service there. This kind of also confirms that no matter the type of trailer one may have, if you are going to do any serious towing you do need to be part time mechanic and a good problem solver. As always, safe travels.....
Hey Slim, great video, glad Joe let you film in his shop. He's been quite helpful to me over the years. We have the same trailer, and by the looks of it similar problems. My axel needs a swap, and my floor is saturated near where the old water tank was. I'm convinced the previous owner(s) must have flooded mine at some point, I also didn't notice but I'm still glad I have the trailer. Looking forward to watching things progress. You've motivated me to finally fix mine up!
Thanks for the behind the scenes type video. It is always great to catch things before they cause a real breakdown/problem - looks like Trillium will take good care of your trailer so that you can continue to bring us along on your awesome journeys. ATB
Bear with me. Hahaha. Trailers are like boats, and suffer from the same illnesses. Thanks for the update. Trilliam at least seem to be open to user experiences and update the product line to keep track with that.
Not quite as expensive as boats.
Nothing like a boat for gobbling up dollars. I know. Caravans not quite so.
BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand
Not nearly the nightmare most boats can be.
The aluminum frame replacement option is an awesome feature. Well done on that.
This is a VERY interesting video and very different from other travel videos. Thanks for showing us the good and the bad of your trailer purchase. This is fascinating seeing the retro work on your unit.
So pleased to see a company like Trillium that still services/repairs/upgrades its older products instead of just telling you to junk it and buy a brand-new one. These guys really looked like they knew what they were doing! Based on Trillium's prior willingness to change the galley to your spec, and how nicely it turned out, I think they'll do a first rate job with the frame/suspension upgrade and the shell repair work.
Great to see a company supporting their products like that. Best of luck Slim!!
Glad you found out about the axles, tire damage, and rotted floor and fiberglass damage in front before it got any worse. The aluminum frame is a good idea. Take care.
Stay warm Slim, and have peace of mind that your trailer is being pampered prior to its winter bashing. 🌞🙏🇬🇧🌞
Trillium seems like a quality trailer and the aluminum frame is a fantastic upgrade. I'm very happy with my used trailer purchase this year. I bought a 2014 Livin Lite. I had to be patient to find what I wanted since they are much sought after. That's partly because they are all aluminum construction. So I'm Happy for you Slim because now you don't have to worry about rust or rot. Rust never sleeps but it's no longer hanging out under your trailer!
Ha HA, love the Neil Young reference. Better to burn out, than it is to rust! SP
I can't wait to see the finish
....and thanks for the tip on the pinless moisture meter!
2 steps forward, 1 step back! The old turkey shuffle huh Slim? You still have an awesome little home away from home, so doing some TLC, although somewhat costly, is all part of the journey! Thanks as always from the Philippines for my little bit of Canadiana !
Good to see possible failure points on older fiberglass trailers. Excited to see the finished project.
Glad to see things are going okay. I need a hit, even if it's you checking tire pressure or buying a veggie burger in your favorite joint. ;0) With the years on yours I'm awed by Trillium's response and so glad they're helping you repair your rig. No doubt about it, with your personal changes it's better than new.
This video is AWESOME! It is not often that you get an in depth view of a trailer and it's company working on it! What a rare glimpse into this trailer company. I really like Outback by Trillium now. I wouldn't mind getting one in the future! I hope they ramp up their operation to meet the demand. Thank you Slim Potatohead!
The blessing is that they can fix it.... Most coaches cannot be repaired so easily.... its mainly just patch work.... I lost a couple of panels on my motorhome due to a drunk driver hitting me.... We had to custom manufacture panels since the factory panels were no longer available..... so count yourself lucky....
I think for the rough back roads you often travel, a steel frame that has been galvanized would be the best choice over aluminum, which can crack when fatigue sets in.
you are right about metal fatigue but i dont think it will be an issue here. the aluminum has thicker walls to compensate for the relatively weaker material . I would be expecting a similar useful life to be honest.
@@mrbillmacneill I own an all aluminum flat trailer. My son runs a company that operates several all aluminum trailers, from smaller flatbeds to very large goosenecks. I also live in an agricultural region where we have quite a few large aluminum fabricators ,and several nationally known aluminum truck body, and trailer manufacturers. I'm guessing in Slim's case, his extremely mature and gentle handling of all he owns, and the very light weight of his rig, will be his saving grace here.
That said, I've got to go with my experience and observations, and agree with the post you responded to. Compared to steel, aluminum is fairly delicate when used in many frame and body applications, and it's common for trailers and truck bodies (flat beds, utility boxes, etc) to be pulled out of service to repair stress cracks and add patches to corners and other stress points. I regularly see smaller trucks in my area, say an F-450 with a aluminum flat bed, that are in service for a few years, and have evidence of patching and newer welding at critical areas. High quality, good looking aluminum welding is a skill , so often the give away that an aluminum frame or bed has a few bandaids on it are the rough looking "booger welds" over cracks and around fresh patch panels. I would have little concern about an aluminum frame under a small egg trailer, once you get beyond that size, I would probably pass.
Hey Slim! Missed you last week. Glad you found those issues and are getting them fixed now. Scary to find those tire so worn.
Just when I need a little inspiration to finish my trailer Slim posts a video of a frame-off repair 😅. Can't wait to watch some Potato Head videos inside the trailer when it's all done! Thanks Slim!
Super Cool they let you film at the factory.
With the new frame, axle and fiberglass repairs, you should have a really durable trailer on your hands. It’s fantastic that Trillium performs all the maintenance, repairs and customizations because they have the knowledge and expertise. Even if you had purchased as new trailer, it would not be new after that trip.
Personally, I like buying used so that when I make changes, I don't feel bad doing things to a brand new camper. But, nice and new and clean would be nice too.
Missed you last week. Hate to hear you had problems, but glad to hear they are getting fixed. Very interesting as I had no idea about moisture meters, so I learned several things in this video. Loved that purple outback!! We really could have used a cute squirrel at the end of the video, haha.
From fiberglas boat experience: wax is FG's best friend; protect that gelcoat from UV oxidation! Trapped water is a deadly enemy. The discoloration when you drained the floor is dissolved resin. Long-term, it becomes acidic, dissolves the resin and leaves glass fibers loose and structurally weakened. Be paranoid about suspect water entrance points. Use marine-grade sealants. 3M makes best marine wax & sealants, bar none. Consider: your little roly-poly is a land yacht on wheels, so it needs marine-level care & repair.
Right on. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts/expertise.
A stainless steel trailer would be the ultimate solution to corrosion and strength, yes it would be expensive but would last a lifetime. Considering where you took your trailer it did supremely well, and you are a superb advert for just how good these Trillium are. Looking forward to seeing more.
Many thanks.
David in the UK.
Sounds like a terrific company. Sorry for the issues, but good thing to find out and it’s in good hands like you said. I love your trailer. Take care and stay warm, Spring will be here soon enough 😉.
How cool was that! Thank those trailer people for letting us watch the "make over", can't wait for the new stuff!
I think everyone recognizes the PLUS side when manufacturers allow their "Service" to be videotaped.
I would add a small mirror on a stick to you travel pack to check tread on a regular basis. Thanks for the learning experience
Impressed all around. The Out Back people have certainly won me over.
Hello Slim......I am 78 and with covid I have been doing curbside pickup this year. Being home so much, driving to get it is like a mini vacation!!!!! Thank goodness for this service. Glad you got your home fixed and safe traveling. Take care! 😊😊
That's the spirit Bea. Having a good outlook on life doesn't give the virus a chance. You rock! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Thank you, so do you. A good mental attitude helps through everything. I stay busy inside doing crafts, crocheting, decorating, ceramic painting, etc. AGE is in the eye of the beholder. Bless you. 👍👍😊😊
Because of you, everybody and their brother will want a Trillium, including me! Another wonderful video, Slim!
Hi Slim, nice that you were allowed to see and film up close during the repairs - now you'll know your trailer inside and out. I used to lube the axle on my old Aliner and would also repack the bearings once a year. I'd check to see if the wheels were getting too hot after a long drive. Cheers, Steve
I do the same thing plus I lay my hand across the tire tread. You can feel uneven wear before you can see it.
Slim, your decision to keep, repair, and upgrade your Trillium OutBack travel trailer gets my vote! Eager to see upcoming videos and learn what will develop and be revealed to your viewers.
I'm sure the company learns a lot on how to make changes to future builds once they see how their products do when owners like you come in to have work done. That can only improve on newer models.
I would have done the exact same thing! They (our campers) do become part of our lives don't they🙂..I love my travel trailer to distraction..She's my pride and joy..Actually gutted, rewired (For All our electronic purposes) and remodeled her. She has given us some of the best memories of our lives!♥️
Nice update Slim. Sorry you had some issues - but it's good you found the issues and can resolve them. Looking forward to seeing all the updates! Love the alum frame idea.
Seems like you dodged a bad mishap on the road, taking that in as you did. Blessed timing.
How about a tour of the Abner. You know we miss it. Just camp in the back yards.
Abner road off in the sunset. I wish it well! SP
Great service makes loyal customers. Good stuff.
Always a risk buying used, but all in all, I'd say not too bad, except the axel. Glad you found these problems before they became a major issue! Trillium is a great company, sometime in the not too distant future they have another customer thanks to your videos! Looking forward to new adventures in your videos Slim!!!
Although it was bad news it shows the advantages of a simple well made trailer. Most trailers couldn't be swapped out like that. That axle and chassis will give you years of good service and a piece of mind. I wish they sold these in Australia, they would be perfect for our rough roads.
Into the shop/
Change galore/
Better adventures/
Safety and more/
A new rig/
Stronger and tough/
Will survive easiley/
When it gets rough /
We can not wait/
Knuckles are white/
Holding onto adventure/
Morning and nigjt/
It’s gonna be so nice when it’s done. You won’t want to get it dirty anymore.
Slim, you made a purchase that made sense at the time. Things didn't work out perfectly, but so what?
You're addressing the trailer's ills, and you'll have a great trailer for more adventures when it's out of trailer hospital. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Can't wait to see your experiments, further modifications, and trips.
Keep up the good work! Safe travels!
Hi Slim. Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your videos. I look forward to your winter ones after you get your trailer repaired.
Sorry to see all the repairs needed, but keep the repair and upgrade videos coming as I enjoy watching how the camper keeps transforming. Good luck. Hope to see you on the road soon....cheers!
It will be so much better when done. I want one of those trailers.
Very very informative. Thank you for taking us along. I’m much more prepared now thanks to you! “May the Road rise up to meet you” today and in the morrow.
Hello SP! I think the aluminum frame is a great idea. Not only does the concern of corrosion lessen but it might help the gas mileage a bit. Also, if I may say, I admire a man who says I made that decision, I'll deal with it and move on. I look forward to seeing the finished product.
Now would be a good time for you to get on the waiting list for a new unit. Built just the way you want it.
You're joking, right? After making it almost perfect, you want me to start over again? Don't think so! SP
I certainly did enjoy this video. Thanks for sharing!
The older I get (I'm not very old yet), the more I realize the "Buy once, cry once" adage is worth heeding. I may not like the higher sticker price in the beginning, but it's definitely worth it in the long run.
Happy to see you getting the trailer squared away and hopefully it'll continue to serve you well for a long time to come!
You may change when you get older! Sometimes you must accept compromise. How long can you wait and how much is in your budget are also important. Not sure if there is an adage for that! SP
I think this is a mindset. When I was young ,I worked hard and fast but not always to the best of workmanship. When my boss would come by and say that's not right . I would say I will come back and fix it. His response was ,how come you don't have the time to do it right in the first place but you always have time to come back and fix it ? May be for a lot of us its the same . We cant bring ourselves to pay for new , but we can always pay for the repairs . May be its because its spread over time .I guess if you wait for new or wait for the budget, life may pass you by.
There is always a good side to all your troubles, now you have a better, more robust trailer, you saw the damage done by moisture and you can plan to fix it permanently, and well fiberglass is easy to fix. Imagine if your trailer wasn't rusted out, you'll be camping somewhere in Arizona and the darn thing would just bust. Glad to see your video, can't wait to see you on the road again.
Semper Fi
Looks to be sitting much better on that axle, great design,love the chassis swap out and overall sounds like a great company.
You did such a good job of praising the trailer that Trillium is selling so many you had to wait for yours to be fixed. Seriously, I wonder how many people have avoided disasters in the wilderness because you gave things to look for before they broke.
The layout in the one Trillium you showed looks well thought out....nice to have them in your backyard as you say!
Thanks Slim. And you found a company that actually backs up their product. Good choice.
Lovin the mods slim. Sorry about the floor, but I think you had a good suspicion after draining all the water out. Curious to see how they go about fixing that. Keep up the good content!
Looks like your trailer just needs some much needed TLC and love.. Even if you got one new.. nothing will prevent it from needing maintenance and TLC . I think you have a nice home and your videos are on point and not drizzled with the crap other videos I have seen are.
Keep safe, warm and realistic Slim!
You definitely picked a good company to work with. Impressive they are willing to do all these changes for you and you didn't even buy it direct from them new.
Accepting responsibility for the outcome of our decisions is vital . But now you know and can make it like new again . Good luck! 👍🏼
Slim, thanks for the excellent videos! This really shows how they are built, and problem areas to look for when shopping used. This could save others a lot of headaches and money. When you are done, Abner will be like new. Ready for many more adventures.
Going to aluminum will give you years of good service and will also be much easier on the Jeep to pull. Your sweet little trailer will be ready for wherever you take her!! Be safe
I am glad that you are able to get it fixed and that you are still safe. Thank you and you take care.
This was an enlightening video. The rusting of the frame probably spared you from future problems. I had a fiberglass top on my Toyota truck camper and it held up well But I did not go on the Dempster highway either. You must feel fit to be tied by not being able to camp for some time and the US/Canada border being closed for ordinary citizens. You are probably safer remaining in Canada for a while. This was really a good video. Thanks again. It is great that Trillium allows you to watch how they perform the repairs and remodeling the inside of the trailer. South of Tampa.
Such a cute trailer, I know you’ll love all the improvements and be back on the road again before you know it.
Good thing you found the axle problem and was fixing anyway - wouldn't want you going down the hwy and the axle giving way and your trailer bouncing off the ash fault and getting smashed up. Really fortunate that you had decided to change the frame. Stoke of good luck there. Can't wait to see the next update. Take care and have fun!
Hi Slim, I am looking forward to seeing the out back after all the repairs are completed. I think it's gonna look great!
Great rig and there will be savings on gas with with a lower GVW. As a builder I see first hand how important it is to protect against a buildings greatest enemy which is water!!! With the wear in the wheel well liners and the tire wear I believe the problem is overweight load on the axle capacity. Fiberglass rigs enjoy the issues of both buildings and boats!
Excellent video. Poor Trilly! Glad she'll be fixed up soon!
Well that was nothing short of wildly informative! Thank you
I thank you for sharing your journey and honestly assessing the products you use. I don't own a camper yet, but your videos cover so many helpful topics that I had never considered before. Our dream camper is a nücamp t@b 320 boondock.
hi SLIM 😀MORE MONEY TO BE SPENT ON THE TRAILER! !!!SORRY ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS 😇GOD BLESS YOU TAKE CARE AND TALK LATER 💓
Live ‘n’ learn, Slim! Life’s an adventure and I think you know that better than most. You’ll be back on the road soon enough 👍🏼
Sorry about the setback Slim, but the repair series is fun and educating to watch.
Setback???? ......... Outback!
An Outback-Setback! 😁
I wish that you could get one of those in the USA. They look like awesome trailers with an amazing company who builds them!😊👍👍
Trillium ships all over the world, three apparently just went to Korea. Many Americans just get them hauled across the border and pick them up in Montana. SP
@@SlimPotatohead Thanks that's good to know. I'll look them up. 😁👍👍
Very interesting! It was cool to see trailer lifted. Thank heavens you found the problems before they became critical and you in the middle of nowhere. Can't wait to see fixes and tweaks!
Another excellent and informative video. Thank you! Looks like a fair and talented company!
Your a very level headed man. Thank goodness you have a great company working on your camper, they sure sound like they have wonderful customer service.
Good Day Slim! I am so glad that you brought your Outback in to get worked on!😁. Just in time too! Your video has great info. that I can tell my daughters concerning their vehicles! Proper maintenance of one’s vehicles is very important! Thank you! 💕Always, Carol
That frame thing is a good move.
Good idea of having spare frames available - much more convenient than going through the old and rusty one - it is so hard to get all rust out and have a permanent coat on the frame. Easier like you did. And, yes, all fiberglass products need checking up periodically - and maintenance work too. Vibration causes seams to leak etc. But it is not so bad, they are easy to repair.
Insulation &heating... I can’t wait!
can't wait to see you set up your wood stove in it.
Slim, boat builders learned long ago that GRP composite structures that place wood inbetween layers of fiberglass - e.g. in a boat's deck layup - can lead to water damage of the structure. Sadly, using mahogany isn't a solution for this altho' hopefully they oriented the grain pattern vertically so any future moisture penetration can't spread laterally. The real solution is an inert core composite - klegecell is one example - which would be impervious to moisture. I have to wonder about moisture penetration into the floor plan of the trailer via the frame fasteners. I suspect using bedding compound, if they did, would only be a temporary solution given the trailer/frame movement over time.
Wow. I just learned more about fiberglass in reading your post than I ever knew. Lol. Great info.
Replies like yours is the reason I normally read most of them B4 composing my own. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Jack, there's just one problem with your logic: This isn't a boat. It's a trailer. Boats should see water, lots of it. Campers, especially interiors, should not. The solution cannot be reached until the problem is understood. I think we've found it. Stay tuned. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Slim I hope you found the root cause for the water damage...water ingress!.....Still just the same never discount the marine industry when looking for solutions for RV issues and hardware.....they have learned many hard lessons in one of the harshest of all environments.
My trailer for example was (manufactured in Canada) using a polymer fiber board, Space Age Synthetics Thermo-lite for the floor that is waterproof, mold and mildew resistant and was developed for marine applications.
Thanks, I have seen Trillium trailers around here in northern Ontario, so they have to be a great company if they are helpful in helping their customers out, that's rare these days as I heard horror stories about local dealers not caring after the trailer is sold.
Can’t wait to see them, stay warm and healthy.
Slim, just want to say I really enjoy your videos. Looking forward to see the revamped Outback!!!!
Welcome back to Cowtown and winter
Wow Slim so glad you are getting the things done that you want... that is cool they can lift the trailer right off the frame.. and you got a new frame.
Your diligent work has found some of the problems. Good on you. Good it’s a small trailer. The repairs will be costly and for that, well, we all have to deal with the same question. Are we willing to pay the price? If we camp, it costs, period. It’s good you educate us on the costs as well as show the beautiful adventures. The realistic picture is honest and much appreciated. Thanks. Texas
I miss Tejas right now. Lived there 11 years. Then moved back to MO where my roots are. I miss the sunsets in Texas, and BBQing in shorts, a tee and flip flops in the middle of winter.
Right now, the weather is nice, 80 degrees F, breezy. As you know we have to take the bad with the good, like triple digit heat and no rain, for weeks in a row. Texas
I havent see a single axle yet that hasnt lost its camber over time. One big bump and its gone. RV manufacturers rarely engineer or build in a big enough safety factor in their loading equations. . You can keep flipping the rubber on each wheel so it wears evenly or just replace the axle to a higher load capacity with springs.Steel fatigues and so will the camber .Its a matter of time.
Hello Slim...I am in the camp that likes the fact that you went with an aluminum frame..lighter then steel, way more corrosion friendly..and this is coming from a viewer that also lives in the north..North Dakota, as a matter of fact..if you live in a warmer climate, steel is just fine, but with all of the salts used on the Northern roads these days, aluminum is just a better way to go..good for you!!! 👍👍👍
I have had numerous trailers. Water is the worst enemy. I had a trailer that I bought used. 6 years old no leaks. Took it and used and stored in snow country. 2 years later it leaked. Found out it was the freeze thaw problem. A small crack water freezes in crack, expands the crack, then thaw. After a few years of that water can enter your trailer. Cover your trailer if in a climate that has freeze thaw. A new trailer will leak after a couple of seasons. My 2 bits. Larry Miller San Diego Ca.