5th wheel seam question

[man2red]

We are looking to buy our first camper. This is a 5th wheel that will need some repair on a limited budget at that. The seam on the exterior back wall and side are coming apart. Not sure how extensive of a project this will be. It is a 1974 Monitar?. If anyone could give me some advise on how to repair this or if it is going to be worth it, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[450Donn]

By seam I assume you are referring to the joint between the side wall and back wall? IMHO if it is opening up as you describe I would avoid it. Unless you are really a good carpenter. It likely has water damage by now which would require a lot of rebuilding.
If you really want an older RV project ( money looser) then consider something like an old Alpenlite or Airstream. Both have aluminum frames and have a long history of quality.

[Larry]

I too would stay away from anything that appears to have a wall seperation problem like that, unless you are certain it hasn't leaked.
Larry

["007"]

All I will say anything is possible if your handy with tools and if the inside of 5th is not showing any wall problems in that area I'd give a go.
Here is a link to someones rebuild of a class C with probably more damage than you may have but will give you an idea of what you may get into. Go to page 5&6 to see damage of his rear end. Click on pic for larger view.
Welcome to irv2 by the way.

[Ray,IN]

man2red welcome to irv2.com and the RV family. You've received good advice. I'd pass this one and locate another unless you are handy with tools and carpentry as 007 said. I would at the least open the crack enough to see inside with a light and mirror before making a decision. The folks on the vintage RV board can advise you, they re-build old trailers and make them new again.

[Paul R. Haller]

I guess it all depends on just how much sweat equity you are willing to put into the project and how are you with carpentry work. Having built houses for a living for many years I have no issue with these kinds of repairs but experience has shown me that more often then not you will have to repair more then you bargained for. Do you already own a reciprocating saw, table saw, circular saw, portable planer, all hand tools, chalk box, cats paw, air compressor and nail guns screw gun? A truck to ferry materials? A place to work? The time to invest? Allergic to dust, mold, hard work? The inclination? All that said and you are willing, some very good deals can be had on older rigs that need some work. Not all these tools are needed but without them the job will go much slower.
-Paul R. Haller-