America

My Apologies, Let me start at the beginning

Well,

Like most things I jump right in and now I realize I did not give a proper introduction on the Forester.

The previous owner stated he had it for a few years and used it last at an ice-fishing contest.  He said the heater works well and does keep up with the north weather temperatures but not the winds.  Looking at it, I can understand due to no weatherstripping on any of the windows so I'm sure the breeze blew right though them.

It seemed well kept, not something that I would rate as a fishing or hunting camper.  It did have issues at both front and back windows where the typical canned hams don't fair well to begin with. The previous owner confirmed all lights worked on 12-volt (which was an added option for this year I found out later).  When asked if it worked while plugged in, he was not sure as he had never used hooked it up at any time.

He did confirm the stove worked but not sure on the fridge.  They did not cook in it just heated water for coffee mainly.  When I viewed the fridge, it looked new on the inside.  Completely free of rust spots, ick spots, etc.  I was happy and surprised to see it this clean with it being original to the trailer.  BONUS!

Here are a few more pix from the day I viewed it.


Original cushions, fridge, and stove



Viewing from the front of the trailer, the closet is on the left, you can just barely see the closet hardware in this photo.  Under the closet is a heater and small (really small) storage to the right of it.  On the street side is the sink with small countertop, four self locking drawers, stove over fridge, and overhead cabinets.

 

It has the original light fixutres all around. And in nice shape too.

Holiday stove with Norcold fridge.

Overall, it was very nice.  I had looked at a few others over the years and had some basics I wanted to have.  One was for sure the 12-volt.  It will come in handy when going into the back woods where I really like to get away.  It also had to have the comfort factor for company with a couch of some type.

I am a Diva when it comes to Dutch Oven cooking, so an oven would have been nice but I don't believe I would have much use for that particular item.  Though an indoor biffy would be nice to have, a porta-biff is much easier to maintain.  No issues with accidental dumps, winterizing, etc.  Since I also do a lot of kayaking, I have had one of these "boom boxes" and will make use of that in an outhouse style.  http://www.riversports.com/product/index/60/Toilet-Systems

Since I have been camping and kayaking, I have quite a bit of stuff already and really was in need of a room to store and move it all together.  So when I saw this trailer, seeing the storage capabilities and the basics, and believing there was just a litte correction needed,  I was quite happy. 

I did a bit of research was found this info. Thanks Kerby & Family.

Though this info is based on a 1968, and the one I'm looking at is a 1967, it's so close ---  SOLD !!

Then at home with the new trailer I take to closer inspection.....

All I Want For Christmas.....

The weather is extreme for the north woods with temps in the 50's and six days to Christmas.  With the weather at ideal working conditions, out to the trailer I head.

I got an interesting, useful, and early Christmas present from my Boaz.  An auto creeper that flips up into a seat.  I also found a good buy at a local store on auto wheel dolly's.  I got them put together and wanted to have a race with them but I will leave that to another day.

There's not a lot of clearance in the garage to fit the trailer in to begin with, now I take another three or so inches to add some manueverability.  I cannot take the trailer out of the garage on these dollys.  I will surely lose vents and do other damage, though it is very nice to have the ability to swing it a couple of feet from side to side.  I envy those that have the large indoor space or the NBN (nothing but nice) weather to complete the project trailers.

I continued with removing damaged paneling on the inside.  Glad I had taken the back window out first thing.  The lower back bed was removed and did not fit out the door, so through the window it went.  BIG HINT! I must remember the back window will be the last thing finished since it is very useful for moving large items in and out.



Continued working near the back of the trailer and found some areas of concern.  I poked around the back and on the street side put my fingers through the back and pulled out a piece of wood, or more correctly, a piece fell out into my hand.  The next piece I attempted to grab fell into my hand as dust.  Being that I have allergies to molds and dust, out came the mask.  Even though it's almost 50 degrees outside, it's going to be a long winter....

Well, since it feels like Halloween with the mask on, lets tackle the ceiling on the inside.  I know it's got some damage and needs to have panels replaced, so onward and upward. I pulled a few pieces and found the top is actually cardboard or maybe it's called pressboard.  Not really sure but it's a heavy laminated paper none-the-less.  It's lined with silver on the tin side and a type of plastic sheeting on the other, similar to being wallpapered.  With the sheeting, it really didn't show the water damage. However, it's there, and bad.... bad, bad, bad.

There's still so much more ceiling to take out that I'm going to wait for another day when I wear a hat to keep the ick from infiltrating in my hair, down my back - well, I'm sure you get the idea.  With all the ick that fell on my head, I decided to move to the outside and enjoy some fresh air without the mask. 

Got both of the curb side back windows removed.  The bottom removed very easy and yes, there's problems.  Wood rot on the upright towards the back of the trailer. Top of the window looks ok, front upright looks ok, bottom is good up to where it intersects with the upright at the back of the trailer.  How does that happen?  



Bumper side of curb window

Hitch side of curb window.  Upright is good, bottom is good and was covered by a (dried and cracked) plastic edging.



Top window came out easier after I remembered to remove all the screws.  Yes, there are times when  your brain takes a break before you do.  The windows will need to have new gaskets all around. 

I removed the screws of the streetside back windows along with some of the back trim rail so that I can peel the back panel off to make the repairs.  I do believe I will remove the entire roof skin so that I can repair the roof rails in a proper fashion.  Again, not much height left in the garage, I'll have to figure something out there.

I'm calling it a day at this point. 

Window removed and inspected

Overall, a very good day.  Good things and not so good.  Nothing truly hideous.  Really need to make sure the back window area is supported well as you can see the large bunk above the window.  A vintage light stands out in the pix as well.

Curtains will be going away.  These are okay but not what I want to keep.


Back window needs attention.  Left side is brittle. Note bunk above.





I tap tap tap and find my way to insulation.  One finger poke led to this.



What's in store

The day went well.  Viewing, reviewing, and itemizing things that must be done and noting things I want to do.  Good and bad news.  Good news is I can do it all from the looks of things.  Bad news is I have to
- replace ceiling panels
- refurb windows
- rebuild entry door
- find/build screen door
- more checking on both wheel wells
Nothing that is too scary, just time consuming. Now that the high for the day is 32 degrees and windy, it's hard to get the umph to head out and tackle the tasks.



Seemingly nothing to worry about until....



Tap a little and things fall apart into dust.  Can put my finger to the aluminum skin and support is lost at the left rear of the trailer.  Not good when there's a large bunk above this area.



Its a New Day

OK, here we go.  A day off, trailer in place, tools in hand - let's go!