mobiltec
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Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 28, 2013 13:24:59 GMT -5
There are plenty of opinions out there. There are also some reality checks that must be made when thinking about those opinions. But there are also "Do's" and "Don'ts" that can not be litigated.
Let's concentrate on some Don'ts... or "Nevers"
Here's a few things I have learned over the years.
Never use any type of calking or goop to try to seal a leak unless it's an emergency because you are not in a place you can repair your leak.
Never park your trailer next to anything that is taller than the trailer. Cat's and opossums and other living things will use the top of your trailer for a landing spot. That means big dents in the top.
Never leave your trailer out in the snow without protection.
NEVER EVER leave your top vent open. Good idea to just never open it.
Never close the door on a trailer without checking for cats or dogs first. Even if you don't own one or the other. I've found more dead animals in trailers than I would like to admit. One had 3 dead cats in it a while ago.
Never buy a trailer sight unseen.
And finally, never ever park next to an Airstream.
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Post by Harriet 1400 on Apr 28, 2013 14:23:06 GMT -5
Some of these need explanations... never park next to an airstream? Never open your top vent?
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Post by 65callie on Apr 28, 2013 14:26:56 GMT -5
I read somewhere that someone parked next to an Air Stream for an extended period of time and the reflection off the aluminum created a lot of heat and did something bad. Can't remember what. Maybe that is a folk lore or maybe reality? Never open your vent because if you're like some unfortunate others, you may forget to close it and have it blow off down the highway. We almost ripped our kayaks off the top of our Tahoe cause we forgot they were up there and almost drove under the overhang of a Wendy's. LOL we need signs on our steering wheel to remind us But we still open our vents, we have 2.
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Gone Kayaking
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long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
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Post by Gone Kayaking on Apr 28, 2013 15:34:07 GMT -5
I think the never park next to an airstream one was a joke. I have some don'ts
Never back up with your sway bar attached to your trailer hitch.
Never tow with your windows open. Sort of going along with roof vent...I think the never open on the roof vent kind of defeats the point of having one....I use mine all the time. But not driving with it open or closing it if there is any chance of rain when you are set up is VERY important.
never go on a trip without checking for proper inflation in your tires, and without checking your hubs after about 20 minutes to see if they are hot.
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 28, 2013 17:26:36 GMT -5
When I finally get around to making the Towing, Backing and Setup videos that will be part of the "Preflight" inspection. I always walk all the way around my trailer and look at everything to make sure it's all hooked up, locked down, closed up and aired up before leaving. If I stop to eat or something I do the same thing when I come back out. Any time I walk away from the trailer while it is hooked up I do this "Preflight" inspection before getting on the road. People may have screwed with stuff or your ball may be coming loose or a window may have popped open or a baggage door.
I just can't stand Airstreams that's all. I had one, restored it and it burned to the ground. Turned out to be arson and I had no insurance on it. Never want to set foot in one again. Don't like being in a tube.
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shastajeff
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"Stu" - 1965 Shasta Compact
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Post by shastajeff on Apr 28, 2013 17:43:41 GMT -5
never go on a trip without checking for proper inflation in your tires, and without checking your hubs after about 20 minutes to see if they are hot. I also feel my tires every time I gas up to check and see if they are hot, make sure nothing is sticking out of them...like a nail...and check for tire wear.
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Post by bigbill on Apr 28, 2013 18:00:00 GMT -5
Mobiltec I thought sure your reason not to park next to an airstream was that when your Shasta got more attention than their Airstream it would hurt their feelings.
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boandsusan
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Christmas parade 2012
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Post by boandsusan on Apr 28, 2013 18:04:39 GMT -5
Parking next to an Airstream could leave yer yittle Shaster with a inferiority complex.... I would have thought so at one time, but been there, owned that and Shasta RULES !!!
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Post by universalexports on Apr 28, 2013 19:06:56 GMT -5
never use 40 grit sandpaper to remove shellac,,, took me forever to sand out the groves the 40 grit put in the wood. luckily it was the drawer under the dinnet and is 1/2 inch thick.
never leave the outside door open or even cracked and not secured, winds will pick up and the door handle will make a nice dent in the side.
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Post by kto17 on Apr 28, 2013 19:22:46 GMT -5
Ok so on the goop subject. Obviously after 50 years or so the roof seams will leak an more than likely someone already put roof sealant on in the past. Other than replacing the whole roof with a single piece, what do you recommend?
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mobiltec
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Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 28, 2013 19:45:21 GMT -5
Ok so on the goop subject. Obviously after 50 years or so the roof seams will leak an more than likely someone already put roof sealant on in the past. Other than replacing the whole roof with a single piece, what do you recommend? If your seams on top are leaking then yes. Replace the entire roof from the top of the front window to the top of the rear window. You can order one custom made from Hemet Valley RV or Interstate Metals. They come seemed together and all rolled up. I prefer Hemet Valley myself but then again I live just a few miles away. But he ships. There are lots of sealants for seams including Plast-T-Coat but all of them are only temporary. All goop deteriorates and seperates from the metal over very little time. And remember although you don't know it, that roof metal is vibrating around up there while you are driving like you can't believe. Another reason for thick insulation go puff it out and a crown around the top vent to slope everything away from there. So the moral of the story is. Goop only in an emergency. Plan on replacement within a short time if you don't want your paneling and framing to deteriorate. Here is a whole new roof made by Hemet Valley RV that we just put on this 63 Shasta . The cost of the materials was $800. Took a day to take the old one off and a day to put the new one on... It has 3 seams in the top I beleive. They are locked seams.
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Post by kto17 on Apr 28, 2013 20:13:12 GMT -5
Ok so on the goop subject. Obviously after 50 years or so the roof seams will leak an more than likely someone already put roof sealant on in the past. Other than replacing the whole roof with a single piece, what do you recommend? If your seams on top are leaking then yes. Replace the entire roof from the top of the front window to the top of the rear window. You can order one custom made from Hemet Valley RV or Interstate Metals. They come seemed together and all rolled up. I prefer Hemet Valley myself but then again I live just a few miles away. But he ships. There are lots of sealants for seams including Plast-T-Coat but all of them are only temporary. All goop deteriorates and seperates from the metal over very little time. And remember although you don't know it, that roof metal is vibrating around up there while you are driving like you can't believe. Another reason for thick insulation go puff it out and a crown around the top vent to slope everything away from there. So the moral of the story is. Goop only in an emergency. Plan on replacement within a short time if you don't want your paneling and framing to deteriorate. Here is a whole new roof made by Hemet Valley RV that we just put on this 63 Shasta . The cost of the materials was $800. Took a day to take the old one off and a day to put the new one on... It has 3 seams in the top I beleive. They are locked seams. I'll keep them in mind. Flyingham sourced a single piece of aluminum locally and he is less than an hour from me. I know of a few sheet metal shops nearby that can put the bends in the end for me. I just have other projects that come first. Hate to say this but used the goop knowing its temporary. If I have the choice I would prefer a single piece.
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mobiltec
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Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 28, 2013 20:49:31 GMT -5
I don't know of any reason you can not use a single sheet...
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Post by The Pink Sheep on Apr 29, 2013 18:59:35 GMT -5
"Never buy a trailer sight unseen."
This is what is frustrating me so much in my search to even find a trailer. Around here the prices are already jacked-up to high heaven. Therefore I have been looking in other states.
So how can one procure a trailer by seeing it first if your demographic sucks.
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mobiltec
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Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 29, 2013 22:26:15 GMT -5
"Never buy a trailer sight unseen." This is what is frustrating me so much in my search to even find a trailer. Around here the prices are already jacked-up to high heaven. Therefore I have been looking in other states. So how can one procure a trailer by seeing it first if your demographic sucks. Someone here was talking about puting a thread together so people on this site could enlist the help of others on this site who will volunteer to go look for you, take pictures and ask questions and basically inspect the trailer. I think that's a great idea as long as no one gets mad at anyone for the choices they made. Most of the trailers I buy are not off of craigs list and never off of Ebay. I find all mine sitting in the woods, in people's back yards or sitting in fields and then I go find the owner and ask if they want to sell it. Most of them say sure if you really want to give me money for it. Those people aren't looking to make a killing. They are seeing a potential to get that old piece of junk off their property and money for a brand new bowling ball and bag. I keep my eyes open and look for these things in old neighborhoods. Then there are real auctions and estate sales. Might find something nice and reasonable that way.
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vikx
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Post by vikx on Apr 30, 2013 1:07:55 GMT -5
I got lucky this week: 3 offered, two coming home!
I agree with Mobile on roof goop and caulk. It never works. If you'be got a really bad seam, it's three times the work to caulk. If the seams are factory crimps, impossible.
Beware slopped seams. They WILL leak...
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on May 1, 2013 21:40:36 GMT -5
The ONLY time it's appropriate to buy a trailer sight unseen (but with pictures available) is when you are expecting a total wreck, you have a flatbed to tow it, and the price is right.
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on May 1, 2013 23:38:30 GMT -5
The ONLY time it's appropriate to buy a trailer sight unseen (but with pictures available) is when you are expecting a total wreck, you have a flatbed to tow it, and the price is right. A flatbed is a great tool to have. And if you don't own one, they are not that expensive to rent for a day or two.
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Post by '59PinkDeluxe on May 19, 2013 22:19:17 GMT -5
I travelled all the way to Montana to get my Rosaly, but I wouldn't have put down the cash if I didn't think she was worth it. I would have turned around and just called it a "road trip". But, all the great research and information I found on the forum helped me to make an informed decision that yes, she was viable and worthy. I am so pleased. Thanks everyone for all your great help
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on May 19, 2013 22:25:39 GMT -5
I travelled all the way to Montana to get my Rosaly, but I wouldn't have put down the cash if I didn't think she was worth it. I would have turned around and just called it a "road trip". But, all the great research and information I found on the forum helped me to make an informed decision that yes, she was viable and worthy. I am so pleased. Thanks everyone for all your great help I know a few people who have done exactly that. The loss of a small deposit is not worth burying yourself into something that is going to cost more than it will ever be worth. If I remember right you did a lot of homework on this one. Good job...
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Post by LittleVintageTrailer on May 20, 2013 23:06:41 GMT -5
I never open the roof vent for that very reason...I'm afraid I'll forget to close it. However, I've broken the other rule of never buy a trailer sight unseen...I've bought 2 that way. Well based on photos only (64 Shasta Astroflyte and a 55 Bellwood). Fortunately both turned out to be very very nice trailers but buying sight unseen is not something I'd recommend anyone do and I myself feel that I was fortunate and wouldn't push my luck a 3rd time
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