lmsco
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Post by lmsco on Mar 11, 2017 13:39:17 GMT -8
Hi there,
My family and I are looking to buy our first camper -- we are avid long weekend tent campers, and now have a daughter who, because of a heart condition can't stay too long at high elevation. Since we live in the mountains, it limits the scenic campground options, so we started thinking: If we had a camper, we could camp at less scenic campgrounds in scenic places and still be ale have a nice time. Our budget is tight, though, so we can't afford a new camper. We also want a camper that feels like home, and we do have some experience with home remodeling (framing, tiling, plumbing,electrical) so we thought: maybe we can find something we can make our own. That's how I learned about vintage campers, and it's been so fun to see what everyone does with theirs!
I've been looking at photos of campers all fall, and just visited a wonderful worksite of someone who performs restorations. He showed my husband and I about 10 different campers, different sizes, different states of repair, different makes/models, and it was great to see a variety in person. So we have learned a lot already, but are still just getting started.
My first big questions is: is it possible to find a camper that sleeps 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) with a privacy closet for a porta potty (we don't want a full bath, just an enclosed porta potty) that has good bones but needs minor updates and repairs for under $4k? Where do you look, besides the side of the road? The gentleman who updates trailers mostly had trailers this size for $4-5, and even they needed a lot of work (by his own admittance) but did include major repairs of things like rotted walls and floors.
Next question: we really like the layout that most of the shastas have, with dinette in front and fold out couch in rear (with bunk above couch), but it seems like only the largest models (airflyte) have space for an enlclosed porta potty, and that might be out of our price range. I should say, we would like to tow with a V6 but also have a V8 vehicle. We were thinking we want something that is no smaller than a 13' body and no larger than about 17'. Can you all point me to over makes/models that have this layout, in this size range, with a porta potty? It seems like a pretty common layout, but would be good to get an idea of where to start.
We also like the Kit (not sure what model) with rear door, dinette on the right when you enter, and couch up front -- if that description makes sense. Maybe you all could also suggest some other makes/models in the layout?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice!
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Mar 11, 2017 15:58:37 GMT -8
Honestly, your location is going to make a huge difference in what you can get for your budget.
In my area, 10-15 yr old 24 footers are available from $1500 or so.
That said, unless you're looking for a project, you might be better off looking for a newer model.
Not trying to scare you away, restoration can be fun. But is it right for you? Would your daughter be "game on" for the build? Maybe she could do some of the lighter construction and or decor?
Just a couple thoughts from an old fool who still hasn't figured out when he's bitten off too much.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Mar 11, 2017 16:14:28 GMT -8
Welcome! I think $4000 is not enough for a restored 50s or early 60s camper. Even late 60s and 70s will probably need some work at that price. For $6000 you might find something in solid shape around 1970ish. In general, toasters are cheaper than hams. Original woodwork is more expensive than painted interiors. Bigger campers are cheaper than small ones. We don’t see many 13’ campers that sleep four with a bathroom closet. Other members may have some suggestions. 17’ is more likely but then it may be too heavy for a V6. Since you also have a V8 it may not be an issue. Not all campers weigh the same. For example, a 13’ Shasta might weigh 1800 pounds and the same size Forester 2500 pounds. Some have 3/4" thick walls others are twice as thick. Craigslist is mainly a source for campers in need of restoration, Many are what we call “lipstick on a pig” campers with rot covered up and concealed with paint and body filler so caution is advised. I think better campers can be found on Tincantourist.com Sistersonthefly.com has a for sale section but mainly they have small hams. Not cheap. Two resources from our members you should check out: Some excellent videos at cannedhamtrailers.com And a great book at vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com/Great ways to educate yourself on what to look for while camper shopping. As you find campers you’re considering post them here and people who have vast experience will give you advice of what to look for and what to avoid. Good luck with the hunt.
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 11, 2017 16:41:27 GMT -8
Depending on how much work you want to put in, I agree with the others. The newer the better in terms of rot etc. I know you can find some not to old "bunk house" models of the newer style trailers that would need less repairs and could be dressed up. The other option in that price range is a fibreglass trailer as they don't need the same level of reconstruction. I paid $2000 for my trailer which has the features you want and an original wood interior but it still required me to remove all the skins and repair rot along the edges. If you have lots of time and patience you should be able to find something you can start with in your budget. 15-17 feet usually have a potty room. Beware of painted trailers. They look good but are usually hiding rot!
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Post by vikx on Mar 11, 2017 21:40:14 GMT -8
I think 6K is the absolute minimum to buy a safe and properly repaired trailer. Any build should have lots of photos to prove the work was done and correctly.
Where is your general location?
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Mar 12, 2017 11:27:26 GMT -8
What vikx said. Be very careful if You are buying a supposedly rebuilt trailer. If they do not have photos, it did not happen. My camper was given to Me. By the time I am finished with it I will have over four thousand into it. You are better off to buy a camper that You know needs a complete rebuild rather than buy a supposedly rebuilt that does not have the documentation. If You do do a rebuild on a camper, document everything. To me, I believe it would be easier to build a camper onto a nice trailer. the tougher part would be rounding up all the interior fixtures. Unless You are near someone that regularly rebuilds and or scrapes old campers.
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lmsco
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Post by lmsco on Mar 13, 2017 10:23:53 GMT -8
Thanks everyone!
We are in the Front Range of Colorado, so my guess is it is a more "competitive" market? But I really have no idea. I guess I see mainly Sprinter vans and the occasional airstream vs a variety of restored vintage campers, but I know they are out there because I've learned of a few rallies since starting my research!
Re: size, I think I was referring to the cabin size, not the full size with . I thought we were looking at a few options that were closer to 13-14' foot cabins with potty closets, but maybe I was mistaken -- lots of details to absorb at once! It sounds like 15' is our sweet spot.
Yes, the fully restored campers from the place we were looking were running at least $6k, generally more than that. We witnessed several of them in full restoration mode, skin removed, gutted, etc. and some that were close to completed. I'd guess he has some pics of any project being done, but would be sure to ask.
So I guess what you all are saying is either save up a lot more or be ready to do the work from the beginning. That maybe there really is no such thing as a $3-4k vintage camper that is worth that price? Is it safe to assume that all campers older than, say, 1980, need some sort of immediate structural repair if they've not been restored? As in, repairs that require removing the skin and replacing framing and insulation? I think that's the main thing we were hoping to avoid doing ourselves. That maybe we could find one that needed total interior upgrades but that had good "bones" for that price range, but from what you all have said it sounds like maybe that's a pipe dream?
Mainly, we like doing this sort of work and have the skills (and tools) to accomplish it, but given that my daughter is currently 2, we also know we have limited time, so it's going to take a really long time to get anything done. So we want something campable now that we could put labor in to over time.
They do have tons of old appliances and parts on hand at the place we went, so good to know if we decide to get really in to it.
I suppose the other option is that we can find something that needs repairs for under $2000 and have this guy who performs restorations do as much as possible for the additional amount.
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Mar 13, 2017 10:55:33 GMT -8
I may be wrong here. I do not think I would trust a camper that is older than a 2000. The reason being is that a lot of the newer ones have a fabric like roof, without maintenance and an occasional replacement they do leak. something in the 80s may look okay but if the windows, trim and moldings were not removed and the putty replaced then even they may have rotted framing. Check You craigslist adds in Your area, then click the surrounding areas button, it may take a while looking through the adds but I know that there will be something out there that has what You desire and for a price that You can afford. Now that is just My opinion, without actual experience so I may be wrong on part or all of this. I would rather spend the money for a camper that I know will need working over rather than spend the money on something that is suppose to be okay, but it is not.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Mar 13, 2017 16:00:25 GMT -8
I agree with MrMarty and others above, newer may be a better option for your family if you really want to camp right away and keep cost down. A vintage camper comes at a price...either time or money...or both.
On average I spend $4000 to $5000 just on materials and 4 months (or more) working 40 hours a week on each camper. In the end I usually don't make minimum wage for the work. I'm retired so it's all for fun but it wouldn't be any fun under pressure.
I think if you had $10K to spend you would get a nice restored camper. $14K might get you a show winner. $6K might get you a restored (not a fresh restoration just out of the shop) early 70s camper with no bathroom. $3K gets you a great 50s ham so rotted you barely make it home.
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Post by vikx on Mar 13, 2017 20:04:29 GMT -8
I have friends with a 69 Loflyte that might suit you. It's got a large bed (queen) and dinette in the back, with a large sturdy bunk over that, suitable for two kids. There is a large potty closet and a front kitchen. They are asking 6K and it's well worth it. loflytephotos.shutterfly.com/ PM me for their email address if you'd like to contact them. Washington State.
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Mar 13, 2017 20:53:23 GMT -8
I have friends with a 69 Loflyte that might suit you. It's got a large bed (queen) and dinette in the back, with a large sturdy bunk over that, suitable for two kids. There is a large potty closet and a front kitchen. They are asking 6K and it's well worth it. loflytephotos.shutterfly.com/ PM me for their email address if you'd like to contact them. Washington State. OH MY ! That thing is gorgeous. I bet they had more than six into it when it was finished. I love the gas lamp over the stove. Makes for being able to see whilst cooking.
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Post by vikx on Mar 13, 2017 21:06:47 GMT -8
Thanks Marty. It really is a cool trailer and has been rebuilt. A little higher than 4K tho... I think the price is reasonable for what it is. Everything works.
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Mar 13, 2017 21:11:04 GMT -8
Thanks Marty. It really is a cool trailer and has been rebuilt. A little higher than 4K tho... I think the price is reasonable for what it is. Everything works. Yeah, I looked through the potos, they did a real good job on that aaaaand, it is documented. LOL Denver area to Washington really is not that far of a journey. It could be a very exciting one for a family. Especially a family going to retrieve such a nice camper. Might even be possible that for the price of a tank or two of fuel the owner might even meet the buyer part ways.
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lmsco
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Post by lmsco on Mar 13, 2017 21:25:24 GMT -8
That is gorgeous. We actually just looked at a Loflyte without a bathroom closet locally and my husband REALLY loved it: denver.craigslist.org/rvs/6038845470.htmlIt was just at the very high end of our price range, but I wonder if it isn't still a good option for us? Based on the little you might be able to see from the posting, do you all have any input? Could be that the gentleman we were talking to frequents this forum, who knows! We were thinking maybe it was possible to have a toilet closet installed at a later date and just use a portapotty for now (My concern with the closet part of it is that I want to be able to continue to take it off grid as kids get older, when they might want privacy. We want to be able to do some dispersed camping on BLM land, where there are no toilets. For now, while our kid/future kid are small it really isn't an issue as they can just sit in the middle of the trailer for all we care!). Have people done this with Loflytes? It seems like an unobtrusive change, if it can be done within existing walls. I think you misunderstand though, we do really want to work on a vintage trailer. We've been camping for years, and aren't all that interested in a newer model, as we don't really want to spend time in one of those (but also, anything newer than a 2000 is definitely outside of our price range out here. I have not seen anything in that category for less than about $7000, and that's for some pretty ugly options!). We'd rather just keep tent camping if we were going to do that. If we need to keep tent camping this summer, we are OK with that too. It's more that we are trying to sort out how to go about it to start. To ease in to it, and get to play around with our own trailer without worrying that it will fall apart on the highway because it's all rotted. And without worrying that we've paid way too much! I've digressed from the initial question of the thread -- thanks so much for all your input. So helpful!
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Post by vikx on Mar 13, 2017 22:33:48 GMT -8
The Shasta in Denver needs proof of structural repairs before paying that much. (almost 5K!) Loflytes have typical rot and need to have the skins lifted to repair. It "looks" good. Repairs are necessary. What about a tent trailer? (pop up) They are more comfortable than a tent and usually not as much money as a vintage trailer. Plus, to retain value a vintage trailer should be older (40s 50s), smaller (total length about 16 feet or less if into the late 60s, 70s) and definitely worth the price of a rebuild. Be aware on your Hunt. Take a look at some of our "rot hall of fame" pix. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/263/wood-rot-hall-fame-pics
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