Wood and lots of it will be required to restore an older travel trailer. Expect water damage to floors, ceilings and walls. Many times the entire floor will have to be removed and replaced all the way down to the subfloor. OSB (oriented strand board) and exterior plywood are good for structural repairs. For cabinetry, laminated plywood or lightweight woods like aspen are good choices.
Restoring a travel trailer will require lots of fabric and foam. Many times the cushions and mattresses require replacement. Most travel trailer dinettes convert to a sleeper. Preformed cushions can be used or you can cut your own from blocks of foam. Fabric should be durable and easy to clean. Faux leather and duck cloth are excellent choices.
Older propane tanks may not be usable due to the fact that their fittings are not up to code. These tanks cannot be refilled and must be disposed of. Tanks that meet code should be checked for cracks and overall soundness. Check for leaks at the valves with soapy water.
All but the most basic travel trailers come with a freshwater and a blackwater tank. Larger models may have a separate blackwater and greywater tank. Check these tanks for leakage and cracks. Check that the hardware that connects them to the travel trailer is not rusted or damaged. The valves that connect to the interior and exterior should be checked for soundness. Replace any valves and seals that are leaking. The freshwater tank should be cleaned with bleach, then baking soda prior to use. The blackwater tank should be flushed and checked for leaks. Replacing tanks can be an expensive repair.
Travel trailers run on an external battery, a generator or shore power (connection to an electrical source in a home or RV park). A common item that requires replacing is the cord that runs from the travel trailer to the shore power. Check the cord and plug for signs of wear or damage. Replace with an identical cord. Very old travel trailers may require a total rewire. If that is the case, a voltmeter and proper wiring and circuit breakers will be required.
