|
|
Post by peacemaker on Apr 23, 2024 18:48:25 GMT -8
Hey folks, I am in the process of purchasing a 1955 36 Ft Detroiter mobile home, trailer? I absolutely love this thing, especially since it's in close to original condition. I have made a life out of buying low and selling high, so I must say, it has been interesting trying to figure out what this thing is worth. I'm usually pretty good with researching odd ball things to derive value, and, for the life of me, I can not seem to find any examples no matter the condition. Is this thing super rare, or does anyone not even go through the trouble of trying to sell them?
I'd really appreciate any help anyone could provide here. Either way, I'm buying it. Just want to know how bad I got beat up on it. It does NOT have a title. I will be getting a bill of sale and my state does have a process for getting a title after a waiting period. I will include a few pictures:
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,629 
Likes: 576
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Apr 23, 2024 19:28:55 GMT -8
No Title, Strike One.
36' long, Strike Two. And this is coming from one of only a hand full of people on VTT that actually likes the longer trailers. 25' (bumper pull) trailers are about as long as I like to tow in and out of gas stations without dragging the low sitting vintage trailers. I'm restoring a 30' Spartan Tandem trailer currently and would not want to regularly pull a 35' or longer bumper pull trailer. Longer trailers are usually also wider trailers (up to 10' wide) as they were never meant to be a "travel trailer". They are Park Models designed to be planted and plumbed into one location like Lake Front property. This is not a modern 5th wheel trailer where a 35' long trailer is very manageable.
The fact that it is not a highly sought after brand/model/size (like an Airstream, Spartan, Boles Aero, Curtis Wright, Streamline, Westwood, Vagabond, Airflight, Airfloat, etc.) for me would be strike three.
If you are looking for something that you plan to use in one location, and NOT FLIP it looks like a trailer with potential. I would not buy it if you're only looking for something to flip. This will not be an easy resell, is my guess.
If the trailer is 100% original, 100% complete with all the original hardware and appliances, it's a $2500 trailer.
From the outside this trailer looks like a 1955 Spartan Manor, which in the same condition "not restored" would be $40K and up. I mention this to help explain why the differences in brands are important to potential buyers when it comes time to resell the trailer.
If you need to have a Credentialed and Certified (insurance) appraisal done contact James Polk and Associates.
Tim Hintz also is an experienced vintage trailer appraiser.
Best regards, John Palmer
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 24, 2024 11:47:33 GMT -8
Totally agree. No title is a big deal and a waiting period makes re-selling cost more in storage, not to mention paper work.
Longer trailers don't sell well. They are harder to tow and many camp grounds don't allow them. If parked permanently, it might make a good "cabin". However, it is not good for a trailer to sit (just like cars, they get lot rot). To use as a cabin and keep it in good condition, a trailer carport would be needed.
Some folks wanting a cool trailer to live in might be interested, tho again, trailer parks restrict residents to up to 10 years old. That limits who can afford it and depends on IF they have a place to park it.
I wouldn't pay over $2000 for it. Restored with detailed and picture proof of proper methods, maybe 10K.
|
|
|
|
Post by peacemaker on Apr 25, 2024 10:47:20 GMT -8
Appreciate the replies. It will not be traveling outside of it's initial journey to my land. It is more than ready for said journey (steel i-beams installed). I will be getting title for it after said waiting period. I totally agree with you folks about the size being prohibitive for routine travel.
|
|
