1989 Hi-Lo FunChaser - PLEASE HELP!

[phatoklat]

Hi all,

Well, my wife wanted to paint the inside of the trailer and the cabinets to "refresh" the inside, and I found quite a bit of water damage. I need to replace my side wall as we found a lot of rotten wood. Never attempted to do a remodel like this so could use some advice on where to get started. Here are the pictures I took to show the damage. I know that I am going to have to take the window out and I have read the previous posts on using Typos butyl tape and Lexel Caulk.

Suggestions? Any advice will be welcome and appreciated.

Thanks, Rob

 

[TinMan-HILO]

Me too

It looks like we are in the same boat or trailer as it is. I bought a '84 21 foot last year and courtesy of Covid 19 have the time to start repairing. I did a lot of checking on both this website and YouTube for these type of repairs. From what I found it's going to require removing the windows and doors and the side skins to get at the damage. The damage may appear to be on the inside but on mine the leaks around the windows rotted out the wood in the walls. My roof is decent except for the rear over the bathroom. From what I found on this website and YouTube I'm going with an EPDM coating epdmcoatings.com for the roof. So my advice is to find all the video's you can on how-to. From what I really noticed was most of the videos were by old geezers like me doing the repair in their driveway or back yard so it isn't a high tech job. But having said that you need to be at least an intermediate or advanced do-it-yourselfer or know someone who is.

 

[Treeclimber]

That's a lot of work ahead, I'm doing the same with an "86. But I'm going from the inside out. Fiberglass skin is in great shape, mostly. Metal roof will be replaced with rubber and new insulation, upgrade some wiring and new side rails. Just taking it slow and methodically. You can fix anything.
Tree

 

[TinMan-HILO]

Tree,
I looked at videos where the owner stripped one down to parade rest then went back together with it. Pretty amazing and looked good when done. Also I was pleasantly surprised that it isn't all that expensive to do my repairs, just a lot of sweat equity.

 

[Treeclimber]

Agreed, I know the post and followed it. Great job. Removing the skin really isn't that difficult, but ya gotta get it right on the re-install. My '86 is simply removing everything inside, re-insulate make a few mods and custom build new cabinetry. Upgrading areas where Hi Lo should have. Actually thought about heating the floors! Newer technology allows us to do that.
Tree

 

[Usagi5678]

Forgot to mention one thing in our phone chat.

Use an entire tube of Heavy Duty Liquid Nails in an s pattern per 4x8 sheet of paneling.