Plenty of people have seen an old camper on Facebook Marketplace for the price of a weekend away. Most of them have wondered whether it could really work.
The pair behind @SalvagetoScenic found out. They bought a 42-year-old camper for $500. Then they gave themselves just 72 hours to make it roadworthy for a 400-mile round trip to Vermont. The trip would end at a campsite at the top of a steep logging road.
A Steal, On Paper
“We bought a 42-year-old camper for 500 bucks.”
The listing said the kitchen had been redone and the alternator, battery and fuel pump were new. The only flaw it mentioned was a rusted-out battery tray. They drove to Maine to see it, and the camper, which they named Betty, smelled clean and fired right up.
Getting it home was harder. To fit their trailer’s fender wells, they removed the outer wheel from each side of the dual rear axle. Then the hitch dragged. It took about 45 minutes of heating and pounding to get the rusted hitch off before they could load it.
Failing, Then Passing, Inspection
On a test drive they smelled fumes and heat. They found the engine cover latch was undone, letting heat and exhaust into the cab. A rainstorm also revealed a window leak.
At the state safety inspection, the camper was turned away. A headlight had gone out, and the windshield washers would not spray. A reverse light also needed a new ground. As it turned out, the washer pump had been installed backwards. When it still got no power, they wired in a manual switch, an idea the inspector suggested. Then the first replacement headlights were the wrong size. Because the old screws were stripped, the right ones went in with zip ties. With minutes to spare, it passed.
“We’re legal. We’re good.”
Brakes, Tires And A New Battery Tray For The Camper
The brakes had felt like they were starting to seize. So they fitted new front calipers and pads and bled the fluid. The tires were 14 years old, so a friend’s shop helped with new tires. Finally, they built a new battery tray from what was left of the old one. A strap keeps the battery from moving under hard braking.
The Trip To Vermont
On the road, the rear drum brakes began to drag and smell. Instead of pushing on, they pulled over to check them along the way. Meanwhile, the old engine drank fuel as the camper climbed through the White Mountains.
“that’s like 6 miles to the gallon. That’s not that good at all.”
They made it to Vermont and up the logging road to the campsite. The next morning came the part they feared most, driving back down the steep hill. It made it down, and then about 200 miles home.
What To Check Before Taking A Cheap, Old Camper On A Road Trip
- Have the brakes fully inspected, front and rear, before any long trip or mountain driving.
- Check the tire date codes. Old tires can look fine and still be unsafe.
- Test every light, wiper and washer before an inspection.
- Expect leaks in an old camper, both in the roof and in the plumbing.
- Budget for fuel. Big, old motorhomes can use far more than you expect.
Where Things Stand
Betty made the whole trip. According to the hosts, the engine and transmission were smooth the entire way, and only the brakes gave trouble.
“I am truly truly impressed with this camper.”
For now, they have not decided whether to keep the camper and finish fixing it up. They may also pass it on to someone new.
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