Vintage Camper Renovation | Getting an Avion Home

Vintage Camper Renovation | Getting an Avion Home

I bought a 1965 Avion T-27! Getting it home and somewhere I could work on it was quite the adventure and required a LOT of work! Thanks to The Home Depot ProSpective for sponsoring this video and providing the tools.

If you’re interested in winning the tools I used, head over to Patreon.com/youcanmakethistoo become a Patron at any level, and submit your answer for this month’s contest! October 2019 is a Ryobi One+ Impact Wrench and the contest is submit a name for this trailer!

If you want a chance to win a t-shirt, leave your name recommendation as a comment and I’ll pick a winner at the end of the month!

Article: http://ycmt2.com/blog/avion-intro/

Tools I used (affiliate links):
Ryobi One+ 3/8” Impact Wrench: bit.ly/ryobiwrench
Ryobi One+ Impact Driver bit.ly/19q3ryobidriver
Ridgid Octane 1/2” Impact Wrench: http://bit.ly/19q3RidgidWrench
Milwaukee 72″ REDSTICK Level: http://bit.ly/19q3MilwaukeeLevel Gorilla Grip Max Impact Gloves: http://bit.ly/19q3gloves
Dewalt 4lb Engineer Hammer: http://bit.ly/19q3DewaltHammer
5″ TAPCON: http://bit.ly/THDTapcon5
Husky 6 Ton Bottle Jack: http://bit.ly/THDHuskyJack

///////MY LINKS
Website: http://ycmt2.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouCanMakeThis2 @YouCanMakeThis2

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I was a little hesitant about pulling this vintage camper the 150 miles back to my house.

I checked tire pressure, aired up as needed, and used the Ridgid Octane Impact Wrench to make sure all of the lug nuts were tight. With that tool in my box, here’s to hoping I never use a tire iron again.

Some extra precautions I took were having my wife pull the trailer while I was outside watching and listening how everything moved, before we hit the road. I also stopped and checked everything after towing for about 10 minutes, and made sure to do so every hour.

The Dewalt Engineer Hammer was perfect for removing the pickets were that nailed on and blocking the screws that secured the panels to the posts. Then I used the Ryobi Impact Driver to remove the fence panels from the posts and set them aside.

Then the lane was clear to back the vintage camper into my back yard. Fortunately, my trailer backing skills hadn’t deteriorated as much as I had feared and it went back pretty easy.

With the trailer in place it was time to put the fence back together. I used the Ryobi Impact Driver to install some post cap brackets and then scab a 2×4 onto the side of the fence posts. They’re practically as strong as they were before I cut them in half.

Of the three posts I had to remove. One of them will have to be removed again to get the trailer back out. So instead of reattaching it to its base, I used TAPCONs to attach it to my brick wall. The Milwaukee level made sure my fence would be plumb when I attach the panel to it. Now when it’s time to pull this trailer out, I’ll only have to remove one fence panel and won’t touch any of the posts.

I used a Husky 6 ton bottle jack to raise the Avion so I could build up 8x8x16 concrete blocks under it until it was pretty close to level. At this point the vintage camper is solid and no longer rocking.

The Ryobi and Ridgid impact wrenches make quick work of removing the tires. I like the auto mode and brushless motor on the Ridgid, but the Ryobi uses more common 3/8” sockets. Some of the brake shoes were rubbing and the suspension seems locked up. When I dig into more I’ll find out if they can be repaired or if I just need to replace everything down there.

And now I can finally get to the part I’d really been looking forward to, cleaning out the camper and getting a good look around. It had been partially gutted so there was a lot of debris laying around. There were also some remnants from the last people who lived in the trailer and some of the critters that had moved in since. Let’s just say I was happy to have some good gloves on.

And with all that work done, I can start to get to the real work of renovating this vintage Avion camper!

41 Comments

  1. Memphis Woodshop on May 3, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Remind me to never use your phone.

  2. Brian Waters on May 3, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Been there, done that. Gut it.

  3. Paul Waldrop on May 3, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    Deloris is a good Name.

  4. Aerial Camera & Video Imaging on May 3, 2020 at 3:32 pm

    Good luck!!

  5. Jk Canvas on May 3, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    What about the SWAMP after Hawkeye and BJ’s tent?

  6. Antonio Claudio Michael on May 3, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    Great video

  7. Antonio Claudio Michael on May 3, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    The Mighty Misfit would be a good name caleb

  8. Vicki Herst Traveler-Gal on May 3, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    I shared your video with my RV Facebook group. They are going to love it. Also, check out https://drivinvibin.com/2019/06/30/1979-airstream-argosy-reveal/ they built one from scratch too. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

  9. Raul DeMoura on May 3, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    If you decide to remove the inside walls, or “skin”, as I did to a camper I owned, use some “reflectix” type insulation. I used carpet tape to hold it to the skin between the studs, from floor to ceiling, and back down the other side. You could tell a huge difference from the front to the the back, where I put the bedroom. Just a thought!

  10. Neisha T on May 3, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I can’t wait until u start on this project! So excited!

  11. Antonio Claudio Michael on May 3, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    Lol at the bloopers with your nose and the phone

  12. Al Carey on May 3, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    When I think of camping in a trailer, it makes me think of the peace and quiet of most campgrounds, so I’d name it "Tranquillity".
    Good luck with the build and I’ll be watching and learning as you go.
    Thanks

  13. Suj Menon on May 3, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    "The Dictator", because
    1. It’s old and going to command a lot of your time
    2. It rhymes with the Trailer (if you squint your ears. Lol 😂)
    3. It’s going to own you for the next 6 months 🤣

  14. 42Fab Scrap Bin on May 3, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    FULL REBUILD! I’d want to get in and check it all, which is why my crap never gets done…

  15. insert mind on May 3, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    we want an episode 2

  16. Jk Canvas on May 3, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    That is a mighty cute floor jack you have. what is it going to be when it grows up.

  17. Mitzi Young on May 3, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    So this happened six months ago, and then what happened?

  18. Callee Harris on May 3, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    So great!! I’m very excited to see this thing when it’s done and where it takes us. And don’t think I didn’t catch the tree comment 🤦🏻‍♀️.

  19. CARY T on May 3, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    I just watched this Avion video and am looking forward to your progress with it. I am the proud owner of a 1973 26′ Avion LaGrande mostly original condition with almost identical layout to your model. My wife and I have been living in the Avion since July 2019 while our new house is being built so we are definitely aware of the benefits and shortcomings of this trailer. I have added a Girard tankless water heater which I highly recommend for unlimited hot showers! I dont know if I would go as far as removing the inside skins but water leaks are definitely an issue with my trailer too.

  20. Mark Loveless on May 3, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    I’d name it after a bird (avion tie-in) so maybe Condor because it is pretty big. Also WOW that green color in the bathroom, it’s like the 70s threw up in there!

  21. darthroig on May 3, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    Call it: *"Chrome Home"* Bc it’s shiny and inviting (or will be 🤞).

  22. Antonio Claudio Michael on May 3, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    Nice old trailer

  23. Jim Rumsey on May 3, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    Look at getting a RV toilet so it will not fill the black tank as much less water usage. Definitely should have black and grey tanks. Not all campgrounds are full hookup. Not sure if you remember from the skiatook event you used my camper to take a shower but it’s nice not to have to be tied to a full hookup campgrounds.

  24. Willem Kossen on May 3, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    The MakerTrailer. Nice and simple

  25. Seth Allison on May 3, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    How about the name Avi?

  26. L'ATELIER 39 on May 3, 2020 at 3:56 pm

    I didn’t understand everything, but the project is very cool

  27. David Moss on May 3, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Old Faithful!

  28. Jk Canvas on May 3, 2020 at 4:02 pm

    That fence panel looks almost out of reach.

  29. Cali Valley on May 3, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    Add a toilet tank sink to save space and water and will increase storage space options.

  30. Connie Di Peri on May 3, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    I would name the RV Dora (the explorer) enjoy your RV.

  31. Richard Florence on May 3, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    Have you thought about gutting it and building it as a mobile carpentry shop … Or even to go to different events, woodworking shows, etc

  32. Harlan Siegel on May 3, 2020 at 4:11 pm

    I have definitely left screws in my pockets when putting them in the wash. And washers….and plans…..and pens…..and….

  33. Jk Canvas on May 3, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    I think the name of the trailer should be "Crayola" because of all the cool colors inside the trailer.

  34. Gib Clark on May 3, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    Looks like fun 👍👍👍👍

  35. King nadj on May 3, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    Oh my what did your wife say all that stuff all over the lawn lol!! Nice airstream I think they’re the best far as trailers!! Can’t wait to see how it looks!! Have fun

  36. Joel Watts on May 3, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    So, the redbud just mysterious died, huh. Sounds pretty suspicious to me.

  37. Tharemy Hopkins on May 3, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    I’d call it "Home Two". For the obvious reason that it could be a second living space, but more because it reminded me of ‘Home One’ – Admiral Ackbar’s Mon Calamari command ship from Star Wars. If you aren’t a SW fan, I suppose the name is pretty dumb…

  38. hardee hat on May 3, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    "The Drifter" Might make a good name.

  39. YouCanMakeThisToo on May 3, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    If you want a chance to win a shirt, leave a comment with your name recommendation for the camper! I’ll pick a winner at the end of October 2019.

    If you’re interested in winning the Ryobi One+ Impact Wrench, head over to patreon.com/youcanmakethistoo – become a Patron, and leave your name recommendation in the contest post! Or, whatever the current contest is for the month you head over.

  40. Janie Gonzalez on May 3, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    How about naming it after the fallen tree, Redbud?! Kinda like a memoriam/ thank you since it’s "mysterious" death gave way, literally, for the project to be possible 🤷🏻‍♀️. Really looking forward to this series!

    Edit: Avion is Spanish for plane (like airplane) 😬. Not sure if you knew that but maybe some names come to you with that small tid bit of information.

  41. Tina Burns on May 3, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    Great trailer! If you want to see one stripped to the bones and rebuilt, check out Drivin’ and Vibin’ on YouTube and watch theirs as they do it! It was a fun project but long and arduous! Since Home Depot is sponsoring this…..how about Home Depot for a name?

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