Community Forums

Lauralee · 08-07-2014, 12:15 AM

My Boyfriend and I just purchased a 1987 Excel 24 ft. camping trailer from a couple who took extremely good care of it. It's been sitting for about 6 or 8 years so it needs some T.L.C. We'll be replacing the tires, and doing some minor repairs to little things like the cabinet doors, bathroom sink (which has a hairline crack in the basin), and just basic deep cleaning of everything. My concern is the "guts" of the trailer. I can't locate the Owners Manual of the trailer itself, but we were given all the manuals to the appliances as well as the water pump and the hot water tank. Question...What is recommended to the first time trailer owner who wants to know EVERYTHING about preparing their trailer for it's first time out? I would greatly appreciate any advise and direction. Thank you

ahicks · 08-07-2014, 06:38 AM

Make the first night or 2 "out" in your driveway. Easy to bail if you need to, close enough to grab stuff out of the house that you hadn't thought of, etc.

The next trip should be far enough away where returning home is still an option, but more of a pain. Like 25-50 miles?

After that, you're good to go.... Welcome to the world of RVing!!

borderboardr · 08-23-2014, 07:03 PM

Plenty of "how to" videos on youtube. And this (IRV2) is a great place to ask specific questions. Good luck.

Cliffy · 08-23-2014, 07:21 PM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/for-t...id-134784.html

Here's a thread I started a while ago on an 88 Excel TT that I rehabed. It might be of some use to you.

Cliffy · 08-23-2014, 07:25 PM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/20-fo...ob-159947.html

Here's the thread I did on the new paint job on the 78 Excel (yes I see the typo on the previous reply not an 88 but a 78.

DieselTech39 · 08-23-2014, 07:33 PM

Glad you're aboard. Congrats on the new to you rig. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

JRNOLL · 08-24-2014, 09:17 AM

Welcome to the site. I would repack the wheel bearings, and you can inspect the brakes at the same time. Hope this helps.

Joe

okgc · 08-24-2014, 09:39 AM

At some of the car shows we attend there is a group called the Tin Can Tourist Tin Can Tourists joining in. Some of the trailers are even towed by vehicles from the 50/60s.

Trailer Trash at Gilmore Car Museum. | Cool McCool's Garage

These photos taken at the Gilmore Car Museum