Fix it, sell it or scrap it?

[Tailgunn]

I bought a '71 Jayking last year for $700, and used it a couple of times, basically as a large tent. It's pretty original, aside from a fairly new AC unit. Canvas may have been replaced at some point; it's not in generally terrible condition, but...

It smells like a 200 year old man. Old and musty. Tried some of the typical cleaning solutions, which helped, but there is rotting wood in the side panels and inside the roof top. Worth trying or even possible to fix? The cable system is a bit wobbly too. Here is a pic of one inside corner. You can see where I had to put a 2x4 to stabilize the corner, and it where it forced the canvas away from the rotting wood.

<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/tailgunn/media/IMAG0454.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af87/tailgunn/IMAG0454.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMAG0454.jpg"/></a>

 

[JaycoBud]

I guess it depends on how handy you are and how much money, time an effort you want to spend fixing up the camper.

Water damage is the worse enemy of RVs. It is what kills most campers. It sounds like your camper would need major renovation to repair. If you enjoy rebuilding things this can be done. Others have done this type of rebuild and you can see photos and videos of their projects online.

If you are unable or unwilling to invest that amount of time, I would think trying to sell it is you best bet.

Keep in mind the market for a camper with major damage is not good. It could end up as a project for someone is interested in converting it to a utility trailer.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do.

 

[Tailgunn]

I am fairly handy, although at this point I haven't a clue as to how to repair the sketchy cable system. I also had considered just making it a utility trailer to haul the four wheeler and dirt bike around, or even building a tear drop on it... but whether I have time for any of that is questionable. I don't think fixing the wood inside the roof seems too terrible, but the wood inside the lower paneling appears to be a major undertaking. Maybe I will try to sell it and if that doesn't work I will tear it down.

 

[DocBrown-JAY]

My first pop-up was a '72 Jayco that I bought in 1991. I paid $900 for it. Don't remember the model but it was a 12' box. I had no clue what I was looking at. The floor was rotted in one corner so the lift system didn't work right. It was moldy. The roof was caved in and had water damage. The canvas was fairly new though.

We put in new curtains. I took out the dinette and removed all the rotted wood and rebuilt the floor corners and realigned the lift system. I pulled out some paneling and replaced other boards in the walls.

We aired it out every chance we could get. We called a dealer about the mold on the canvas and they said use 1 part bleach to about 10 parts water. Go over each moldy area with a sponge, followed by a clean sponge with plain water. It didn't get the really dark stains out but it did dramatically reduce the smell and killed any mold that was still there. We also washed all wood surfaces with Murphy's Oil Soap and used a bleach solution in all the hidden nooks and crannies. After that it was pretty livable. but we sold it a year later for $1100 and bought a brand new 1993 1208.

The fact that you need a board to hold up the corner tells me you have a rotted floor and the mount for the corner lift has nothing to hold it. Because it's so old and won't be worth anymore than you paid for it, I'd consider converting it into a utility trailer.


Here's your picture

 

[Arefbee-JAY]

There is a popup specific forum out there that may have better suggestions; pretty sure it is Pop Up Portal.
I'd say if you have the time and enjoy the challenge, it would be a real unique unit once it is done, and there are some collectors out there that look for a quality product.
Just thinking aloud really. I had a 67' Nimrod that was neat, until the neighbors roofer dropped a hammer through it.

 

[Tailgunn]

I was snooping around on Pop Up Portal today too. Seems like a total tear down is warranted. Not sure it's really worth that effort, at least for me. Isn't a lot of free time at this moment in my life. Thanks for the advice.

 

[norty1]

The pics on your original post did not come thru for me. Sure was interested in seeing what you were starting with?

 

[Seann45]

What does a 200 year old man smell like? LOL I just had to ask..

 

[Wrascal-JAY]

Another pop-up camper is the HiLo and they have a very knowledgeable/helpful community that would help you with general type questions.


Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum - Powered by vBulletin

 

[Tailgunn]

What does a 200 year old man smell like? LOL I just had to ask..

I can't really explain it... but if you smelled it, you would know it.

 

[exjay]

Pics no workie but I'd gut it and keep the frame/axle and make a light weight utility trailer out of it.

 

[grumpyer]

What does a 200 year old man smell like? LOL I just had to ask..

Ask your wife!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Murff]

I can't really explain it... but if you smelled it, you would know it.

My late great uncle Ernie!

 

[Tailgunn]

Ask your wife!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmm... maybe that's why she is ex-wife.

 

[Tailgunn]

Here is a pic of the outside; doesn't show damage. Not fully open either...

 

[norty1]

I had one similar, I gave it away.

 

[Tailgunn]

I have seen people turn them into utility trailers or even build a tear drop on them, but some of them have moved the axle. I don't have the skills to move the axle... if I just turn it into a utility would I need to be concerned about that? Also, is it going to handle the same without all the camper weight on it?