Recent content by tc tom

I would use a stainless steel pancake head, or wafer head or a low profile head screw. You don't have to worry about the small bevel just under the head. It will flare the thin, soft aluminum right into the wood when the screw is tightened down. Aluminum screws are soft, harder to find and have...

I've owned RV's for over fifty years. They have the same issues today plus a few more, as they had fifty odd years ago. Welcome to the mind set of big business, and it's just not the RV business, it's all about the $$$$. I decided to accept this '' business mind set'' years ago. It took less...

If your handy and a do it your selfer I would stick with the wood frame. I have had travel trailers for over fifty years. I'm not sure if the manufactures do it intentionally but RV's are built to leak. The only exceptions generally are Airstreams and the solid fiberglass units like Casita. The...

Big project but they can be fun and interesting if you enjoy the work. I rebuilt my trailer from the frame up. As far as the plumbing goes I used pex with the stainless steel clamps and brass fittings. I plumbed it like a residential house. It's been six years and no leaks. Completely re-plumbed...

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I am going to do some experimentation with the fixed mirrors. My wife suggested I put a large sign on the back of the trailer stating that '' caution driver changes lanes without looking''.

Thanks for all the input. The bind spot is really not the problem. It's accessing the vehicles speed and distance as they approach from the rear in the left or right lanes as I'm trying to change lanes. That assessment is tough to due in a quick glance as the mirrors perspective is altered. I...

Hello all, Has anyone tryed the aftermarket side view camaras? The camaras that mount on the rear view mirrors and gives a view down the left and right side of the vehical. I don't like the idea of taking my eye off what's in front of me at 65 mpr. while towing trying to look in the mirror to...

If you have something you can remove, like a hatch door, that is the same color your trying to match, I have a suggestion. If you have an automotive paint store try them. The one I use matches the color perfectly and it's in a spray can. I don't know whether it's the paint or the can, but the...

Hello all, Hope everyone is surviving all the craziness without getting to stressed out. My wife and I are long time campers and considering a portable black water tote. We would appreciate any advice, tips etc. from anyone who has used one. Thanks in advance, happy camping, Tom

When I rebuilt my TC I used pre-painted aluminum on the inside walls. Tedious work whether you use wood or aluminum. I used it because, it was prefinished, light, would not get moldy and was easy to clean. Tom,

Yes. I had a very light TC that I move around on four custom built dollies. One under each jack. I doubled up 3/4 '' plywood 12'' x 12'square'. Mounted 4 steel swivel casters on each plywood pad. Just make sure the jacks are securely attached to camper. There is a lot of stress on the jack mount...

About 6 years ago I installed a LP direct vent boat heater in a large slide in camper. It was great. It would run us out of the camper after about 10 minutes. Simple mechanics, simple to work on if needed. The only problem was it did not want to stay lit at 5000 ft. I called the company they...

You might consider using aluminum. Either 3' wide coil material or 4x8 sheets. It's light and prefinished.  I used 3' wide coil when I rebuilt my trailer. From the inside I glued ridged foam insulation to the aluminum and fit it tight between the studs. Food for thought. Tom

Georgian bay is a must see.

They may not be built to fail, but my experience over the last 50 years is their built to leak somewhere the minute they leave the factory. Just saying, Tom