Everything Wrong With Our Vintage Trailer (So Far)
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2023
- Sometimes getting started is the hardest part...
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If it were mine I’d gut it and make it an entire redo. New insulation, check all the wood and make sure nothing is rotted from dry rot, moisture, or insects. Pull off all the caulking and redo all of that. Get the windows fixed or replaced, run new electrical so the thing doesn’t burn down, insulate the windows, check all the gas lines and fittings so it doesn’t blow up., rip out the ceiling repair and insulate, put a good trailer coating on the roof, maybe rubber. Check all the water lines, tires, flooring and flooring insulation. Install an air conditioner or at the very least some fans in the roof to exhaust and pull in fresh air. Make sure it’s properly winterized so pipes won’t burst when it gets cold. Put in a CO2 detector, make sure the door and lock is secure, do something with those steps so you won’t get a broken ankle, been there. Install some led lights. So yeah a total gut. This should be fun.😂. The old girl may still have good bones. Defiantly a paint job. Check for gas leaks with the dish soap and water trick. A little dish soap in a spray bottle of water. Spray on the gas lines if it bubbles she may blow. Just replace all the lines and fittings.
A lot of really good advice in these comments. I especially was surprised you didn't replace any light bulbs first before trying the 12V electrical.
I can't stress enough how true it is (as others have said), that you will save yourself all kinds of grief and expense (possibly heartbreak too) by just gutting it first, and immediately replacing all the electrical and propane lines. It's also a safety thing at this stage in the life of the trailer. At the very least, get a CO2 and gas leak detector -- just concerned about your safety here.
Yes, it's a huge project that maybe you weren't quite bargaining for, but the end results will make you rightly proud and it'll be fantastic content (which you two already have a good handle on).
I'm rooting for you -- with baited breath, and wishing you much success!
Cheers!...from North Vancouver
Thanks for the comment! We're getting it figured out one step at a time here, as to the lights. They're new from the previous owner who put them in 👍🏻
I can feel Levi’s dad being roped in to help ❤
Hey he reads these comments... so if you're reading this dad. 👀🤷🏻♂️
I thought they were going to gut it with his help, honestly! He seems like a boss!!
Now that you have the gas working-do you have a CO detector?
Yep, it was quite the joy watching them bump around in the dark just pressing buttons.
😂😂😂😂😂
You certainly won't be bored! That's a lot to take on right now with a baby on it's way. My suggestion would be to have a professional inspect the caravan before you head out camping to rule out any safety issues. And do make an asbestos test before you start tearing anything down. Good luck!
The highs, the lows, the dramatic arc. This is going to be some of your best content ever. 😊
I am in the process of doing a complete re-model of my 1982 Bigfoot 17. I am enjoying the process of learning new things throughout the build and it has brought my wife and me closer as we work together to accomplish a shared goal. You don’t need to do a complete strip down as you can repair the water damage and put up a new ceiling and leave the existing shelving alone. No need to take down the existing shelving to repair the damaged ceiling. Fix the roof and ceiling first.
Wow that's a great coincidence eh? I found the 1982 model manual online but not the 80 😬
The pipe on the roof is your sewer vent should have a cover on it. The cover for the sewer dump pipe can be bought for cheap. There should be a 12 volt fuse block. The fuses you showed in the video are the 120V. It looks like he switched the light bulbs to LED so he must have had them working. Good Luck with the trailer. I wished I lived closer so I could help you, I love working on old trailers.
Yeah we actually got them working thanks to a tip we got from the guy who sold it to us. We're getting it figured!
There's likely a mold problem. If not properly remediated, it could impact your health.
We just bought a old caravan recently and stipped it back to frame. Its really easy to get overwhelmed. Do it once do it right. Take it one step at a time. When you get to the point of pulling the roof down hose roof while everything is exposed under so you can see where it leaks. Good luck guys! X
Dunno maybe I'm the only one but I'd feel very uncomfortable about the old internal electric wiring and gas hoses. Especially in combination. It's probably not very nice to renovate because it's inside the walls but if you're already working on everything I'd really do it.
Levi! Embrace the suck! This needs to be taken down to bare walls. The beauty of that rig is the shell. I would start over with electrics, because I wouldn't trust any of the wiring. Probably the same with the propane. And it will be easier to just replace the windows, take the old ones out, find a modern replacement. Good luck. You're gonna learn a ton and have a blast.
Window seals are universal, trim to fit
I really appreciate showing the struggle. It's not easy at all to do some of this stuff when you're learning! Also that is primo baby bump.
Thank you! (Leah is very proud haha)
For fixing the roof scrape off the old Dicor around the skylights and other penetrations and then apply Henry Tropicool. Put a 2” wide of the Henry around the penetrations, embed fiberglass tape in it. Once it’s dried coat the whole roof.
Please wear some eye protection when going under that camper. Really risky what you’re doing there. Met two people on the same day about 30 years ago that lost eyesight based on not wearing safety glasses.
Yay baby bump. ❤
I would get an electrician. The water damage in the roof may have caused issue to some of your power such as lights. That happened to us in our house, when we had a leak in our roof, it cut power to some outlets.
Thanks for the lovely comment! 🥰 We're getting it figured out!
Levi & Leah, this is fantastic! You both are incredibly smart and have the capacity.
Either you can go all out or patch as you go.
Toilet: small cassette toilet. The tank can be emptied into a regular toilet.
Roof: can use a tarp for now. You can make it look nice. If you do solar, make that the water proof barrier.
Gas: take a spray bottle with soap water and spray ALL the gas lines to makesure is doesnt leak.
Electric: learn how DC works(easy), where your grounds go, clean every ground you can. Use dielectric grease(extremely important) this is a water-resistant coating, it is MAGIC sauce.
Just remember, everything you do to patch will need to be trashed when going all out on the renovations.
You HAVE TO concentrate on the small things, and find major pleasure in them.
You guys already have lived the hard way, just think about this as your Prius, just a bigger box with a bathroom. Use portable lighting, kitchen, camping stuff. This will also keep it as light as possible.
Much luck and ill be commenting with more unsolicited tips in the future
Levi getting more and more dad by the minute
With the trailer being 40 years old, I think the interior is probably not fire retardant and shiuld probably consider replacing
Definitely agree with the comments to start by stripping things down first - aka pull out all the things that gotta go! Also helps to find more/bigger problems to start with. Compostable toilet for the win for sure and hopefully you’ll get the DC power figured out 🤪 And don’t forget to replace all that foam in the cushions, might seem small but I can’t imagine they’re too fresh!
Yeah the cushions and general cleaning is happening this week. Gotta get the basics figured out first 😂
When I bought my Rv (1999) last year I searched website for owners manual,and electrical schematics buy them you will not regret it. In addition might want manuals for the furnace, stove and refrigerator.Might have to search deep into numerous websites but you will find the brochures and model of your rv. Took me awhile but I found the information on mine. If you need help just reply to this post with year make and model I would love to help. Love your videos.
Most likely not the issue with the lights, but ALWAYS make sure the bulb itself is working.
Check the simple things first 👍
Reddit (and oddly enough Facebook groups) are always a good resource for building and rebuilding older vehicles and finding trade sites on what may work best for your rebuild. I've been working on a Ford Bronco 2 which is in driveable condition for the past few years and those are always a good fall back in terms of what may and may not work.
Ohhhh we’re in the fiberglass trailer forums daily 😅
Could these lights use their own internal battery? They don’t look as old as the rest of the camper.
I think you’ll want to at least consider swapping out all the gas + electrical appliances for newer/clean /safe ones. I felt nervous just watching you guys experiment with those old nasty things!
We found a manual for the model year two years newer than this one which has already helped... but sadly we're going to be looking for all those other ones individually. 😬
Some electrical theory would be helpful here. 12 volt DC(Direct Current) is the output of your Battery. It runs your lights and maybe the hood fan over your stove. 120 volt AC(Alternating Current) is the output you got from the house. It is very unlikely that your trailer has an inverter(Converts 12VDC to 120VAC). However, it should have a box that converts 120VAC to 12VDC. This is like a car battery charger that would charge your little battery, probably behind the rear wheel on the passenger side. In your trailer, this is what charges your battery through the extension cord you have plugged into your house. You'll want to find that box, since it doesn't seem to work... When you are traveling, you won't have power at your outlets unless you have electrical hookups at the campground or install an inverter, which would draw power from your battery. The other way your 12VDC battery on the front of your trailer can be charged is when it is hooked up to your tow vehicle when it's engine is running.
My recommendation would be to get a decent multimeter. That would go a long way in tracking down the electrical issues. If you can't find a wiring diagram online then I would recommend making your own as you go and figure out what does what.
Agree with others, stripping it out see the “bones” of the shell and structure is probably the best idea.
Also get a barbecue lighter, it’s safer for your fingers.
We're going to try and make it work as is at least just to see what we would like to have in terms of trailer amenities and features. Gutting it is a whoooooole other things 😬
@@LeahandLevi once you find the fuse for the 'kitchen' and replace it or find the wire that is disconnected there should most likely be an electric starter on the stove like a bbq or gas household stove. Do you belong to Reddit? You should see if someone on there has a manual or owns this type of trailer already and pick their brains!
1.) Put a tarp over it to prevent further water damage 2.) Make sure the wheel bearings are packed - good luck
I have a 1976 VW Westfalia, and the initial overload is a real feeling I know well. A couple things I think are helpful that you didn't mention in the video: Manuals! The original trailer probably came with an owners manual, or maybe several (one for the trailer, one for the oven/stove, one for the fridge). You might be able to find model numbers to search the web for a digitized manual, they can be really helpful! Second thing is a simple tool called a "test light" that's really useful for figuring out if something has electrical power going to it, it's basically a screwdriver with a light in the handle, and a cable that you clip onto something connected to the electrical ground (like the frame) - then you can just poke metal things and if the light turns on, it has power going to it
Yes! All very good recommendations!
Yeassss! We have a voltage meter in our future for sure!
Try avoid gutting the trailer. The windows and roof vents/lights/fans can be removed and resealed which should fix any leaks causing the water damage. Plenty of resources here on UA-cam for fiberglass camper repairs!
Take it one problem/repair at a time. You’ve got this!!!
Having redone a 1969 FAN Styleliner with a brother who is an experienced builder…. I feel all the anxiety come back. It was a money pit and the damage was more then we anticipated and we anticipated damage. It was “where does it end” questions. Wishing you all the best on your journey.
1969 is an oooooold trailer wow! I think we're lucky because the story of renovating it is online right? There's some external accountability here 😂
The price to repair this trailer would cost almost a newer one… personnally i would do that even if i could repair this.
But they don’t have the charm as the older styles
@@wobblysauce agreed 100%. When we bought ours it was an ice fishing shanty so they had holes in the floor and they tore out all the cabinets. They left the 4 bunks and dinette so we had to rebuild all the cabinets and we didn’t get to keep the blonde paneling bc of the water damage over the years.
@@wobblysauce that is why i would stick to brands like Boler or Airstream. But maybe i am wrong.. I would just not try my first renovation with that kind of "expert" project. I did those kind of renovation, but this looks like a "strip everything to the gut" and i wouldn't do that. Only if i had years to do it correctly.
I need to know what the "end of the summer" means in relation to Leah's due date! I'm nervous! Are y'all going to have a newborn while on a trip in this RV? Y'all seem so at ease and serious props to you. I wouldn't want to do this sort of thing with my 4 year old. I have to constantly remind myself that we are different people and just because y'all are living this life with a kid doesn't mean I have to. 😆
I’m going through the same stuff right now with a 26 year old RV. Except everything is written in Japanese. So I find myself tracing wires to try to figure out how stuff works. Keep the faith. ❤
My husband and i are currently renovating a 1972 vintage airstream. We are 3.5 months in and also have no idea what we are doing most of the time! Planning on traveling full time with our 2 year old once finished. We know it'll be worth it in the end, but it's definitely a hard (but rewarding) learning experience!
That’s wild! You’re just two years down the road from us seems like!
You will learn a lot. We will be entertained..that’s the bright side of this adventure.
( old rv owner here too… I know this story.. they are constant maintenance..so far we haven’t given up and have made good memories…enjoy!)
Yeah the journey never ends! It's just the kind of project you have to be comfortable working on forever in some way I guess? haha
As you are about to start a family I vote you not take on the stress of this remodel, nor the time suck or unknown financial black hole. It is not the bargain financially nor experientially you were seeking. Lesson your obligations at this time of your life to be fully present in the experience of pregnancy, birth, and transition to parenthood. There are many great lessons to take away from this about how you ended up in this situation because it can apply to so much in life. Chalk it up to lack of experience, buyer-beware-when-it-is-too-good-to-be-true, and cut your loses. At the least, call Robert to pose all of your questions because some may be simpler than you think. There may be an internal power switch you haven’t found. When we bought our van we had someone with knowledge of this type of vehicle to do a thorough inspection and report before we arrived as a term for the sale. And we were prepared to walk away from the deal if it had too many red flags. This is hard to do.
Watching an earlier video where you disclosed that Robert game you a spare tire and some other random stuff ( but no battery, or black water connection it turns out) I had the feeling then that you were doing HIM a favor to unload stuff he wouldn’t have to dispose of. It seems more so now.
There are often online forum / user groups that form around a model of trailer composed of other folks with repair and remodel ( such as electrical, adding solar, black tank vs compost toilet, etc) experience and you can also post questions to such a forum. This can help you discern if it is worth putting in the effort, and potentially even find repair folks with deep knowledge about your trailer or who can do a thorough inspection.
the 'hole' in the roof is probably a vent for the toilet.
You can buy a portable grey water tank.
I think where you start is by demoing it all.
The switch is a good thing - turns it all off when you are not using it.
Some tanks are under the floor and others are in the inside behind panels. Depends on the ground clearance
My thought was vent for the toilet too
This is really validating as someone else who’s found myself with a much bigger renovation project than I expected! I bought a renovated skoolie from a nice person who had been living in it for two years, and who insisted it was completely good to go. After living in it for two months I’ve found that it has water damage everywhere, a stink bug infestation, exposed wiring, horrible insulation, and none of the furniture stands up to actually driving the bus- cabinets are falling apart left and right.
It was also my first private sale so I didn’t get a mechanic to look at it- turns out it has so much rust that a large rock could cause serious damage to the bottom, and there’s an engine leak that basically can’t be fixed.
I finally gave up and will be living with my parents so I can gut and redo it, but I’m still frustrated that I overpaid for something that is going to be so much work and will probably end up being a stationary bus.
Ouch! Sounds like you're on a journey with that one! We've bitten off a pretty big bite here too but well see how it goes!
This is bringing back some memories of my husband restoring the trailer we lived in when we first moved out of our parent's houses. My father-in-law helped A LOT. Good luck!
Ah was so great seeing the stove work! Was a bit nervous you wouldn't get a win in this one but great first step on hopefully your journey to many more!
That bump is getting big Leah haha thanks for that update
The roof is a big deal guys. You can everything else and make it pretty but when the rain comes or the snow melts there will be considerable issues. I suspect it’d be expensive and should be addressed before moving on to determine damage and cost to repair. After that new appliances maybe needed if used ones are not available or compatible.
Overall at the minimum you should get a solid tarp to cover up for bad days and figure out a way to secure it in place while having access to the door.
Bless! What a project.
You can totally do this, BUT my recommendation would be to cancel that booking at the end of the summer or plan to rent a trailer for that holiday trip.
Your trailer is very unlikely to be a safe trailer by the end of the summer. Forget renovations. For safety’s sake alone for you two and the baby, you’ll need to asbestos test, fix the roof and find and remove the inevitable mold, inspect and probably replace electric and propane lines, and probably replace the water tank. All of that likely means stripping this thing down to do it economically, unfortunately. Don’t put yourselves in a stressful bind to make an unrealistic deadline.
Instead of desperately patching to make it sort of temporarily livable for a single trip, take a breath, and do it right the first time. It’ll take longer and be messier, but will cost far less and at least you’ll know the trailer is safe. Good luck!
I hope this project is worth the trouble for you guys. Wishing you the best!
How exciting is this?? The trailer has so much potential despite the work that has to be done. Shit's gonna be so cozy! I can't wait to see what you guys get done next. And Leah's bump! 🥲😍
So I bought an older rv in attempt to live in it full time which was a complete disaster, but I found an RV outlet, they had a shop and the ability to order almost anything. I recommend finding an outlet if at all possible it was so much cheaper than other options. Also in my rv the bulbs bulbs blew almost constantly in the same style lights you have, so try swapping the bulbs, and having backups as you will likely blow a few while doing repairs. Also you may want to cover the trailer with a tarp until you are sure it’s water tight to avoid any water damage.
Great idea!
Finding a rv outlet sounds like a really good move! Thanks for the tip!
I would definitely recommend checking if the bulbs are still good that might be why the lights don’t work. Love the videos and both of you are amazing. I’m so excited for the future videos ❤
I love the concern for the structural integrity of being on the roof while standing on ladder that is bending and swaying.
loooool ok you got me there 😂
One thing many people miss with trailers is that the legal speed limit can change if you're towing a trailer/RV. So definitely check the local regulations when you're traveling between states (although I think the risk of getting stopped for going too fast with a trailer is quite low).
Here in Sweden you're not allowed to drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) with a trailer, but you often see people go much faster than that.
That's a great note! Thanks for the heads up 👍🏻
I was so happy to see your baby bump, Leah!!! Obviously the little one is thriving!!! The passage of time is in play!! Love to you both!!!
Thank you so much! 🥰
@@LeahandLevi you're welcome!!! : )
Yup, I only came for the baby bump
Welcome to the joys of home renovation. Many trials along the way but the satisfaction of a well done completion is something that boosts your sense of self worth. Ignore the nay-sayers :)
Of course if you can take it and yourselves to a tourist trailer park, you would have a pool of knowledge and probably a ton of labour to fix numerous issues. At least here in Australia, caravanners are the most helpful of neighbours.
I enjoy the fact that you guys just jump into this. Not my style to not be informed but funt to watch you learn.
Great watch as always 👊🏿
It doesn’t really sound like you know what you are doing but my bet is fixing it up will be worth it. New trailers are expensive and not built well unless they are suuuuuper expensive.
It’s all a part of the journey!
Wow you guys sure do love a challenge! I can imagine how amazing it's going to feel when you get to the end of the reno and have accomplished your goal. This is going to make for some awesome content. Also, I am totally here for that baby bump!
I'm wondering if, eventually, you might gut the whole van and do a rebuilt, converting it to solar? Also, did you check the lightbulbs? 😂 You certainly have your work cut out for you. Good luck. 🍀🍀🍀 Also, those coveralls look HOT on you both. Tssss! Smokin' baby! 😂😂 Take care, Leah and Levi. No breathing in that propane, ok? ♥♥
We're not ruling out a gut and rebuild but for now we want to get a feel for how this thing works and then go from there. Thanks for the coveralls comment 😂😘
@@LeahandLevi 😁
Agree “work cut out for them”. Like they need a project with a new baby , personally I think they are not thinking practicality . Also she shouldn’t be breathing in anything , the dust , mold, & soon fiberglass and paint . It’s too old & too much work. When we were yuppy 30 something first time parents it was a big change and having something like that on top of everything would have just caused more stress.
@@Moms1958 I was being a bit facetious about the propane. 🙂 They're intelligent adults. I reckon they have it under control. Also, they have a really great support network. So I reckon they'll be right. Cheers.
@@Moms1958 I'm just glad someon have a positive attitude about it 😂
My daughter, Louise, introduced me to your videos recentlyI have been enjoying your earlier videos. You have professed your appreciation of bidets. You also love to travel. I have a suggestion: I have been using a squirt bottle to rinse for years now, I use an old towel to dry. Sold as: The Perineal Lavette Irrigation bottle. When you travel the squirt bottle can be your portable bidet!
In the US mothers are given one after giving birth to clean after urination, you might get one when you have your baby!! Congratulations!!
Hahaha the irrigation bottle tip is amazing! Tell your daughter thanks for sending you our way 🥰🥰🥰
I love the minimal moms camper renovations, great inspo!
Man creates fire! Congratulations.
omg Levi please buy one of those long lighters....I cringed when you were lighting those burners! LEAH ❤❤ YOUR BABY BUMP!!😊
Looks like a lot of work, and a lot of money....😢
yeah a barbeque lighter would be a cheap investment to make our lives better I think 😂
My parents have an '87 Bigfoot that they picked up a few years ago. It's lovely. I find it interesting to compare your space and theirs - it's largely just aesthetic differences but the bathroom is actually quite different. If you're ever back down island with the trailer, the Jordan River campsites are pretty stellar.
We've stayed at Jordan River! Such a nice spot!
We used to camp there (it was free) years ago. Is it still kind of "hogged" by old people who seem to always stay camped there taking up all the space? (Like every 14 days they would driven out but still have someone "blocking" their spot so they weren't staying beyond the 14 days. They would just come right back.
You know you get what you pay for! I think you may have been better off looking for something newer. It’s going to cost you a lot of time & money. With a new baby on the way I would personally rather not. Learn how to fiberglass! It looks like a death trap to me , lol.
Also
That “hole” is your toilet vent. Also if there is water leaks there’s probably mold which you know is not good for anyone to be sleeping in. There’s a reason he “got rid” of it so cheap. We bought used fibreglass trailers before but they were liveable /usable right away. The tires also look pretty old. 😮Have fun! 😂
Bigfoot trailers are HIGHLY sought after and valued. Newer junk isn't worth it. These Canadian fiberglass trailers hold their value. There newer ones from Bigfoot in this small 17' size are 80k.
I literally cheered out loud when you got the stove to light!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
The NRVTA (National RV Training Academy) has an owners course that can teach you a ton about what you’re doing. I’m still working on the electricity section, but I have learned so much by doing the hands-on stuff with my RV and from what I’m learning in the class. You can do it in person in Texas or you can do it online.
Maybe hit up Eric and Allison @Theendlessadventure - the folks there did a beatuiful job on their 'vintage' caravan Clementine. They had to gut it and start from fresh and she's a beaut x
I think starting with a good clean, taking the cushions out, scrapping the curtains , then start with the gutting /re caulking etc . Also trailer is so old,
New pieces are going to be made in China /metric as opposed to American .
I love - so much - that you refer to 12V and 110 as little electricity and big electricity. My partner has an off-grid cabin and is always having to operate in both worlds. I’m gonna use that from now on!! 😁❤
Hahaha well It certainly isn't going to help you communicate with other people about your electrical but it's cuter lol
I loved watching ya'll think through all of this. This is 100% me!
Good purchase for the content :D Enjoying every minute of it!
Glad you enjoy it! Drama is just a part of the journey! 😂
Oh my!!!
You should get some self leveling Dicor lap sealant and seal around all your vent and around the sewer vent pipe. lots of videos on you tube on how to do it.
Thanks for the tip 👍🏼🙋🏻♂️
Trace the propane lines and squirt soapy water all over them to see if there are any leaks. I would probably replace the entire line just to be safe.
Battery DC comes in to the DC fuse panel then needs to be inverted to AC. Work one side at a time and inspect ALL the wiring. If it is brittle or the sheathing is cracked or missing-replace
u guys made me to travel , thanks guys . these guys make how to yravel with less money better for middle class
i would get a jackery and bypass that old stuff and strip the whole thing down, install solar, install a battery for the solar. find a way to hook up the battery to the alternator so it charges also while the car is running. then figure the rest of it out while stripping the whole thing down coz that's where you'll know what works and doesn't and what else needs fixing.
this is basically what i do with motorcycles i refurbish. i strip it all down, clean it up, see what's broken and what's not. put it back together and replace what needs replacing. then get it running.
We've actually already got a ecoflow battery and fridge from the prius build so our plan is to use those in the meantime you know?
Too funny,feel like life is a test and we all go through something similar.we did with a house. So fun to watch your journey,reminds me of my younger years.be blessed, enjoy the journey ❤️ grandma of 16 in Michigan
Grandma of 16! Impressive! 😊
Grandma of 8 here in Minnesota!
Alot to unpack here. First of all Leah you and baby look amazing and healthy. Also love your and Levi's positive attitudes in the face of adversity and challenge. Bringing this can-do attitude to the camper challenge can only lead to success. The camper shell and internal features are super cute and as you have demonstrated needs understanding and sharpshooting. Do internet searches on the camper model and assembly yield any technical specs and/or part numbers for these components and possible alternative replacements? Its perfectly understandable that after 43 years old components will have to be replaced and validated. Love that you figured out the regulator and propane lines leading into the van. Is there a way to validate the end-to-end integrity of those lines? Ditto for the electrical wiring and of course plumbing. But the camper itself has good bones being fiberglass and lightweight. The only thing I would do would be to inventory all components, their sku numbers, cost, maybe an online link to each one in a spreadsheet.
Thanks for the spreadsheet idea! I like spreadsheets more than I like making them haha but it's a good idea!
For safety, I would want to replace the old wiring and propane lines. I agree with others who said gut it, so you really know what you’re dealing with. Also, I was taught to put the flame by the burner first, then turn on the gas. Is that right? Does it matter?
I with preface this with I have bought and old trailer with water damager, repaired, and lived and traveled in it. But that is without a doubt there is black mold in there, and you need to be masked up and very very careful! It doesn't alway look like it from surface level but its in there and it is likely bad. Ours was a 1998 and we had to gut ours down to the frame, pulling back the wall from the inside and out , removing windows, removing studs and insulation to rebuild and replace damage and get it to a point where it was safe to live in and travel.
YESSSS
*And btw I'm sure it'll be an enjoyable project even if it is intimidating at first. I feel like that's how most DIY projects end up feeling at least even for myself I'm always jealous at how easily it comes to my dad when he's doing stuff like this meanwhile it takes me forever but it's so satisfying once you get things working and in order.
Check water entry points for potential mould before anything.
Please ......tell me you also tried changing the bulbs on the non-working lights before you go straight to ripping into the electrical....
13:20 Eepybirds coke and mentos time! (Also, you two are amazing. Hats off to you both, and especially Leah's comedy timing.)
I would honestly test for asbestos, rip everything out, and start over. Dry flush toliet and overgrid as much as possible. 😅
Also, Leah's baby bump is bumping. 😍😍
Offgrid**
On the toilet make sure to consider one of the Thetford portable cartridge toilets. Gets rid of black water tank and still easy to empty!
Do you guys follow Exploring Alternatives? They’re Canadian based and feature tons of companies and ppl that build and refurbish things like this. I wonder if there’s someone you could find through there to help you guys out or consult?
They're awesome! Been watching them for a while and actually had a conversation with them a while back about making some videos together so it might happen!
@@LeahandLeviwhen you're working on your trailer you should go live and get Hands-On help with all your viewers
@@archieletsyouknow5508I love this idea.
Me too!
Does the trailer have an inverter so when you're running off a battery that it can convert the 12v dc to 120v ac? If so, first get yourself a multimeter and then test where the battery power goes into the inverter, and then out of the inverter.
The cooking with gas joke was your initiation into being a dad
Thank you! I'm just warming up ✊🏻
Good luck with the trailer ❤
Go to the library and see if you can find a manual for the trailer
Rip out the stove and put in a table top burner that can be used outside. I wouldn’t use that old stove but that’s just me.
I don’t care how big or small the wins are in the trailer Reno but I’m all here for it!
I would have a professional look at the trailer and work on providing a quote to get it running safely. The mold and the fact that there is an infant means u should get help while focusing on the pregnancy…good luck and hoping for the best.
Awesome videos sorry I’m late
No problem 😊 thanks for being here 🙋🏻♂️
Maybe one of the 12 v portable refrigerators and a couple of solar panels.
After just going through this process I feel like I've so much to tell you. It might take awhile and a lot of work but it'll be worth it! Find some awesome friends or family to help you if you can. We would come help if we could!!
Baby bump 🎶 🎵
usually when you are only on battery the 120 plus will not work. for that you do need hookups.
can you find a maintenance manual? It should have all the things in it like wiring diagrams so you can see where things should be. Just a thought, but good luck.
Sadly nooooooo. That would be a huge bonus but it wasn't included 😬
@@LeahandLevi google is your friend. a lot of those old maintenance manuals can be found on-line or maybe with the manufacturer. In any case I'm sure it will be an interesting series as you become master mechanics 😀
I find myself wanted to pause every 30 seconds or so to make a comment….
But instead (or at least before let me off a few general comments
1 that ladder is a big no no… and when you get a new ladder before you go that high up on it to transition to the roof , sandbag its base on both sides
If you have water damage issues might want to look into investing in a carport style tent frame kit…. You need to get that thing dry and keep it dry and a pole frame around the trailer with a tarp roof…. Or a tarp that can be quickly thrown on ….
I like a kit that can be broken down into a box small enough to throw into the bed of whatever truck or SUV you are going to be hauling this in, or loaded into a couple of duffle bags that can be tossed into the floor of the trailer itself…. A kit with leg extension high enough to completely cover the Trailer NOW… but that can be removed from the kit later to provide a more proportional screened porch area to your trailer…
Find out if there is a RVing Boon docking community in your area to join and and make freinds with a couple that is between ages of yourselves and Lea’s parents…. Then have them over for a cook out and inspection of the trailer.
There is a guy on youtube i think you would benefit from connecting with. His FB page is Camping with Steve and his YT is Steve Wallis…. Im not sure but i think he lives somewhere in western Canada and is “relatively” closes to you.
I cant speak to his technical proficiency but is a boondocking god and from that aspect i think both you and HE would benefit from a “sitting under the learning tree” experience
Don’t blame that previous owner’s work for the roof rotting! Lolol It’s an RV, and they melt in the rain. That previous owner was just trying to delay the inevitable. I’m speaking from experience, having bought a toy hauler with the goal of turning it into a tiny home. Turns out, RVs are made of sugar cubes and basically should only exist in deserts. Also you are VERY lucky that it doesn’t have a black water tank. Believe me, it was NOT fun removing the leaking tank with mystery solids in it EVEN AFTER PAYING SOMEONE TO PUMP IT. You’re very lucky you didn’t also buy a toxic hazard.
Hahaha made of sugar cubes is the line of the week 😂
The curtains might be the best most saveable part of the camper.i
There should be a reset button in the restroom plug socket. Because I had a Rv and that was my issue when my lights didn't work