Old camper, same gameplan, let the mods begin!

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
On with the pics...

started by stripping off of all of the lower moldings. Then pulling the bottom course of siding.

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This is the triple wall furnace pipe.

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this area here will be modified, and built in to accept a 20lb propane cylinder.

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This box will be removed, and the entire area will be expanded, to open up the interior floor plan

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underbelly, in fantastic shape. This will be insulated using rigid insulation, and a layer of treated plywood will be applied to the entire underbelly.

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rear compartments removed

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Start the painting!

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Painted all of the plywood, where the boxes will be attached. And I gave the sleeping area a fresh coat of paint. Walls will be refinished, and molding will be installed to trim things out.

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zukrider

Explorer
so are you gonna keep the license plate trend for the life of the camper or start over with the rebuild? i like the history idea
 

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
You know, it is something I have thought about. Not sure exactly how I will end up working it in, but that section of siding will be saved for something :chef:
 

fisher205

Explorer
I had a similar furnace in my Alaskan and needed to replace it. I was told they weren't available anymore due to liability and regulatory reasons. That without a powered intake(?) that in certain wind conditions it could backdraft and blow out the pilot light. I don't see that as a problem with the new igniters. I really liked having a furnace with outside air intake and exhaust. The Olympia's put too much CO and water vapor, in the air.

Good luck with this build. - Brad
 

kerry

Expedition Leader
Sounds like you are planning to have a solid plywood bottom on it. I think the existing stringer system on the bottom has some advantages. It raises the floor up enough for it to dry out if it gets wet. I've seen some pictures of some pretty rotten solid floors. One thing I like about my Texson is that it has a few raised metal stringers to accomplish the same thing.
 

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
It will have a solid bottom on it. Treated 1/2 inch plywood.

The deck on my pickup is wood however, with 1/8 gaps between the boards. I think Im covered there, however I have thought about aluminum strips, if I dont like how it looks when I finally get the thing loaded on the truck.


On with the show... I was able to get 3-4 hours of work in today.

Removed the in-cabin seat and went to town on expanding :wings: I think it is turning out great :victory:


I should be able to get this passenger side done, minus the aluminum skins tomorrow, then I will tackle the drivers side. :ylsmoke:

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suntinez

Explorer
I think it's turning out great too, will be watching this thread with interest. :peepwall:

Great find on that furnace too, what a score!
 

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
Ive been real sick, but I have gotten a bit more done. I need to get this thing ready to roll..... running out of weekends before our x-mas trip!:Wow1:

underbelly insulated
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underbelly getting skinned with treated ply
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a bit more of the rear siding was removed to clean things up and prep for the fresh lower skins.

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rear skins applied, and working in the propane compartment:victory:

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IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
Moving right along...

I had one compartment door that was sized close enough. I used it for the passenger side front compartment.

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Drivers side will all be much large doors, but still non-standard sizes. I will build these doors myself.

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IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
And the process continues.... Im starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Good thing, because I only have a few more weekends to get it done. I still have some maintenance items to address on the truck before the trip.....

I have been working HARD on getting all of the aluminum trims done. Im just about there... The corner trims are 1/8 for strength, and to provide some protection. The compartment door trims are 1/16, double angle that have been brazed together to provide a seal surface.

All joints are bonded with butyl tape, and screwed. Various joints are sealed with butyl caulk for a water-tite seal.


I got enough done today, that I felt like rewarding myself. I decided to back the truck under the camper for a test fit. :victory:


bell45.jpg


Ive had a very cool portable power supply that is used for a jumper for some time, but as it seems, our rigs are dependable enough that I have never used the thing. So I decided to use it for a dedicated camper power source, at least for this trip. The only thing that will be hooked up to it right now will be the propane/CO detector.

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Furnace vent reinstalled and sealed

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Pass side
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Smoke detector installed up high

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Propane detector installed down low

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For now I would like the camper to operate 100% isolated from the truck. For lighting, I have littered the camper with these guys. Right now there are 5 of these, and lighting is very good. They are LED push lights, and a test run showed that even on high, they have a battery life of more than 24hrs.

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I have also installed a few hooks about the camper, and one outside for this nifty LED lantern. Picked in up on sale the other day for $19. Came with batteries too!

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Till next time.....

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IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
Quick renderings of possible step project.

Have to get into the thing! It sits 44" off the ground!

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