8 MONTHS UNDER A TARP 😨 1956 Calcraft Update

Decisions, decisions.

After 8 long months sitting under a tarp in my backyard it's finally time to revisit the 1956 Calcraft vintage camper that I started a diy renovation on almost a year ago. Should I get on with it and pick up where I left off or kick the can down the road until everything is absolutely *perfect*

Thanks for watching!

[mobiltec]

The new 12 volt refrigerators are great. Sharing this with my class.

[wwz]

I'd place the furnace fairly close to the cooktop, to simplify propane piping. I would go with a 12V compressor fridge. I would be thinking about solar. I've seen some where people created a window awning that was basically a solar panel.

[talldude]

This trailer will be one of a kind. I am impressed with how you figure things out. I think its much more difficult to work on these small trailers compared to longer ones. Keep going, I enjoy your videos.

[christinehoolihan]

Have you ever thought of making hodgepodge a style, using thrifted furniture for the old wood which is in itself inherently high quality? Plywood is much heavier than solid oak, that could be gleaned from a set of drawers that are cheap at a thrift store or yard sale, or free. The work you have done is BEAUTIFUL! I am amazed and grateful for the insider tips.

[tracysocal]

You do beautiful work. Go all in on this with the wood to make it something you enjoy for the long run. Whatever you decide I’m sure it will be amazing.

[rottiegirl]

Furnace/AC in tall cabinet. Water under sink cabinet. Puts water closer to axle and minimal plumbing. Then you have inlets for city water and to fill tank hidden behind the sink. Propane lines run under trailer, just have to get electricity to tall cabinet for AC. Also need DC to run furnace usually. Without the skin on you can easily do the wiring. Look forward to what you come up with. That’s the fun, make it your own to suit your needs.

[andreabyrd]

Can you do a video detailing what it is you look for when buying a camper and the things you do when you see it in person?

[scottmay]

I am basically doing a frame off 1958 Jewel. Same bunch of decisions. However, I was going to replicate the curved 1/8 birch cabinetry ( my prototype steam box worked pretty good.). So, on the cabinets you can stick frame instead of building box carcasses like for traditional cabinetry. Cuts down the weight etc. I was going to put a 200 Ahr lithium ion battery system in with flexible panels on the top. Where to locate the battery and water tank to best achieve functionality as well as weight and balance. Youve articulated all the same thoughts I have had. Where to locate stuff etc…thanks for the vid!

[dwderp]

in the 1940s and 50s, you would occasionally find a pair of opposing wardrobes in small trailers, one on each side. Then, when you opened the doors, they met in the middle of the trailer forming an actual wall between the front and back. Since you've got one that nearly closes off the trailer, you might give a little thought to having another directly opposite. Of course, as small as the trailer is, there might not be a suitable place on the opposite side for a full length wardrobe. Just a thought.

[deborahfieldson]

If you can fill your water tank where, or close to where, your camp site is the tank can go forward without affecting the tongue weight plus gas mileage might be better with an empty tank. Heater/ac I vote yes! more camping months per year. and please keep posting.

[kristinmedley]

Glad to see the 56 back. I understand exactly what you’re going through. Going on 3 years for mine. It would have been done by now if I didn’t keep changing my mind. But the end result is worth it.

[woodsmn]

one approach I saw in another build is to mock up all the cabinets full scale out of cardboard just to see how it looks feels and functions before you commit to the expensive materials

[jerrytalley]

It’s going to be nice, whatever you decide. It’s tough because with water storage, you may want to make sure it’s easy to drain for winter. 12 volts, solar, batteries, etc. too much to think about, lol

[kitmaira]

Glad to see you’re back on the CalCraft. I just threw a tarp over my CalCraft, it’s starting to feel like winter here. Mine needs a lot of work, but I’m going to have to wait for the spring.

[bearsstuff]

Feels like an opportunity to do all the things you learned with the other one.

[woodsmn]

well I lived in a camper like this and my propane fridge was rock solid went for three months on a small propane bottle full of gas and worked great.. they need to be close to level but that's not difficult .. if you can't tell it's tilted just standing in there it's close enough ...!

[pinkladybikermamma]

COULD MAKE IT A SECRET COMPARTMENT TOO!

[ekmfjnm]

Would the toilet fit in the closet? That would make it easy to use in the middle of the night.

[daltonmccartney]

Chinese diesel heater for heating is the route I'm going also looking to heat my water with it too

[furlvr]

Instead of a propane furnace, unless you go with a catalytic one like the Camco Wave Olympian heaters, try a diesel heater.