bluto
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Post by bluto on Apr 18, 2014 10:22:18 GMT -8
Hello All, I have a friend who has enlisted me for selling his 1955 Silver Streak. I'm afraid neither of us know too much about these trailers so I am posting on here, hoping to get some feedback/knowledge before listing it. All I really have is the model number which is 7-31. I can tell you that measures 31 feet and has a forward and rear door. These two features have eluded any type of research I have tried. I can't find any such 31' trailer with two doors made by silver streak, yet here it is! Anyway, I would appreciate any info you could throw my way. Here is some description, and I do have pics available if need be. 1955 Silver Streak Travel Trailer Model #7-31 The trailer is located in Arizona Dual Axel (could use tires) Fully Contained bath w/shower kitchen, stove, fridge all work Forward door leads to living area Rear door leads to bedroom Has original propane tanks Lots of storage space This trailer is not being used at the moment, nor has been for some time. The inside of the trailer currently houses furniture and misc storage. I believe just doing a walkthrough that it will clean up very nicely. There is no damage anywhere or any kind of rot. It's simply a little cluttered right now and dusty, too. The outside silver shine has turned into more of a cloudy opaque. I'm not sure how these are dealt with, but if a rubbing compound of sorts were applied I'm sure it could shine up. The only real issue I have found is that the under lining skin has appeared to oxidize in places. I'm pretty sure this does not affect the stability of the trailer, rather just the looks of the under belly. All in all, everything is very sturdy and in working order. Again, I would love some feedback as to what people think it may be worth. Should we attempt to shine it up? Are there preferred places online to advertise these for sale? Any help at all. Thank you in advance! Derek
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 18, 2014 10:40:42 GMT -8
I'm currently rebuilding a 19' 1953 Silver Streak, which is a single axle trailer. I'm far from an expert about Silver Streaks. But here's my take from a general "trailer guy" view point. Bigger is not better when it concerns resale value. It's just my opinion, but over 24 or 25 feet and it becomes less of a travel trailer, and more of a "park model" trailer. I tow with buddies that tow Spartans over 30 feet, but they are also CDL licensed semi truck drivers.
I have never seen a trailer without any wood rot yet, unless it was rebuilt. The riveted skin trailers (Airstreams/Streamliners/Boles Aero/Silver Streaks, and others) are very difficult to spot the rot because they have full belly pans which need to be removed for inspection/repair work. These trailers are built on a 5/8" plywood floor, and have just small #8 screws that hold the riveted body walls to the floor plywood. When the shower/toilet/sink leak water, the wood flooring rots. It's very time consuming to replace the floor wood. The aluminum base framing deteriorates from corrosion, just like steel rusts.
Best wishes for your sale.
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Post by vikx on Apr 18, 2014 22:43:58 GMT -8
Any photos??
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bluto
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Post by bluto on Apr 21, 2014 14:20:44 GMT -8
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 21, 2014 18:42:49 GMT -8
What is the white coating on the ceiling?
Your trailer looks the same as the single axle 19 footer I'm currently working on. The smaller trailer is also a single entry door trailer.
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Post by vikx on Apr 21, 2014 22:38:18 GMT -8
I doubt this trailer is a 1955 with tandem axles.
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bluto
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Post by bluto on Apr 22, 2014 18:40:41 GMT -8
Why do you doubt that? Did you look at the photos? Is something I should know?
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 22, 2014 19:53:27 GMT -8
Why do you doubt that? Did you look at the photos? Is something I should know?
I would think that "at 31 feet" it would have to have tandem axles. But Vikx has been at this trailer game longer than I have.
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Post by vikx on Apr 22, 2014 21:45:08 GMT -8
Why do you doubt that? Did you look at the photos? Is something I should know? Of course I looked at the pictures. The windows look to be 50s style, the doors also. It's the tandem axles that surprised me. The mid 50s Silver Streaks I've seen have all been single axle. That doesn't mean I'm correct on this one, the cut out for the axles looks *newer* to me. This seems to be a park model (tank toilet)and at that length, I agree with John, it would do well to have tandem axles. However, a single axle park model was very able to get to the "park", so tandems weren't common. Could a second axle have been added? Most tandem Silver Streaks had gold anodized siding strips as well. "Fully contained": does the trailer have holding tanks? If so, what color and material are the dump valves? Are the tanks metal? That might give us a little more to go by. Do you have a title?
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bluto
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Post by bluto on Apr 23, 2014 17:47:29 GMT -8
Vikx - This will tell where I'm at with the knowledge of these things....I didn't even know there was a difference between park model and travel trailer! I assumed if you tow it, it's a travel trailer...sorry to be so uninformed. That being said, I am unaware of holding tanks, where they would be or what material the valves are. I asked the guy wanting to sell it if he knew and he does not. All he knows is that the previous owner to him used it last about 8 years ago (before that gentleman's father died) to go out camping in. He believes they were at an RV park, but isn't sure. He inherited this trailer just recently so he, himself has never used it.
There is a title, and you are correct....it's not a 1955. The title says 1956. The body style listed on the title is TV. The VIN is 7115, which is the same as the serial no on the tag that is pictured.
When googling these and trying to find one like it, the only ones I saw with the gold siding were from the 70's and did not look like the same shape really, nor did they have the two doors.
Thank you for keeping this thread alive and discussing this with me. I am truly at a loss about this, and I want to make sure this guy gets the fullest value out of selling the trailer.
Thanks again!
Derek
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Post by vikx on Apr 23, 2014 21:42:29 GMT -8
Thanks Derek, 56 is close to 55. LOL. Thank you for the additional info.
As above, a 31 foot trailer is more difficult to sell than the 24 and 26 footers.
Suggestions: Empty the trailer and clean it. (dust inside, sweep the floor, that sort of thing)Take pictures of everything you can; interior, underbelly, roof, tires, etc. The more pictures the better.
Then, post it on eBay or Craigslist. I'm not an expert on auctions, but that seems to be the way to go on a trailer such as this. It would make a great lake cabin or mountain retreat. I can't price it for you, but trailers similar to this are starting at 2K to 3K. Decide on a reserve and go for it.
Of course you are welcome to post an ad here once you decide on a price.
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