Restoration Resources
The goal of this page is highlight resources that can assist anyone who is in the middle or about to embark on a vintage trailer restoration project. This is not for the faint of heart and you might need some help, even if you are handy with the hammer. If you have a resource (websites, books, products, companies, experts, etc) that you'd like to contribute, please send along the information to webmaster@tincantourists.com and we'll post it on this page.
Trailer Identification
We get lots of questions around helping people identify a trailer they just bought or are thinking of buying. Here are some suggestions to identify your trailer.
First off, you need to use Google. If you can't find a reference to your trailer on Google, then you probably have a trailer that isn't a very popular brand. All of the popular brands have websites, user groups, yahoo groups, or forums of some such. This is because there is a demand for information becuase of their popularity and value. This doesn't mean you won't be able to find information, it will mean that you have a lot more work too do on your own. It doesn't mean your trailer isn't valuable, you might have a very rare trailer. But it does mean that finding documentation, floorplans, original equipment, parts, knowledgable resources, etc is going to difficult if not impossible.
Other options are to look in the tincantourists photos for a trailer that is similar and if you find something we might be able to tell you what it is. Go to the home page and click on "Trailer pictures" on the menu
While you are there, upload a couple pictures of your trailer in the "what is it" section and someone might be able to identify it.
A good resource of trailer information is the RV/MH Museum - maybe if you send them pictures and details, they might have an idea.
You need to find serial numbers, VIN, markings, makes/manufacturers of equipment, paperwork - anything that could be a clue.
Also - there are plenty of homebuilt trailers out there - you might have one. If so, your not going find any information on it. It could just be a custom one-of-a-kind!
Maintenance Books
Inspiration
Cool Tools
Stanley Tripod Flashlight
Portable, hands-free LED lighting
Stanley Tripod Flashlight
$24
Available from Amazon
Gas-O-Haul
Collapsible emergency gasoline can
Gas-O-Haul
$9
Available from Genuine Hot Rod
Vector Start-It 450 Amp Jump Start System
Available from Amazon
Klein 10-in-1 Screwdriver
Durable, manageable multi-screwing
Klein 10-in-1 Screwdriver
$11
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Klein
Seal-All Adhesive & Sealant
A strong hold on brake fluid
Seal-All Adhesive & Sealant
$1.50
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Eclectic Products
Fiber Optic Flashlight Adapter
Better flex light
Nite Ize Fiber Optic Flashlight Adapter
20 inches
$10
Available from X-Treme Geek
Or Amazon for $13
Spray Adhesive
Best for Flat Items
3m Spray Mount Adhesive
$12
Available from Amazon
Some Turtles Have Nice Shells
Homemade RV
Some Turtles Have Nice Shells
Roger Beck
2002, 192 pages
$30
Available from the author's website
Author's website, Housetrucks
Online housetruck forum; requires instant registration. Discuss such topics as DMV licences and how to.
Pocket Caliper
Small precision
General Tools 141ME Pocket Caliper
$9
Available from Amazon
Also from Village Supplies and from Art Stuff
Lexel Caulk
General stick
Used to stick everything to everything.
Lexel Caulk
3.5 oz.
$5
Available from Amazon
Small Parts on Amazon
Raw materials for tinkerers
Available from Amazon Industrial and Scientific
Sticky Pad
Stabilizes items in cars
Sticky Pad
$4
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by American Covers
GStone Butane Burner
Compact portable hot plate
GStone Butane Burner
$18
Available from Amazon
Micro-Mesh Abrasives
Super fine sandpaper
Micro-Mesh Abrasives Kits
$13 and up
Avialable from Micro-Surface Finishing Products
Excerpt from the website:
20X Sandpaper 400 grit 20X Micro-Mesh 1500
LightInSight
Super wideangle windshield view
LightInSight
$13
Available from LightInSight
Tool Belt
Another way to have your tools "always on"
Tool Belt
$50
Available from Daddy's Board Shop
Manufactured by 686 Enterprises
Adventure Medical Kits
Full medical station in a pouch
Fundamentals Medical Kit
(in their Mountain series)
$87
Manufactured by Adventure Medical Kits
Available from Chinook Medical
Jump-N-Carry
Portable jump kit
Jump-N-Carry
$85
Available from National Tool Warehouse
NRS Heavy Duty Cam Straps
Quick strong tie downs
NRS 1.5" HD Straps
$4.55 to $8.55
Available from NRS
Fluke VoltAlert
Electricity finder
Fluke Voltalert
90VAC to 600 VAC
$24
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Fluke
Maasdam Pow'r Pull
Best come-along
Maasdam 2-Ton Pow'r Pull
$50
Available from Builder Depot
Manufactured by Maasdam
Gorilla Tape
Extra sticky duct tape
Sticks to a brick
Gorilla Tape
2" x 35 yards
$9
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Gorilla Tape
Eccentric America, 2nd Edition
Jan Friedman
2004, 336 pages
$14
Available from Amazon
Fumoto Oil Drain Valve
Tidy oil drainer
Fumoto Oil Drain Valve
$23
Available from Fumoto Valve
Topside Oil Changer
Easier way to change oil
Topside Oil Changer
$45
Available from Amazon
Hi-Lift Jack
Moving up
Hi-Lift
48 inches
$60
Available from FatBoys Offroad
Manufactured by Hi-Lift
Northern Tool and Harbor Freight both carry a Chinese-made version, called a Farm Jack for $40
Available from Northern Tool & Equipment
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