signterp
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Post by signterp on Nov 5, 2020 9:15:18 GMT -8
I just purchased a 1972 Seattle Fleetcraft. There is NO documentation, not even the metal plate usually found on trailers. All I have is a VIN number. When transferring the trailer into my name, I ran into problems at the local licensing office because the trailer was not in the database, and was required to get a letter from an RV expert regarding value. I live in Washington State.
Does anyone have information about these trailers? I have goggled for countless hours without luck. I was so hoping to find a manual online, but nothing.
I have two problems - cabinet door latches are missing, and all the joulosie window cranks (torque operators?) need repair/replacement. I have started taking apart one window, but am stumped by the rivets on the window. There are a few videos on Youtube, but none exactly match my style. Are there enough replacement parts out there in the world to just go ahead and dismantle the window, then hope for the best in rebuilding it?
Thanks everyone,
Vikki
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PT
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1964 Aloha & 1962 Holiday House
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Post by PT on Nov 5, 2020 10:31:51 GMT -8
Welcome :-) Replacement parts are often available but can be challenging to find. Here is a good resource that many here use... they will have cabinet latches and window cranks: vintagetrailersupply.com/Finding a manual for the trailer will likely be difficult. Your best bet is probably finding another Fleetcraft owner that has one and getting a photocopy from them. Post some photos of the trailer and it may help us figure things out. |
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signterp
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Post by signterp on Nov 5, 2020 11:11:28 GMT -8
![]() ![]() I will add pictures as soon as I figure out how! Thanks! |
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Post by vikx on Nov 5, 2020 11:45:31 GMT -8
Most trailers of our era did not come with a manual. They had pamphlets on the stove, furnace, fridge (if there was one), axle and possibly the tongue coupler.
If you have the VIN, that's half the battle. You can apply for a title and wait 3 years if necessary. Post some photos and we can tell you what it's worth. Probably not much if it hasn't been rebuilt. That will help you with the tax amount. At least two of us here are RV techs and many are very knowledgable with many years experience on vintage trailers. I would say we are qualified to determine value. If nothing else, it will give an RV company a guideline.
I wouldn't dismantle the windows until you know what parts you need. Maybe one to see how they are constructed and what jparts you need. Chris at trailertrasher1@gmail.com sells used parts and may have the mechanisms.
Latches are not hard to come by and you can find old looking ones if you need to. Good Luck.
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signterp
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Post by signterp on Nov 5, 2020 12:32:02 GMT -8
Here are exterior pictures. Will take some of the windows inside soon...a note about the metal circle and rectangles - they are decorative, added by the previous owner to hide vents.
 trailer4 by vikki royal, on Flickr  trailer3 by vikki royal, on Flickr  trailer2 by vikki royal, on Flickr |
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Post by vikx on Nov 5, 2020 20:41:35 GMT -8
Any pictures of the inside? There are several things to go on for worth. If it hasn't been rebuilt, then the price is much lower. Inside paint lowers the value and I think the decorative plates also.
Do you have a bill of sale? DOL will use that as worth. If you paid a certain amount and want to insure it for that then it is wise to go with what you paid. It's doubtful a company would insure it for a high amount without proof of what you paid. Just some thoughts.
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signterp
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Post by signterp on Nov 6, 2020 12:13:44 GMT -8
Oops, sorry not to be more clear in my post - I was able to get the trailer licensed by going to my local Camping World where the manager in the sales department wrote a valuation on their letterhead. The licensing office then accepted it and issued me plates and registration.
I mentioned it in my post to illustrate that Fleetcraft seems to be an unknown entity.
Thank you!
Vikki
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kurlzc
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Post by kurlzc on Apr 10, 2023 6:58:38 GMT -8
Hello, I am new here. I purchased a 1965 18ft Fleetcraft trailer in 2021. I have also ran into a similar problem as far as being able to find anything out about these trailers. My thought is that it may be cool to have one that may be a little more unique, but also potentially way more of a challenge. I am going to start looking at mine this month to see how bad she really is. How is your project going? Also, I found another one of my camper on FB. There was a whole profile dedicated to this trailer, and all the steps with pictures. I reached out to them, they were kind, and really willing to be of any assistance.  |
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Post by bytescream on Jun 9, 2023 8:43:18 GMT -8
Hey,
Wife and I have a 1970 Fleetcraft that turned into a complete rebuild. We reorganized the interior with the intention of reusing the exterior, windows, skin and everything. However, after 2/3 floor was replaced and the framing etc. it became clear that the old skin was not going to fit. It had warped, weathered and just basically was a no-go over replaced framing.
We went ahead and bought new skin from a place in Portland and went down there to pick it up. It will be all white with 7 inch black diamond plate around the bottom, 24 inches in front.
I am now working on those windows. I hear from the fella at vintagetrailergaskets.com that they just plain don't make those seals anymore and maybe there are others that can do the job.
Yours is older, so maybe it uses some other brand of jalousie windows that you can get parts for. The good news is that these are in good shape and worth fiddling with similar part replacements.
We installed a tongue box for locking up one propane bottle for use with a 2 burner stove, and a small diesel tank for a diesel heater ... which may be too much for such a small trailer.
It is only a 10ft box, just tall, and wide, enough for me to stand up and sleep horizontally in. The whole 2ft in front is galley countertop with sink installed with a cold water tap. It has a large drawer in the center that holds a portable 12vdc/120VAC fridg/cooler. The whole back is couch that expands to 48 inches of bed. There is no potty/shower/sink/bathroom. The water supply is over the axle on the driver side, and the whole LiFePo power system (chg ctl, DC breakers, batteries, solar ctl) are over the axle on the other side. All the remaining space is storage for whatever.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jun 9, 2023 19:29:47 GMT -8
Hey, Wife and I have a 1970 Fleetcraft that turned into a complete rebuild. Welcome bytescream!
I suggest you start a new thread and share photos.
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