[VAC] Re: What does the group think ?? "J&S2015"

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer]

You could easily find this '54 26 footer has nothing but skin that is
useable. It could need frame, brakes, and complete interior. The
interior is essentially a shambles with poor planing in the prior
revisions. You need a working bathroom to full time. You need a larger
refrigerator than was common in the smaller trailers even in the 60s.
You could easily spend more time and money than you have allocated
making if liveable. If you restored it to its original interior you
would probably find it missing needed amenities, such as being able to
hold supplies for a week or month, black water, gray water tanks. It
might not support adding them easily either. Unless its already been
restored once or twice, the floor is probably being held up by the tile
or linoleum around the edges and at the door. The door latches and
hinges have been garbaged, though newer types do work better than the
originals ever did. House parts aren't exactly appropriate either.

A new tow vehicle made for towing from the factory with the most modern
of creature comforts will probably be handier on the road, with repair
parts more available than the classic custom vehicle. And will get a lot
less hassle in state inspections.

Your projects will keep you out of the bars for the next 15 years, but
you will miss lots of fun that you could have had traveling about with
something more nearly ready for use than these schemes. In 15 or 20
years when you are ready to jump over the traces and go full time, you
may not be ABLE to go full time because of health, economy, or kids in
school. Get on the road weekends now, you won't regret it.

Gerald J.



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