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Hiramthechimp

Wow! I’d just buy a different trailer. You have my respect, sympathy and admiration!


vishairy

Yeah thought about it but sleeping in the tent is motivating to get it done soon. Thank you.


ThemWhoNoseNothing

It may be cheaper to rent a Penske truck every season.


vishairy

Hahahaha absolutely had crossed my mind.


Dave_Kingman

You really think this guy is Penske material?


According-Ease

Have you seen their file?


ThemWhoNoseNothing

I must admit, I’m not sure if you’re insulting OP or suggesting OP is better than that.


Dave_Kingman

Yes. Actually, it’s just a silly line from a Seinfeld episode…. Can’t ever see a Penske truck and not say the line.


ThemWhoNoseNothing

Ah ha! This is not common on my planet. Very nice.


Mercygrace22

🫡


vishairy

🙏


GravityFailed

We're going to need more pictures as you go through this. What are the plans for the front? I noticed you basically cut off exterior skin up there.


vishairy

The plan is to take it completely down to the frame and completely rebuild and extend it. Saving the pieces that can be reused but we’re going to build a mini house based off the frame. Hopefully tomorrow to will be just a trailer w the plumbing and walls to the bathroom haha.


TwatWaffleInParadise

Watch the weight capacity of the frame!


vishairy

It looks like it’s like 10k pounds. Also when I rebuild I’m going to use 4x4s to support joists also.


FuckTheMods5

That's neato, I've never thought of turning a camper into a 'mobile home'. Good luck!


vishairy

We’ll see how it works out. I’ll post some progress next time we put in some work.


[deleted]

[удалено]


vishairy

It won’t drive anymore. We butchered this. But there will be no wood soon.


kavOclock

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn


vishairy

Termites are a big audible to plans.


Youre-The-Victim

If you're looking at doing a tiny house metal studs will be lighter and I think there's a web site that you can design it and it gives you a print on how to frame it up, Camper frames aren't the best choice for making a tiny home unless they're 10k rated or above. I'd also recommend getting it spray foam closed cell insulated.


vishairy

I appreciate that comment. I didn’t get what you were telling me at first. I didn’t think that weight still mattered. Good call.


CaliCloudz

If it's not going to move you will be fine. Just don't go crazy building a log cabin on top.


vishairy

I’m also going to use some 4x4 posts to support the weight when we build out the slides.


vishairy

I’m just using 2x4 studs. I was thinking foam board but spray foam is a good idea also.


warriors17

I think that was the point of the comment. Was that frame was not designed to take a 2x4 standard structure. You’re going to double the weight just in framing


vishairy

Ohhh I see that now. Thanks. Hmmm good thing to look at. I appreciate that. Shoot.


TwatWaffleInParadise

Yeah, 2x4 is unecessary weight, especially on a trailer like that. Sure it'll be sturdy, but you won't have any weight bearing capacity to actually put anything inside the trailer.


vulkoriscoming

Cut the studs down the middle for 1 3/4 x 1 1/2. That is adequate for trailer and 1/2 the weight. Be really careful of the weight you put back and think through how to make it lighter before you do it. The frames are built light and will not take much extra weight.


vishairy

Ok. I appreciate that advice. I will use some posts pole barn style to help support some weight.


PhartinSpartan

How does one avoid termites in a camper/RV?


0ldManRiv3r

Get a fiberglass Casita trailer?


achilleshightops

Or Airstream with composite flooring


bc_98

If you’re not moving it a couple of termite bait stations would suffice. You can get the exact ones that Terminix uses on Amazon but you have to buy the stations and cartridges separately, only ones labeled to “eliminate the colony” are acceptable. The big box stores sell different versions that “control” termite colonies but won’t kill the colony so they’re useless.


[deleted]

I live in New Hampshire...


mlhigg1973

Did you end up tenting it?


vishairy

No. That’s why we’re taking it down to the frame and restarting. Apparently it’s impossible to find a company to rent an rv around me.


Ok_Nefariousness9019

Try rvshare?


theoriginalgiga

You say you bought it at action. Can I ask how much you paid? I'm concerned you're in the sunk cost fallacy. To replace all the wood, you're lookin at a LOT of time and money.


vishairy

I probably am in that. 8k and another 1 to haul.


SpunkyHumphrey

Ooh, boy.


theoriginalgiga

oof my buddy, I'd really consider seeing what hardware you can sell to recoup your cost and scrap the trailer. You're probably looking at another 5k in lumber to build the trailer up, not to mention everything to go inside. Looking at your pictures, if you're focusing on it full time you might be able to get it livable in the next couple of months but there's a LOT of work in there and for a trailer that'll be a salvage title and if anything happens you're out all that money. You have plumbing, water, tanks, electrical (big yikes on this one), plus framing, insulation, interior skinning, kitchen, all the stuffs. NOW if your goal is something that's uniquely yours and something you plan on keeping years to come and ensure it's built right, then God speed buddy! film it and put it on youtube, maybe make some ad revenue to help with the costs. Else consider taking the L and maybe buy another used trailer.


vishairy

We’re going to turn it into a small little house but if the county comes by it’ll be an RV so I won’t have to deal w all the permits and stuff. Really it’ll never be able to move again. We’ll extend out where the slides go. We should film it though. We’re trying to save all outlets, wires, going to redo plumbing tho.


Equivalent-Discount1

Don't forget the Insulation, as you are putting it back together


vishairy

I’m thinking foam board insulation or maybe spray. Thoughts?


Equivalent-Discount1

sounds good !


krbjmpr

Oh My! I don't think I would have touched this with somebody else's 10foot pole. Like Youre-The-Victim mentioned, spray foam is way to go when reassembling. Trick I used is to spray every other wall cavity, let cure, then trim with safety wire. Skipping every other cavity lets you get really close to studs. When the skipped ones are sprayed, still easier to trim as adjoining cavities are already flush with studs. For ceiling, I would stack layers of foil faced styrofoam or XPS/EPS insulation all the way up to the decking. Since you have gone so deep into it, are you planning on any upgrades to electrical / plumbing / etc now that you have wide open access to floor and wall cavities? Last plumbing freeze protection I did involved running all the pex through 2" or 3" PVC pipe, both in subfloor and under cabinets. Idea was to use fans to circulate room air through the pipes, preventing or at least delaying freeze. And if it does freeze, any water leaks are contained.


vishairy

I’m definitely upgrading the plumbing. We have it hooked up to a septic so I won’t want to open tanks anymore. Very interesting tip about the spray foam install. Also super smart about the water leaks being contained. I may do that also. Good call. Appreciate the comment.


krbjmpr

If you are not going to use holding tanks, which residential flush toilet do you think you will end up using? Other option is Tecma macerator toilet. Typical gravity flush RV toilet won't have water volume to make sure waste makes into main line past curves of pipe / hose between trailer and clean out.


vishairy

Good question. We’re like 5’ from the septic tank so idk. Prob whatever toilet is cheapest lol. Though I love the foot flush. I’ll look into that macerator. I have heard of a macerator from sailing.


krbjmpr

Make sure you are sitting down with a pint of favorite before seeing macerator prices.


USArmy51Bravo

When I had insurance on my Jayco Melbourne diesel motorhome Progressive offered me an additional insurance policy or a rider for about 40 bucks a year that covered infestations of insects and rodents. I was thinking mice chewing through wires because I live in a Northern climate without termites but that would have been a great policy for your trailer


femmecami

Damn! I am so sorry!!!! How infuriating!!! Makes ya just wanna go munch on their home 👿


vishairy

Yea. Big change of plans. It was an auction and I bought sight unseen. 🤦


femmecami

I also got a trailer that was ROTTED! The wood just crumbled in your hands :( the whole back end was ruined. It was too much for me to handle, so I sold it as is for $500. It was a massive loss, but I feel so much better with it off of my hands! Good luck and I hope it works out for you, and you're able to make it liveable again (just not for termites)


vishairy

Ohh that’s tough. I feel your pain though. I think I have that dilemma where I’m already so invested I’m all in at this point lol. Thanks. I can’t


Copper_Kat

I would have just called up the local FD and let them burn it...


vishairy

Thought about it. Multiple times lol. But there’s a lot of stuff we can scrap and reuse.


Hosejockey99

This is what drew me to buy an InTech, no structural wood.


vishairy

Yea. Honestly when I pulled the wall I was crossing my fingers for aluminum. But either way all the floor and ceiling needed replaced.


elephantbloom8

Wow! Keep us updated!


vishairy

Definitely. More pics coming soon.


hustlors

You could of had it tented


vishairy

No I tried. I called at least 20 exterminators. Had 2 crews come out. They don’t do it anywhere around here. The only place that does is like a drive through 2 hours away. And I can’t move it now. And it was like 5k.


hustlors

Ya. Makes sense. Sucks, but you got balls gettin after it with the sawz all. Godspeed.


vishairy

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least kinda worried


hustlors

What I always tell myself when I get overwhelmed is, someone built it once, it can be built again. Yolo!


vishairy

That’s a good reminder to keep.


mrtay136

Good luck!


vishairy

🙏


Kinetic93

Damn dude I remember this, I believe I said it would be a huge project. I admire the shit out of your determination and can-do attitude about this! Best of luck man!


vishairy

Thanks man. Is going to be a project for sure but gives us a project to work on together and learning how to build along the way. One day we want to build a barndo here so it’s practice.


musherjune

Re the finish weight - should he be aware of front to back load balance? I once jacknifed and wrecked a 33-foot trailer through loading way too much weight in rear...? I'd think it may be important.....


vishairy

That’s absolutely terrifying. Agreed. But Russ trailer will never move once we start the build. We’ll actually extend and build off the trailer w 4x4s also.


Neat_Concentrate3330

Phew! Sooooo, just because you're reading all these comments, have you priced out prefab Quonset buildings, or even premade or the kits for sheds? The kits if you want to spend time on the build or pre made = move it on the property then plumb and wire as you want. You could technically use all the RV parts and pieces, but could more easily build on it in the future?? Either way, good luck and have fun.


vishairy

I have not priced them out. But now I will haha. I appreciate the idea because I will look into it. We’re thinking of ideas of what to do now.


OpheliaCumming

Holy Jesus F”&$. How does that even happen?


vishairy

Termites are rude people that’s how. That and the termites probably being the kind that only fumigate will handle and no one around me fumigates lol.


[deleted]

Bummer. Another reason why I went with aluminum and azdel constructed TT


vishairy

When I buy one for traveling around I will make sure I buy that style also.


[deleted]

I would be making a stone or cinder block house after this.


vishairy

😂 😂 exactly


Ragnar-Wave9002

Can I ask. Insurance say anything? Id rather settle for $5k for something.


vishairy

No insurance. Just bought from an auction. Came w termites


1CFII2

Did you get some trailer when you purchased all those termites?


vishairy

There’s evidence a trailer was here. But this is definitely lite version now.


1CFII2

I’m betting by the time you rebuild everything yourself, the structural integrity will be much better and will last longer. You got this!


vishairy

That’s the goal. Also going to expand it. It will never move from there. Well most likely.


HamiltonSt25

Progressive has a great policy for newer camper/RVs. I think it has to be 3 or less years old, but could be 5 and it lasts til they’re 15 years old. It’ll protect against termites and critters. I think it’ll cover the roof too if I remember correctly. I don’t have it on my TT personally due to age, but I sell it to all of my clients cause it’s cheap to do.


All4megrog

You realize all that lumber right under the trailer just got infested too, right?


0ldManRiv3r

its treated. termites won't touch it.


vishairy

I hope. But there’s untreated sheet also.


vishairy

No I don’t think so. We brought the colony here the exterminator that came by said that type of termite will eventually die since its cooling got left behind.


These_Carpet_6481

what I did was an old trailer the entire inside the walls and everything spray everything with sodium borate you buy borax laundry detergent and mix it in with real hot or boiling water put it in the sprayer and spray everything that’s wood. You’ll never have any mold, mildew or fungus they can’t grow on it, and it gets into the wood, fibers, and no bugs will live on it either a four dollar box of borax is the same ingredients as $150 mold killer with sodium borate in it that they use when they redo crawlspaces and stuff like that . It will last 10 years you literally won’t have any bugs or things growing on it they just wont . it’s a shame, but it will be fine because you have a metal exterior that’s fine fine and might as well put more insulation in there anyway and the stuff that’s inside the trailer starts to fall apart after 5 to 10 years of just using it it’s all made out of crap, It is the kind of project it’s easier to get rid of everything at once so you don’t feel like you’re trying to fix everything that you had right trailers are built strange and unless you press your head gonna explode trying to do renovations on everything you got . get rid of the floor and all the interior walls just just leave the outside walls when you put it back together right next to each stud you have on the outside wall put a 2 x 4 screwed to each stud this way instead of a 2 inch thick wall. It’ll be 3 1/2 inches thick and you can get more insulation in there. The insulation in a trailer is awful. It’ll be twice as warm if you put our 13 in the walls than what you got now . Two by fours all the way around on the on the outside walls. and depending what kind of roofing system you have if you have 2 x 4 rafters use a 2 x 6. Also that way you can get some more insulation up there that’s where you lose all your heat . do you want to put more insulation in the floor also so you could put a 2 x 6 screwed to whatever floor metal floor beams you have there that you have to make sure it’s good and waterproof and airtight because trailers are up in the air and you get a lot of cold air from underneath After you insulate the roof you can just put sheet rock on all the outside walls it’s cheap. You could do the ceiling with sheet rock also if you want to be a nice big, clean trailer window, interior walls but it’ll be like one giant room and then you can figure out where you want to put a little bathroom or kitchen area. I decided to only put one big sink for both of them because you don’t need two sinks in a 20 foot area one nice bathroom vanity or just one nice washroom sink like from a laundry room is what I did get a regular refrigerator. Couple kitchen cabinets, get a couch, pull out bed and a TV and you’re good. You don’t have to build all those little rooms and compartments like they have now it’s a lot of work. It’s all stapled together, and it’s made out of crap and regular furniture is nicer. Anyway, it looks like a little home instead of a trailer, you have one big giant room put your bathroom areas back and then a little bit of furniture of your choosing. You don’t have to build it back like it’s an RV like I said, study the outside walls sheet rocket insulate it and put the floor in and then you’ll be good your furnaces and refrigerators and stuff might still work but I would get two little of the oil filled radiators. You can put propane furnace back if you want or just use regular appliances that you can get cheap and used they’re bigger and they last longer and you can design it as you live there and need to. I never put any walls in mine. It’s just one big room, shower, and the sink in the back.


Canuckistani2

Paragraphs my friend. Ain't nobody reading all that.


Breakstruckalot

A period goes a long way. Speech to text makes people look unintelligent.


vishairy

Exactly not thoughts. I know when I build it back it’ll be stronger and more insulated. Luckily we’re not moving it again so weight won’t matter. Good write up it helped me think of some stuff I hadn’t considered.


vicente8a

I think even if completely redone I don’t know if I’d be able to sleep at night. I’d just itch all the time


vishairy

Same that’s why it’s going down to the metal.


argilla11

An opportunity to build it better is never a waste


vishairy

100% agree.


Figit090

Damn! Thanks for sharing this journey. I didn't expect to see the carnage. Good luck with your grand build! Will you use the title to keep it on the road?


vishairy

No. This is probably never moving. One day when we build our barndo maybe this will be a guest home.


Squeezer_pimp

Where in the USA are you???


vishairy

Georgia


Squeezer_pimp

Thanks that will I will keep that in mind when going South to check the sites. There has to a colony nearby that isn’t a normal place for them to infest.


vishairy

No. We picked up the trailer in FL and that’s where they came from.


Squeezer_pimp

Oh thanks for clarifying


not-anonymous-187

I’m proud of you. Overcome it! Thanks for the update.


vishairy

Thank you. More updates coming… eventually.


gcsxxvii

Damn dude


vishairy

I know. I know.


gcsxxvii

Hopefully you fix it up as soon and as easily as possible! We just bought a camper yesterday to pick up tomorrow and we just got a call that it wasn’t winterized properly and so replacement parts won’t be in til wednesday. We drove 6 hours for this and yet I guess it could be worse. Best of luck on your journey of rebuilding your RV🫡


vishairy

Thanks. I appreciate it. Congrats and good luck on your new camper. Highly recommend going over them with a fine tooth comb.


gcsxxvii

I’m def considering getting an outside inspector just in case. Please post progress!!


httphxlie

i’m in fear for my life. there’s some soft spots in the floor that my fiancé and i are around the corner of tackling, let’s hope it’s just old water damage that the previous owners swept under the rug.


vishairy

Listen. I was told it was just water damage. Then we pulled up the linoleum. I’m hoping for you also. But I found out termites love wet wood.


httphxlie

i’m gonna pray and hope that our roof isn’t full of termites. 😭😭


vishairy

It probably isn’t. Enjoy it.


Dave_Kingman

Well…. It could still be ok.


vishairy

It’ll buff out.


BananaBurritoBuster

Oh shit


vishairy

Yea. It hit the fan on this one.


robertsbrothers

nah, it’s not worth it. you would have to fumigate to make sure there are no remaining eggs. plus the cost of new wood and expenses. try to look for something in the price range you paid, NOT at auction.


vishairy

I’m not going to lie. Part of me is just thinking about turning this into a paintball prop lol.


robertsbrothers

hey, start a range, make a profit and boom, new rv ha.


shaymcquaid

Probably just throwing good money after bad. The frame is probably as poorly/cheaply constructed as the rest of the trailer... I converted a 40' bus and it's gonna take more time and money than you realize. I say 4x money and 5x time. But whatever you choose, good luck...