Hello All!
I have been lurking for a while and finally decided to sign up and introduce my self.
Where to start...................?
We ( My wife, three kids and I ) have just come to own a 1994 Dutchman Classic Fifth wheel. We have gone from a tent, to a pop up, and now to the 5er. The 5er came into our lives kinda quick. After several trips in the pop up this year we decided it was time think about moving up to a travel trailer. We are like most families these days and cash is in short supply. I figured if we started saving and sell some unwanted items we might be able to get a used TT next season. I had a 2004 Sportsman 4x4 ATV sitting in the shed that I only use a had full of time a year and thought I would try to sell it and give a big boost to the TT fund. I put an add on Craigslist for the ATV and also put the option for a trade. I went through every craigslist add for weeks calling all camper owners that wanted to trade for something of equal value with no such luck. I stated in my add that a project trailer was not out of the question hoping to snag one that way. I am a self employed remodeling contractor with a good set of skills so I was not scared by this possiblity. Just when I had given up I got an e mail wondering if I would want to trade for a 30' fifth wheel. I was excited and arranged a meeting to see the 5er. Upon arrival I was very pleasantly pleased with what I saw. My wife and I thought this thing is way to nice to want to trade for our ATV. There was some water damage to the rear of the trailer from a leaky roof, but nothing I found too alarming. I arranged for the owner of the 5er to come see the ATV. He was happy with what I had and we traded even up. I could not believe how easy it all came together. I got possession of the trailer last friday and opened her up on Saturday. The damage was a little worst than first expected but I figure it would be. I ended up loosening up all the siding on the street side rear corner and re building the rear 3 feet of rotted wood. I got her all back together that day and water tight on Monday. I am Just waiting to make sure there are no more leaks before putting the interior together. I do have to remake the upper cabinet face frame and Install a small sheet of wall board but that is about it. I am resealing every window, door, and vent just to make sure there are no further leaks. We already took up the linoleum and will be replacing it with some type of Allure floor. All in all we are very excited about our new Fifth wheel and look forward to making it our own. Because of the extra material I had laying around, total cost so far to rebuild her has been under $75 dollars. Flooring is next....................then some kind of finish above kitchen sink to hide the different types of paneling. I guess i have rambled on enough!!!!
Thanks to all who have posted here. I have learned so much already!!
Now to try and sell the pop up.......or maybe another good trade is waiting around the corner......................
Carl
Manhattan Il
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