Alaskan camper military trailer (1 Viewer)

[Riverrunner]

I picked up this military m116 trailer/camper today off of Craigslist. It needs a ton of clean up work, but everything works and it was a smoking deal so I couldn't pass it up. The pictures shows it in the towing position and camping position. It's a 1967 Alaskan camper and to be honest, it's held up extremely well for 50 years old. I'm torn on exactly what to do to it so any recommendations on where I can find new windows and how to deal with some rot in places is greatly welcomed. Plans for the future so far are:

Solar
Actual working fridge instead of the icebox
Paint
New cushions and covers
New drapes
Cut the existing cabinet to counter height and make shelves
New windows if I can find the right size.
Re-paint the outside so it looks less military so the girlfriend will sit in it

The trailer brake system was recently serviced and works perfect so plans to replace the axle or hub are on hold for now. I may replace the tires with some off-road tires, but currently the Lexus sits a little low for my liking so until I get the lift I will hold off.

 

[Riverrunner]

Some interior pics:

 

[ntsqd]

Should be able to find the answer to most any Alaskan camper question here: Alaskan Camper Discussions

Go with a 2-way fridge, don't mess with a 3-way. To replace our 3-way I looked up all of the mfg pages that I could find that sold in the US, looked at their sizes and compared those to our opening. When I found the best fit I then searched the whole net for that part number.

 

[Riverrunner]

Should be able to find the answer to most any Alaskan camper question here: Alaskan Camper Discussions

Go with a 2-way fridge, don't mess with a 3-way. To replace our 3-way I looked up all of the mfg pages that I could find that sold in the US, looked at their sizes and compared those to our opening. When I found the best fit I then searched the whole net for that part number.

Thanks! I will post up in that forum with camper specific questions. I think that I am going to go with an ARB running off solar for simplicity instead of replacing the ice box with an RV fridge unless I can find one that fits real cheap.

 

[ntsqd]

In the shell models sold by FWC and similar it isn't uncommon to see exactly that, an Engle or ARB on a slide in the owner-built cabinets. I'd look at HD drawer slides form Austin Hardware & similar rather than buying one of the expensive for what they are "Expedition" fridge slides.

Something to be said for the chest style keeping the cold air in where an RV type doesn't do a good job of that with the door open.

I found our replacement 2-way at a marine vendor in Seattle by searching the whole net for the one model number that fit our cabinet the best. Turned out to be a boat show demo unit that had some miles on it, but no use. Shipped it was about 2/3 of retail.

 

[Riverrunner]

Some updated photos of the interior rebuild. I found that the previous owner had drilled something into the roof in the past and then removed it without filling the screw sized hole. Water had entered through that hole for many years and ruined the ceiling and seats. Hole has been filled and entire roof sealed.

 

[Riverrunner]

I put insulation anywhere I could since this will be used during the hunting season. There wasn't much there previously. The plan is to have two large areas of storage on the passenger side to allow for large totes or a smaller sized cooler. I also have a 63qt Arb that will fit on the counter while not moving.

 

[Riverrunner]

Next up was to add a door handle where there previously wasn't one. I was so excited to get it done that I forgot to measure it while the top was down so it doesn't close fully while in transit-whoops! Works like a dream when the top is up. I found a number on the back with a key code so I was able to order a key that fits.

 

[Riverrunner]

I needed an access hole to get to my power cord and solar extension lines to make my power system work so popped one in. Bonus that it came with a key.

 

[Riverrunner]

Bottom door was pretty much all rot so I remove a good portion of it and replaced with some cedar I had laying around.

Found some telescoping stairs at the rv salvage place for a really good deal so had to get them. Turns out they fit perfectly above the wheel well for storage while moving.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Nice work! I'm just throwing this out there, so you don't forget, repack the wheel bearings. I took one of mine apart today and found this...

Grease everywhere. Here's the seals you'll need...Grease Seals 10-36 (pair) TruRyde Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps RG06-070

 

[Riverrunner]

Nice work! I'm just throwing this out there, so you don't forget, repack the wheel bearings. I took one of mine apart today and found this...

View attachment 1670684

Grease everywhere. Here's the seals you'll need...Grease Seals 10-36 (pair) TruRyde Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps RG06-070

Yikes! Thanks for that link, it will come in handy!

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Cool project RiverRunner. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Riverrunner]

Cleaned up the old stove a bit and painted it with a high temp paint. I didn't spend too much time on it since all I want is for it to not be brown and function properly.

Yes, I know my garage is a disaster. It will be back to normal after the Corian goes in and I start adding pieces back to the trailer.

 

[Riverrunner]

Installed the Corian and fit the stove today. Pretty happy with the results compared to the previous state.

Still need to paint some trim and fix the color of the drawers, but mostly finished with the cabinets and counterparts.

Also finished up the battery compartment that houses the solar controller and inverter. I went with a Renogy 100w foldable solar suitcase and the Victron 75/15 mppt controller. I can monitor the power through Bluetooth from the tow vehicle if needed. Inverter is a Krieger 1500w with a remote shut off button mounted in the camper. I have 30ft of solar cable so I can move the solar around as needed.

Now painting begins. My least favorite part, but it means I'm close to the finish line.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Kitchen turned out nice. Good job!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Dude, that thing is cool! Good work rescuing it.

 

[John McVicker]

Yes, extremely cool. Great job.

 

[Riverrunner]

Upholstered the cushions today. I went to a few places around town to get quotes and they were astronomical. Decided to get new foam and do it myself. Saved close to $800 by doing it this way and have to say I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

I will be doing a vinyl on the back to cover the old stains.

 

[Riverrunner]

I've been out enjoying the camper lately, but wanted to update with a few pictures. The only thing left to do on the inside is to make a new table since the other one doesn't match anything really. I have noticed that we don't use it at all when its the girlfriend and I, but when I went camping with the boys it was nice to get out of the cold and have a few beers around a table. Ignore the Moab red dirt all over it. I've been hesitant to wash it since I haven't completely sealed everything myself and it had water damage before.