1976 Apache Ramada

Won on eBay on 07/01/2008
 
    The camper when purchased
(Click on images for larger pic)		    
 
     
    Recent Modifications
(Click on images for larger pic)		    
Installed a 8000 BTU air conditioner, wasn't fond of the idea of doing this without previous experience.    
    eDidn't turn out too bad, however the 8000 BTU's were not enough to handle 90+ degree heat in the Keyes. We are now going to upgrade to a 10,000 BTU and hope for the best.
     
     
Bought a "dorm fridge" to replace the original 1976 Magnavox Insta-Matic 12v/110v/LP gas fridge. I had replaced the 110v power cord on the Instamatic, it was in pretty bad shape. When I plugged it in, I didn't hear any compressor fire up, so I instantly figured, "Oh well, it's either a $60 110v only dorm fridge or pay $800 for a replacement camper fridge, this one is shot out."
(the pic above is the dorm fridge)		   Then I broke down and spent a little time reading about how these multi powered fridges work, some kind of ammonia chemical reaction, something I am NOT familiar with whatsoever. So, I got brave, and brought the beast into the patio, plugged it in to see if it actually worked, or if it would become a great  campfire centerpiece.
(the pic above is the RV fridge)		   It actually got cold! ICE COLD!!!

So this is basically what I had to start with. It was in very bad shape, rust beyond belief.
         
   
Rust anyone?   Got rust?   Bottom front corner
         
   
The back coils. This is when I got really brave and pulled the complete cooling unit from the fridge. At this point, I figured I was committed to the "pipe dream rebuild project".        
         
   
         
   
I used BBQ black paint to redo the cooling unit after a massive wire brush job and some CLR work.   The fridge came out looking ALOT nicer than I had expected. However, the fridge cabinet itself was rusted really bad. After about a month after the white appliance paint job, the rust is starting to show a little on the bottom left front corner. It was actually rusted through the metal, where I was going to use white caulk to fill it in. Have yet to do that, still debating on reinstalling it or try to find a cabinet in better shape.   If anyone has an old non-working unit where the cabinet is rust-free or in pretty good condition, I would like to see what you are asking for it. Please contact me at aspacenut@spacenut.net with your asking price. I won't need the cooling unit to save weight.
         
         
         
     
 
1976 Apache Ramada  Print Version
 
 
Title: 1976 Apache Pop-up Camper w/ Solid Sides        
 
Mileage: --        
 
Location: Wyckoff, New Jersey        
 
 
 Vehicle Information
VIN: --        
 
Vehicle title: Clear        
 
Condition: Used        
 
 
 Features
Type: Folding camper Slide outs: 2 Water capacity: --
 
Length: 12 feet Sleeping capacity: 7 Air conditioners: None
 
Fuel type: -- Awnings: 1 Leveling jacks included: Yes
 
Dry weight: 1820 lbs  
 
 

 
Description
 
 
Vehicle Description

 		 Apache Ramada Camper – Sleeps 7 - Great for hunting or family vacations. Camper is in good shape with solid folding fiberglass sides - no canvas. The interior is clean and in good shape (cabinets, curtains and cushions are in good condition). A second free standing table (also included) can be set up by the gaucho bed. Trailer has crack-free tinted windows all of which open, close, and lock easily. All screens are in excellent condition. The 4 working leveling jacks lock in up position when not in use or when traveling. The exterior has 2 electric outlets with switch, lockable storage compartment and bike rack. The top is solid and also has working exhaust fan in roof vent. All of the side panels are crack-free. There is one crack above one of the wings (about 6”) it happened while in storage several winters ago. I have taped it and it hasn't been a problem since. Some outside corners could use some repair. Again, I’ve taped them and they’ve been trouble free also. We just had it out for Memorial Day and had a good time with it. Over the years I’ve pulled this trailer with a 6cyl S10 Chevy Blazer and a GMC Jimmy also 6cyl. Both vehicles did a fine job. We've owned the trailer for about 23 years and have maintained it since. Have decided to sell it because the kids are bigger and no longer go camping. This trailer gave our family many good family vacations, and it still has some good life left in it for another camper who is looking for an Apache Trailer. All keys (2 sets) and original manual/paperwork are included. Trailer details: 1976 Ramada with hard sides and electric brakes, uses 2” ball. It has a 3 burner stove, sink, fridge (12v, gas, electric), heater (never used, always brought electric heater cheaper to use), dinette, two ceiling lights w/night light, privacy curtains for both wings. (some snaps need to be replaced) and portable chemical toilet. It will sleep up to @7 people- 2 on each wing, 2 on the dinette, and one on the pullout couch/gaucho. The couch also has a table for additional eating space. It will carry 2 propane tanks - although I only put one on to save weight. The tires are good with new axle (replaced 3 years ago). It has a spare tire with lockable cover mounted on the back and also back-up lights, although I never used them. Also included is the tarp @6'x9'. (see picture) It's free standing - no ropes or stakes to hammer in ground. As always please email me with any questions you might have. Thanks for looking and good luck with bidding.

 
 


 

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Questions from other members
Q:  Hi, do you have all the legal paperwork and is it in your name like "title", etc!
Answered on Jun-30-08 
A: 
Yes we have the title to this trailer and much of the original paperwork including the owners manual. You may want to review the questions asked regarding...more
Q:  You mention that some "outside corners" could use some repairs and are taped. Do you mean the bed end caps (the caps on the corner of the beds)?...more
Answered on Jun-30-08 
A: 
By the "outside corners" I mean the caps which wrap around to the sides. They are located on the outside and at the corners. All bed walls (4 side...more
Q:  ARE THERE ANY KNOWN LEAKS AND DO THE ENDS SEAL GOOD? WHAT ARE THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE BEDS ON EACH END?
Answered on Jun-30-08 
A: 
I'm not totally sure of the exact measurements of the beds. I looked in the owners manual, but it does not specify these measurements. The width of...more
Q:  Hi Nice apache, use to have one yrs ago wish i never sold it, but now i want one again, i like yours the best out of all i have seen, i have a garage store...more
Answered on Jun-29-08 
A: 
It's probably easier to get to where it's stored (Wyckoff, NJ). It's only about a mile off of New Jersey Highway Route 208, so it's easy...more
Q:  Hi does the camper's ceiling and side walls go halfway down? So that there is only half the height when travelling, like a a soft sided pop up camper....more
Answered on Jun-28-08 
A: 
When the camper is down it looks just like any other pop up camper. The sides fold down, the wings slide completely in so they are flush with the front...more