Caravanner in NC

[packdad52]

I found a 23ft Safari listed in RV trader in Florida. I have a 1500 extended cab Silverado so I wanted to ease into airstreaming. My uncle introduced me to the "lifestyle" in 1970 when he traded in a single axle Avion for a 31 footter. He stopped at our house in NC on the way back from Jackson Center Ohio to his house in Ft. Worth. He had worked his way up the RV ladder all the way from a 1948 teardrop.

So, anyway, I was getting ready to go to Florida to look at the 23' Safari when I noticed a 25' Caravanner very close to my destination. It was much more complete than the 23' model and was advertised as being "road worthy". After looking at it, I decided it was the better deal. 4 years newer, more complete, 2ft longer and it did have fairly good tires. The other one was a gutted static unit.

Luckily my nephew took pity on my little truck and volunteered his F350 crew cab dually for the pickup that we arranged in GA.

Good news, the more I look at it the less modifications I plan to do. And the AC and refrigerator apparently work. Gas system needed lots of work so I am not sure about those appliances yet and haven't gotten it "wet" yet.

Disappointments so far are some tailight malfunctions and the fact that we have only had one brake to move so far (thank God for the Dually). And the fact they is no way to get it into my shop without taking off the AC.

I have sent the tanks off for revavling and recertifying and have new gas lines ordered. I have also eliminated all the tongue rust and primed that part. I am still deciding the final tongue color. Any suggestions?

I have already learned a lot from these forums. My trailers original WBCC number was 2828. The background of this particular trailer is very sketchy. I think the guy I bought it from got it at an auction and then just flipped it but there is no way to know.

My plans are to get it safe, usable, and decent looking and then see what happens next.

[CaddyGrn]

Good luck! I am sure you can find answers to any of your questions here in the forums. It has sure been helpful to us! Post pictures, we like lots of pictures!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

[wahoonc]

Packdad,
I would paint the tounge silver using POR-15, never have to do it again. We use that stuff on car frames during restorations. Fantastic stuff!

Aaron

[Holzarbeiter]

dido on the POR 15, well worth the money

[packdad52]

I have already done a lot of sanding an priming (automotive spray) on the tongue. Does it need to be sanded down again or is it compatible with automotive primers?

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by packdad52

I have already done a lot of sanding an priming (automotive spray) on the tongue. Does it need to be sanded down again or is it compatible with automotive primers?

Good question...and I don't have a clue Check out the POR-15website. IIRC it can go over the primer. I know we have painted over some pretty ugly stuff and it still sticks.

Aaron

[jerrypeterma]

I'm another Tarheel. Le tme know how the resto is going. We have just started on a 72 Overlander so keep in touch.
Jerry

[muddy_hollow]

Need pics please.... need a peak at the caravanner!

[packdad52]

Some of you wanted an update on my project. I just got my Caravanner back from Indian trail NC where RV Refrigeration just overhauled Dometic RM100. He said that this would be much better than a new one and having compared mine to some of the new models, I can see why. He also checked out my other gas systems and said they were good to go. My major obtacle now is getting the trailer inside for some serious leak fixing and cosmetic work. The heavy rains the last few days have shown me that there is lots left to do. I have the new beds finished but they are out of the unit now waiting for the leaks to be fixed. I canned the original gauchos in favor of an L-Shaped sofa with pullouts similar to the new models. Both of my new beds are at least 80" long. Being 6'4" that is a big improvement of the 75" standard. I spent a couple nights on them recently and I have never been more comfortable. The combination of 5"foam and 1 and 1/2 memory foam topper made for a perfect sleeping surface. I have also replaced section of floor next to the door and had the door frame welded.