Norma Guy wrote:By amazing luck, and thanks to the kindness of neighbours I grew up with, we have been offered a 1975 Airstream trailer that their kids are not interested in using. It has been sitting for over 20 years next to a field in their yard. I used to have friends sleep over in it when I was a teen, and I don't think they have used it much since. This is an amazing opportunity for us to have some instant shelter while we work and build, a place safer than a tent to sleep in during storms (lightning terrifies me when tenting), and more bear-proof. There are a lot of obstacle to getting it onto the property. But an even bigger concern for us is the renovation that would likely be required, considering its age and rural parking spots it has sat for decades, without use. We know there are some issues already, such as a missing window that is currently covered with plywood. From looking on the internet, I have seen that common issues are often rotting plywood, rusty/damaged frame and wheels, leaking windows, mouldy insulation, carpet and upholstery, with a likelihood of rodents. I haven't looked at it recently, so I have no idea what to expect. My lowest expectation is a metal shell that is functional.
I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these older trailers, whether they found it worth fixing up (to liveable, not fancy, standards)?
What have you used for insulation, since this might be a 4 season shelter?
And also, since we don't plan to repair the gas lines, we would like to install wood heat, and not sure what would be best for fuel size/burn time. We looked at the Cubic Mini and the fuel is tiny and needs a lot of feeding, and there is nothing to hold heat after the fire is out. Most of the wood we have available is aspen, which is pulpy. Does anyone have recommendations for this type of trailer wood stove installation?
None of this was in our plan until now, so we're exploring options and trying to wrap out heads around it.
Idle dreamer
John Daley Bendigo, Australia
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Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner
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Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner