Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: 69 Avion on 02/09/13 07:29am

rfuerst911sc wrote:

I have a question regarding batteries for my 1968 C11. Not wet cell vs. AGM but how many batteries did these come with from the factory ? And what size were they ? When I got my camper it did not have batteries in it but it looks like it is wired for one/two in the step to the overhead. The reason I say one/two is I have no way of knowing if some of the current wiring in that area may be for a charger/converter. The camper came with an ancient charger/inverter but it was just loose in the camper I really don't know if it was ever installed. I plan on going more modern so I'm not going to use it. But anyway how many batteries were originally installed ? This battery compartment is vented. Pics would be helpful. Thanks

My 1969 Avion C-11 came with one "tractor" battery when it was new. The battery sat next to, and behind, the 30 gallon water tank. It had a small, turquoise colored, battery charger that wasn't mounted to anything, that sat near the Jabsco water pump. I don't know what model the battery was, but it was a large 12 volt tractor battery. It had a container that it sat in which was vented out of the left side of the camper. We removed that battery in the early 1970s and put a couple of regular car batteries on the truck since the Avion was never really meant to be used off the truck. Keep in mind, AGM batteries weren't available back then and the smell was annoying when the battery was inside the camper even though the container was vented to the outside.
When I rebuilt the camper, I kept the batteries out of the camper and I used a Schumacher Marine Ship-n-Shore automatic battery charger. The electrical system is fairly simple and I didn't see a need to go to high dollar inverters since I went to 100% LEDs.

Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel
1988 Avion Triple Axle Trailer
1969 Avion C-11 Camper

Posted By: ticki2 on 02/09/13 10:26am

rfuerst911sc wrote:

Do you mean charger/invertor or charger/converter ? In any event , mine was the same as 69 Avion , only the charger was under the dinette . I think the original battery was a F3 tractor battery , it was in a plastic box that had the Avion name on it . Here is a picture
[image]

I replaced it with two 24's that I made a sealed ss box for , couldn't find a ready made one the right size . It's tall enough that I can go with two 6v if I want to go that route . I also replaced the charger with an Iota 3 stage convertor/charger . Here's a pic of the new set up.
[image]

'68 Avion C-11
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed

Posted By: Dodgeavion on 02/09/13 11:38am

I sure get the allure of going all aluminum. It was my first thought and what I thought wanted to do, but all things considered I couldn't come up with any reasons or justification that convinced me it was a better solution. Not to say it wouldn't be a good way to go, I just couldn't convince myself it would be better.

Ken

Posted By: 69 Avion on 02/09/13 02:26pm

The only reason all aluminum would be better is that you will never have an issue with wood rot. Avion did a great job in a design that was relatively light and yet fairly strong. My camper is almost 45 years old and it is still like new on the outside. How many campers will look that good after close to half a century. For the folks in wet climates, their Avions have seen more rot. All aluminum campers wouldn't have those issues.
Also, the Avion really wasn't meant to be used off of the truck. An aluminum framed floor structure could be designed so the Avion could be used off the truck, if the floor was strong enough.

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 02/09/13 06:13pm

Thanks guys this is very helpful.

Posted By: 69cayo on 02/10/13 12:59pm

I managed to get some of the aluminum sheets temporarily installed in the camper.

Cabover.......
[image]

Left & Rt lower sides.........
[image]

The layout is taking forever, measurement have to be double and triple checked.
The factory had installed buildup on the ribs to make up the difference in the thickness of the endcaps and most are not even close to being straight.

I also chose a different sheet layout, so it might look different to some of you.
Dennis

Posted By: ticki2 on 02/10/13 02:32pm

Looks good , are you going with the aluminum finish for the interior ?
How about the end caps , are they going to be aluminum also ? Is that a round skylight over the bunk ? It's been a long road for you .

One other thought , if you can manage to put a little caulk at the sheet overlaps you will effectively have a vapor barrier .

Posted By: 67avion on 02/10/13 02:44pm

Thats very impressive. As Ticki noted, its been a long road for you, so its good to see real progress I bet. I was wondering two things:

1) In what manner did you apply the insulation and did you leave an airspace?

2) Did you attempt to insulate the ribs. It looks like you did from the photo, but I can't quite make it out.

If you leave it as aluminum finish that would be very interesting, though I think it would be somewhat difficult upkeep. And my hat is off to you for the effort in the fit and finish. I can imagine how tedious and exacting the effort to fit the plates must be.

D

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 02/10/13 03:32pm

I noticed you have " side windows " in your cabover are those factory or did you add them ? My C11 only has windows on the front. Nice work keep us posted on progress.

Posted By: 69cayo on 02/10/13 05:58pm

Thanks guys.
The aluminum will be painted, I think the best way forward is to clecko all the panels in place then take them down and prime and paint.
What looks like a skylight is actually a Fantastic Fan.
Tiki I was thinking the same with caulking but if a panel ever had to be removed it would be a problem.
Up to this point the panels are fitting so tight to one and other (overlap seams) that the only reason to use the trim bead would be to hide the raw edge which might be accomplished with some caulk, we'll see [emoticon]

The insulation was applied with contact adhesive (heat & waterproof) direct to the skin.
I used 1/2" board (bends easy) in two layers.
The foam you see along the ribs "locks" everthing in place.

The side windows in the bunk area must have been a factory option.

Dennis

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