biko
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Post by biko on Apr 20, 2021 12:33:11 GMT -8
Hi all! New to this forum and wondering how I can figure out how to value this vintage trailer, a '55 13" Dalton. Only a few were sold online so it's hard for me to pull comparables and have confidence if the $12,000 price tag is reasonable. I'd be driving a long way to buy it! Link: www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/236942278120067/It supposedly was refurbished from the studs two years ago and then sold to the current owner who spent the last 18mo traveling in it. We own a couple newer larger RVs (Jayco, sprinter van) but am a newbie when it comes to vintage. I've been on the hunt for something vintage, lightweight, room to stand up in (I'm 6'2"), and is in great shape. This seems to fit the bill. I'm very lucky that a friend has a shop that converts vans into RVs so he can help me with any extensive repairs I can't handle from the driveway. Appreciate any thoughts. Thank you! |
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Post by vikx on Apr 20, 2021 19:22:51 GMT -8
This type of trailer is repaired by removing/lifting the skins and fixing from the outside in. For this kind of money, there should be pictures to prove what type of repairs were done. If there are no pictures, the proper repairs didn't happen. Interior paint lowers the value of a vintage trailer significantly, something to think about. (the paint is tacky in my opinion) Beware the 6'3" height. There is a very narrow area that is actually 75" tall... The ceiling curves down much lower than that. I also don't think the stove is original. It appears to have 4 burners; did not happen in a 50s canned ham. I think it is overpriced for what it is. It appears to have been repaired from the inside by GUTTING the trailer. (see trim at the ceiling/wall seams) We do not gut our trailers and there are threads here talking about just that. It is very hard to tell if the J rail has been re-puttied or just painted, as well as the windows.If the roof has been coated, it is a MAJOR RED FLAG. Please read this thread: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/11249/gutting-trailer-leads-trouble Here is one of my trailers that was properly repaired: 53hansonlovebug.shutterfly.com/ Click on Pictures and Videos to view the albums. Every build is different but you will see the work done on the frame, new flooring, walls, new panels with welting, etc. Any trailer priced at $5000 and above should have this kind of work done. Vintage trailer pricing is all over the place. I think this is in the 5-6K range. We are always willing to help but are brutally honest...be warned. Please see Mobiltec's videos on youtube. Here is his site: cannedhamtrailers.com/I would keep looking and do some more research. There are 2 trailers in my neck of the woods for a lot less than 12K. Just saying. You can PM me. Pictures or it didn't happen. <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/29924486255/in/album-72157624812064731/" title="002 n Bumper Work (4)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8537/29924486255_7d8cbff0ff_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="002 n Bumper Work (4)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> |
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biko
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Post by biko on Apr 21, 2021 8:57:41 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx for the long response, that was the reality check I needed to hear! I'm asking the seller to put me in touch with the guy that did the refurbishing job. Assuming the repairs were done 'right', what do you think a fair price would be? A more general question.. if I'm looking for a lightweight trailer that I can stand up in, what models would you zero in on? If you have anything for sale that meets that criteria please let me know. I live in CA, but am happy to drive far for the right deal. Thanks again. Gosh I love the internet, so awesome to find these communities  |
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Post by vikx on Apr 21, 2021 10:03:54 GMT -8
Vikx, I know the reasons you are saying a coated roof is a "major red flag", but that's not always true. My family has had a 66 Yellowstone since new and I know for certain that the roof came painted with silver coating straight from the factory. There's a big difference in "painted with silver coating straight from the factory" and slopping today's goop all over a pristine vintage trailer roof... I stand by what I say: Roof coating is a major RED FLAG. |
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Post by vikx on Apr 21, 2021 10:12:25 GMT -8
Biko, check your messages. I sent you a PM.
Most smaller vintage trailers are 75" or less ceiling height. Metzendorfs are particularly low. The larger Spartans, Boles and others sometimes have higher ceilings. They start around 25 feet and are not "light".
Because of the interior paint, I would not buy the Dalton. A fair price is still 5K to me. We'll see what the photos say.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Apr 22, 2021 1:22:49 GMT -8
I agree with vikx above. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t buy a camper with the painted interior at any price. Too much is hidden that way. And any camper with coating on the roof, I would assume I need a new roof and hope I’m pleasantly surprised by being wrong.
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idaho211
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Post by idaho211 on Apr 27, 2021 20:47:34 GMT -8
I see its sold.
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on May 3, 2021 14:29:04 GMT -8
Id be really curious as to who bought it... Hope it wasn't biko. |
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Post by vikx on May 3, 2021 19:00:10 GMT -8
I looked at prices online when we were talking to Biko and they were outrageous! Mostly 10-12K for average Lipstick on a Pig... which I consider this one to have been.
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