canvas repair, levelers, dead refrigerator

[ggreen]

Hello! & Help!
I've dreamed of having my own popup for a long time, and finally bought an old one to practice on! It's a 1988 Coleman Sequoia. Bought it from the original owner who kept it in good shape-- except mice got in and ate some of the canvas. The holes are small enough to be patchable. An archive article in Popup Times said get a canvas repair kit-- It also said to not use 'regular' waterproofing spray, but get some for popups. Any ideas where?? I've spent several hours looking for that with no luck, as well as I need some good, but not expensive levelers. The other problem is the refrigerator. The owner said he thought maybe it just needed 'charging'. A local camper/trailer dealer said that isn't done any more. Is there any way to fix it inexpensively? Or, if I need to remove it? Or just use electricity--?, it also hooks up to propane. I don't know about refrigeration stuff, does it have to be 'charged' to work with elec. or propane? I was told replacements are hundreds of dollars, so that's out. Should I just pull it out and put a cooler in its place?   Any helpful suggestions are welcome, and THANKS ahead of time!  
ggreen

[PattieAM]

1988 model.  You might want to get the Model/Serial Number of the unit and e-mail Fleetwood Folding Trailers for an owners manual if you do not have one.  

There are canvas patch kits available (I've seen at Wal-mart/camping section as well as dealerships) and they are relatively inexpensive.  While the mice may be gone, you might have some urine residue, so have fun cleaning.  

My PUP is an 06, and for waterproofing, the owner manual says to use 303, which I've seen either at auto parts stores, Walmart of maybe it was my dealership - haven't bought it so don't remember.

Your PUP should have stabilizers, and if they need to be replaced, many dealerships carry them.  I would suggest replacing them with the ones that have 'sand pad' attachments so they don't gouge into the ground/sand.  

As to the refrigerator - is it a 3-way?  (propane, 120volt, 12-volt).  On the propane setting, it does take quite a while to cool down (the back will get hot as the ammonia compound circulates).  Is there any odor of ammonia - if so you've got a leak.  On the 120 v. setting the unit will also take quite a while to cool and again, the back will get hot.

It is important that the camper is level side to side/front to back so that the ammonia compound can circulate within it's tubes and whatnot.  

I don't know what size your refrigerator is, but, most likely if it works on electric but not propane that would be up to you as to whether you keep the unit or not.  Replacement units are rather pricey.  I've read where folks have removed their fridge and replaced with a dorm size electric refrigerator.

Have fun with the renovations and best wishes for a happy camping season.

[98sunridge]

When we first used the refridgerator on a unlevel campsite for a week it stopped working after a few days. We thought the worst. First check to see that you have power to 12volts 110AC and propane is on, check  each system. If it still won't cool, disconnect everything and turn off propane and remove unit turn it upsidedown overnite. You have nothing to lose,turn rightside up, then blow out tube and coils w/comprested air. [spider webs] Reinstall unit check for leaks leave it level for 24 hours, then turn it on.  Good luck.