Step 3. Make like new

My hobbies include furniture making, remodeling and automobile restoration. Now all of these skills get put to use. Let me outline my plans sequentially here:

1. Floor plan planning - This outlines what will change with respect to furniture/structures that are connected to the floor.




2. Front seating area changes from Gauocho couch to wrap around seating w/center table.




3. Kitchen area seating/bed changes from L shape to just a longer couch/bed w/no table




4. Kitchen counter changes, new sink, faucet, oven, fridge.




5. Rubber coin deco mat to replace PO laminate flooring.




6. Brushed aluminum backsplash and side wall




7. Add microwave oven




8. Rear wall to show separator brushed aluminum




9. New BR vanity and sink




10. Epoxy paint show stall




11. SS panels in shower stall




12. New overhead shelving with backlit plexiglass like a new AS




13. Paint front crown




14. New inside paint




15. Paint exterior with white/red combination

Rubber Coin Mat Flooring

Wrap around seating in front replaces gaucho couch

Single couch/bed replaces L shaped eating area

Step 2. Inspection

Now that you have identified which trailer you are interested in (price, size, floorplan, ammenities, shape) you need to inspect the trailer prior to buying. One piece of advice is to obtain the definitive DVD that outlines what to look for when buying an RV by the better business bureau. It shows an overview of an RV, how to tow, how to winterize, what to look for.

Here is a list of inspection items and questions. I include the list and my findings on my Argosy.
Bad News:

1. Gas/Electric Domatec Fridge needs replacing (out of date and freezer no longer works)
2. Gas Stove/Range needs replacing (just old)
3. Suburban Gas Furnace does not work and does not match manual. I will attempt to fix.
4. Fresh water tank/pump has been disabled. Needs to be cleaned and re-attached.
5. 12VDC converter does not appear to work.
6. Hot water heater is electric only and has not been tested.
7. Gaucho has gotta go with the top cushion being a futon cover.
8. Very bad outside paint (brushed on)
9. Musty. I sat in it for about an hour and had a coughing fit.
10. Front glass leaks
11. Passanger side brake light out although turn signals operate
12. Rear running lights out
13. Mouse turds everywhere
14. Bow in axels are OK I am told.

Good News:

1. New Rubber (tires)
2. Black water tank is clean
3. Outside is sound
4. Two large LP bottles work
5. LP lines check out
6. Belly pan looks great
7. All 120VAC lights work

To Do:

1. Check brakes
2. Check bearings
3. Checkout hot water
4. Checkout fresh water tank
5. Fix Furnace

Can you identify this? It will not light.

Things to check:

1. Sail switch
2. Purge LP first

Step 1. Find your trailer

Once I determined that I wanted a travel trailer I researched prices, models, floor plans and the RV lifestyle. I knew I had to pay cash and I knew that I would pay no more than $4K depending on shape and year. The higher the price, the longer it would take to save.

After missing out on a sweet 1995 17' camper for $3,500 I intensified my search. Thats when I saw the light. Airstream and Argosy trailers. Why you ask?

1. Best built
2. Most Recognized
3. Best DIY Support (http://www.airstreamforums.com/)
4. Alot out there
5. Not a whole lot of change through the years
6. Suited to renovation/restoration
7. Alot of replacement parts out there
8. Much advice out there about them

Sure I will have to get a used one but the hardest part will just be the model and size. The one thing I like about the Argosy is the large wrap around window in the front. It dramitcally increases interior light and the view could be incredible. So I started my search for an Argosy.

I found mine in Salem, Virginia about 2 hours away. The guy wanted $3,500 for the 1975 22' trailer with four new tires. I have seen them go for anywhere from $2,500 to $4K locally. I made my offer and waited. It is currently in bad need of a paint job, previous owner brush painted and it does look horrible. A little rust on the "forehead". A new floor was put in, but it was installed poorly with bug gaps around the walls and cabinets. All original upholstery (deteriorating), internal yellowing plastic has seen much better days. Front sofa bed is nothing but a futon mattress. Bright orange formica counters. I plan to rip out the interior and make the unit look more like a newer version of an Airstream.

Here is a mock up of the color scheme I am going with (from the actual picture above). I am thinking about rolling Tremclad paint instead of spraying. From what research I have done this method is much cheaper, looks professional and can be done with no professional equipment just a lot of coats (6-8) and a lot of buffing/sanding. What do you think of the paint scheme?