handkey
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1964 Forester 14
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Post by handkey on Apr 17, 2017 5:41:05 GMT -8
If you defined the quintessential canned ham trailer as a 50's era unit under 16' and is a popular nationally known brand.... this trailer Im going to look at is not it. The only thing going for it in my eyes, is it's my favorite brand, but in a size and age at the the very edge of popularity. Asking 1800. I will walk away before I pay that, but it is a 90% untouched original. It's a 1968 Forester so it's the last year of real birch wood cabinets and birch wood walls ( albiet paneling style).... for 1968 it was Foresters smallest tandem axil at 19' 6". Its NOT a drop floor so layout reconfiguration is possible. Heres the question; Would I be able to sell this thing for 10-15K after an extensive rehab? I know Im already trying to set a new Forester record by selling my little 1964 Forester at the higher end of the spectrum. I so enjoy making something new out of a total rot pile but the trailers need to sell....for at least more than the value of the parts I put into them. This is part Labor of love and part stupidity. My gut feel is tandem axils are the kiss of death and generally avoided in the retro vintage trailer world. Opinions? Im taking a look at it today. Walk away? Go for it?  IMG_7380 by Campurist, on Flickr sleeps 4, back toilet(missing) and separate shower  IMG_7382 by Campurist, on Flickr I think this is cool but I'm not paying $1800 for just this!  IMG_7381 by Campurist, on Flickr |
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Post by danrhodes on Apr 17, 2017 5:46:25 GMT -8
I think I'd have to really love Foresters to buy that...too much 70s creeping in to both the exterior and interior.
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handkey
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Post by handkey on Apr 17, 2017 5:59:03 GMT -8
I think I'd have to really love Foresters to buy that...too much 70s creeping in to both the exterior and interior. Thats a Good objective view. I can De-70's the interior, but it's a lot of extra work to re-skin walls , ceiling and cabinet sides in all smooth birchood instead of paneling. would ned to get non avocado stove, fabrics, etc. for $$$$$. Exterior look with trunk came out in '65 . I don't like how busy it is with the multiple colors and angled tin on the bottom. that would need to go, meaning the siding would need to be replaced so it is less busy. more $$$$$ The ham shape is hidden by the tarp.... omg I'm defending it! Im not well! |
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Apr 17, 2017 7:10:06 GMT -8
Go back and grab that free camper, You then would have appliances, especially if it had a propane/electric fridge.
The part about Me is that once I admitted that I am insane, well, that was over half the battle won. LOL
I would definitely get them down at least 800 bucks as the wheels are non matching. LOL
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handkey
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Post by handkey on Apr 17, 2017 7:45:46 GMT -8
Go back and grab that free camper, You then would have appliances, especially if it had a propane/electric fridge. The part about Me is that once I admitted that I am insane, well, that was over half the battle won. LOL I would definitely get them down at least 800 bucks as the wheels are non matching. LOL I'm already overstocked on harvest gold and avocado appliances so buying the free one to harvest appliances is not good for me ... In fact whatever I buy i have to store offsite as I'm almost gridlocked at home .... I'm going to wait for a better opportunity and do some door knocking for trailers. This is not easy!!! |
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Apr 17, 2017 8:28:02 GMT -8
Go back and grab that free camper, You then would have appliances, especially if it had a propane/electric fridge. The part about Me is that once I admitted that I am insane, well, that was over half the battle won. LOL I would definitely get them down at least 800 bucks as the wheels are non matching. LOL I'm already overstocked on harvest gold and avocado appliances so buying the free one to harvest appliances is not good for me ... In fact whatever I buy i have to store offsite as I'm almost gridlocked at home .... I'm going to wait for a better opportunity and do some door knocking for trailers. This is not easy!!! That would be a mighty tough decision for Me too, to just walk away from anything that resembled a camper. even if it was a newer one, the shape could be changed but, harvest gold or avacado  |
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 17, 2017 14:11:36 GMT -8
We need to educate people on just what a canned ham trailer is. All shapes of trailers have been saddled with nick names to describe the shape. In the early to late 30s and 40s we had the bread loaf which looked kinda like a loaf of bread. In the late 40s the Canned Ham shape was introduced. Not tear drop. Canned Ham. It's named that because the profile shape resembled a canned ham profile. In the mid 60s the canned ham was no more and they went to the Toaster shape. Basically a rectangle profile. This Forester is a mix. It has the rounded fore head like the early 60s canned hams. But it is basically a toaster shape with a trunk. I really like the toasters with trunks. I don't know why. I just do. I don't know what to call these trailers but as far as mid 60s and up are concerned, if they have a trunk, I like them. I just don't want to work on one. Another type of trailer that has very little recognition as far as body style is concerned is the Airstream, Silver Streak, Avon and the like. I call these "Tube" trailers. Some people like to call them Twinkie Trailers... I think the Twinkie would better describe the old Bread Loaf though. And then there is the famed "Tear Drop"... Now. If you go to a serious tear drop rally you will learn that the term "tear drop" has very little to do with the shape. Although most tear drops are shaped like a tear drop, they don't have to be that shape in order to qualify as a tear drop trailer for a rally... Here are the qualifications for a trailer to be called a Tear Drop... 1. You can not stand up in it. All other trailers are referred to as "stand ups". 2. It MUST have an outside accessible galley. Nothing in those descriptions says it has to be shaped like a tear drop. I've seen and worked on a few that are square in shape. There is even one that has a removable boat on top for a roof. As long as you access the galley from the outside and you can not stand up in it, it's a Tear Drop Trailer. Last but not least are the pop ups. They come in fabric and solid. Some even have tilt outs.... There's your canned ham tip of the day. Now you can go to a rally and sound like you know what you are talking about. If anyone calls you on it, tell them to email me.  |
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handkey
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1964 Forester 14
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Post by handkey on Apr 17, 2017 14:43:08 GMT -8
Agree with your catagories . The 60's got messy with designs. I think there should also be a " Star Trek shuttle craft" designation as well as toaster. Forester "pseudo hams "( how do you like that? ) drop 3-5. " in height over the entire length of the trailer then round down. . Not sure how that fits between the toast and the ham 🤔
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Apr 17, 2017 15:32:54 GMT -8
"Would I be able to sell this thing for 10-15K after an extensive rehab?"
I doubt it very much. My guess, $9000 max.
"I'm already trying to set a new Forester record by selling my little 1964 Forester at the higher end of the spectrum."
You all know I love the Forester brand but it doesn't have the following of a Shasta. with that said, I sure hope you get every dime. You deserve it.
"My gut feel is tandem axils are the kiss of death and generally avoided in the retro vintage trailer world. Opinions?"
I agree completely. I don't think this Forester is in the same class as the 64 you restored. It doesn't have the cute factor.
For resale I'd stay with 13' and smaller. But if you love it, and want it to keep, buy it.
My thinking...55-62 hams are the only campers we can make money on. Not much money.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 17, 2017 15:38:11 GMT -8
The best money in vintage trailers is in flipping. Not restoring. Do nothing to the trailer but make it legal and safe to tow. That's where the money is. Buy low and sell high. I usually have between $300 and $500 invested in a flip. And they usually go for between $1500 and $4500.
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handkey
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Post by handkey on Apr 17, 2017 15:53:22 GMT -8
Flipping described that way is honorable and needs a differnt name! You still get the fun of the hunt and cash 💰 to hunt for that special one you want to go all in on and restore . I like that .
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 17, 2017 15:55:51 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Apr 17, 2017 16:13:17 GMT -8
Look at those wheel wells. Wow!  That cute factor is IMO sells a camper. New electrical? New plumbing? Who cares? The small Ham is King in the land of vintage campers. |
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handkey
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Post by handkey on Apr 17, 2017 16:46:18 GMT -8
That shape screams motion, almost cartoonish where the shape leans into the wind .
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Post by vikx on Apr 17, 2017 19:46:32 GMT -8
The 19 foot Forester is just a big old ugly trailer to me. The interior is too dark and I'm doubtful it is really wood. Tandem axles are the kiss of death. They just aren't little and cute any more with all those wheels.
I think "most" vintage trailer hunters are looking for under 15 footers. They want good gas mileage and the Ham factor. Yes, the mid 60s trailers sometimes sell well if the buyer is willing to overlook the more boxy shape.
Also, there isn't a lot of money to be made on a full build. It seems they sell better under 10K nowadays. I do it for the fun of it and enjoy a little profit but never expect to get rich.
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