Vanbrook or Wildcat

[Cheri Harsh]

Hi Everyone,

We have a 17 ft travel trailer that was sold to us as a 1967 Vanbrook.  When I went to register the trailer, the Sec. of State said the title was not for a camper/coach, just a regular trailer.  I haven't found a Vin # yet, but she looks stunningly like the pictures Elizabeth Fryseth posted of her rebuild. She has the features of the 18 ft brochure floor plan, but in a slightly smaller size.  I'm wondering if she is really a Vanbrook or a Wildcat with the wrong title. I scrubbed and repainted the interior, ran pec water lines and got new foam so that we could try her out before spending a lot of time in repairing. After a week of camping, I really like her and want to repair leaks and damage, but I would really love to know her real identity.  My first success is that I found a pressure gauge cap for the water system and it works. I don't plan to drink from the tank, but having pressurized water without a hook up is too cool.    I am trying to find replacement material for the ceiling, but am not having much luck.  It appears to be hardboard covered with vinyl "wall paper".  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  My plan is to remove the ceiling and leave it open until I am 

sure roof repairs are completely water tight, but I would like to locate material in advance.

Thanks,

Cheri

[Lakota Wolf]

Very nice Rig,,, Havent a clue as original name or brand. For ceiling, I have been lucky to get close to original wood by using Luan board, Might be a different name elsewhere, But Lowes and Home Depot has what I need when I ask for it. Its like good quality wood paneling,, NOT the fiber press board. Someone mentioned called Lexan?. But it comes in 4'x4' sheets when I purchase it. Another tip,, if you want to insulate the roof, Ive used styrofoam and have had better luck then loose fuzzy insulation. Ive used vinyl wallpaper covering over the Luan board before actual installation. I measured and fitted , then had everything all measured etc, then took the panels and covered them. Then after installing,, I used what home depot calls Flat trrim, you can get in 1 inch and 1 1/2 inch widths, by 10 foot fairly reasonable to cover over the seams of the panels, I use a Brad nailer,, shoots micro small staple nails to hold in place,, looks very nice when done. Just make sure you know where your cross joists are when you affix the panels,, its a pain when ya miss and have a loose nail dangling in the ceiling.

One note about your water tank.... being a steel tank, they have a tendency to be heavy and collect rust and calcium. Its worth the investment to get a small RV plastic fresh water holding tank,,,, You have to be cautious about weight when traveling., Plus your fresh water will be drinkable with a new tank.   Just some suggestions.