2003 Hallmark Guanella LX refresh

[CanadianVikingYYC]

Hi all,

I just picked up a new to me 2003 Guanella LX that was garage kept since new and in amazing condition. It has the original (for the year) rubber roof that has been regularly maintained and has a factory installed solar.

My use will be a little different than the original owners so I’m looking at doing some upgrades. I spoke with Bill at Hallmark and he indicated that everything I want to do can be done at the factory. So I’m thinking of heading there in September to have this work done, but before doing so I thought I would solicit feedback from other Hallmark owners of similar vintage (pre 2008) units.

This is a list of items I am thinking about, and comments or feedback is appreciated.

Done at Hallmark Factory
- add rear ladder
- add roof rack (Bill said this would be done with used racks canibalized from rubber roofs that are being replaced at the factory)
- add shovel/axe kit
- add maxtrax (sand ladders)
- add rear awning

The ladder and roof rack is done in hopes of adding a Thule or Yakima (or other brand) of roof cargo box. Bill is not sure the box will be possible, might need to settle for a basket

Items I will do:
- recertify horizontal propane tank
- upgrade all lighting to LED
- replace original CD player/ stereo with something Bluetooth enabled
- replace dual batteries

I’m sure there will be other things that come up but just looking for feedback/insight into any of the above items (and of course anything else I should be doing).

Thanks!

Thomas

 

[ardvark]

Hey Thomas,

I have been working on our 04 Ute XL all week as I have some corner separation where the tub joins the upper section of the camper. When you raise it on the jacks see if the front corners stay tight.

I also just got done putting a bypass on the water heater. I do this stuff for a living, but putting one on the Ute was really a bear given the way Hallmark plumbed the water heater. Lots of rerouting and fittings so if you intend to winterized with RV antifreeze, that is something you may want to consider, if your water heater does not have a bypass.

I'm not sure where the batteries located in your camper, but ours were under the cooktop, so I went with AGMs and moved them under the step up to the bed, extending the step slightly. The space under the step was wasted, IMHO so it was a good fit and gave us room to replace the cooktop with an oven. I know, I know, who uses an oven in truck camper. Actually we have found a million uses for it and store our pots and pans in it when it is not in use.

We have also had to reseal all the stitching around our vinyl windows.We found the stitching leaked in a driving rain until we did that, although it was not a problem in normal rainfall.

We have a new mattress on the way (not from Hallmark) that should be here this coming week and are ordering firmer foam for our dinette cushions. The last owner who sold us the camper kept it indoors, although he seldom used it and knew almost nothing about it.

Steve

 

[Vic]

When we toured the factory a few years back I was surprised at the number of older (90's/ early 2000's) units that folks had in for a refresh. If the bones are good its worth the investment and a lot cheaper than a new one.

At that time a lot of folks were changing over from rubber roofs to 1 piece (probably why they have spare parts now for the rubber roof). I know it was expensive.

Do you have a fantastic fan or wired for one? That might be worth looking into.

 

[CanadianVikingYYC]

It has a fantastic fan, otherwise that would be on the list for sure!

 

[Stitch]

Thomas,
For your consideration. My camper came with the old Heco lift mechanism and I had Hallmark install their updated system which uses a Bombardier aircraft flap jack screw. I simply use a battery-powered drill to lift and lower. You can start and stop the lift at any point, unlike the Heco, and it allows for more weight on the roof. I forget the cost, but feel that it is well worth doing.

 

[CanadianVikingYYC]

Stitch - thanks for the suggestion