[Kris G]

I am really new to all of this (online posting and home owning) - so please bear with me. I just purchased a 14x72 trailor house (2001 model) - but it needs some updates and I am on a budget. I live in Minnesota so there are cold winters and shifting ground and my house is up on blocks.
There are a couple issues I am facing and any advice would be greatly appreciated!
problem #1 - the WALLS - how do you replace the wall board - can you get different kinds - it looks like its already wallpapered and has strips nailed up at intervals. I dont want to paint because i feel those strips would look worse, but i dont want to pull them off and mud over the gaps and then wallpaper or paint because of the shifting ground and the cracking/tearing that may occur.
problem #2 - the light fixtures are sooo dated - but i was told it is impossible to replace them because a trailor has no attic and so nothing electrical can be done.... I am confused on that - I am not installing anything NEW - just replacing the ugly.

Thanks all for any feedback

 

[JohnCarpenter]

Alright, the trim over the joints of the panels is so the sheetrock doesn't crack when the house is moved on down the road. You can either remove them and tape and float the joint or caulk and leave them. Since the house is stationary, you should not have any cracking issues.

**but**

It only gets to about 40 degrees for a couple weeks here so I have no experience with ground moving and freezing. I can't even image it.

Why no take the strips down and repaper the walls. Paint the strips a complementary color and reinstall them.

There should be no problem at all with changing the light fixtures. the only thing you need to watch for is the weight of a heavy chandelier or ceiling fan and the box not able to support it.

 

[RegeSullivan]

problem #1 - the WALLS - how do you replace the wall board - can you get different kinds --- In an older unit it may be paneling not sheetrock or wall board. You can find it in big box stores along with the strips to cover the seams. For what it is worth, I have painted the interior of a travel trailer with pretty good results using BIN primer and latex interior paint.

problem #2 - the light fixtures --- You can usually replace them, just be sure there are standard boxes to install the new fixtures in. If you can not recognize a standard box it might be best to call and electrician as trailers do have special electrical requirements. Also it is normal for there to be “attic” space. The rafters create a void where the wires are and that is where you can run new wiring.

Rege

 

[Kris G]

Thanks for the info -- I had no idea that you could get that wallboard and those strips at a store - I thought maybe i would have to contact a manufacturer.

Another question though: If I do get more wallboard how should I go about removing the old? this is in the kitchen area and I dont want to damage the counters and cupboards...
would using a saws-all (I dont know the spelling - but that what i think its called) and cutting into it to start be ok -- then just start ripping it off in chunks?
uffda - sounds messy

 

[RegeSullivan]

Think about taking off the strips and putting the new over the old. If for some reason that would not work try scoring it with a sharp utility knife and pulling it off or removing the cabinets. I would not use a reciprocating saw if you can avoid it. The material you are taking off is probably very thin anyway and you risk damaging what is in the wall. Also if you are not experienced with the saw you will damage the cabinets.