Project Thunder Restoration

[Thunder]

Greetings Earthlings!

I have got another amazing thread to offer for all of OKCTalk members to enjoy.

1989 Carri-Lite 5th Wheel

We have an awesome man assigned to the project. There will be other people, too. He has graciously agreed to completely restore my future home from top to bottom, right to left, inside and out. I want everyone to personally thank him, because he has also agreed to allow me to pay him monthly for his work, time, material, and everything within the project. This means less food for me, but well worth it to see the glorious end results Bruce will deliver. Hey, I should finally lose weight quicker. :-D

The top is covered due to some leaks.

The portion where you see the highest roof level will be where the rest of the roof to be raised up to that level. I'm a big guy (dudes, please, I'm talking about my height) at 6' 5".







The bathroom area toward the bedroom. Unfortunately, the company that made this trailer made the roof start to slope downward, so the shower area is too short for me. It will be raised.



Standing on the step to the bathroom area facing through the living room and toward the kitchen. These roof will be raised. You can see the vent on the ceiling, so I guess the AC/Heating system will be upgraded.



Storage space. Not sure if this is in the bathroom area or into the bedroom area.



We need to do something about this toilet. I'd like a normal toilet with the part having where water are stored and the handle to flush. Also...need a higher toilet. This one is made for midget. I am not a midget. Anyway, there will be a new toilet (will never touch a used toilet).



The sink, mirror, and storage area. Thankfully, there are enough space surrounding the sink.



The cabinets across the living room into the kitchen are in great shape. I'd like to replace the glass on the cabinets to something similar with palm tree design.



Ahh, back to the shower. See how the roof is wrongfully sloped downward? A mistake on the manufacturer's part. The roof will be raised and a huge bubble skylight will be put in place above the shower area.



The living area and the fridge. I will have the couch taken out and put in my own loveseat of choice when I find one. I did find a real nice leather loveseat at a vendor here at Oklahoma's #1 market, but before I had the chance to go over there to get it....sadly a customer took it.

I'd like tan/brown carpets throughout the place. Nice wood flooring for the kitchen area.



I want these two kitchen seats and table taken out. There will be computer desk put in place up against the end window.



Nice cabinets. I don't need a radio. Bruce can have it.



I don't need the AC unit in that window. Take that out, a friend can sell it for money. Need a window replacement there. Oh, the friend can have the big bed, because I'm going to use a twin size bed instead to enlarge the room.



Here is the kitchen. I'd like a new stove. I'm picky. A new one should be put in there.



Here is the bedroom again. I may opt to put the comp/desk in there instead of in the kitchen. The bed will be given to a friend so I can use a twin size bed instead.



That is all the pictures for now. The overall length of this place is about 30' long. I am sure Bruce will make it so modern to today's standards. Now to think what to do with the outside appearance.

[Bunty]

Where are you going to park your house?

[Thunder]

Where are you going to park your house?

That location will remain hidden due to security (risk to life by Bostonfan).

For now, it will be parked within the garages at the market for remodeling construction.

[USG'60]

That looks like quite a project you have there, Thunder. :-D

[Thunder]

Yup, awesome people getting together. Me, too, I will try to help where I can. lol

[USG'60]

Opps, never mind. (embarrassed grin icon)

[Thunder]

The trailer should arrive within a week or so, then I will try to get more pictures easily.

[dmoor82]

Good to hear Thunder!Now you can live on your own and not bicker back and forth with your Mother and you can live by your own rules!

[Thunder]

Good to hear Thunder!Now you can live on your own and not bicker back and forth with your Mother and you can live by your own rules!

I have lived on my own for about 5 years (plus about 2 years also at a college) before medical situation got me back with ex-mom temporarily. If she didn't lash out at me constantly with under stress of what brother and his slut do there, things would be okay. Even better if brother and his slut wasn't living there. I am going to keep my address hidden, because I do not want none of them coming to me for money or assistance. The days of supporting them are over. Thank the Lord! Heck, I already got paperwork in order for the flea market owner to be in charge of my funeral and burial. I strictly told him not to release any info to them. At no time should they know my date of death and burial location. After all, I disowned them permanently.

This trailer is the symbol of me moving forward. Not looking back. When everything is completely remodeled, replaced, and cleaned, then I will move into it and call it home. I'm very picky with the appearance and comfort of where I live within.

[Larry OKC]

Congrats!

Thunder: as someone who has lived in a variety of types of housing (2 story, full attic & basement/mobile home/motor home/slide-out park models/apartments) there are unique "challenges" to each. Have you ever lived in a fifth wheel trailer before? Or in a trailer park type setting (not a judgment call)? Are you going to get one of those extra long twin beds (considering your height) and will it fit? Sheets and stuff can be limited but I know they are usually available around back-to-school time. Remodel however you want but always consider resell when you do. Most folks want a dining table (and usually these convert into extra sleeping). its like getting rid of an extra bedroom in a house, value goes down. Also, this looks like an older trailer and often appliances are built 'trailer size" to maximize available space. If you put a larger stove etc in, you are going to be losing counter and storage space etc. Just things to keep in mind. Do whatever works for you.

[Thunder]

My dad used to have a smaller trailer that can be bumper towed. Brother and I were in it like every other weekend and two weeks during Summer. His parents had a single wide mobile home then later a double wide. I'm experienced with those kind of living. A normal size twin bed is great enough for me. I have never needed an extra long size. I may keep the table and chairs in the kitchen, but I'd like them remodeled and different material padding on the chairs. The comp/desk will most likely be in the bedroom when the bed size are reduced to twin. I don't need a larger stove, just a replacement that looks nice and clean. An example at Eagle Point Apt, they put in a new stove before I moved in and it was really nice. I used it. The stove at Sunnyview was older and not so nice...I never used it. LOL

[metro]

Thunder, once remodeled you will be the Charlie Sheen of MWC! Have you seen his trailer?

[Thunder]

Thunder, once remodeled you will be the Charlie Sheen of MWC! Have you seen his trailer?

No. Do you have pictures?

[metro]

Google it

[Thunder]

Dropping this project.

There is a 1999 33' 5th Wheel at an RV park with two slide-outs that was a trade-in. It needs some clean up and slight cosmetic repair (nothing serious, its overall great shape). If they were to fix it up for sale, the listing price was to be $17k on the lot. They are willing to sell it to me for $6k as the conditions is. Amazing deal! I'm looking at options... They are going to hold it for me as long as it takes. Mom don't think its wise to get a bank loan for me, because she's getting a Hyundai Santa Fe soon (that be a bank loan for her). I'm looking into paying them while they keep it there in the very back among other items. Hoping they will accept that. I may look into whatever they would be able to sponsor the flea market and get free advertising on the site and videos, etc...to sweeten the deal. I'm prepared to pay them hundreds monthly and be creative on that, including a temporary job to push myself (work hard) while enduring my current body pains in order to pay for it. *sighs* Hope it all works out.

[USG'60]

Interesting turn of events. Keep us posted.

[Thunder]

I just received news from them.

But first, correction... It has 3 slide-outs, not 2.

They will sell the 5th wheel to me. $250 for 20 months. I calculated that to be $5k. :-O

No loan. No interest. Just straight payment to them. When its done, I will receive the title.

I will post pictures later and the plans that I am wanting to do in it.

First, I need to know some things. Do I need sewer/water tanks for this kind of trailer? Should I park it permanently at a RV Park or Trailer Park? Do I really need to get tanks for sewer/water, or can I hook them up straight to the ground? Any recommendation that is affordable and nice (I'd like a yard, please) to permanently stay there for life? Insurance estimate on this home (Oklahoma are notoriously known for tornadoes).

I have a friend on here that will make money doing some remodeling that I'd like done. Just in case, is anyone else here also experienced with carpenter and other works? I would like a new carpet throughout the place. Replace the kitchen counter for granite/marble style. Take the white sink out to replace for silver/steel sink. Replace the toilet and put in a standard toilet, the round, not oval. Possibly replace the mini skylight above the shower area for a larger bubble skylight. Possibly replace the cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and main areas (exclude bedroom) with a darker color. Check all windows. There is one window with clear tapes around it, so I'm sure that window need new seals. Ensure support for all three slide-outs, so none of them fall out. New curtains on all windows. Tear out the TV/Radio area (don't need small tv and don't need stereo player w/ speakers) and build two shelves on bottom and plenty of space for a 46" flat screen television. Take out the queen bed and frame and put in twin size bed. Enclosed large patio with easy steps (not too steep) with enough room for a washer and dryer. Two or three top fans to suck air out (will be smoking area, too). Check all electrical systems to be safe and the AC/Heater unit. Extreme inspection for any bugs/spiders and nests (not sure how long this home has not been lived in...but been traded in recently). Pretty much sums it up....willing to consider new artistic ideas.

I know the AC/Heater unit and paths go underneath the floor. I need to know if the bedroom floor can be dropped to the same level as the bathroom floor. Its one step up to the bathroom area, then another step to the bedroom. If that floor can be dropped (willing to sacrifice the bottom AC/Heater for bedroom), then I want it be done, cuz I have to slightly tilt my head down only when in the bedroom.

Possibly paint the walls? Or new wallpaper? Its just...too white. I'd love a Palm Tree wallpaper borders and I can get those at Walmart. I know how to apply the borders.

[Larry OKC]

Thunder: The park model we had while in Florida (with 2 slide outs) was in a campground/rv park and we had direct water/sewer hookups. Havent heard of a tank system but I suppose that is a possibility. Would say to call around the various parks and check with insurance agents for guesstimates. Most places I know of are small lots with no yard to speak of, just a strip of grass about the same width as the trailer. But best bet is to call around and visit in person.

[Thunder]

I found a great park with availabe lot at the front that is perfect. Gonna ask to see if I can pay to hold...not using it...while my home in the garage for remodel. Hope there are nice people in office.

[Thunder]

I paid the deposit to hold my lot. Someone grabbed it, but not expected to be there for long. When the thief get out of there, the lot will be mine. It has one hell of a great green grass and nice yard size.

The delivery is done and its at the flea market on south side of the garage (if anyone want to stop by for viewing). I can't wait to have a friend to come up and check it out and start on the plan to do some work.









































All I need to do is check all windows/seals, the roof, and open up the TV area to fit a bigger flat screen. Populate it and set it on lot in few months. Hope a friend can build me a big enclosed patio...*prays*

[Larry OKC]

Interesting floorplan...good luck !

[Roadhawg]

Looks good !!!! you should do well with that

[Thunder]

Frickin laptop!!! Just lost everything that I typed, so I'm pissed now. Going to keep it short...

I was told that the power cord is 30 amps. Is it possible to upgrade to 50 amps? Could that simply be exchanging the power cord or do I have to get new breakers and everything?

How many amps is the AC units? There is two. The 2nd one above the bedroom has it own power cord. I don't know if the bathroom/bedroom is on the 2nd power cord or the 1st. How many amps is the fridge and microwave?

I need to know, so I don't overload. Can someone tell me how much/many...example of what...can run all together on 30 amps?

Lets see here, what I'd have in my home....all plugged in...would be the computer, printer, monitor, lamps, and television. Maybe a decorative salt rock lamp or two. Vacuum (not on all the time...lol). Oh, I was wanting to use an automatic heater that uses electricity rather than the heater system with propane. I don't feel safe using propane gas. So, help me out here please.

Just hate it that there are two options... 30 and 50 amps. There should just be one and make it easy for all of us.

Oh, starting next year for Halloween, I'd have outdoor Halloween lights. And the Christmas lights. I'd need to know about those too. I think I may be able to plug them into outdoor outlet source rather than through the home. Don't forget my very own Christmas tree inside.

Ahh, when I get an enclosed patio built to connect to the home, I want a washer/dryer. How much amps are those? Lighting in the patio, too. Okay...

Remember, guys and gals, you will be protecting Thunder from appearing on KOCO being found dead in a 5-alarm overnight fire. :-)

Edit - I also want a 55 gallons tank in the bedroom on the big dresser. So, consider the amps for filters, lights, heaters, and possibly decorative background bubbles powered by an air pump.

[Roadhawg]

The pop-up camper I had a/c unit was 30 amps so I would probably go with a 50 amp on yours just to be safe and make sure, especially if you're going to use an electric heater instead of the propane one (the propane one is safer than using your electric one).... and yes I'm petty sure you can upgrade your power cords to 50 amp.

On a different note, I don't think a camper burning would be a 5 alarm fire, maybe a 1/2 alarm one

[Bill Robertson]

First, to upgrade to 50 amps will mean a new breaker panel and cord, not just a cord. So you're looking at a few hundred dollars.

Can't tell about the AC units. There are lots of sizes. Take the cover off the bottom (inside the trailer) and there should be a tag that has that information on it. Also, from the Hitchhiker website it looks like they came with one AC. The second one must have been added and that explains it having a separate power cord of it's own.

All the lighting, appliances and such you list sounds like enough that you need to upgrade, since you're going to living in it full time. Now the bad news. When you throw in electric heat, washer and dryer you're in a territory even 50 amps won't handle. Also, as I understand it RVs are only wired for 110 volts, not for 220. For electric heat and/or a dryer you have to have 220. Why the fear of propane. Modern propane or natural gas heat is just as safe, if not more, than electric.