We Bought a 43 Year Old Travel Trailer! (Bigfoot b17)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2023
- Yes, we bought a travel trailer that is more than 10 years older than we are... was that a bad idea? I guess we will just have to find out!
Support the channel on Patreon! / levihildebrand
Join us on other socials!
Instagram: / levi_hildebrand
Instagram: / dr.leahtidey
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@levi__leah?la...
Twitter: / levi_hildebrand
Facebook: / levinotjeanshildebrand
Products we LOVE! (affiliate links)
Who Gives A Crap! whogivcrap.prf.hn/click/camre...
Tushy Bidet! www.hellotushy.com/SAVETHEWORLD
Leafshave Razors! shrsl.com/3p02c
Pelacase Compostable Phone Case! shrsl.com/28o3u (PELALEVI for 15% off!)
Allbirds Shoes: allbirds.pxf.io/jWOAM0
Tentree Clothing: www.tentree.com/discount/LEVI10
Klean Kanteen Waterbottle! bit.ly/3sRSY2Q
Sunski Sunglasses! tinyurl.com/qqqlgnk
Fully Desks: bit.ly/30SEt63
The Patreon Family Who Made This Video Possible!
Joanne Iskander, Sebastian Persch, Chin-yen Liang, Delenn Kershaw, Kaan Williams, Blito, Daniel Sykes, Monica Hudson, Uma Dobia, Ziv Berkovski, Corrina Holcomb, Cat Wagg, Michelle Rachdorf, Don Gain, Levi Williams, Camilo Gomez, Itoji Kawasaki, Rachel, McCormick, Rosalba Ortiz, Chris Jones, Edwin Rodriguez, Morgan Evans, Francis Parlet, Garry Scott, Catherine Ouellet, Michael, Millard, Elora, Logan M, JustMishy, Alexis Meyer, Abraham Villela, Monica Thom, Andrew Brodell, Coy, Joshua Tan
I love that Levi turns 1000% more Canadian when he’s talking to an old Canadian
Right? That's exactly what I was thinking. Also they way Robert said "I'm up and at 'em" is my 67 year old Canadian father exactly!
@@maggiebookwormoh dear! I’m a Minnesotan and I’m learning that I have used a lot of Canadian phrases. Does that make me part Canadian? 😂
Haha I love this… and it’s so true 😂
Came to comments to write exactly this hahaha. 😄
I just hope he talks like that when he’s an old Canadian and still doing RUclips
IF you can wash them enough without them shredding, definitely keep the covers.
But also ABSOLUTELY get new foam inserts, foam does NOT age well and there's risk of mildew, mold and even now banned carcinogens, some old mattresses contain asbestos.
If you can't save the covers, you can always saw some new ones with a fun 70s print, paying hommage to the original ones.
Such a genuinely helpful comment💛
That phone conversation was the most Canadian thing I have ever heard.
Robert is pretty well as Canadian as they get haha
Leah's laughter while telling us they bought a trailer. Priceless
Absolutely love the vintage vibes of this trailer! So many unique touches that you don't see anymore in today's designs.
Yeah it’s got some real character that’s for sure. Hoping to preserve some of that on our way 👍🏼
I LOVEEE the cushions. With that being said, that era is known for all sorts of toxics… with a pregnant wife and a baby on the way, I would see if you can’t get all the soft stuff in the trailer replaced. But stick with the vibes! Hopefully you can find a similar fabric!
Agreed. Maybe make a piece of art or a tack board with a swatch from the fabric? 🤷🏻♀️
A good opportunity to insulate the walls too.
It’s totally adorable. Love the retro vibe - it reminds me of the trailers my parents had. But I don’t think Leah should sleep in there again until someone cleans with bleach/disinfectant (including the walls) and steam cleans the heck out of the cushions. It needs to be safe for her and the baby. 😊
That’s our plan! 👍🏼🥰
The cushions are straight out of the 70s, great pattern. With a colour palette of greens and pinks and creams it would look AMAZING
Levi for the win with those first time trailer backing up skills! What a fun, character filled, cool new tiny home!
Thanks! We’re looking forward to the challenge!
It is a moral imperative that you keep the original upholstery. It’s awesome!
Our camper was also a mail order bride bought site unseen. Keep the cushion fabric. Make new curtains with sunshine yellow amber to complement cushions. Patch and paint the wood a light warm ivory to look larger and cover up the wear. Lucky the interior has wood ; Levi’s dad’s wood shop skills are a gift.
Love this! We will certainly be working with my dad on this project 🥰👍🏼
I would paint the cabinets a white or ivory color to brighten up the interior. That would also cover over the worn spots. You can pick a bright color for the curtains that coordinates with the fabric on cushions “if” you keep them. If you put your heads at the other end of the bed just remove that little shelf. 😂It does have a nice layout.
Such trusting & wholesome peeps you are! I feel like the trailer needs a big clean and a cleanse from its past life. You will literally fill it with life & love. Congrats on continuing to be brave and find your way ~ love being here for your adventures!💗
Thank you Crissy! We’ve got our work cut out for us!
Perfect! That is the size I would have bought. I have been looking at them but I don’t want to buy a truck. Yes Leah. I would sanitize. Love the layout. You can update away from propane. Don’t sweat it! I would love to come and help.
What a great trailer! My hubs and I have owned vintage trailers for several years. One of the first things I would do if you plan to actually travel in your travel trailer, look at the numbers on the tires to determine how old they are. You can find the information how to decipher the numbers online. Trailer tires need to be purchased about every 5 years and you really need to buy trailer tires and not car tires! The average life of a trailer tire is about five years under normal use and maintenance conditions - if yours are older than that, they definitely should be replaced. Oh -- and don't neglect doing the bearings every year or so!
Ok that's great to know, my dad has also raised these concerns so we'll be doing that for sure. 👍🏻
Cushion covers are amazing! You are going to love trailer life. Excited to watch the progress! We have a 16 foot travel trailer that we have been using extensively over the past 15 years with our 2 kids. On first glance, if there is any way to make that board above the bed into a bunk for a child, that would be my first suggestion! That way your table remains separate. (Our youngest is now 15 and has just outgrown our top bunk.) Also, like you, we needed to buy a vehicle that could tow when we got the trailer. Depending on the weight of your trailer, look into the Toyota Sienna van. That is what we ended up with and we could fit 4 bikes in the back, 2 kayaks on the roof, towing the small trailer all over North America. We are now looking for a replacement vehicle (it's a 2004), and see that Toyota now has a hybrid Sienna. Never thought we would be mini van people, but there you go!
Hahaha I think we’re all minivan people if you really think about you know? 😅 thanks for the lovely comment!
@@LeahandLevi Minivans generally can pull up to 3500 lbs, but that includes everything in the van and in the car (including passengers). Then the minivan needs the tow package. If it did not come with one, then it can only pull (usually) 1500. When we got our first trailer, we looked into it, and all that was needed to turn our first gen Sienna into a tow vehicle was a transmission cooler and a break controller.
Soo ahh the Prius has a hitch, how heavy is the trailer again
When I was about 5 months pregnant with my first baby my husband and I bought and moved into a travel trailer like this. We lived in it for the first 6 months of our babies life. We moved from a 100ish sf travel trailer to a 200ish sf yurt, to a 400ish sf temporary structure all within the first year of my babies life while we built our real home. We finally moved into our house when our little was 2.5yo.
I am grateful for the experience, but would never recommend anyone else try it. I'm excited to follow along and see how it goes for you. The fact that you have other options, should you need them, is a blessing and I can only imagine will make the experience easier. Stick close to family! You will need their support.
So exciting!!! I remember watching when you left for the trip in the Prius🥹 something to keep in mind for maintenance, the truck you pull the trailer with will need it’s transmission and differential fluid changed out much more frequently to extend the life of the truck and prevent premature damage from happening. Common mistake lots of truck owners make is not replacing the fluid, pulling means it just has to be replaced more often😊 love you guys!!
Thats very good advice! Thank you!
So, I never want to yuck anyone's yum, but as a dust mite allergy sufferer I just feel compelled to toss out one thing about the cushions (which honestly I also think have a so ugly they're beautiful ness to them)...they are 40 years old and they've been in a hunting trailer. I don't see how you can clean them without them falling apart. I do furniture upholstery/furniture refurbishing as a hobby, and I've worked with all kinds of materials. Because if that I don't think I'd ever sleep on or let my family sleep on old fabric. So much grime, bacteria and dust mites build up even in stuff that stays unused in storage, especially tighter woven fabrics like you'd use in cushions. Personally it is the ONE item I'd toss first, even the sponge cushion inside is problematic (mold, mildew). Trying to launder that can lead to other mildew/mold growth. Idk I feel like a horrible person pooing on someone's excitement, but I guess my own aversion to germs just took over and I felt I should at least toss the idea out that out of everything in that fantastic trailer (and omg it's fab! I'm so jealous), the soft surfaces like cushions are the hardest to repair and clean. Your usually better off tossing it and finding a vintage reproduction fabric online and using new cushions. Anyway good luck and I'm excited to see how this turns out! ❤
This is great to know! We’re not sure what is going on because we haven’t torn them apart yet but I guess we’ll see!
@@LeahandLevi lol, sounds good. Have fun, looking forward to seeing you guys remodel this, also MASKS... definitely wear masks when upholstering. i regret my 20s when i was starting out and did not, blech. lol! :)
I love the trailer but being pregnant I would make sure I didn’t sleep in it if there is any mildew smell. Mold is very serious and I’ve had 3 trailers so you have to be very careful about that. I hate to say it but my guess is 40 year old fabric will most likely shred when you wash the material.😮 it’s a great layout so I bet it will be great for you. Oh also once you start traveling in it I would think some of the pipes may go, so be prepared. Now have fun. I can’t wait to see how it comes along.
You might be able to find new reproduction fabric to keep the same vibe… or use yellow velvet to reference the yellow couch 💛💛
I recommend having an independent mechanic look at the trailer and make sure everything is safe. Brakes, bearings, axles, tires, electrical, body welds, and hitch. Grease any fittings, maybe have the bearings repacked.
Next replace any seals on her body and roof, look for leaks, steam clean the upholstery, sanitize the water system and check for leaks there as well.
Weight the propane tanks, turn on the propane without using it, and weight them again a day later. Make sure there are no leaks.
Look for any rust on the metal parts, scrape it off and put a primer on to prevent further rust. This included under the propane tanks and battery box (if there is one outside)
Also start following RV influencers and try not to spend a fortune on accessories, a thing all new RV owners do 😅
Thanks for this! Our task list is starting to get pretty extensive haha
I love the cushion covers! Yes they are hideous, but in the best way! I would keep them if you can get them clean enough for comfort.
Yeah… we have a deep clean to do for sure 😬
Hi guys! Having pretty much gutted our 2022 Winnebago Micro Minnie, remember it from Isla Aguada? If there's anything we can help with from afar, let us know. For reconstruction, look into Baltic Birch plywood. From 1/8" up to 1". Strong, reasonably light, very attractive. Windsor Plywood has it. I used to make kayaks with it when I lived on Vancouver Island. Solar, lots of options, simple is a suitcase panel, with charge controller. Hook to battery, and voila. A sway bar also very important, especially with a single axle trailer. Definitely have a pro check your suspension! Tow vehicle, lots of people go compact SUV or small truck. But hey, we live in BC! Mountains, mountains! On a budget? Older 3/4 ton, especially pre-DEF Diesel. Newer? I'd still go 3/4 ton, give you more flexibility for the future. Give us a shout ! Dave, Leeann and Raiden.
Why did you gut such a new trailer?
@@aayotechnology because it was all total junk, everything either failed or fell apart during our 6 months voyage. Dealership said it could be up to a year to fix it under warranty. But back to original junk standard. Fortunately, I'm very experienced with cabinet making and renovating RVs
Hey thanks you two! We’ve got a lot to learn that’s for sure! 😅 hope your adventure is going well!
@@LeahandLevi departing for Nova Scotia, early August. Then back to Mexico in October!
I LOVE the covers! They go perfectly with the wood interior. You should check into an outdoor screen room. The rail above the door could work. Congratulations 🎉
Congratulations on your new home and Levi's mad keen parking skills. 😁 I really like the floral seat covers. I think if all the cabinetry was painted in a nice light colour, and the curtains replaced, it'd look lovely. Good luck with the refit, Don't work too hard, Leah. I know how exhausting it can be going through the 3rd trimester in Summer. Take it easy guys. ♥
Yeah we’re going to move slow at first here to see what we like and don’t and then when the baby is out we get really into the build 👍🏼
@@LeahandLevi ✌☺
I just bought a 26 year old fiberglass RV. I 100% understand where you’re at. It’s mint and they don’t rot. The biggest thing I would recommend you do right away is get on the roof and check all of your seals. I need to do the same. I also need to re-silicone above all of the windows.
Loving the size of the new trailer, and Levi great job backing it up. I think I recognize the camp spot we were on a family trip that week and drove by there🙂 Looking forward to the reno and kudos to both of your families for all the support.
I love everything about this - PARTICULARLY the cushion covers! They are keepers!
Wow what a great find! You absolutely have to keep that retro upholstery if you can. I'm so excited to follow along and see what you do with this awesome trailer. You guys are so adventurous and I love living vicariously through you.
Thank you! We’re nervous but excited!
I love that you bought an old trailer - very earth friendly. Can’t wait to see whether it’s bones are as solid as they seem. The fabric might hide stains (like baby vomit) so I suggest you keep it if it washes up well.
I love the idea of keeping original charm. But if it were me because the trailer was used for hunting all soft surfaces would have to go. Covers and foam from cushions
That trailer is so cute!! Can't wait to see what you guys turn it into ✨✨✨ I love that the parents are also willing to help you guys with your endeavors xD
They insisted haha no jk but they have been great to have around in this process!
Nice vintage trailer. Cleaning it would be a priority but checking the tires, suspension, brakes, lights and bearings would be the first things to look at.
Thanks for the tips!
Totally 👍🏼 YES!!! To the Cushion covers. With the right paint job and nicer curtains those patterns can make the whole thing so beautiful 😻.
Yes. It does need work, but I think you guys are going to love the process and we get to see it!
Yeah we’re pretty excited! 🥰😅
You guys are absolutely hilarious. I love it. Also, the flower theme you have going with the seat cushions and Lea's dress was great. It's almost like the pattern on the old couch that we inherited from the Emissaries here in 100 Mile :)
I'm new here, but my timing appears to be excellent. I am also looking for a trailer just like this to renovate. I am going to be following along with this project and all of the ups and downs that you're willing to share with us. Let's GO!
Hey! Love it when things work out eh? Thanks for being here 👍🏼🥰
I would love a series of you two traveling up and down Canada in your trailer just meeting people like Robert. So heartwarming.
That upholstery is super awesome! I'd just give it a good, disinfecting wash. Retro vibes are great, but not the retro dirt & bacteria. 😂
I see that everyone loves the original walls, but I think it's healthier if you rip them out, install some insulation and fresh new, white or light coloured walls. It'll bring more light into the space, which will help your mental state when you find yourselves staying inside on stormy days.
Love the upholstery! Keep it; love the original pattern. Can’t wait to see your next journey. Thanks for always sharing.
Definitely keep the cushions! Keep all the amazing retro vibes that camper has 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Awww. This hit me hard, as my parents are in the midst of selling their adorable 2001 Bigfoot (near identical floor plan... but maybe a little better condition!) after 10 years of adventures because my mom is too sick to go camping anymore. Traveling around BC and camping together (though with us just in our little tent) was just heaven. You will make so many good memories with this puppy.
The good news is, they're selling the trailer for more than they paid for it 10 years ago. You're so right about the fibreglass. They hold up, and they're coveted.
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's a big project but our hope is that the time and money that we invest in it will be long lasting into the future 🥰🙏🏻
Yeyyyyy new adventure!!! I love it!!! And it looks like a good buy!!! Pretty ‘useful’!! Can’t wait to see the progress on it!! 🤙🤙
You'll have a nice pallet of colors for decorating and brightening up using those cushions for inspiration. Brings me back to my younger days, love it! 😊
I love your new adorable retro camper to go with your adorable lives. You will get used to the propane cooking and I’d keep the seat covers because it is part of the retro theme. Congratulations and I look forward to seeing what the two of you do with it.
You guys are amazing! Love the little camper, I have a Scamp and look forward to watching you two renovate your BigFoot 🎉❤
You guys!! I love it!! Congratulations!! I think it'll be a fantastic summer....and the interior!! It's so amazing, don't change a thing. You're gonna have so much fun 😁😁🙌
Love it! So excited to see what you guys do with it!
I am absolutly OBSESSED w/the floral!!! I used to have a really nice couch with close to the same pattern. I love the mossy green 😻😻😻😻
Absolutely gorgeous, awesome buy 😊
❤it’s flowed so nicely for you both! Seems like it was meant to be. I love the vintage vibe and Leah; you can just add some of your pottery and both of your pieces and little touches will make it look so cute and cozy!
Thank you so much!! We're hoping to make it our own as we go along but first we gotta figure out what does/doesn't work lol
The cushions are definitely vintage cute!
I’m so happy! I’m smiling through this whole video so far. I just had to stop and tell you that And definitely keep the cushions! ❤❤❤
Thank you so much!!
Welcome vintage trailer living with a baby. We just finished redoing our vintage trailer and had my baby straps me for most of the construction!!
This looks like a solid base for an awesome rig! I can't wait to see what you guys do with it and where you go!
Swap out that plug behind the dinner table for one with some USB outlets in it and make your life easier.
I love that Levi was in the bathroom door mirror just smiling at his wife while he thought no one could see him!
Great beginnings ~ if Leah is going to guide your back up into camping spots, always have her on the driver's side of the towing vehicle....total safety feature. You're going to enjoy this adventure.
Thanks for the tips!
Oh the places you will go. What a fun journey ❤️ thanks for sharing!
Congrats! Love following you on your journey
Way to go with the trailer!!! Love the flower pattern but I agree with Leah, the curtains have got to go! Hahhaha congrats!!!🎉
There is definitely room for improvement. 😊 The bright side of it is you both can put your touches there. ❤️ I would suggest bright colours inside to make it more spacious.
The cushions are AWESOME!!!!!!!! Retro is so IN! I love them and would definitely keep them, if it were mine.
I looooove the cushion covers! They add so much charm
😮 great find!!!👏👏so retro❤
I’ve got a 1961 Shasta Airflyte, and we have done some work to it. I’m excited to watch your process!!!
Also, we are most definitely going to have to meet up with our vintage campers and do a weekend trip!
I don't know how much you checked out more modern campers/RVs, many use magnets to hold the door open. I don't know if there is anything available where you wouldn't need to screw one position into the side of the camper, but if you can find a spot where you can just attach a magnet to the door and the side of the camper, then you wouldn't need to create a new hold in the fiberglass. You would just need to connect the two magnets with a stick, rod, or even a chain. (edit to add recommendation) I would recommend trying the rod suggestion first, because it would hold the door in a fixed place and serve as a rudimentary door stop. This may help prevent damage to the door hinge when there is a strong gust of wind and keep the door from hitting the side of the camper.
Of course, you might be able to fashion a suction cup with a string tied to the door. That would say we're putting in effort to improve over the stick method, but people would probably still say you're not putting in that much effort.
Love the trailer - really cute and a lot of potential! ....and keep the cushions!
Love the cushion covers. The thrift stores are full of similar prints/ styles so you could find more of that vibe and sew some replacement curtains!
I feel like the upholstery fabric makes the seating look like a niece/nephew of the yellow couch. It's not a shock that Leah is so in love with it!
Omg that’s so true! 🥰🥹
Love the retro pattern cushions!
Keep cushion covers:) Congrats you three!
I am SO excited to watch this trailer restoration journey! 💪🏼
Thanks for being here!
Love the cushions!!!
We bought an old van (after travelling in an Opel Combo for a few seasons). Beside the size we especially love that it is painted white inside. It's so lovely and it might be an idea to consider. Have fun with the Wohnwagen. Best wishes, Stef from Kiel, Germany
True test of a relationship is working together on things you've never done before. Great work! I'm pro keeping the cushion covers. And it's a small detail, but i dig the slotted mag wheels on the trailer.
Yeah right? They’re kinda neat and understated. Looking forward to bringing it back to life. 👍🏼
@@LeahandLevi looking forward to it here too!
That cushion pattern is amazing!
Well, backing up trailers is a true test for any relationship, and it went great! That is such a find!
those cushions are everthing...some white paint on the cabinets to brighten with gold pulls and those cushions will look amazing!!!
so excited for you and baby to have adventures...
remember nothing is perfect...but if you live with most of pros and cons you can update...
Cushion covers are incredible. Definitely keep them!
I adore the cushion covers. And the cupboard fronts 🤌🏻
Love the trailer just needs a coat of paint to brighten things up while you are deciding on the big reno lay out is great love you guys ❤
Painting the interior white or another light colour will really make it feel bigger.
Another vote for the awesomeness of the cushion covers! ❤
I love the cushions!!!
YES! Thank you! 👍🏻
Love the trailer! I know it’s Canadian, but be sure to consider winterizing it when you do your renovation. Old, thin, lightweight trailer windows will let in a lot of cold air, so be sure the body itself is sealed well and the door closes perfectly too. I thought it might be easy to forget that when you’re working on it in June/July/August, so I hope this helps a lil’.
Thanks for the tips! We're going to be doing some testing on it for water tightness soon!
Bigfoot and Scamps etc, last forever. But I think the Bigfoots are the Mercedes of fiberglass trailers. So happy for you!
If you get satisfaction from peeling things you are going to enjoy the wallpaper removal off the ceiling. I had several people over to remove mine and it was so satisfying! 🙃
I love it so much. Tbh, there's actually very little about the interior I would change (unless for safety & health reasons ofcourse). Our parents would have probable ripped it all out. But the cupboards and the 60s-70s style is cute as hell.
Love it…
Little TLC and you are going to be golden.
one VERY useful tip for you when using that trailer whenever you decide to go camping with it is to get a camera for reversing. so you're not blind AF and have a better view of the back. less headaches.
Congratulations on your new rig!
Love the cushions, but the rest of the interior should be lighter for me for them to work. Also really like the outside with the blue stripe and the canadian maple leaf. Can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
Yeah it’s so dark inside! Why!? Haha we have plans rest assured! 🙏🏼👍🏼
It think its time you met Emon and Bec. That guy knows his way around a camper van!
Gosh does he ever!
The wooden cabinets everywhere are so beautiful!
I hope you don't paint them. It would be a huge loss of authenticity...
@LordSandwich97 Nope, definitely paint them. They are so dark and gross. We (Canadians) have a vintage 17' Bigfoot trailer (1984). The cabinets are really wood, but have all been painted and it is so much brighter and attractive.
The cushions are classic, please keep them!
I learned to back up a trailer when I was 22 and have managed to avoid doing it ever since. I’m impressed at how straight Levi got that thing! Amazed. I was expecting a disaster 😂
Oh it’s a thing we’re still learning! 😅😬
Enjoy! You should check into the weight of your trailer. We pull our 16 foot Casita with a Buick Enclave and when we first got it with a Ford Escape. The Enclave can also pull the Casita 17 foot rig which we do not have. The Casita is also fiberglass and light! Good luck!
Hahaha!; this was fun! First rule of ANY trailer is: Inspect/grease the Wheel Bearings!!! Then....Inspect the ROOF, and re-seal as necessary. The great thing about camping w/ a trailer is....EVERYBODY watches everybody else....TRYING to back it up w/ precision. Some will make wagers...."can he do this in 3 attempts, or 5?".
Haha yes I’ve only experienced it once and it’s like a professional sport with all the spectators 😅
In Alberta the motor association offered a 3 hour lesson on driving r vs. We learned great safety info and both of us practiced backing up. Learning how to give instructions was good as well. Tip from my trucker friend. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want it to go right just move your hand to right
Yes! My brother in law taught me that one but I’ve yet to use it because we not have a tow vehicle yet haha
I've always learned to put your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel and I've only driven small cars lol. We had to do it to pass drivers Ed and not it's just habit. The reasoning is if your hands are on the top and the air bags go off your wrist will break
Hi team! You don't need to buy a light truck to tow your trailer - a station wagon or a sedan with a bit more power than the prius will pull it just fine. It'll cost less to buy, run, and maintain, and will be less bad for the environment. Good luck!
I would replace all the cushions and curtains with more modern colors and washable materials. Babies and little kids are so messy. In such a small space, everything needs to be easy to clean. If you want to keep a 70’s vibe, perhaps a small accent pillow or something like that. Honestly, there are enough vintage vibes that will remain regardless, so there is no need to keep the cushions!