I’ve just purchased a Pennine Sterling Trailer Camper which I believe is a 2005 model. It had been stored outside for a few years under a winter cover which I know is not ideal. On inspection though it didn’t seem in too bad condition bar a few points, and the price made it worth taking a punt on.
I’m a complete novice to these things so any help would be much appreciated.
The Metal supports under the bedrooms are showing signs of rust. Initially I thought about replacing them but now realise that they are attached with pop rivets. Would it be easier to sand down and paint with anti-corrosive paint?
There is a small patch of mould on the floor which scraped off but I would like to treat the area as well. What would be best to use?
Having read through some threads I will be taking out the bedroom pods and roof, applying some mould and mildew spray and giving a light wash in the washing machine to freshen them up.
The electrics, fridge and gas etc are all in proper working order and there is no signs of damp in the furniture.
I will be leaving it up to air for the weekend in my warehouse at work and then look at cleaning and prepping for the winter.
Is there anything else I should be looking at checking?
I will get it fully serviced before I start using it next year.
take the mattresses out, stand them against a wall on some cardboard so they get an airing all round. depending on condition of cushions, you may want to do the same.
fenwicks do a mildew treatment, have used it and it works.
i wouldnt replace the legs, a couple of mm too short and you`ll keep wanting to roll over. an hours work should sort it. i would however find out why they went rusty.. look at the bed boards before you open them and see if theres any staining from water getting in. you can use tenacious tape to repair small holes.
you may want to treat your water containers if they have stood as well (if you got any with it)
otherwise a good scrub, a good hoover and a good airing should sort it.
I think there was signs of water staining on the ply bed-boards but I will check at the weekend. Will these need treating as well? I think I've read on here to scrub them with a bleach solution?
you can use any metal paint as the pole doesnt slide inside anything, so thickness isnt an issue.
personally, i wouldnt put bleach anywhere near the camper, just in case you dont notice the odd splash. the reason i said look for wet or stained bedboards was so you can see if the cover leaks.
or, you can put it on most of the way and stick your head in and look for light.
You generally get staining underneath the bed boards due to not lifting and airing under the mattresses during the day , it happened with ours before we sold it a few years ago .Loved the trailer you will have endless fun , i just use to plan outings when i knew it wasn’t going to rain when packing up as it was a pain to dry it out .