Our 1985 Fiber Stream travel trailer underwent some rigorous inspections this week. Camping World gave her a 45 point inspection, and our master craftsman friend, David, performed a thorough examination.
Camping World was a mixed bag. The service staff couldn’t quite grasp our concept of “off-the-grid” camping. The main technician scoffed at our idea of being solar powered, telling us “Once we get done playing with solar power we should buy a ($2250) generator.” The technician did, however, point out that our camper body was barely attached to the frame and that we have a small bend in the tongue of the trailer. These bits of information should be useful, but we don’t think they justify the $229 price of the inspection.
David came over today and gave us another point of view – less of a checklist of things that don’t work and more of a game plan about what our next steps should be in the restoration. It was nice to hear him voice some confidence regarding the condition of our camper. He said it would be good to roll down the road tomorrow with just a little work.
This is our current to-do list:
- Refabricate and re-enforce tongue and frame
- Secure camper to refabricated frame
- Fix (or buy new) braking system and rewire for 7-prong
- Replace rotted wood (front wall)
- Reroute battery hook up
- Install 200watt solar system with two deep cycle batteries
- Remove old toilet & install composting toilet
- Replace city water hook-up
- Replace propane lines
- Replace main electrical hook-up
- Reupholster cushions
- Replace all tires
- Install new flooring
- Install backsplash wall
- Install toolbox on tongue
- Install bike rack (somewhere)
It seems like a lot, but we have four months to get it done. David gave us confidence that we have ample time. We think with some elbow grease, a little cash, and a few helping hands we’ll be right on target.
Wish us luck!
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