Ikea furniture remodel

[arandruska]

This trailer looks stunning and has been remodeled with ikea carpentry. Does it seems like the trailer would be too heavy now? Has anyone done a remodel like this or have you seen a thread you could send my way? I'm trying to be a responsible shopper and find the right one. I dont want to fall into a trailer I cant fix.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/rvs/3730461957.html

There's also a trailerthats more of theright price but needs somelove. When thepropane is turned on, you can smellitin the trailer. The owner said this is likely bc the pipe from the tank is cracked. Ihat a realitivly small fix or more like a weekend long project?

Thank you so much in advance for any feedback. I really appreciate your time.

Rob

[Foiled Again]

The weight on the Ikea remodel depends largely on how they did it. Some folks have reworked the frames to eliminate a lot of the weight - basically using the cabinet fronts. Open the drawers and look. Get a thorough tour from the owner - and take the unit to a scale and weigh it! Look for any signs that the frame has bent such as wrinkling around the wheel wells.

If it is close to the weight of the original factory weight... why not. Note: the under cabinet refrigerator - small capacity in a large trailer, But more counter space.

It's very nice to look at though I'm not a fan of the tile counter on the kitchen. And the kitchen faucet is overkill for a trailer.

Other unit with leaking propane. Nothing is more dangerous. How much to fix? Could be anything from

• one loose fitting
• one badly done conversion (say from a gas oven to a convection microwave, where some idiot just crimped the unused gas line instead of properly capping and sealing it
• to a complete replacement of every pipe in the system plus an appliance or two

I'd pay for a professional's estimate before even considering this one.

When looking at a used Airstream "general care and maintenance history" is something to consider. The first one could be a cosmetic wonder with serious underlying issues - but has probably been "frame off". If the owner is truly proud of his work and knowledgeable... he'll have pictures, descriptions, and possibly a remodel thread here. If he's involved in a WBCCI or Forums group he may have friends who've helped with the work. If you've done a lot of reading here - you'll know whether he knows what he's accomplished (good or bad). Also why he's selling could matter a lot. If the work is well done the price is fantastic. If he slapped lipstick on a pig it's wasted effort.

The second one... there's nothing I'd fix faster than a propane problem. Got mine scheduled to see the local repair man over the water heater this week! It's puffing black smoke again... and I know enough to know I DON'T know enough to adjust that myself. He's selling it with a "what the heck" attitude toward the leak. Bet there are dozens of little issues that have been put off. (There are always dozens of little issues around the trailer that need attending to!)

Sincerely, Paula

[BeachHouse]

That is a really great looking remodel. I completely agree with the above comments. Have any trailer you are considering inspected by a professional or one of the volunteer inspectors on the forums. Most any used trailer won't be perfect, but know what you are getting into.

As to the weight of the Ikea cabinets, it probably isn't a problem. But weighing the trailer is a good idea in any case.

[Pahaska]

I would be concerned about proper venting for the under-counter refrigerator. I see no trace of a vent above counter level and I can't tell from the photos what side venting is present.

Poor venting will result in poor cooling. I once had a TrailManor with lousy venting and had a heck of a time engineering a fan and a scoop to improve it. Even my 22' Airstream with side vents was marginal before I reworked it.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, it looks really great in the pictures. Not much else to add, after Paula's post.

[adonh]

Originally Posted by arandruska

This trailer looks stunning and has been remodeled with ikea carpentry. Does it seems like the trailer would be too heavy now? Has anyone done a remodel like this or have you seen a thread you could send my way? I'm trying to be a responsible shopper and find the right one. I dont want to fall into a trailer I cant fix.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/rvs/3730461957.html

There's also a trailerthats more of theright price but needs somelove. When thepropane is turned on, you can smellitin the trailer. The owner said this is likely bc the pipe from the tank is cracked. Ihat a realitivly small fix or more like a weekend long project?

Thank you so much in advance for any feedback. I really appreciate your time.

Rob

The Ikea remodel looks good. But what have the done about the running gear, axles,tires and brakes. If the axles are original its not a even question of they "may" need to be replaced. A 1977 AS 36 years old, the axles "will" need to be replaced. You can change out the brakes and hubs at the same time. Check on the threads about changing the 15" rims and ties to 16" rims and tires. You can then get better tires with higher weight ratings. Good luck.

[arandruska]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

The weight on the Ikea remodel depends largely on how they did it. Some folks have reworked the frames to eliminate a lot of the weight - basically using the cabinet fronts. Open the drawers and look. Get a thorough tour from the owner - and take the unit to a scale and weigh it! Look for any signs that the frame has bent such as wrinkling around the wheel wells.

If it is close to the weight of the original factory weight... why not. Note: the under cabinet refrigerator - small capacity in a large trailer, But more counter space.

It's very nice to look at though I'm not a fan of the tile counter on the kitchen. And the kitchen faucet is overkill for a trailer.

Other unit with leaking propane. Nothing is more dangerous. How much to fix? Could be anything from

• one loose fitting
• one badly done conversion (say from a gas oven to a convection microwave, where some idiot just crimped the unused gas line instead of properly capping and sealing it
• to a complete replacement of every pipe in the system plus an appliance or two

I'd pay for a professional's estimate before even considering this one.

When looking at a used Airstream "general care and maintenance history" is something to consider. The first one could be a cosmetic wonder with serious underlying issues - but has probably been "frame off". If the owner is truly proud of his work and knowledgeable... he'll have pictures, descriptions, and possibly a remodel thread here. If he's involved in a WBCCI or Forums group he may have friends who've helped with the work. If you've done a lot of reading here - you'll know whether he knows what he's accomplished (good or bad). Also why he's selling could matter a lot. If the work is well done the price is fantastic. If he slapped lipstick on a pig it's wasted effort.

The second one... there's nothing I'd fix faster than a propane problem. Got mine scheduled to see the local repair man over the water heater this week! It's puffing black smoke again... and I know enough to know I DON'T know enough to adjust that myself. He's selling it with a "what the heck" attitude toward the leak. Bet there are dozens of little issues that have been put off. (There are always dozens of little issues around the trailer that need attending to!)

Sincerely, Paula

THANK YOU!! This really helped me today while I looked at these trailers.

[arandruska]

Originally Posted by adonh

The Ikea remodel looks good. But what have the done about the running gear, axles,tires and brakes. If the axles are original its not a even question of they "may" need to be replaced. A 1977 AS 36 years old, the axles "will" need to be replaced. You can change out the brakes and hubs at the same time. Check on the threads about changing the 15" rims and ties to 16" rims and tires. You can then get better tires with higher weight ratings. Good luck.

You're right. It was much more of a money pit than Aaron and I are interested in getting ourselves into. I just want a trailer that everything works that I can still afford without having to make payments or take out a loan. I've been so in love with Airstreams but it has to be the right one at the right price.

There were many small things with the trailer than just seemed like I would forever be sinking money in right away to make them right. The propane leak ended up being cracked hoses putside the trailer so probably not an issue inside but the interior had taken a beating and the cabinets were pulling away from the walks and most of the light switches didnt work.

[arandruska]

Originally Posted by adonh

The Ikea remodel looks good. But what have the done about the running gear, axles,tires and brakes. If the axles are original its not a even question of they "may" need to be replaced. A 1977 AS 36 years old, the axles "will" need to be replaced. You can change out the brakes and hubs at the same time. Check on the threads about changing the 15" rims and ties to 16" rims and tires. You can then get better tires with higher weight ratings. Good luck.

Nothing had been done. You're right. I talked to Inland RV and they would want $800 per axel to replace them. The tires were 4 years old about 3000mi on them. Is that pretty standard switch to upgrade 15 to 16"? Would you do that on a 29ft 72' Land Yacht? That was the last trailer I looked at today and seriously I think it's the one... More on that later. I'm sleeping on it but it feels right. I think I'm about to be an Airstream owner..

[slowmover]

If one needs new tires (five year lifespan) then the switch to LT tires on 16" wheels has good arguments in its favor. The BF Goodrich Commercial T/A has excellent reports from high-mileage, experienced users and is a favorable price in comparison to very top MICHELIN and BRIDGESTONE. (Use covers and over-inflate by 10% when parked). See thread by BobThompson on this brand.

I'd strongly consider new axles on an A/S if but 15-years old. There is a point where there is no longer a savings in putting off work that is critical to safety and longevity.

In general, structural integrity and brand-new road performance/safety gear would impress me far more than the interior furnishings. Someone who leaves them out or till last has priorities mixed.

My order of priority in looking at TT's is to look for damages -- repaired or not -- and I most highly favor "original, very good condition" coaches:

1] Road Performance / Safety
2] Structural and Skin Integrity
3] Water Plumbing & Storage
4] Propane System
5] Electrical

While the first category may not be "obvious" I find it quickly sorts out the ignorant from knowledgeable seller.

And don't forget other brands. Avion, Silver Streak and Streamline are generally better-built TT's with fewer serious problems after purchase and a lower purchase price. They just aren't as well known, is all.

Here's a Denver CL Listing for a mid-80's tridem Avion. JimGolden has one that is similar, and he, like me, would (I imagine) be willing to look over an ad for any discrepancies apparent through his familiarity.

Take a bit of time, is all. And ask around of other owners of what brand/model has your interest.

.