Any Chaparral Trailer Owners?

I just bought an 1978 36' Chaparral and was just wondering some info on them. Where they all the same width? All had the corragated upper panel? What year did they start the "pouchside"

 

In the early 1980's they offered 102" wide as an option. Pouches started out in the 1970 models and got smaller in the late 1970's which made the trailers nearly full width from top to bottom. The pouch sides were handy for fuel jugs, floor jacks, etc and were made out of some pretty thick steel. Then the copy cats came out (Conejo, etc.)

I owned a 1981 42' x 102" wide Chapparral from 1986 to 1997 and never had a bit of trouble with it. I might have the original sales brochures from back then. Mine had 4 leaf springs per axle and two side doors.

While I had it, I loaned it to the Gasparrelli's for several months while they waited for their new trailer to be built. Bob Devour, as a nice gesture, put a brand new set of Centerline Convo's on it for me for letting them use it. It now belongs to Gary Anderson (if he still has it).

After that I've owned 2 different T&E Trailers. They don't get any better than T&E, but the Chap's were built so well that most will still be around long after the world is gone.

RG

 

I just picked the trailer up yesterday and came home with it 600 miles and I couldn't believe how good it towed even @ 70-80mph. It was empty but still surprised me! Its nice to be narrower so you can see more behind you
The inside needs some work(new bench/toolbox,flooring,ect,ect) Have any ideas on a bench? L shape?

 

RG
Do you have any pictures of the side door latch setup? Mine needs to be repaired and I would like to set it up as original

 

No pics.

It was basically a metal handle with a hex rod that went through the door. When the handle was pointed up and down a half round catch caught the metal door frame on the inside. When the handle was pointed to the 3:00 oclock position it would open. A padlock could be inserted while in the up and down position.

Maybe someone else could shoot a pi of theirs.

RG

 

I ended up gutting the whole inside of the trailer and had it sandblasted and painted,new lino,bench,all new 12 and 110 volt wiring,ect,ect. My trailer was re-skinned with flat aluminum years back but I would like to put new corrigated upper panels like the original. Does anyone know where to find some the same or similar?

 

I have rebuilt Chaparral's. I can help you on the trim, roof cap, hardware, steel side pouch's, everything but the corrugated skin. sorry Terry 972-977-8340

 

TRY THIS:
http://www.interstatemetals.com

They helped me with replacement corrigated metal for my travel trailer

 

I think Gary still has the trailer. I have a funny car friend who was just showing me his restored chapparel. Even polished the stainless trim. I'll see if he can take a picture of the latch. You could put a small bulldozer in one of these and keep on going forever.

How about an email to send the pictures too

 

Thanks for all the info. Dale I sent you a PM

 

handle

I have a new side door handle, free to a good home.
Terry 972-977-8340

 

chaparal 5th wheel hitch

wondering where I may find a 3" ball hitch for my chap. trailer

 

http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Po...-Gooseneck-Hitch-Trailer-RV-Camper_p_558.html

If you need to bolt it in you can drill and tap it

 

I have a Chapparel hitch out of a 1985 Chevy dually with a 3" ball for $100. plus freight.

Call 626 815-8815 9 to 5 M-F PST.

 

Refurbishing a 36' '92 Chapparall
Spent all day on the internet searching for the 1 3/8" x 1/16" anodized aluminum trailer trim that surrounds the gravel guard. No luck.
Called the metal supplier listed here but they were stumped.
Then I got a call back from Debbie at www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/contact.htm
Very helpful.

email: info@trailpals.com

 

trim

replaced all that trim with 16 gauge aluminum tread plate, even put it at the front of the trailer where the ribbed rubber was, sure looks better, easier to clean

 

The trim you are trying to find is available at Loxcreen Metal Source. Terry

 

Any y'all ever install an ac on a chapparal? Any advice?

 

I am running a 1987 42 x 102 pouch side that has always been stored inside. Is still in pristine shape, air ride, outfitted to the max, double side doors. I did put an AC unit in it but it was framed and wired to accept it from the start. I bought it in 1992 or so from a fellow who had it built - cost about $50k then - towed it home and never used it. Original paint but damaged a corrugated panel that I wanted to replace. Dead end finding the exact size of corrugation. Even talked to guys that had worked at Chap back then and it appears it was a certain die that stamped those out. Had the panel repaired. They are tanks. Originally pulled it with a dually but it would push you through an intersection trying to stop. Got a small Freighltiner to pull it and is great.

 

That's, cool! I got a 35 ft that ain't quite pristine but it's definitely not horrible. Trying to get it outfitted to camp out of for out of town races.