My vintage popup updates.

[lwbfl]

My whole camper is a fix it LOL.  Today I got some free cabinets and carpet for the popup from a co-worker who is remodeling.  I wired a new electical plug onto what remained of the wires witout a hitch, until I fired up the TV.  When I first hooked everything up, it all worked great!  As soon as I started to pull out and head home, the lights did whatever they wanted!  Some side marker lights came on half way home, all lights went out when I pressed the brakes and other gremlins.  I guess I'll have to rewire all the lights now too!  We got home on just the running lights and turn signals with no problems, re-wires no prob!  I have everything I need already for this one.  So we are going to set it up so I can get started tearing out all the old cabinets and carpet but something was not quite right.  The track on one side had pulled away from the screws that were holding it on.  Apparently there were just screws through the interior (wood) panel and into the track.  I'm going to put a metal strip on the inside so that they can't pull through and use bolts and nuts.  The bedframes are cracking too, so I'll have to rebuild them as well.  Anyone had experience with any of this and/or have any suggestions?

[CAPEd CODger]

When lights act flakey, there is usually one culprit, poor grounding of the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Before you tear everthing apart, be sure that you have a ground wire that is attached directly to the frame of each vehicle.

Scrape away paint until you see shiny metal, place a "star" washer under and over the wire terminal, and fasten it tightly. Repeat your test.
Your problem should be gone.
If not, the harder work will still be ahead of you.

Best of luck.

Bob

[lwbfl]

Well, here is my latest update.  I found the problem with the wiring.  Someone had re-wired the back lights and used a white wire for the left turn signal.  For some reason they also used the white wire as a ground.  I simply had to

[CathyMB]

[Your pup looks great!! Older campers are like older houses,(and women) They have more character! I have a coleman colorado that I have been modifying.I put in a new floor, turned the benches sideways to make a sofa instead of a dinette and installed shelves along the other side. I also recovered the cushions. I plan to order a new canvas this winter so essentially I will have a new camper! Since the original canvas lasted 20 years, if the new  one lasts as long it will probably outlast me! We plan on taking it to Washington when we retire and exploring the whole state. Good luck camping with your "new" old camper.   CathyMb

[lwbfl]

[Your pup looks great!! Older campers are like older houses,(and women) They have more character! I have a coleman colorado that I have been modifying.I put in a new floor, turned the benches sideways to make a sofa instead of a dinette and installed shelves along the other side. I also recovered the cushions. I plan to order a new canvas this winter so essentially I will have a new camper! Since the original canvas lasted 20 years, if the new  one lasts as long it will probably outlast me! We plan on taking it to Washington when we retire and exploring the whole state. Good luck camping with your "new" old camper.   CathyMb

Thanks for the compliments!  Do you have any pics of your mods?

[sammy1969]

[Your pup looks great!! Older campers are like older houses,(and women) They have more character! I have a coleman colorado that I have been modifying.I put in a new floor, turned the benches sideways to make a sofa instead of a dinette and installed shelves along the other side. I also recovered the cushions. I plan to order a new canvas this winter so essentially I will have a new camper! Since the original canvas lasted 20 years, if the new  one lasts as long it will probably outlast me! We plan on taking it to Washington when we retire and exploring the whole state. Good luck camping with your "new" old camper.   CathyMb

 Hi,
I purchase a Colorado a while back and am planning a trip in a week but after that I would like to attempt to change the floor plan.  I would be interest in what you have done.  Could you post some pictures?
Thanks,

[ScouterMom]

the phtos look good - they're just small.  Is there any way to see them individually, or bigger?  

I'm re-doing a vintage camper myself - and using alot of leftovers and salvaged parts form friend's projects, too!

Photos are always a good thing because all of us 'Mr/Ms Fix It's' like to steal... ummm 'borrow' good ideas.....  

Love the white/ wood cabinets - they look so fresh with the green fabrics!

LAura