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Post by vikx on Aug 4, 2021 11:06:21 GMT -8
Here are my rules for buying a vintage trailer. I consider 50s canned hams the epitome of vintage campers. Retro mid 60s are cool as well. Anything 1970 or newer is too new for me... Older is always better.
1. Must have a TITLE in states that require one.
2. Interior paint is a red flag in that it can hide previous water damage.
3. Roof sealants do not work and some are impossible to remove, not to mention causing metal rot. I like a clean metal roof. A little sealant is better than an entirely coated roof and much easier to inspect.
4. The trailer must be TOW-ABLE. Look underneath... Cracks and broken welds in the frame are very bad as is rust thru. The coupler should be in good condition and able to be latched securely onto the towing ball.
5. ORIGINAL parts, pieces and appliances must be in place. Windows are particularly important, as some are impossible to replace. Missing windows spell trouble.
6. Do not buy gutted trailers. The "hard work" has just been made worse.
7. PHOTOS of the "restoration" should be mandatory. Most vintage trailers should be repaired from the outside in with the skins removed. Always ask; PHOTOS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
Lastly, what makes a trailer vintage are the vintage appointments. Upgrades are fine if done tastefully. New and Modern lowers the value considerably.
Note on titles: If your State or Province doesn't issue titles, you should present the registration at the DMV. States have that information and will issue a title if required in that area.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Aug 5, 2021 5:41:14 GMT -8
Well said.
I'll add one thing...
Don't even start a restoration if you aren't prepared to repair unseen rotten wood. Any camper 50 years old has rotten wood/framing/walls that need repaired.
Make peace with the fact that if you buy a vintage camper that hasn't been restored you will not be able to Glamp-it-up and be camping in a couple of weeks. Sure, we've all heard the story of somebody who was driving in the desert and comes across a barn where a 60 year old ham has been sitting under cover since it was new...the farmer just wants it out of there...so he will sell it to you for $200...with the title...and he'll put new tires on it and repack the bearings for you...all you have to do is clean it and make new curtains. But the rest of us have to repair rotten wood.
By the way, if you have the address for that farmer with the ham in the barn, email me.
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Aug 6, 2021 12:00:44 GMT -8
Harbor freight magnet tail lights are great.
Make sure none of the windows are about to fall out before towing.
Take off any light globes inside and protect them.
Take off stove eye grates.
Make sure door will stay shut.
Check roof vents and gas vents to make sure they won’t come off.
Make sure no rocks or any other objects are on the roof.
Make sure no under trailer plumbing is about to come off.
Just stop and check every so often on your way home. We just pulled our 59 over 1000 miles from Shasta Toms driveway to ours and had no trouble with a little bit of preparing.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 18, 2021 12:52:48 GMT -8
Never buy a trailer you are not able to physically inspect yourself. If it's in another state, go check it out and then make arrangements for sale and transport. I have a video that shows exactly what can happen when you buy a trailer that you didn't go inspect itself.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Nov 18, 2021 14:18:14 GMT -8
What has happened to peoples' conscience that would allow them to act the way this ebay seller did to a fellow human.. just blows my mind.
I'm hoping someone can do proper sleuthing and find this person, although then what.
I'm in my 70s now and grew up thinking our word was our honor, other peoples' feelings mattered, other peoples' opinion of us mattered and I guess I want to still feel that way, but something unlocked the door to a new anger and meanness recently and it's heartbreaking to witness the way our world is devolving.
Whew.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Dec 16, 2021 9:44:19 GMT -8
OMG. Larry, that would almost be funny if it wasn't so tragic. Imagine if you were not the one trying to move that thing. People can die trying to move junk like that.
What is the end of the story? Did you rebuild? You know, even if it cost $20K, it would still be worth it in the world of RV travel trailers.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Dec 17, 2021 15:25:09 GMT -8
OMG. Larry, that would almost be funny if it wasn't so tragic. Imagine if you were not the one trying to move that thing. People can die trying to move junk like that. What is the end of the story? Did you rebuild? You know, even if it cost $20K, it would still be worth it in the world of RV travel trailers. Still sitting in my back lot waiting for a trailer to be built on it. |
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Post by vikx on Sept 14, 2024 13:46:21 GMT -8
More things to check: With a helper, "shake" the body of the trailer while watching the frame. Does it all move together? If not, the body is detached from the frame-disaster waiting to happen. Metal condition of the frame: excessive rust, cracks and bends are bad signs. Water stains anywhere. Water stains=ROT behind them; in the framing, panels, , inside cabinets, under the bed, etc. Check around the ceiling vent, windows and other openings. Soft floors= significant ROT and the need for extensive repairs! Is the roof coated? A sure sign of leaks, past and future. Tire age, wear and condition. Also look under/inside wheel wells for obvious rubs and damage. Inspect the undercarriage closely, springs, axle, wooden joists, celotex belly. All should be clean and damage free. More: Lack of gimp or welting where the walls and cabinets meet the ceiling. This may signify an inside out build. Gimp was used in "most" vintage trailers to prevent squeaks and cover any gaps at junctions. Gimp; front cabinet. <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/54030745388/in/dateposted-public/" title="014 f Jo Inside (3)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54030745388_aaee50b68b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="014 f Jo Inside (3)"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> |
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