hello my name is Rick and I'm addicted to projects- truck camper

[jyl]

The problem with most small galleys is not enough counter space. You can go vertical - install a sturdy shelf in front of the windows, when there isn't room for a plate or pot on the counter, it can go on the shelf. I'd ditch the weeny double sink and put in a single sink that is deeper. And a half-pint type microwave, and a compressor-type fridge (google TruckFridge) instead of the ammonia unit. Find room for a couple of deep cycle batteries and inverter. That will be a good functional little kitchen.

I've seen Airstreams done in a modern style, blond/white wood and polished steel/aluminum paneling. Stunning.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by vash

that is slick!!! the interior isnt that bad. you made it sound much worse.

are you going to keep the look, or modernize it? i had a friend remodel an airstream trailer, and she really lightened it, and modernized it big time. really contemporary style. scandanavian. she had a wine cooler in it.

Right now I'm just thinking about what to do. As I take it apart I will make the decision to keep vs. modernize.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by jyl

The problem with most small galleys is not enough counter space. You can go vertical - install a sturdy shelf in front of the windows, when there isn't room for a plate or pot on the counter, it can go on the shelf. I'd ditch the weeny double sink and put in a single sink that is deeper. And a half-pint type microwave, and a compressor-type fridge (google TruckFridge) instead of the ammonia unit. Find room for a couple of deep cycle batteries and inverter. That will be a good functional little kitchen.

I've seen Airstreams done in a modern style, blond/white wood and polished steel/aluminum paneling. Stunning.

Good suggestions. The camper is currently setup for two batteries but the battery compartment is not large enough ( depth ) for conventional batteries so I may have to adjust the cabinet. Also as I was milling around in the camper I found an inverter that wasn't hooked up. I'll need to investigate if it works or not.

[rfuerst911sc]

Today I took off the tarps I had her covered with for the winter. Opened all the windows and let it air out. I decided to hook up an extension cord to see if the AC worked. To my surprise it came on with no issues and cooled great. Not too noisy either so I'm happy about that.

[URY914]

Rick,

Here's a nice rig I found on the web...

[rfuerst911sc]

Paul I have seen that picture on RV.NET. I visit that forum every day there are a couple of Avion restorations going on. One guy stripped all the anodizing off and is polishing it !!! I thought polishing Fuch's was bad I can't imagine an entire camper. But it does look cool.

[URY914]

I go to RV.net too. I've seen the guy polishing the whole thing. Seems like more work than needed.

[carr914]

Rick, I run every day and there are 2 Avion Trailers & 1 Truck Camper in the neighborhood - I'll have to take some pics.

T.C.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by carr914

Rick, I run every day and there are 2 Avion Trailers & 1 Truck Camper in the neighborhood - I'll have to take some pics.

T.C.

Hey TC what are the odds ? Go figure. I'd love to see some pics.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by URY914

I go to RV.net too. I've seen the guy polishing the whole thing. Seems like more work than needed.

You gotta admit it looks good all polished though. I am NOT going to do that to mine . If I showed up at Sebring with that much bling the crowd would burn it to the ground

[carr914]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Hey TC what are the odds ? Go figure. I'd love to see some pics.

The Truck Camper wasn't there (maybe an Easter trip) but here are the trailers - 1 really nice, the other not so much.

[rfuerst911sc]

TC that second pic is the same trailer my parents owned, it was a 1966 26 footer that was immaculate. They bought it used from someone that kept it in perfect shape. I still remember the light birch interior it was beautiful. It's what got me hooked on camping. They are built quite well and were cutting edge for their time. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[rfuerst911sc]

Wow I can't believe it's been about a year and a half since I bought the camper. Today was the official start of the camper restoration. Started removing the interior items like mattress, dinette cushions and wall cabinets. Tomorrow I plan on removing the stove/range and countertop. This is going to be fun, it's nice working inside with the AC on .

[billybek]

I can see why you were nervous when getting that off the truck!
I can't believe they only have three lifting jacks on a camper that size!
My little Starcraft Sportstar only had three jacks on it but it only weighed 900 lbs!

Cool project by the way!

[rfuerst911sc]

billybek it was quite popular back in the day for truck campers to only have three lift jacks, not sure why because I can't imagine them working great when new let alone 20-40 years later. Those lift jacks will be replaced by a Stable Lift system I have already purchased. The rig will be rock solid with the Stable Lift, it is engineered to REALLY be stable. They sell for $3000.00 new I was fortunate to purchase a used one for $400.00 !!! And all the electric motors work so I got quite a bargain. The camper is currently resting on three saw horses and I will never have to use the original three jacks again. Removing the camper from the truck when I got it home was an experience I never want to go through again !!!

[rfuerst911sc]

I thought I would update this thread as I recently officially started the restoration. I gutted the interior of all wood cabinets and appliances. Found out that somewhere along the previous 45 years she had a leak or two that rotted some of the " wing " wood structure. Originally Avion used some 1 1/2 " wood along the perimeter and then transitioned to 1/4 " ply, 1 " foam and another layer of 1/4 " for total thickness of 1 1/2 ". I assume this was done for weight savings, but with a one ton dually I'm not concerned about a little more weight . So I was able to install a total thickness of 1 1/4 " over the entire length/width of the wing with each layer glued with waterproof wood glue. The outer perimeter is bedded into a urethane adhesive caulk to help against any future leaks if any. Everything is screwed together with stainless steel screws. The 2 x 4 in the pics is a structural member, it distributes lifting force from the campers lift system. That 2 x 4 is also new with four coats of marine varnish and it's also bedded into the adhesive caulk. After I took these pics today I put down a coat of Verathane oil based stain in honey oak, I did this to help protect the wood and also some of this is visible when you open the cabinet doors. I will add three coats of marine varnish and this side is done. Then onto the drivers side to do the same. Fun project so far. She's a diamond in the rough at the moment !!!

[matt f]

Newspaper in the crapper.
You're almost done!

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by matt f

Newspaper in the crapper.
You're almost done!

That's funny . I wish I was almost done ! Actually the newspaper is what I used to make the template for cutting the plywood.

[rfuerst911sc]

Been a little while since I posted any progress pics. The wood in the wings on both sides has been replaced a total of 1 1/2 " plywood layup. Four coats of marine varnish it looks great. Today my son and I installed the stable lift lift system. About 350 lbs. of American iron . It took about 6 hours to get it installed. So she's coming along but a long ways to go. Enjoy the pics.

[aigel]

Very cool project.

I'd dump the toilet / shower. Who needs that when camping?

G