DON'T MAKE THESE MISTAKES on your DIY vintage camper rebuild!

0:00 Intro
1:01 What we're working on
2:06 Interior demolition
3:12 Removing the skins
5:02 Cleaning the frame
6:27 Rebuilding the deck
8:25 Rebuilding the walls
9:22 Assembling the camper
10:46 Wiring and insulation
11:44 Putting the skin back on
13:13 Stripping the skins
13:55 Prime & paint
15:52 Windows
16:17 Exterior lights
16:42 Fantastic fan
17:05 Hatch door
17:43 Things we'd do differently
19:24 Outro

Every camper remodel has its ups and downs and this week we're talking about what we've learned in the past seven months renovating a vintage camper and what we would do differently next time. Listen up! Save some time and don't make the same mistakes we did!

TRAILER SKIN REPLACEMENT:

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[johnanderson]

I know you don't like the windows, but they really look nice. Very distinctive.

[KP-bvrh]

In preparation for starting a similar project, I’ve been binge watching vintage trailer rebuild videos for a week, including some with many, many views and subscribers. This video alone beat them all. It was honest, humble, insightful and covered the most important points for someone looking to give it a try. I’m very grateful and looking forward to more.

[firedog]

I agree with you by the "order of operation" approach to "disassemble and reassemble" the vintage camper. The "order of operation" applies to the clothing industry, housing industry and many other industries. A person is not likely to make mistakes by the method, and if restoration is a first experience, it is WISE to take many step-wise photos as a backup reference plan! :-)

[angiec]

Ok I probably agree with everything except replace the skin. I love that the old skin has dings. It shows the character. You did an amazing job. Can't wait to see the inside.

[thisoldbelair]

I think it’s really cool that you reused the original skin. Keeps some of the authenticity of the original trailer when what you’ve basically done is used the original camper as a template for building a replica body on the frame - considering how much wood work you had to do. Looks amazing, great job. Very inspiring. We’re currently RV owners but restoring a vintage camper is absolutely on our list.

Gorgeous Jeep, btw :)

[pattysherwood]

I learned a lot from your many mistakes ( just teasing). Thank you . I have a canned ham and I will only be doing things that an old lady can do to make it nicer. No tearing apart. Good luck.

[gerlandkent]

nice looking restored camper. thank, you for you're video. Random vanners east coast VA. 2%

[jeffreyvasby]

I would put pink pressed foam insulation under the floor. And foam silver foil in the wall and ceiling.

[aneuno]

Very cool. Im going to start restoring a 66 trailer that Im converting into a tiny house. This was very helpful. Thanks a bunch! Will continue to follow. :-)

[wwz]

Lots of great points in your video! I always tell people that are considering these projects, do you have the TIME, TOOLS and COVERED WORK AREA? Most do not have the spare time, and most don't have a covered work area. Even a Harbor Freight cheapie carport can work. People also under-value their time. Reusing the skin saves on material, no doubt. But as you point out, it cost you 100 hours + in labor to save that skin! On the windows, jalousie windows ROCK and the gaskets and parts are all still available on line. The thing about not coating the bottom, it allows you to quickly inspect for any leaks and it allows the wood to dry out if it ever gets wet. If you seal it, then it holds water. And wherever it holds water you WILL get rot!

[maehay]

I admire all your hard work rebuilding your vintage trailer. The outside looks amazing. I just found your channel today. By the way my dad used to work for the Hemet trailer company. My father used to build his own campers. I was his little helper. I am looking forward to seeing your next video.

[irgod]

On the trailers I've built, ive always sealed the bottom of the deck. Although, the first one was just layers of "ooops paint" from HD, but after time the paint would peal and i would have to redo. What I do now is I put a thin coat of Green low VOC FRP glue with a wide putty knife, let it tack up then i paint. I especially cake on the FRP glue on the edges of the decking then paint. This FRP glue sticks on to everything like crazy and won't come off and the paint will not chip off the FRP glue.

[burly]

You did a good job, they don’t make anything to last anymore. That’s how you learn. By the name of your channel, I thought maybe you did this all the time. I could pull that with my Kia Sportage. I think it’s 2000 pound limit. Not much more though. I love those old trailers. They’ve got a lot of character. I just bought a Toyota dolphin six cylinder. 35 years old they did it in 2006 engine and inside. It’s still dated though, but at least it doesn’t have nasty carpeting. I was lucky to get it and I was really worried about how dirty it might be. But it’s not bad at all. it’s dated, but I’m not going change the upholstery, I will just clean it because It will go good with my bark cloth and bark cloth era collection. Safety inspection next week then cleaning, painting.

[TaB-hqbq]

Begging was cute for some reason, love hearing that lil end goal

[wendyrobison]

Saving this video. About to embark on my first build of an old camper and this video by far helps more than most I've seen on here. Thanks for the info!

[jlancaster]

Just saw this now .... Pretty cool! I'm glad you used the old skin even though it was troublesome. For me it would be nice to think that it was as original as possible. Also ... I like that you took it apart and actually rebuilt the frame. Trying to sister new wood to old rotten wood (likely moldy as well) wouldn't give you the same strength and over time with moisture, that old rotten wood would begin to migrate through your walls into your nice new rebuild!
Really love the look of that old girl! Nice Job!

[lisachevrette]

Love the outside color. Good tips on renovating from outside inward, purchasing new skins and although it might be tarped, water or condensation can be a problem.

[gregt]

Brilliant. Well done sir. I admire your skill, patience and taste. Absolutely stunning.

[BrianCarey-sgrf]

Go to Illinois there are people giving away campers probably in better shape than that one when you got it

[DanTheManIOM]

hey, for a first time build, you did fantastic ! The color choices were excellent.