I spent about 9 hours working on the Hi-Lo yesterday. I was fortunate to have a couple helpers to help with the heavy lifting as it takes more than one person to lift and maneuver those 2 x 4’s that are holding it up.
I got quite a bit done and was able to finish repairing the wood on the lower 4 inches on the walls which wasn’t too difficult. The hard part was maneuvering in a narrow space between the trailer and the carport in order to work on the curb side. But I got it all done…whew.
The process consisted of removing the bottom portion of rotted wood, replacing it and attaching it to the studs with metal mending plates. Also not shown {forgot to get a photo!} is where I had to also remove the corner section of the front bottom wood, replace that and added metal corner plates to secure it. Keep in mind that using metal mending plates as I am works in this application because these walls don’t have to support themselves. Meaning there will never be any pressure of weight sitting along the bottom edge since they are held up with a cable system. This isn’t something I’d try where the wall meets the floor for example because you wouldn’t have the weight bearing stability and you’d run the risk of the repaired area buckling under pressure. In a case like that you’d want to replace the entire wall and all the studs.
On the curbside wall I replaced the lower 4 inches along the entire wall with all new wood. Then added a new interior border piece. Yes, the stain doesn’t match. However, only 1.5 inches of it will show once the upper half of the trailer is lowered to it’s normal “UP” position height. So not a big deal and I’m going to try another stain before I finish to see if I can get a bit closer match.
I also was able to get the skins put back on, along with all new butyl tape and stainless screws. Well they are mostly up there but the roof and trim aren’t on just yet so the top portion on each side hasn’t been attached. Once I am able to lower the top half, I’ll then have easier access to the roof and upper portion of the skins. Working on these trailers can require small steps because you don’t want to rush and then forget to do something!
All the new rubber seal is installed. I just have to finish up securing the trim on top of it. Also notice that the rails {the metal guides that guide the top half of the trailer up and down} are not fully re-attached yet. I ran into a hiccup when I found I have to replace a eye hook. The problem was while I have a new one like this one pictured below. It needs to be open a bit on the loop part so that the cable loop can fit in there. So I will have to head back to the hardware store and see if I can find one. Or figure out a way to pry the end of this one open a bit. So far I haven’t had any luck prying it open. It’s things like this that can bring your project to a screeching halt. Patience is the key.
Still to do:
1. re-secure all the metal rail guides and cable.
2. re-install roof, skin and all trim.
3. Re-stain and shellac walls.
4. Re-connect external electric outlet
5. Install subfloor and new vinyl tile.
6. Seal all external seams using Parbond.
7. Prep exterior for painting.
8. Paint exterior.
9. Replace windows and drip caps. All new butyl tape and bead of Parbond along top of windows.
10. Sew curtain valances, install new cushions and decorate 🙂
So as you can see there is still a ways to go but most of the more difficult things are almost done! Until the next update…Happy Camping!
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