4boredom
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Post by 4boredom on Dec 13, 2015 18:10:55 GMT -8
washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rvs/5356268212.htmlI have no experience with trailers. My old man is a mechanic and I'm not too shabby with tools. The wife and I want to get a trailer to provide us an escape from the city and spend more time with the kids outdoors. The one above is 1.5 hrs drive from me. I know that there are things you can't see from a picture. If I go look I'll be probing for frame rust, road worthiness, and rot from leakage. Our goal is to have a utilitarian trailer to camp out of so my question to you, as experienced owners, what is your first impression? Thanks!
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Post by danrhodes on Dec 13, 2015 19:10:10 GMT -8
washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rvs/5356268212.htmlI have no experience with trailers. My old man is a mechanic and I'm not too shabby with tools. The wife and I want to get a trailer to provide us an escape from the city and spend more time with the kids outdoors. The one above is 1.5 hrs drive from me. I know that there are things you can't see from a picture. If I go look I'll be probing for frame rust, road worthiness, and rot from leakage. Our goal is to have a utilitarian trailer to camp out of so my question to you, as experienced owners, what is your first impression? Thanks! You'll probably pay less for something older and nicer and end up spending the same amount of time and money getting it ready |
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Dec 13, 2015 19:13:34 GMT -8
I don't want to be the one to stop you, but stop!
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Dec 13, 2015 19:19:01 GMT -8
Welcome!
It’s a work in progress, isn’t it?
A few questions to ponder.
Were the framing issues addressed before painting started? Take an ice pick or thin screw driver and gently poke the corners and roof panels. If it’s soft, it’s rotten. Same with the board around the outside edge underneath. Soft=rot. Rot = work. Work = cheap.
If they claim to have done repairs and upgrades behind the walls, ask for photos.
Small is easier to sell than big.
As a rule, small 1950s campers are in red hot demand, 1960 are in demand depending on the model/make, 1970 are cheap and 1980s are really cheap.
Bathrooms are great but more work. Assume a 40 year old plumbing system needs an overhaul.
Can you tow something this size? Whatever the max tow weight of your vehicle, cut it in half. That’s how much you can comfortably tow. (Don’t ask me how I learned that one.)
So…are you looking for something that must have a bathroom, you plan to keep for a long time and you’re prepared to work on every weekend for months? This may be worth seeing.
If you want something you can quickly resell, or you want to camp in with just a couple of weekends work, look for something in better shape.
Others may disagree.
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Post by vintagebruce on Dec 14, 2015 10:29:46 GMT -8
I don't want to be the one to stop you, but stop!  to VTT! I agree. This camper is too "new" to have much vintage charisma. The current seller bought someone else's unfinished project, and now they are dumping it unfinished on a new buyer...When you finish repairing all the problems in this camper, I believe you will have much more TIME and $ invested in it, than you will ever recoup when you realize that 1950's and early 1960's vintage campers are the true cat's meow. Please cruise the various sections of VTT and get a feel for the joys and trials and tribulations of purchasing and maintaining a true vintage camper, then apply some of that newfound knowledge to make a more informed decision on the best purchase for you and your Family. Glad to have you with us and Good Luck. Your first post indicates you are willing to ask questions and learn. A much better approach than immediately jumping into the deep end before you learn to at least tread water. |
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4boredom
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Post by 4boredom on Dec 14, 2015 19:36:38 GMT -8
Thanks so much for the feedback. I contacted the seller and am awaiting updated pictures. Everyone's feedback is spot on and useful. I'll keep you posted.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Dec 22, 2015 20:07:38 GMT -8
Thanks so much for the feedback. I contacted the seller and am awaiting updated pictures. Everyone's feedback is spot on and useful. I'll keep you posted. Did you hear back? The posting is down. I didn't get to see it, but have to agree with the crowd, given what they all said. Whatever it is, if it is newer than the early 80s, and longer than about 16-18 feet, you may wind up with an albatross on your hands. That said, some fools like extinct birds, and if you love the trailer and are willing to spend an inordinate amount of time and money for making it better than new, then by all means, go for it. Just don't expect ever to get your time and money back if you tire of it in a few years. Good luck! |
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to VTT! I agree. This camper is too "new" to have much vintage charisma. The current seller bought someone else's unfinished project, and now they are dumping it unfinished on a new buyer...When you finish repairing all the problems in this camper, I believe you will have much more TIME and $ invested in it, than you will ever recoup when you realize that 1950's and early 1960's vintage campers are the true cat's meow.