Community Forums

kwjjohnson · 04-13-2012, 01:23 PM

Hy guys, I just purchased a 1988 Nomad trailer as my very first trailer. I've always tent-camped but wanted something for the wife and I. It's in really nice shape, but does need a little bit of TLC. The first thing I found is that the water pump is disconnected.... Probably wont be away from hookups anytime soon so that is not a priority. There is a switch on the wall that turns the pump on by the front door, but also a lighted one on the pedestal under the bed that turns on the water heater. So, I assume the water pump and the heater are on that same switch? Also, can any of you tell me what the storage capacity of the fresh water tank is?
We took it out last weekend and found the AquaMagic toilet has a leak in the back. Most likely a water valve that needs replace from my research. The kitchen and bathroom faucets have small drips at the connections so I will be replacing them both and converting the grey pipe over to the braided type for the connections and adding cutoffs for each line.
The original refrigerator (Dometic 2501) has been removed and replaced with a smal fridge that fits the space. I was wondering if you guys would advise me to try to find a factory replacement or just run with what we have?
Other than that, it's in nice shape. The lift handles for the awning are missing and it's an A&E7000. Having a tough time finding those...any ideas? For now I just lift it into position and stuck a couple of bolts through it while checking everything out.
I look forward to some good times with this old girl.

Kevin

shortlance · 04-13-2012, 02:38 PM

That trailer looks brand new!!! If you are not going to boondock I wouldn't bother with a RV fridge--they are expensive to buy and a regular house fridge works a little better as long as you have access to shore power.

KoolBell · 04-13-2012, 03:54 PM

Looks real nice. Take care of her, and she'll leave you smilin'

camper33 · 04-15-2012, 06:39 AM

I would try to find them on e-bay or if you know what they look like, just fabricate them. The trailer looks in real nice shape. I agree with the above post in reference to the refer. They run around 1100 to 2800 depending on size, not including installation, and I'm sure you will not find one with an exact fit so modifications to the cabinet are needed. Good luck and happy camping.

kwjjohnson · 04-15-2012, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the replies. We are cool with keeping the fridge as is for now. Picked up the water valve for the toilet today and a few other goodies. We are talking about adding inexpensive metal faucets instead of new plastic ones. Hopefully that will cut down on the chance of leaks. I think that will be next "fix". Hopefully everythng will be together this week so we can take her out again.

KJ

kwjjohnson · 04-17-2012, 08:43 AM

Well, guess what... After searching all over for lift handles for a 7000 series A&E awning... they never even had 'em. Apparently they had a "button assembly". anyway, got a couple on order. Got the water valve changed out on the toilet and conected water to it...no leaks! I investigated the faucets and the plastic where the lines connect were both cracked. New brass faucets will be next on the list. Is there a "conversion" item that will convert the grey pipe to the standard flex pipe you get at Lowes to connect faucets? Also, is there a "glue" for the grey stuff that would allow me to splice in a cutoff for each faucet? What about water pressure? I see a lot of people use regulators. Is this something I should invest in? I found a brass inline one in the storage compartment of the trailer, but I connected it and it sprays water out the sides (what a way to reduce pressure! ha!)

camper33 · 04-17-2012, 07:38 PM

The fittings you take off the old faucets should screw directly to the new brass faucets with no modifications. as far as shut offs, you can go to an RV dealer and get either "flare-it" or "seatec" valves either one are easy to install, no glue needed. All you need is the outside dimension of the grey pipe. The grey pipe is called Qest tubing, the newer stuff in use today is pex.

kwjjohnson · 04-18-2012, 10:13 AM

Thanks for the info Camper33. I was just wondering if they made a conversion because the newer braided stuff has an o-ring at the ends and it's much easier to tighten at the faucets where there is not much room. Just how tight do the Qest fittings need to be? I'll look into the fittings you mentioned. Are they like the GatorBite ones you can get from Lowes? I didn't see anything smaller than 1/2". The grey lines in my trailer say 3/8" on them. Will check at Camping World this weekend.

kj

Another pic:

SmokeyWren · 04-18-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwjjohnson

Another pic:

I hope my 2012 Nomad looks that good 25 years from now.

camper33 · 04-18-2012, 04:49 PM

I usually just tighten them up using a faucet wrench and not too much pressure. If I see it a little wet I give it a little more. I believe the gatorbite is the similar to the seatec, at home depot they call them shark bite.

kwjjohnson · 04-22-2012, 06:15 PM

ok... got the toilet reinstalled and the new faucets. The sink is a plastic piece that was in pretty bad shape. I used steel wool on it to take it back to good plactic. Everyting looks good now. I don't have a close water connection to where the trailer is test the fittings yet but am pretty hopeful all will be ok.
The push button assemblies and new travel knobs for the awning arrived and went in easily so the awning is back to 100% as it should be. I even found some cool little aftermarket lift handles that when you use the handles, they actually push the button for you as you lift the awning. Installed them and they work great. Somebody had a good idea! I'll attach a pic if you guys want to see what I'm taking about. I guess the last project will be getting the water pump all wired in a going again.

Wish I could have taken her out this weekend, the weather is great here in Texas.

kj

kwjjohnson · 04-23-2012, 06:58 AM

Here is a shot of the lift handle. Pretty good idea:

Steve N Sal · 04-23-2012, 07:14 AM

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on the TT purchase, it sure looks like a nice one. Hope you enjoy the site and all your future travels. Be safe and Happy Motoring!!

kwjjohnson · 04-23-2012, 02:55 PM

Thanks Steve...Seems like I'm learning something new every day.

I have another question. Since I feel the trailer must have been in storage for a bit, it has a "old trailer" smell. Not bad, not mildew or anything, just old...like dust. I cleaned all the surfaces and let it air out, but after being closed up it's smells like an old trailer agian. Open the doors and windows and it's fresh again. What do you guys use to keep you trailer fresh when it's not in use. I was thinking one of those Airwick fresheners or even the kind that spray every so many minutes. At some point the paneling should absorb the scent, right? Febreeze worked great, but as soon as the doors are shut for a few days, it's back. Maybe this should be a new topic...

KJ