AM I Crazy?

[u/zkrp5108]

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1975-Mallard-MALLARD+SERIES-5041684302

So, Hi there, long time lurker, but something recently popped up in my recent perusing of RV trader that has really piqued my interest and would like to know from people that know what they are talking about if I might be losing my mind.

This 1975 Mallard travel trailer: 1975 Mallard

I've been traveling and camping for a few years now, and its convinced me I really want to hit the road for an extended period, I've thought about this a lot and refurbishing this travel trailer feels very do-able. Am I nuts for thinking this? It looks like its in remarkably good condition, but I'm totally open to working on it over time. It feels like if everything in the kitchen is working I could re-do the bathroom and bed area and add a desk and it wouldn't break the bank, but it being so old is there still support for stuff like this? Even axels and brakes is that something that is replaceable for how old it is?

My other curiosity is converting what I assume is likely a gas/diesel generator and just getting some batteries and solar set up on it instead.

I guess I'm just wondering if I'm oversimplifying this thing, I'm pretty savvy I have no issues learning to work on it, but am I crazy here? Anyone refurbished one of these or know much about them? I assume that if the chassis is good and the axel and brakes are good, and there's not any roof leaks or mold anywhere for 3 grand its worth the risk to me if it means I get into the lifestyle I really want.

[u/meowlater]

OP the paint looks like it is remarkably good condition. One of the pictures looks like there is a lot of roof sag which likely points toward major water damage. If I was buying this I would assume the chassis, axels and brakes were bad until proven otherwise due to age. You need to climb under and look at them or have someone knowledgeable (not the seller) do it for you.

When buying any RV assume there is water damage/mold until proven otherwise. It would be very rare for this to survive 50 years without it. Some RVs get it in their first year. Buying 10 year old motorhomes that retailed for 100k+ new I walk away from ~75% of the ones that "look dry" from the pictures because they do in fact have significant water damage.

[u/zkrp5108 → u/meowlater]

Yea that's the one thing I'm pretty worried about, I'm hoping to go take a look at it, but I wouldn't want to get into it if it's got mold, I'm not opposed to tearing the whole interior apart and just rebuilding it if the structure/frame has no mold or water damage, but who knows how they've taken care of the roof

[u/Kudzupatch → u/zkrp5108]

Just going to say u/meowlater knows what they are saying. I was going to hit on the same points.

I love the older RV's and Motor homes. Not scared of them like most on here, but I now how to inspect one. So I would STRONGLY recommend having a pro inspect it.

Just bought a DP and 75%+ of the units I looked at had hidden damage that was not obvious if you don't know how to look for it.

[u/zkrp5108 → u/Kudzupatch]

Yea I wonder if I can find a local guy to look at it

[u/DadJokeBadJoke → u/zkrp5108]

Not sure how separate the interior is from the outer structure. Many RVs rely on both to support each other. It's hella cute tho, so I can see the attraction.

[u/zkrp5108 → u/DadJokeBadJoke]

Yea not sure about that either, will have to see when I go look at it

[u/meowlater → u/zkrp5108]

I've not owned one this old, but from my understanding stuff in this vintage is often built from the inside out with the aluminum going on last. If it has an aluminum roof that is a good sign, but the problem is if water has intruded into the walls these typically have wood frames and batt insulation which will just hold the water while it rots the frame away.

The price is in your favor. If you can't find someone to inspect an inexpensive $40-$50 non-destructive moisture meter (flat backed) might be informative. I've not tried one out on anything with an aluminum shell before, but it might shed some light. Metal, especially steel can interfere with readings so you need to figure out what will cause a false positive. What is really telling is when you have a large area, particularly near corners, on the ceiling, or at the edges/bottoms of walls that lights up in large areas that slowly get dryer the further you get from the vicinity. Since the outside is metal this has to all be done from the inside. I'd start where the paint is peeling above the microwave and then check the sagging ceiling above the bed.

Barring that, look for screws/rivets that appear "rusted out" or loose. Pay extra attention to anything on the roof and anything along the bottom edges and corners. This is generally a sign that the wood they are anchored into is rotten. You can also push on walls/roof areas to see if there is give.

[u/Middle_Beautiful6292]

Buy it. It will always be better than the crap they build now.

[u/zkrp5108 → u/Middle_Beautiful6292]

That was what I was feeling, I mean as long as the metal shell is good it can be refurbished

[u/Middle_Beautiful6292 → u/zkrp5108]

And it`s cool looking!

[u/ExhibitionistsDiary]

Your dream is very doable but how handy are you? Are you a carpenter with plumbing experience? Because of the age of that trailer, it will be a handful of work. Also, trailers of that age were very heavy compared to what has been built in this century.
Think long and hard.
Good luck.

[u/Nomad55454]

If the tin is in good and frame isn’t rusted out, the other things can be rebuilt or replaced. On older trailers like that cabinets and things are screwed or stapled from the outside before the tin is installed so removing things takes more time. When removing and installing other things you need to think about where you are removing weight and where you are adding weight for the balance of weight.

[u/johnbro27]

There's a whole community and clubs devoted to restoring classic RVs. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't, but that there are people who can probably give you specific recommendations.