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VeggieBullet · 09-04-2012, 12:19 PM

Hi guys.
As you are aware we were looking into a 1990 5th wheel Avion.
We really never saw anything like that anywhere before. But based on all the input from the members of the the forum we went and got it!

And since this is all your fault!!

we are asking you to be involved in the resurrection of the beast.
Will try to document as much as possible since there is NOTHING out there regarding this particular unit, so if you know something please share, if you have an idea please say it.
So here we go and again please get involved since this will be a big full re-done project.

VeggieBullet · 09-04-2012, 12:25 PM

Here it was...crying for help.

VeggieBullet · 09-04-2012, 12:32 PM

so we we got it out and carefully went home....no chance to check bearings or anything for liability reasons they wouldn't let us do much in the auction, just taped the door compartments and securing some of the things inside.

colberjs · 09-04-2012, 12:40 PM

I'm hoping the Ranger is just a photo prop and not the actual TV.

VeggieBullet · 09-04-2012, 01:01 PM

why not?

**DKB_SATX** · 09-04-2012, 01:11 PM

Does it have a washer and dryer? I noticed the funny vent with flaps below the rear window, looks like a dryer vent.

Looks like a very interesting project. Is the main bedroom over the hitch? Or is that a kids' room or something?

VeggieBullet · 09-04-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Does it have a washer and dryer? I noticed the funny vent with flaps below the rear window, looks like a dryer vent.

Looks like a very interesting project. Is the main bedroom over the hitch? Or is that a kids' room or something?

Is totally set up for washer and dryer, the cabinets, the electrical and plumbing are there. they were only 200 made and about 50 came out with them from factory according to our understanding and we were not that lucky.
Master bedroom with queen size bed is in the over the hitch section and the slide out has a full size sofa bed, that can be the kids area

BessieB · 09-04-2012, 01:51 PM

Wow!!!! That is one of the best looking 5th wheel I've ever seen!!!! Mayhap I'm prejudice? Be sure to post more pics. Awesome!!!!!

VeggieBullet · 09-04-2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BessieB

Wow!!!! That is one of the best looking 5th wheel I've ever seen!!!! Mayhap I'm prejudice? Be sure to post more pics. Awesome!!!!!

Thanks Bessie
Just hang around here....pics...that would not be an issue...but the end of this thread the whole country will know every inch of our trailer

VeggieBullet · 09-05-2012, 08:41 AM

ok, it's time to get dirty!
Let's see what we can do in the roof today....so far is a mess.
A super thick green coat is covering the whole roof, between mold and pollen.
Also it seems like the roof was painted with some grey elastomeric paint with not even with a roller but with a brush!!

Airline · 09-05-2012, 09:19 AM

Guys
you really need a smaller tow vehicle,that beast is overkill ! ; )

Wabbiteer · 09-05-2012, 10:19 AM

Sorry - couldn't resist rehabbing your 'by the water' photo as that is much easier to do than the real trailer

If I remember correctly from many years-ago' posts, the hitch iron super-(?)-structure leaves something to be desired...

Oh yeah, roof coating probably not brushed but broomed on.

Niiiice find. GOOD LUCK!

M2HB · 09-05-2012, 02:40 PM

Weren't these trailers basically the 34' model modified to make it into a 5th wheel?

I sure like the looks of them.

**Kevin245** · 09-05-2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2HB

Weren't these trailers basically the 34' model modified to make it into a 5th wheel?

I sure like the looks of them.

Yes they have genes from the 34'.

VeggieBullet · 09-05-2012, 05:03 PM

Hi guys
wow....what a day...I was under the impression that it will be a quick rinse

anyways...this coat that is there is really intriguing us, is grey in color and some parts looks like a water based paint that is coming off with the power washer but in other places looks like a rubber

Does anyone has any idea what we can be facing?

JimGolden · 09-05-2012, 05:14 PM

Awesome Veggie! I'm glad you got it. This will make a super project!

The recommended roof sealer for these trailers is Aluminum Kool Seal. There's that main seam down the roof, about a foot off the center. If the roof is ever going to leak, that is where it will happen. Once you get it all cleaned off and scraped down, you'll want to go over that seam.

As well with this particular model, which is derived from the 34' basement models, you'll want to pay close attention to the lower seam. The non basement models had the lower curved piece (Airstream calls it a banana wrap) tucked inside the main sidewall, so water would jump over the seam and go onto the ground. But on the basement models, they made that part out of fiberglass (I think....it was aluminum on the non basement models) and it wraps on the outside. Not a good idea on their part. When the sealer goes bad, water can run down and into that area. So I'd take a good look at that. I think you could clean it up and seal it up forever, but it'll take some time.

These trailers are so cool. I wish I lived closer so I could look at it

Best of luck with your super cool project!

BessieB · 09-05-2012, 05:50 PM

Ya know? I think this is what I saw up in Susanville, Ca. Just parked and I would bet never used. Came home and googled but no luck. So this one must be it.

VeggieBullet · 09-05-2012, 08:46 PM

mmm I need to figure this whole multi-quote system to honor everyone, but for now i can't so here we go...

M2MH
Weren't these trailers basically the 34' model modified to make it into a 5th wheel?

I sure like the looks of them.

Kevin 245
Yes they havegenes from the 34'.
I think that Kevin is right about the DNA of the 5th wheels. Honestly I don’t know much about them yet. So far We are learning as we go and have no manuals or literature.

Jim
Awesome Veggie! I'm glad you got it. This will make a super project!

The recommended roof sealer for these trailers is Aluminum Kool Seal. There's that main seam down the roof, about a foot off the center. If the roof is ever going to leak, that is where it will happen. Once you get it all cleaned off and scraped down, you'll want to go over that seam.

As well with this particular model, which is derived from the 34' basement models, you'll want to pay close attention to the lower seam. The non basement models had the lower curved piece (Airstream calls it a banana wrap) tucked inside the main sidewall, so water would jump over the seam and go onto the ground. But on the basement models, they made that part out of fiberglass (I think....it was aluminum on the non basement models) and it wraps on the outside. Not a good idea on their part. When the sealer goes bad, water can run down and into that area. So I'd take a good look at that. I think you could clean it up and seal it up forever, but it'll take some time.

These trailers are so cool. I wish I lived closer so I could look at it

Best of luck with your super cool project!

Good luck..? Don’t you dare to leave us…! We will need you more than ever in this mega project!
We were reading about the Aluminum Kool Seal, do you think that is what is on the roof now? Tomorrow will get back on the roof to make a full inspection of all the seams (most likely will replace all of them) and will get back to you on that.
Again don’t you dare to try to leave…

BessieB
Ya know? I think this is what I saw up in Susanville, Ca. Just parked and I would bet never used. Came home and googled but no luck. So this one must be it.

Mmmm may be but I doubt it, according to some stickers on the unit it looks like its been in FL most of its life.
Base on the oaverall condition and the normal places where the stress from the high millage normally shows up it seems like it was mostly parked.
But you never now, may be the beast was in CA…

crazeevw · 09-05-2012, 08:49 PM

Veggie, your roof coating looks VERY similar to what's on the roof of my motorhome. Citristrip (LOTS of it) will take it off. Best part, you don't have to worry about the stuff rinsing off killing your grass or pets. I usually lather on the Citristrip, let it sit about an hour, the pressure wash what's been coated. It does take awhile getting it all accomplished. My plans are once it's all gone, to use a white roofing paint that's designed to be used on aluminum.
Thanks, Derek

VeggieBullet · 09-05-2012, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Veggie, your roof coating looks VERY similar to what's on the roof of my motorhome. Citristrip (LOTS of it) will take it off. Best part, you don't have to worry about the stuff rinsing off killing your grass or pets. I usually lather on the Citristrip, let it sit about an hour, the pressure wash what's been coated. It does take awhile getting it all accomplished. My plans are once it's all gone, to use a white roofing paint that's designed to be used on aluminum.
Thanks, Derek

hi derek
We still have some removeall and we were thinking on that option, now our major concern is that this unit is "aluminum electro coated and painted with perma-coat", now don't ask me what is but according to our undersanding is a kind of anodize aluminum with a kind of clear coat. This was used on Avions in 1989 and 90.
Well that been said, our concern is if the rinsing process of the roof can cause some damage in the side of the unit....
What do you think?