Great video Derek. I did a storage box removal on my 1999 Cheyenne a couple of years ago and could have Used this video to really help me. I ended up rebuilding the box with the same parts by replacing all the rotted board. It may not look the prettiest but it still gives me a great storage area in the front. Keep up the videos, they are really enjoyable and very helpful.
Hi Tim, I have a 02 Utah did you finish restoring the storage box or did you delete it just like Derek? I also need to do something with that storage as my floors rotted just like this one. Thanks
Thank you for the detailed video. My wife and I just purchased a 2003 Coleman Fleetwood Niagra and the front box is in terrible condition like the one you had on. I probably will not tackle this project this summer as I have several other priority projects, but I'm feeling good about the basic take down of this box. I will probably reconstruct the wood panels and floor and reinstall the plastic exterior once I fix the cracks within that shell. Thanks again. I know the donation is only two dollars, but I hope every little bit will help you. Take care and happy camping.
I did a complete rebuild of my 2001 Niagara two years. All the frame wood was rotted out from cracks in the covering ABS plastic. I repaired the plastic with white legos melted in acetone. Then used OSB for sides and floor and uncoated MDF for the bulkhead and front wall. The fit of the ABS shell wasn't perfect (prolly cuz of my imprecise measurements) but turned out pretty nicely. Nice video. could have helped when I was fixing mine.
The repair with Lego and acetone caught my attention! How do you do this? The top of my trailer is covered in cracks and I'm afraid the wind will rip off a section if I tow it on the highway.
@@JimLambier You can probably find a cheaper ABS source than Legos but that's what I had on hand. Basically you get a airtight jar (I used a mason jar) and drop some ABS into it and give it 3-6 hours to completely melt. The concentration of the mixture matters based on what you are trying to do. A thinner mixture is better as a glue. A thicker slurry is better to fill spaces. Basically I used a dremmel to rout out cracks. I also used drill to drill a hole at the very end of the crack to prevent the crack from progressing. Then I put reenforcing ABS patches behind major cracks (on the inside of the popup's formed plastic parts) using the glue mixture. Once dried, I filled in with the slurry. Finally, touch up with sanding and spray paint.
@@JimLambier Oh, I wasn't sure if by top of your trailer you meant the roof. I didn't do these ABS repairs on my roof just the plastic shell parts on the front and back. For the roofI used a truck bedliner mix ( I think it was Rhino liner that you order and have to use within a couple weeks). Just rolled that on after cleaning the roof with acetone and it worked great.
@@rebby11 thanks for your quick replies. Yes, I had been referring to the roof. My roof has a dozen cracks that are several feet long. After reading your original message, I started doing searches and found someone who had made a video about repairs to roof cracks using acetone and 3D printer ABS filament. It looks like a cheap way to fix it. It probably won't look too pretty but it will be much better than what I have now.
Started this job today! It was amazing to see this box looking as bad as mine. It’s awfully tempting to drive to MD to pick up one of those front panels……
So I did all of this and I discovered that if you're very careful you can actually use the front cover of the old storage box you might have to do a little snipping at the bottom but it fits perfectly otherwise
We're going to replace ours too with the front cover. That will solve several problems. We are debating between a truck bed tool box for storage or a bike rack.
Thank you for this. Really great video. One question, what is the box being replaced with? The video ends before that happens?? Or did I misunderstand and this was just a removal?!?
My fingers were all over the place what I meant to say was it would be interested in buying that storage lid and the top piece of the storage that goes to
Thank you very much for your video. It is very useful. I need to do something similar. I have a 1997 Coleman/Fleetwood Key West, and I need to restore that storage compartment. It is damaged by rain, the wood rotted, and the plastic cracked in the corners and browned by the sun. How can I get the parts I need for my camper?
Fabulous... a friend borrowed my camper and left the jack down, first bump popped it off the ball and the the front panel piece was demolished in the impact of the back of his truck. Question... why didn't you build the storage box back? Thanks for a great video.
Sorry to hear that Nicholas. When the box is off you have a blank canvas to build back whatever you choose. A new box, a pre built box, platform and more!
Hey man great video. Really helpful! I have a 2000 westlake and i need some advice on what to use to cover my hot water tank, being that i wanna go with an open wall storage.
For units that have a water heater built into the front compartment. You can relocate the water heater into a new pre built box, or custom build a box that can accommodate the water heater.
My storage box and deck are in good shape. But the lid was so dry rotted from UV damage that it basically disintegrated. Are the storage trunk Lids available for purchase anywhere? I haven't been able to find a replacement.
over the winter water got in through the access door on the side of the storage box on our 2003 Cheyenne. I imagine it was from the melting snow this spring (my regret for not putting a tarp over the camper). Is there a way to replace only this side panel only without dismantling the whole box as you've show here?
I had the same problem. ABS cracked. I replaced all the wood with pressure treated. Did a lot of fiberglass repair work on all the cracks on the ABS. I wish I was able to get the broken part instead of having to fiberglass repair. When I was told Fleetwood is out of business. And there’s only one guy can get parts from in Maryland. Never even consider doing what you did by removing the front. Without that nice ABS plastic front you put on. It look kind of amateur. I wish I watch this video sooner.
Is there a way to replace the panel board with out removing the entire box? Newbe here and we just purchased the exact camper. Storage box is dry rotted needs a new board as we want to keep the box and just repair the crack
Is there anything that fastens the wood on the sides to the front bulkhead? I just need to redo the wood on the storage door side and really don’t want to risk breaking anything removing the deck. It looks like the rivets could be cut off, and once the obvious screws are removed the wood should be able to be pushed from the front corner into the box to clear the door and bracket
Hello Craig! The corners are supported with fasteners at the bulkheads. Inside the bulkheads at the top you will also find blind fasteners that may need to be removed as well, to allow the top decks to completely separate allowing the removal and replacement of the side panels on the the body. If it’s just the storage box side wood in question, then the video shows these steps. Since you mention the access door I believe you are looking to take off a side curbside body panel. You should not find wood behind this though. I hope this is helpful! If you need more assistance from me please call me at the shop. Thank you!
Thanks for writing Mak Daddy. Remember coleman is a umbrella company that licenses its name. I do not believe that they have manufactured products since the 1950’s. FCTA Manufactured these units until 2011. The front box was one of the very few things that were under engineered on these units in my humble opinion.
Wish you still offered these, I need one badly!
Great video Derek. I did a storage box removal on my 1999 Cheyenne a couple of years ago and could have Used this video to really help me. I ended up rebuilding the box with the same parts by replacing all the rotted board. It may not look the prettiest but it still gives me a great storage area in the front. Keep up the videos, they are really enjoyable and very helpful.
Right on Kyle! It's always a good option to replace and rebuild as well.
@@popupcamperpro Do you have any videos of rebuilding one?
@@chrisfarley9213 you can use this video as a springboard to do so.
I second what James Raske said. I'm in the early stages of a full restore of my 01 Utah, this is super helpful, thanks!
Good to hear Tim! You've got this.
Hi Tim, I have a 02 Utah did you finish restoring the storage box or did you delete it just like Derek? I also need to do something with that storage as my floors rotted just like this one. Thanks
your videos always makes my life easier!
Thanks Jim!
You have no idea how helpful this is at this point and time. Thank you SOOOO much.
Glad it was helpful James! Thanks for watching.
Now we need a rear panel video. I need to do both on my 01' Bayside.
You can find quite a few other videos on this channel showing rear panel removals as well Jason. Easy breezy.
Thank you for the detailed video. My wife and I just purchased a 2003 Coleman Fleetwood Niagra and the front box is in terrible condition like the one you had on. I probably will not tackle this project this summer as I have several other priority projects, but I'm feeling good about the basic take down of this box. I will probably reconstruct the wood panels and floor and reinstall the plastic exterior once I fix the cracks within that shell. Thanks again. I know the donation is only two dollars, but I hope every little bit will help you. Take care and happy camping.
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel Steve!
Wow. You make something complicated look and sound so easy!
Glad to help J C!
I did a complete rebuild of my 2001 Niagara two years. All the frame wood was rotted out from cracks in the covering ABS plastic. I repaired the plastic with white legos melted in acetone. Then used OSB for sides and floor and uncoated MDF for the bulkhead and front wall. The fit of the ABS shell wasn't perfect (prolly cuz of my imprecise measurements) but turned out pretty nicely. Nice video. could have helped when I was fixing mine.
Good job on the rebuild and thanks for watching!
The repair with Lego and acetone caught my attention! How do you do this? The top of my trailer is covered in cracks and I'm afraid the wind will rip off a section if I tow it on the highway.
@@JimLambier You can probably find a cheaper ABS source than Legos but that's what I had on hand. Basically you get a airtight jar (I used a mason jar) and drop some ABS into it and give it 3-6 hours to completely melt. The concentration of the mixture matters based on what you are trying to do. A thinner mixture is better as a glue. A thicker slurry is better to fill spaces.
Basically I used a dremmel to rout out cracks. I also used drill to drill a hole at the very end of the crack to prevent the crack from progressing. Then I put reenforcing ABS patches behind major cracks (on the inside of the popup's formed plastic parts) using the glue mixture. Once dried, I filled in with the slurry. Finally, touch up with sanding and spray paint.
@@JimLambier Oh, I wasn't sure if by top of your trailer you meant the roof. I didn't do these ABS repairs on my roof just the plastic shell parts on the front and back. For the roofI used a truck bedliner mix ( I think it was Rhino liner that you order and have to use within a couple weeks). Just rolled that on after cleaning the roof with acetone and it worked great.
@@rebby11 thanks for your quick replies. Yes, I had been referring to the roof. My roof has a dozen cracks that are several feet long. After reading your original message, I started doing searches and found someone who had made a video about repairs to roof cracks using acetone and 3D printer ABS filament. It looks like a cheap way to fix it. It probably won't look too pretty but it will be much better than what I have now.
Started this job today! It was amazing to see this box looking as bad as mine. It’s awfully tempting to drive to MD to pick up one of those front panels……
We’re here Garrett! Just give us a call first please.
Thank you. Learned more than expected.
So I did all of this and I discovered that if you're very careful you can actually use the front cover of the old storage box you might have to do a little snipping at the bottom but it fits perfectly otherwise
Good to know Bill! Thanks for watching and writing.
This is what I was wondering!! Can I just use the front panel instead of buying one??
Well answer for mine is no, gotta buy one. But that box basically fell off and was LOADED with carpenter ants!
thanks. this will help me design the replacement for the rotten front storage box on my '01 Bayside
Fantastic! Thanks for watching and writing Daniel!
Great video. I wish I could find one for my Fleetwood Niagara. I haven't seen one camper on here like mine to get ideas feom
I’ve got a Niagara. More videos for this model are planned Tom!
We’re needing to do something with the front storage of our 95’ bayside. This is amazingly helpful!
Glad to help SammyJ!
We're going to replace ours too with the front cover. That will solve several problems. We are debating between a truck bed tool box for storage or a bike rack.
Right on Ann! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this. Really great video.
One question, what is the box being replaced with? The video ends before that happens?? Or did I misunderstand and this was just a removal?!?
Hmmm. You may need to relaunch it. A new panel is indeed installed, but we are now sold out of them.
My fingers were all over the place what I meant to say was it would be interested in buying that storage lid and the top piece of the storage that goes to
Thank you very much for your video. It is very useful. I need to do something similar. I have a 1997 Coleman/Fleetwood Key West, and I need to restore that storage compartment. It is damaged by rain, the wood rotted, and the plastic cracked in the corners and browned by the sun. How can I get the parts I need for my camper?
Check out our webstore for the best selection of these hard to find parts!
Thanks!
Fabulous... a friend borrowed my camper and left the jack down, first bump popped it off the ball and the the front panel piece was demolished in the impact of the back of his truck.
Question... why didn't you build the storage box back?
Thanks for a great video.
Sorry to hear that Nicholas. When the box is off you have a blank canvas to build back whatever you choose. A new box, a pre built box, platform and more!
Incredible how cheaply they make their campers!
They are all made cheaply
Especially that whole lit assembly would love to be a little bye
Hey man great video. Really helpful! I have a 2000 westlake and i need some advice on what to use to cover my hot water tank, being that i wanna go with an open wall storage.
I've seen simple boxes built just large enough for the water heater done very well.
will you be restocking these panels anytime soon?
We are always working on making more products available again!
I would love to have those parts taken off even though they may be cracked or better than what I have on mine still have them of interest
We do sometimes list these in used. Check online for the latest availability
Great video. My storage box is a mess. Do you hsve the panel in stock, or do you have to order it? Thanks.
We should! Please give us a call if you need professional assistance in helping you choose the correct size.
Do you have video putting on new storage box?
Not yet, but you can bolt any storage box solution onto the A frame when it’s taken to this level.
Hello! Thanks for the great video! Where can i get that panel to delete my front storage box? Have a link? 01 Cheyenne.
Currently sold out of the originals. You may have to use a substitute in your size or fabricate a solution.
@@popupcamperpro oh no! Any suggestions? Thank you for your reply! 🙂
I have a utah with the storage box on the front. How would you do this with the hot water heater on the front also
I was wandering the same. I also need to fix a section of the front wood too as it has water damage now as well.
For units that have a water heater built into the front compartment. You can relocate the water heater into a new pre built box, or custom build a box that can accommodate the water heater.
My storage box and deck are in good shape. But the lid was so dry rotted from UV damage that it basically disintegrated. Are the storage trunk Lids available for purchase anywhere? I haven't been able to find a replacement.
New storage box lids are currently not available. I wish I had better news for you. If we make or find a solution we will let you know!
Great video! I have a 1999 Taos that just got creamed on the front panel. No parts available for it, what do you recommend?
New products coming online all the time. Check back at colemanpopupparts.com often to see what’s new!
Do you sell replacement panels for the storage section? I would like to keep the storage area but have a cracked side panel on my 01 Utah
Sometimes we do Jim! Check our website for current availability
What if I want to keep the original cargo box? It there a way to repair it?
Everything is commonly fixable my friend! It's up to you to best gauge condition VS repair, and the method you choose to use.
over the winter water got in through the access door on the side of the storage box on our 2003 Cheyenne. I imagine it was from the melting snow this spring (my regret for not putting a tarp over the camper). Is there a way to replace only this side panel only without dismantling the whole box as you've show here?
Yes. The front will have to come off at least but it’s doable Doug.
I had the same problem. ABS cracked. I replaced all the wood with pressure treated. Did a lot of fiberglass repair work on all the cracks on the ABS. I wish I was able to get the broken part instead of having to fiberglass repair. When I was told Fleetwood is out of business. And there’s only one guy can get parts from in Maryland. Never even consider doing what you did by removing the front. Without that nice ABS plastic front you put on. It look kind of amateur. I wish I watch this video sooner.
I'm sure it looks fine James! More videos are always in the works, and please let me know if you need help with further repairs in the future.
Is there a way to replace the panel board with out removing the entire box? Newbe here and we just purchased the exact camper. Storage box is dry rotted needs a new board as we want to keep the box and just repair the crack
Not that I am aware of Angela.
What panels do you have to replace the front and rear body panels, need to replace both. 2002 Utah
All currently available are listed at colemanpopupparts.com
@@popupcamperpro i couldn’t find one that say it fits the 02’ Utah for a rear panel, is there one and I just missed it?
Is there anything that fastens the wood on the sides to the front bulkhead? I just need to redo the wood on the storage door side and really don’t want to risk breaking anything removing the deck. It looks like the rivets could be cut off, and once the obvious screws are removed the wood should be able to be pushed from the front corner into the box to clear the door and bracket
Hello Craig! The corners are supported with fasteners at the bulkheads. Inside the bulkheads at the top you will also find blind fasteners that may need to be removed as well, to allow the top decks to completely separate allowing the removal and replacement of the side panels on the the body. If it’s just the storage box side wood in question, then the video shows these steps. Since you mention the access door I believe you are looking to take off a side curbside body panel. You should not find wood behind this though. I hope this is helpful! If you need more assistance from me please call me at the shop. Thank you!
I want to replace the lid and top of the front box. what are my chance of finding new or like new.
Sometimes. Check our webstore for all currently available products.
How often do you get front/rear replacement panels for a Coleman utah?
Ever so often shayla. Since the original molds no longer exist, we cannot have them manufactured.
I need a panel to do this on my 2001 Westlake. Are they Are?
We do have many options! For current availability, please take measurements of the size that you need and visit colemanpopupparts.com
I looked on your website for the part number you provided and nothing came up. Do you have 1 in stock?
So sorry but these are sold out
Do you have one that will fit? I have a 2001 Niagara.
@@JustinDarbycom you will need to start with your required measurements to assure we have a product that will work on your camper.
Where did you get the replacement front panel from?
From my inventory at colemanpopupparts.com
You didn't replace it, as your title suggests, you took the whole thing off. Big difference!
That’s covered at the end Shawnee. We cover the options and suggestions for a replacement. Thanks for watching and writing!
Need a better part number bc the one in description doesn't match website
Looks like it sold out yesterday Robert. I wish I had better news for you.
Ola mane oscar
Sad how poorly a company like Coleman manufactures recreation vehicles these days....they ain't cheap...price wise.
Thanks for writing Mak Daddy. Remember coleman is a umbrella company that licenses its name. I do not believe that they have manufactured products since the 1950’s. FCTA Manufactured these units until 2011. The front box was one of the very few things that were under engineered on these units in my humble opinion.
Do you sell the transition caps? I need to replace the fron and rear on my 02’ Utah.
We do! Links are in the description Billy.