craftylili
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Post by craftylili on Dec 31, 2014 13:42:12 GMT -8
Hi everyone! I'm new to the forums but I've been lurking around a bit. You all are so knowledgeable about vintage campers so I'm hoping you can help me with my first one. A little background - my mother passed away recently and she was younger. She didn't have a chance to enjoy her retirement, and she left a little nest egg for me and my brother. I have wanted a vintage camper for a few years but just hadn't committed yet. Now with my mom gone, I wanted to honor her love of fun and family time by buying a camper for our family and naming it after her. This purchase is extra-special, and I want to make sure I get it right. I plan to use it for many years to come. We are a family of four - two adults, one teen, and one tween. We have been trying for a third child and may expand our family in the next year, so I'd like to buy something that would fit a family of five. I don't want to do a lot of repairs. I love the cosmetic stuff and can paint exteriors and interiors, sew curtains, etc. My budget is around $6,000 tops, and that would be for something that has no repairs needed and is camp-ready. These are the ones I have been seriously considering lately. Can you please give me some feedback on them? What do you think about the prices? Anything that jumps out at you to make you stay away? ----- 1969 Beelinegreenville.craigslist.org/rvs/4744848727.htmlI love this camper. It's roomy and I could put my decorating touches on it. Plus, it's at the low end of my budget which I like, but I'm concerned that it doesn't have a stove. My husband and boys love cooking over a campfire but I'd like the option to cook inside. Would a stove/oven be easy to install, or would that be a deal-breaker for you? 1971 Shasta Loflyteatlanta.craigslist.org/atl/rvs/4764340703.htmlThis is my second favorite, but I wonder if it will be too small. I hear that the low storage compartments in these make them a little uncomfortable, and we're a tall family. I do love that it fits into a garage, though, and it looks like it's in good shape. What do you think about the price? 1968 Shasta (Starflyte?)asheville.craigslist.org/rvs/4782228400.htmlI like it, but it seems overpriced. What do you think? Scotty Highlanderatlanta.craigslist.org/nat/rvs/4778721493.htmlThis ad is real skimpy on the details and I'm waiting to hear back on interior photos. Anything I should know about these? ----- Any advice you can give me on these or something else you think would be a good fit would be great! I'm drawn to 60's Scottys, Larks, and Shastas, but I'm open to anything that is comfortable. Size is not really a factor - I love being in small spaces and it entices us to enjoy the outdoors more - but comfort is a must. Thank you!  |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Dec 31, 2014 13:53:37 GMT -8
Here's my first thoughts from the ads: Beeline looks really good. It says remodeled but ask for pics of repair work. If they replaced the interior without checking under the skins for rot, then you're asking for trouble. I love the Loflyte. BUT it has obvious water damage/rot in the front. You can tell by the way the skin sags in the front at the tongue.  68 Shasta is a 1400 or 1500. He has patched or coated the roof. Big red flag. And he doesn't mention doing any structural repairs. It obviously leaked if he sealed the roof so there will be water damage. Scotty - Not enough info. The exterior pics look really nice but you should ask for interior pics and if any repairs have been done. These are difficult to work on if there is rot. |
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RJ
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Post by RJ on Dec 31, 2014 13:53:49 GMT -8
First of all, welcome to the forum craftylili. It seems like you have an ample budget to get something that will work for you and your family. I'll start the advice responses you're gonna get (oh ya, you're gonna get a bunch) with 1. beware of what is advertised on craigslist and ebay, they are normally not as "they seem" or sound. 2. if at all possible, try to take somebody with you that knows about these old trailers when you actually go to see one (sometimes the problems are well hidden under the metal skins and only somebody that knows how to find these problem areas will be able to tell a rose from a stickerbush). At any rate, best of luck to you in your search! Now sit back and absorb the advice responses that are forthcoming |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Dec 31, 2014 13:58:32 GMT -8
And you are much smarter than the average bear because you're looking for advice BEFORE you buy! Good luck. Hope you find something. My condolences on the loss of your mother. I think it is wonderful that you are investing your inheritance in such a way for your family. There's nothing better than camping as a family. Traveling and camping with my son is my true passion in life!!
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Dec 31, 2014 19:23:52 GMT -8
Do NOT buy any trailer from an internet listing, without first inspecting it "IN PERSON".
Words like Repaired/Rebuilt/Restored/Reconditioned/Renewed/Reconstructed stated in ads mean different things to different people.
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Post by vikx on Dec 31, 2014 21:08:51 GMT -8
Welcome Craftylili! Excellent advice above.
The 69 Beeline is OK. It's big enough for 5 but seems to be painted without attention to structural problems. Almost all of these old trailers need the skins lifted and skirt board repairs. (plus) The price isn't bad for what it is. I'm guessing it needs many repairs.
Since you are looking for a larger trailer, consider many brands and years. Longer trailers don't sell as well and there may be a real sleeper waiting for you...
I love LoFlytes and Loliners but they would be cramped for a family of 5. The price is over the top for this one needing very obvious repairs...
The 1400 has been fluffed and decorated with no real repairs. Coated roof=LEAKS.
The Scotty is too small for a family of 5, with 4 being larger people. JMO.
Hang around here and join in our discussions. We're all willing to help. Good luck on the HUNT!
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craftylili
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Post by craftylili on Jan 1, 2015 9:25:11 GMT -8
You guys are the best!  Thank you ALL so much for the advice. I never would have known about the damage on the Shasta. I got in touch with the owner of the Beeline and it sold last night. So, on to more searching... I'm in Upstate SC. Do you know of a good person in my area that would tag along to inspect a purchase? Of course, I'd be willing to pay for their time. I found this pretty girl this morning and my husband and I are in love. I'm waiting on photos from the restoration now. I saw it was previously listed on ebay for $4k fully restored but she's listed much higher here, so I'm not sure what the value would be on this. Are there any good sites like KBB for vintage trailers? It also doesn't have a title, so I need to research what that would mean for me in SC. www.sistersonthefly.com/estore/details/169653/0/4667 |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 1, 2015 9:40:35 GMT -8
I like that one. I'm not anti-paint but sometimes it is used to hide water damage. Before pics are necessary and if there is water damage, make sure you have pics of how it was repaired.
There is no KBB for vintage trailers. The values depend on the area and what someone thinks their gem is worth and what someone is willing to pay. If you do comparisons, you can get an idea of a fair price. As for the title, if it is registered in a state which does not require a title, you may be able to title it with a bill of sale, proof of current registration and a statement of proof that no title is required in the state of sale. Check with your DMV FIRST!
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Post by vikx on Jan 1, 2015 11:00:15 GMT -8
First of all, this Sportsmaster is not "fully restored". There is no mention of structural repairs at all. It has been decorated and possibly had inside/out repairs done. I suspect the J rail has not been re-puttied, nor windows and doors. Complete photos of the "restoration" should include the skins being lifted, pix of the skirt boards and repairs made to any rotted areas... in other words, what condition is the framing REALLY in??? The photos provided are too small to see. I *think* there is front end sag. Note: adding a bunk to this trailer without knowing wall stud condition would not be wise. Without proper support, it may not stay in place. As SusieQ mentioned, research your state DMV rules on TITLES. No Title = No Sale in my State. Also research the VIN; it must be visible to register/title a trailer. To be honest, this trailer is cute and deserves a close look. It the sellers have done structural repairs WITH PHOTO PROOF, the price is fair. If only the decorations and upgrades listed, then not so much. Hope this helps. This Trailer:  Was hiding a bit of ROT:  |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 1, 2015 11:20:53 GMT -8
Wow, Vikx. Great example of what can be hiding. Sometimes sellers truly do not have any idea what lurks behind those skins as was the case with my last one even though I wasn't fooled by outside appearances. They can be all cute and tidy on the inside and just waiting for the big bad wolf to blow them down.
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craftylili
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Post by craftylili on Jan 1, 2015 15:01:38 GMT -8
Wow, vikx, that is amazing! Thanks for sharing that photo. For a newbie like me, I could see being easily fooled by a pretty exterior. Hopefully I'll hear back from the folks with the Sportsmaster soon. I'll be calling my DMV tomorrow to see about the title issue. Crossing my fingers everything aligns! If not, I'll be on the hunt again.  Thanks again! Your help has been invaluable. |
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jan 2, 2015 13:54:59 GMT -8
Do NOT buy any trailer from an internet listing, without first inspecting it "IN PERSON". Words like Repaired/Rebuilt/Restored/Reconditioned/Renewed/Reconstructed stated in ads mean different things to different people. John Palmer is wise! Actually, the only time we would consider buying a trailer sight unseen, would be when, like we did with our little Compact, we went into it fully expecting to do a complete restore. And we got what we expected! Looking for a used, vintage trailer, it a little like looking for a vintage house or even a vintage car. THis is a time when, while maintaining civility, it is really important to ask as many questions as possible. If you're concerned about offending someone, then it's not the right sale. Anyone who has done the work that most of these trailers require (to be safe, not just look nice), will be happy not only to share pictures, but talk your ear off about the process! Good luck, and welcome! |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 2, 2015 21:21:37 GMT -8
I would try to stay with the sturdier framed campers. A 2x2 inch board is better than 3/4 inch. 3/4 inch is better than plywood in place of framing. As people have said, paint hides many things. None of them good. Inside it hides rot, outside it hides body filler. Ask for "before" photos. Take a good look at the frame, then take a look at the frame, after that take a look at the frame. Rot? I'd pass. Bent? I'd pass. All sorts of homegrown welding done to "fix" things? I'd pass. If the floor framing (wood) is rotted, you'll be into a huge project. Walls and roof are much easier to repair. My dream camper? One never painted, original wood inside, from the desert or under cover most of its life. I can roll with everything from filth to rats to water damage I can see. One last thing, if you find a camper restored by somebody who cares, they've usually put hundreds of hours into it. You will be paying $10 an hour or less for their time. It's not a money making hobby. So unless you love the work, it often pays to buy something nice. Most of all, have fun. |
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globestar
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Post by globestar on Jan 17, 2015 18:51:12 GMT -8
I'm in Upstate SC. Do you know of a good person in my area that would tag along to inspect a purchase? Of course, I'd be willing to pay for their time. Where are you in SC? I'm in Fort Mill, near Charlotte. I'm certainly not an expert...not even an apprentice, but I have have a lot of home construction and some auto restoration experience and I've learned a fair amount about these little campers through the mistakes I made with my purchase. We love ours, but there was a whole lot more rot than I expected and if I had it to over again I'd be much better at spotting it. I'd be happy to go look with you if you were going to check one out nearby. I certainly wouldn't want to be paid for it, I'm a Realtor, so I'm driving all over the place on a regular basis anyway. |
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craftylili
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Post by craftylili on Jan 18, 2015 13:03:48 GMT -8
I'm in Upstate SC. Do you know of a good person in my area that would tag along to inspect a purchase? Of course, I'd be willing to pay for their time. Where are you in SC? I'm in Fort Mill, near Charlotte. I'm certainly not an expert...not even an apprentice, but I have have a lot of home construction and some auto restoration experience and I've learned a fair amount about these little campers through the mistakes I made with my purchase. We love ours, but there was a whole lot more rot than I expected and if I had it to over again I'd be much better at spotting it. I'd be happy to go look with you if you were going to check one out nearby. I certainly wouldn't want to be paid for it, I'm a Realtor, so I'm driving all over the place on a regular basis anyway. That is so nice of you! I am in Greenville, SC. Since I last posted, my searches haven't turned up anything promising but the Charlotte area is on my radar. If I come across anything there that looks interesting, I'd love to take you up on your offer. |
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Thank you ALL so much for the advice. I never would have known about the damage on the Shasta. I got in touch with the owner of the Beeline and it sold last night. So, on to more searching...
