kody
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Post by kody on Jun 29, 2020 13:50:37 GMT -8
 
 More pictures found here: www.flickr.com/gp/189091953@N05/27z81UHello everyone! Just joined the forum today, so excuse any mistakes I may make. Last weekend at an aunt's house we were cleaning out a patch of ground near the woods. We ended up pulling this camper out, and I asked her about it. She said she had bought it back in 1981 and that she still has the title, although she didn't use the camper much. I figured I would do some research on it. After 10+ hours in countless searches, I ended up learning some information about the Boles-Aero company and did some researching on the specific model we found. From my understanding and from searches on eBay and craigslist, BolesAero made only 18,000 trailers in their years of business, and they are rare to find today. From some reading on the Tin Can Tourists website about Boles Aero, I learned the company started in 1946 and made 300 trailers their first year. After getting a hold of the title, I learned that this trailer that was found in the woods is indeed a 1946 model. However, I am a bit confused because from my limited understanding of Boles Aero serial numbers, the third and fourth numbers indicate the production year of the trailer, which as shown below as 47. I am wondering which is right: the serial number or the title? I am also wondering a trailer like this is worth as is. I have read that redoing trailers like this can be a lot of work and require knowledge of the subject: both of which I do not have the time for right now. I would say the trailer is in fair condition: some of the glass windows are cracked, the original upholstery is gone, and there is some water damage to the ceiling, although my aunt said she had that fixed so it no longer leaks. A small part of the underside looks like it is rotting, but otherwise, I could not find any other major issues (little experience so I could be wrong). A ballpark estimate of this trailer would be very helpful for me in deciding what my aunt and I should do with it. Two questions: 1. Is this trailer a 1946 or 1947 model? 2. What is a ballpark estimate on what this trailer is worth? If anyone needs more information or photographs, feel free to let me know. The camper is not far away. |
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datac
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Post by datac on Jun 29, 2020 15:04:40 GMT -8
Boles Aeros are desirable trailers, and because of their aluminum structure can be somewhat easier to repair than more common wooden-framed trailers. This actually looks to be in pretty nice shape as a starting point.
It's not uncommon for titles to have incorrect info. As long as the VIN matches, you should be fine. It's likely a 1947 if the VIN decodes that way. I'm not certain about Boles Aero (or other trailer mfgrs, for that matter), but historically automobile manufacturers generally changed over for the next year's production late summer/early fall of the year before, meaning that you could purchase and title a 1947 Ford in October of 1946. Something like that likely accounts for the discrepancy you see now.
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Getnold
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Post by Getnold on Jun 29, 2020 18:04:14 GMT -8
Woah.. a small Boles that is mostly unmolested, a title and looks like she has all her parts too?! That is an epic find! Sooo jealous! Wish I could take her off your hands. Don't know the worth but I am sure someone on here can help you with that. Good luck and I hope you find her a good home!
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kody
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Post by kody on Jun 29, 2020 18:14:40 GMT -8
Thank you for the responses datac and Getnold! Yes, I am hoping it finds a good home too. When I started researching I figured they were quite rare. Also, yes the original stove is in tact and overall everything seems to be in good condition. The things covered in the white sheets are her National Geography collection!
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Post by vikx on Jun 29, 2020 20:46:38 GMT -8
It can be either a 46 or 47. I had two Hansons with the number 52 as the start of the VIN, one titled as a 52, the other titled as a 53. Back in the day, sometimes vehicles were listed as the year sold rather than the year made...
It is a nice trailer and very complete. It also needs a lot of repair so a buyer would probably be into restoring trailers rather than buying a camp ready trailer. That translates into a lower selling price.
Worth is what the traffic will bear. Personally, I think it would sell somewhere in the 2 to 3K range. Location makes a difference as well. If you are in one far corner of the country, you lose sales from the other corners. Take your time and do research. You might find another Boles in similar condition and compare. Good luck.
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shastatom
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Post by shastatom on Jun 30, 2020 5:43:07 GMT -8
It was common until I think 1965 that you will find cars and other lic items registered as year sold vs year built. I have seen cars that were 1953 models registered as 1955 because of this.
What state are you from, the lic plate doesn't show a state on it that I could tell?
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kody
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Post by kody on Jun 30, 2020 6:03:03 GMT -8
Thanks for the responses shastatom and vikx. In regard to the location, we are located in Minnesota.
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datac
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Post by datac on Jun 30, 2020 7:57:58 GMT -8
I always hesitate to disagree with vikx, but I could see paying 4k, maybe even as much as 5k for a small Boles like that assuming there's no other issues lurking. I see lesser trailers in the 2-3k price range, but yours really is something special. It all comes down to how big a hurry you are in to turn it.
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Getnold
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Post by Getnold on Jun 30, 2020 14:44:53 GMT -8
Btw Kody. I am pretty sure there is at least one Boles Aero club/group. Look on Facebook or Tapatalk, maybe even reddit. Most of those types of groups are on FB tho. Also look at solds on eBay and the classifieds of vintage camper trailers dot com and tin can tourists. Also not bad places to sell a very desirable camper like yours no matter the condition. I live in VA where old trailers are rare in general. I can tell you without a doubt you'd get at least $3000 here, maybe more.
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kody
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Post by kody on Jun 30, 2020 15:24:03 GMT -8
Thank you datac and Getnold for your thoughts. I didn't think about looking into a Facebook Group: going to work on that now.
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taz
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Post by taz on Feb 14, 2021 20:44:43 GMT -8
I bet if you measure your camper it's 14' long either the box to the front of the box or just the box that is the first two # in your Vin the second two are the year made and the last three are the # built on the assembly line. 14 length 47 year 217 # off assembly line or #217 built that year.1447217.This is how it was explained to me. Hope this helps
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taz
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Post by taz on Feb 14, 2021 20:46:53 GMT -8
Correction. 14' Box to front of tongue or box by itself
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Post by vikx on Feb 14, 2021 21:31:10 GMT -8
Trailers are always measured from tip to rear, including the tongue and back bumper. A cabin measurement has nothing to do with trailer length measurement.
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