juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 23, 2021 20:23:14 GMT -8
Hi,
My name is Juan. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wife, three boys and my dog. I am the son of a mechanical engineer, however, I have no mechanical skills whatsoever. I have been searching for a vintage trailer to use with my kids, and have spent countless hours educating myself about the many perils of buying an old rig. I have already walked away from a nice trailer after finding a bad repair on the roof (of course, that repair was not mentioned by the owner). Last week I found a rare trailer for sale, and I would like to get some advice before I go look at it. I have read the forum rules, but I am not sure I can give too many specifics (or post pictures) about this trailer I found. So all I will say is that it's a "rare" 1963 trailer made in the Midwest, and seems to have most of the original parts. I have read a few articles about inspecting vintage trailers, but I would appreciate any extra tips. Also, there is not much information about this particular model online, so should I be concerned about getting a rare trailer? OK, that's all. I look forward to hearing from you.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Nov 23, 2021 21:48:18 GMT -8
Welcome Juan.
I'm in your neck of the woods. As long as your 63 is not "molested" (interor paint, patches, glamped and missing items), it should be a fun build for you. Sometimes, axles have to be replaced and the trailer rebuilt, but it's not a deal breaker. The skins can be very expensive to replace, so inspect those carefully. If the fridge runs on propane, it is about $1000 to replace.
There are very few "rare" trailers, especially from 1963. You are welcome to post the brand and photos if you like. There were so many of these camper trailers made, 100s of manufacturers back in the day. Most appointments were interchangeable from trailer to trailer. That would include light fixtures, appliances, windows, etc. It's likely that you can find parts and pieces that are needed online. If you say the trailer is complete, that's very good!
Note: Rare and in demand trailers include Aero Flite, Airfloat, Holiday House, Boles Aero and other riveted types. I'm sure I'm missing a few... These trailers command top prices before and after restoration.
If you are going to keep the trailer to camp in that's one thing. However, if you plan to resell the trailer, it is important to purchase something that is a true vintage trailer. Most buyers want a shorter trailer (under 15') real wood interiors and fairly light weight. The costs are going up for materials in a build, so you want something that will end up worth your investment.
Good luck and let us know how things go.
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 23, 2021 22:35:06 GMT -8
Hi Vikx, Thanks for your quick response. The trailer is a 1963 Century. It seems in really good shape, and the interior is all wood, which is surprising! As far as my goal with the trailer, I am not looking to make money on it, I'm just looking for a small trailer to go on adventures with my kids and dog
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,743
Likes: 2,870
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 24, 2021 7:46:43 GMT -8
Welcome!
As a rule, hams are more valuable than toaster shaped campers. Bring an ice pick and discreetly poke the wood underneath looking for rot. If it wasn't completely restored with the skin off, there is some rot someplace.
Along with info you'll find here there are two resources from our members you should check out: Some excellent videos at cannedhamtrailers.com And a great book at vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com/
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 24, 2021 7:55:50 GMT -8
OK, here are the images of the trailer. As you can see, it has wood interior, and no paint, so I should be able to spot any rot (hopefully). Also, here is the seller's description of the trailer: Professionally wired USB ports New hot water heater Separate toilet room New toilet holding tank New furnace Fantastic fan. Forces air out or brings air inside. Beautiful interior wood panels Original lights, door handle and several other features 12V converter plug outside side panel( not underneath) New marine battery Paid 16,000, put 8,000 into it. Also has a storage/bed above fold out couch. Sleeps 4-5 Please let me know what you think! And THANK YOU!
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Nov 24, 2021 12:20:25 GMT -8
The Century is a nice trailer; great attention to detail. It certainly has the warm glow that everyone loves. There is a propane fridge which is handy. (stove may have been replaced). Price should reflect the type of build and true vintage quality.
I'm seeing some things that need to be questioned. First, was the trailer rebuilt from the inside? The lack of welting at the wall junctures can point to inside out repairs. Not always, but worth asking about.
Note: When a trailer is "gutted" for repairs (as opposed to skins lifted or removed), it is very difficult to address structural issues below floor level. The worst rot is often in bottom framing members. If the bolts holding the cabin onto the frame have failed, a trailer can have catastophic failure.
Inspect the underside very carefully. Look for dry rotted wood and lack of attachment at the bottom of the skins. Check the runners (floor joists) as well. The trailer appears to be well done, but you have to inspect. The axle should be in good condition as well as the leaf springs, tires and wheels. If the trailer has brakes, they should work. A 7 way plug is necessary to operate the brakes.
An intact holding tank is important with this type of toilet. RV toilets are designed to use very little water and must have a tank to break waste down and prevent clogs. The tank flushes thru a waste valve when full.
Look for water stains in cabinets, ceiling junctures and below the front and rear windows. If you see stains, there is rot behind.
Finally, ask for build photos. Hopefully, they will show complete repairs in all areas of the trailer. PICTURES OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
Good luck with this trailer. It looks nice to me. Keep us in the loop.
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,743
Likes: 2,870
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 24, 2021 13:41:41 GMT -8
VIkx offers great advice.
“Finally, ask for build photos. Hopefully, they will show complete repairs in all areas of the trailer.”
if they send photos post them here and we’ll be happy to offer an experienced opinion.
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 24, 2021 13:51:05 GMT -8
Hi guys, I must say this is an intimidating yet FASCINATING process. It's very easy to fall in love with these things and ignore one's better judgment. I really appreciate your time. I will ask for restoration pictures.
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 24, 2021 16:51:30 GMT -8
Hi! Updates on the Century trailer. I spoke with the owner. The first repair was done by a guy named Brad in California. A quick Google search led me to Bradley S., owner of Reliable RV Repair in Grass Valey, CA, although it could be a different Brad A more recent repair was done by the folks at Relic South Prairie, which is permanently closed, but the people who owned seemed great. One more thing: the owner of the trailer states that there are no leaks, and the trailer is ready to tow. I am loving this investigative work (my day job is in Neuroscience and Neurology). If you know any of these people, please let me know! I'm going to go see it (her?) on Friday. I will keep you posted.
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,743
Likes: 2,870
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 24, 2021 19:59:41 GMT -8
Take photos. We live for photos.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Nov 24, 2021 20:56:12 GMT -8
I remember a fellow named Braun showing this trailer at a rally a few years back. I was under the impression that he had done all the work but I never asked. It was highly polished last time I saw it. I don't have any information of "how" it was done or who actually did the work.
Relic trailers are still being made as far as I know. They bought out Brian Morrow's vintage trailer business several years ago. The Relics have fins somewhat like a 57 Chevy and are small fiberglass eggs. You can search Relic Trailers (Tacoma) and the site should come up. I don't believe these people ever worked on other trailers but may have later on. (the website states that they do?) Brian was doing the Relic interiors for a while.
The Century looked good when I saw it. A few modern updates I wasn't fond of but all told, it was nice.
|
|
juani111
New Member
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Currently Offline
|
Post by juani111 on Nov 24, 2021 21:33:26 GMT -8
Take photos. We live for photos. I will take lots of pictures! And if I end up purchasing it I'll upload some more. Vikx, thanks for the intel.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,745
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Nov 25, 2021 2:17:11 GMT -8
Sorry but it looks like this one was built from the inside to me. That's a huge red flag. I know it looks pretty but if it falls apart on the highway and someone get's killed you will forget all about how pretty it looked. You really want to see the build photos and make sure that any rotted framing has been dealt with. And if there is no gimp, you need to check to see if the ceiling, front and rear walls (what we call "the wrap") is attached to the outside of the walls. In other words the paneling spans over the walls and does not stop AT the walls. This is another huge red flag for structural integrity.
|
|
|
Post by Teachndad on Nov 25, 2021 5:40:28 GMT -8
Hi and Welcome, Interesting discussion. I agree with asking for build photos to confirm how the trailer was restored. In two posts above, Mobiltec and Vikx mentioned welting or gimp. In the picture below, you can see what this is as it would appear in a vintage trailer. Look at the intersection of the wall paneling and the ceiling. You can also see it at the right side of the upper dinette cabinet. It's that light colored line. That is inserted during construction or properly during reconstruction. When walking in the trailer, it prevents the wood panel edging from rubbing up against the ceiling panel in this example and squeaking as they move. Gimp is typically sandwiched everywhere including under cabinets between the bottom of the cabinets and the floor. We aren't seeing that in this Century trailer. Here is the picture showing the gimp/welting. In looking at this photograph below of the Century trailer I see a sag in the roof. Now, it might just be that it's from the fish eye nature of the image created from the wide angle lens. If you get in the trailer and it's flat then it was just the lens perspective. If it's sagging then it's a problem as the roof will pool rainwater leading to leaks. Maybe ask them if they have a ladder to see the roof from above. You never know what you will see. Cheers, Rod
|
|
WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by WhitneyK on Nov 25, 2021 8:48:36 GMT -8
Trust them Juan, they give good advice and know what they're talking about. As far as trailer restoral, repair, and what to look for, they've been around the block more times than the ice cream truck!
Good Luck on your hunt and/or possible purchase, Whitney
|
|