Rainier 5th Wheel
Moderator: Bill Edmundson
Rainier 5th Wheel
Been wanting another 5th wheel camper for some time now. They are my favorite RV model to tow and I love the 5th wheel style. Unfortunately, the price tag on these new units are crazy high. Think I will go the "build it yourself" route.
To make things a bit easier, I found a 1987 21' Prowler Lynx. The unit was in rough shape but has a structurally sound frame. This will work for me since I plan on tearing it down and rebuilding from frame up. Currently the camper has a dry weight of 2900 lbs and GVWR of 4400 lbs. I hope to end up with the same empty weight when finished by using more modern materials & appliances .
I will be using the Rainier plans and adapting the construction methods to my own overall size & floor plans. Should be a interesting and fun build. I will post a picture or two along the way. I also have some questions that will need to be asked I'm sure.
In this thread I won't be posting pictures of the entire step by step teardown process or frame rebuild (unless you want to see it). Since this is a camper build forum I will wait and post pictures of the build when that starts. But if you want to see what I have done so far: Phase 1: Demolition - Prowler Lynx
To make things a bit easier, I found a 1987 21' Prowler Lynx. The unit was in rough shape but has a structurally sound frame. This will work for me since I plan on tearing it down and rebuilding from frame up. Currently the camper has a dry weight of 2900 lbs and GVWR of 4400 lbs. I hope to end up with the same empty weight when finished by using more modern materials & appliances .
I will be using the Rainier plans and adapting the construction methods to my own overall size & floor plans. Should be a interesting and fun build. I will post a picture or two along the way. I also have some questions that will need to be asked I'm sure.
In this thread I won't be posting pictures of the entire step by step teardown process or frame rebuild (unless you want to see it). Since this is a camper build forum I will wait and post pictures of the build when that starts. But if you want to see what I have done so far: Phase 1: Demolition - Prowler Lynx
Last edited by tibadoe on Fri Oct 13, 2017 7:45 am, edited 16 times in total.
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Joe
Joe
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Ordered the Rainier plans this morning. While I wait for them to be shipped, I am studying the Bayou truck camper plans that I have. The two sets of plans will be a good guide and provide me with the extra technical information I need.
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Joe
Joe
- Bill Edmundson
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- Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:45 am
- Location: Birmingham, AL, USA
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Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Tibadoe
Welcome. We don't have a lot of activity in this area. But, there is a very wide range of experience on the forum. Ask question. Chances are somebody can answer.
Bill
Welcome. We don't have a lot of activity in this area. But, there is a very wide range of experience on the forum. Ask question. Chances are somebody can answer.
Bill
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build
Tahoe 19 Build
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Thanks Bill. I will have plenty of questions. For now I'm starting the tear down of the old camper so I can start on the frame. I guess this is considered the "easy part"!
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Joe
Joe
- Bill Edmundson
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- Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:45 am
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Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Joe
I'm thinking about a camping trailer. http://www.boatdesigns.com/Sequoia-Plan ... fo/50-290/
It will fit on the little Harbor Freight trailer that I have. Our 30 year old lazy son may just have to live in it.
Bill
I'm thinking about a camping trailer. http://www.boatdesigns.com/Sequoia-Plan ... fo/50-290/
It will fit on the little Harbor Freight trailer that I have. Our 30 year old lazy son may just have to live in it.
Bill
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build
Tahoe 19 Build
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
That's a nice little camper.Bill Edmundson wrote:Joe
I'm thinking about a camping trailer. http://www.boatdesigns.com/Sequoia-Plan ... fo/50-290/
It will fit on the little Harbor Freight trailer that I have.............................
Bill
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Joe
Joe
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
My Glen-L Rainier Plans were delivered today. I was able to go through the package and briefly look over the contents. Seems pretty straight forward. Disappointed that there is only one small sheet of full size plans. I was expecting at least the side wall full size. Not a deal breaker since I will be stretching their 17' design 4' to fit my 21' trailer frame. Needless to say, I will be studying them in detail in my spare time.
On a side note I am moving along with Phase 1 of the demolition project. All that is left now are the two holding tanks bolted to the frame. Roof, side walls, riser wall, and balcony floor, and main floor are now removed.
On a side note I am moving along with Phase 1 of the demolition project. All that is left now are the two holding tanks bolted to the frame. Roof, side walls, riser wall, and balcony floor, and main floor are now removed.
Last edited by tibadoe on Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Joe
Joe
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Phase 1: Demolition - Prowler Lynx of my RV camper build project is complete.
As of this point, I have the entire camper disassembled down to the metal frame. As expected, the frame is in very good condition. Now, Phase 2 (frame rebuild) is ready to begin. This section of the build will entail the frame, stabilizer jacks, springs, brake hubs, brakes, bearings, and axles. Any item or items that won't pass the inspection or is questionable will be repaired or replaced. Once all is ready, the frame will be cleaned up and painted. Finally, fifth wheel to gooseneck conversion will be bolted on.
This is my official starting point:

As of this point, I have the entire camper disassembled down to the metal frame. As expected, the frame is in very good condition. Now, Phase 2 (frame rebuild) is ready to begin. This section of the build will entail the frame, stabilizer jacks, springs, brake hubs, brakes, bearings, and axles. Any item or items that won't pass the inspection or is questionable will be repaired or replaced. Once all is ready, the frame will be cleaned up and painted. Finally, fifth wheel to gooseneck conversion will be bolted on.
This is my official starting point:

Last edited by tibadoe on Fri Oct 13, 2017 7:36 am, edited 5 times in total.
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Joe
Joe
- Andy Garrett
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 11:44 pm
- Location: Nampa, Idaho
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
It's good to have a clean slate to start from. I'm looking forward to following this build. 

Andy Garrett
Perhaps the slowest Zip build in Glen-L history...
Perhaps the slowest Zip build in Glen-L history...
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Figured I would post a update: Removed the king pin box, holding tank cross members, (2) non OEM floor supports, axles, springs, shackles, equalizers, both front jacks, and both rear jacks from frame. The decision was made to go ahead and remove the original 4 floor outriggers and 2 step outriggers. Out of the six I was able to save one to use as a template.
I am now down to 100% raw frame.

I am now down to 100% raw frame.

Last edited by tibadoe on Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:13 am, edited 7 times in total.
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Joe
Joe
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Ordered new front jacks and rear scissor jacks a week or two ago and both were delivered without damage!
Pro Series 8k front jacks from Amazon free shipping. I like the drop leg & crank out - will give plenty of travel.
Eaz-Lift 7.5k rear scissor jacks with crank handle from Amazon free shipping.
As far as weight ratings - they both are a bit overkill but better be safe than sorry.

Pro Series 8k front jacks from Amazon free shipping. I like the drop leg & crank out - will give plenty of travel.
Eaz-Lift 7.5k rear scissor jacks with crank handle from Amazon free shipping.
As far as weight ratings - they both are a bit overkill but better be safe than sorry.

Last edited by tibadoe on Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:15 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Joe
Joe
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Ordered the Foldaway 20" Double Entry Steps with 12" drop from Amazon last week and they were delivered today by UPS. The box was a bit beat up but surprisingly there was no damage. Heavier duty than I expected - that I'm glad. Even had a nice shinny black coating of paint.
The original entry step on the RV was a single step. They were quite flimsy so I wasn't sure what to expect with the new ones as far as quality goes. The new steps had four reviews and a 5 star ratings. I don't put a whole lot of faith in customer reviews, but this time it was spot on. I decided on the double step since I was flipping the axles.


The original entry step on the RV was a single step. They were quite flimsy so I wasn't sure what to expect with the new ones as far as quality goes. The new steps had four reviews and a 5 star ratings. I don't put a whole lot of faith in customer reviews, but this time it was spot on. I decided on the double step since I was flipping the axles.


Last edited by tibadoe on Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:17 am, edited 5 times in total.
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Joe
Joe
- Bill Edmundson
- Posts: 11280
- Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:45 am
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Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Joe
I've been wanting to get started on my little trailer. Just too much right now.
Bill
I've been wanting to get started on my little trailer. Just too much right now.
Bill
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build
Tahoe 19 Build
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
Out of the four original mid-frame outriggers on the frame, one was missing, two were damaged, only leaving one in good shape. I think most of the damage came from me when I was tearing the camper apart. Asides from the hollow bumper (for holding sewage hose), they were the only part of the frame that was made out of 1/16" metal. Cut them all off including the only good one which I brought it to the machine shop to use as a pattern.
Had ten outriggers made up - five left side and five right side. Two will be used to mount the steps on the right side. Four will go on the left side spaced 4' apart and the other four on the right with the same spacing. After doing some thinking, I decided to go with 1/8" angle instead of 1/16". The rest of the frame is 1/8" thick minimum so I might as well keep it uniform. The little bit of weight added should not be an issue.

Had ten outriggers made up - five left side and five right side. Two will be used to mount the steps on the right side. Four will go on the left side spaced 4' apart and the other four on the right with the same spacing. After doing some thinking, I decided to go with 1/8" angle instead of 1/16". The rest of the frame is 1/8" thick minimum so I might as well keep it uniform. The little bit of weight added should not be an issue.

Last edited by tibadoe on Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:19 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Joe
Joe
Re: Rainier 5th Wheel
I can understand that Bill. Time seems to be my biggest issue. As long as I keep moving forward I am happy.Bill Edmundson wrote:Joe
I've been wanting to get started on my little trailer. Just too much right now.
Bill
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Joe
Joe