[vc_row fullwidth=”true” attached=”true”][vc_column][mk_page_title_box page_title=”1985 U-Hual VT16″ section_height=”427″ bg_image=”https://campereparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/uhual-camper-header.png” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” overlay=”rgba(232,232,232,0.22)” bg_effects=”parallax” font_size=”35″ title_letter_spacing=”1″ font_color=”#000000″ font_weight=”900″ underline=”false” sub_font_size=”27″ sub_font_color=”#000000″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586449018156{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]You’re familiar with U-Haul — they’re the 26-foot moving vans you see weaving on the freeway, piloted by some wing-ding who’s never driven anything larger than a Prius. What most people don’t know, however, is that U-Haul has dabbled in more than moving and storage rentals. One experiment took place in the mid ’80s, when U-Haul tried its hand at camp trailer rentals (check out our camper Rentals). While it may not have been a shrewd move for the giant moving and storage company, the end result — the VT16 trailer — turned out to be a tough, readily customizable little camper. Click here for more info on the great U-Haul camper experiment. When this client contacted us to restore and modify a U-Haul camper, we were delighted at the opportunity to do some stuff out of the ordinary.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1561474293140{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The VT16 showed up at ReParadise looking pretty rough. Our first fiberglass restoration, a 1971 Boler, was a great success, so we attacked the U-Haul project enthusiastically. It required a full, from-the-ground-up interior and exterior restoration to meet ReParadise standards.[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8693,8694,8695,8696,8697,8698″ image_width=”1024″ image_height=”576″ margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ effect=”slide”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1561474265449{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]We started with a full restoration of the U-Haul-specific tube-framed chassis and coupler. We then tackled the shell, which required several fiberglass repairs and a full re-spray. Once the shell was finished, we moved on to the windows, which required repairs, new seals, and trim paint. New LED running lights added the necessary finishing touch to the exterior.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_edge_slider swiper_bg=”#ffffff” animation_effect=”kenburned” direction_nav=”none” skip_arrow=”false” slides=”8699″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586449050894{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The U-Hual Camper’s interior required extensive work, as well. We updated the original table / bed combo with a space-efficient lift-up rear bed. We then installed a sold surface countertop / table unit. The upgraded two-burner Wolf Range and Isotherm 12v refrigerator / freezer add style and functionality, and the Baltic Birch Cabinet doors complete the modern look.[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8707,8708,8709,8710,8711,8712,8713,8714,8715″ image_width=”1024″ image_height=”576″ margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ effect=”slide”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586449100705{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]As with any decades-old camp trailer, all the systems needed to be updated with modern equipment. Major work included all new plumbing, a Truma Combi furnace / water heater, and a Dometic cassette toilet. We updated all of the U-Hual Campers electrical systems, as well. This included a lithium ion battery, a Power Dynamics electrical distribution center, a pure sign wave inverter, and a solar quick-connect.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586447429547{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Finally, we used the VT16’s unique construction to add the finishing touch. Because the VT16 is made from two halves (a right half and a left half) rather than the typical upper and lower beltline construction, we utilized the front-to-rear joint in the ceiling to create a back-lit ambient LED lighting feature — the only one like it anywhere.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_image=”https://campereparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/g0020281.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” enable_3d=”true” min_height=”817″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column width=”1/2″][mk_button dimension=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” size=”large” url=”http://campereparadise.com/?page_id=6116″ align=”center” button_custom_width=”” margin_top=”290″ animation=”fade-in” outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#1e73be” outline_hover_color=”#ffffff”]Learn About the Renovation Process[/mk_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][mk_button dimension=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” size=”large” url=”https://campereparadise.com/riveted-aluminum/” align=”center” button_custom_width=”290″ margin_top=”290″ animation=”fade-in” outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#1e73be” outline_hover_color=”#ffffff”]Return to Portfolio[/mk_button][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]