viccrum
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Post by viccrum on Sept 30, 2014 2:27:27 GMT -8
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Post by danrhodes on Oct 9, 2014 7:45:21 GMT -8
We had been searching for a while but trailers, even with leaks, go for $3k-$8k and more around here. We have 2 little ones, so can't drop everything and run out to the desert and haggle with 5 other folks over a $300 gem. Finally, when we had given up looking almost altogether, I opened up Craigslist on a Sunday evening and found one, right down the street...actually walked by it to work every day. Since we were the first to leave a message, we got first dibs and by the kid's bedtime, we owned a trailer. Now, it's not a cute little Shasta, with wings and that perfect silhouette, but we like it...it's pretty unique, with a funky layout and a boring shape that suits us...John Palmer says the construction is likely poor quality, and I would agree, but that just makes it a bit more of a challenge. My point is, be patient, flexible and then quick and things will probably work out OK.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Oct 9, 2014 10:00:14 GMT -8
With the popularity of our little vintage trailers now you pretty much have to be lucky enough to be the first to bite on one for sale on Craig's List as you have just pointed out. But you are right. Be patient, flexible and keep looking. Just about the time you are ready to give up your trailer will jump out right in front of you.
As I said in my videos I do keep an eye on CL but have never purchased a trailer from there. 999 times out of 1000 it will be way over priced. Just because it is old and rolls does not make it a treasure and does not make it rare. There are thousands and thousands of them still sitting out there in fields. Thousands of them in back yards, junk yards and hunting areas all over the country. And there are still many in barns and other structures in perfect condition and only need a re-seal and a paint job. Finding them is not easy. If it were, they wouldn't be going for such high prices. Also if it weren't for TV shows like "Flip This Trailer" and magazines like "Vintage Trailer Campers" and rallies like the Pismo Rally for the Rich and Wealthy, we would not be experiencing these problems. Then there are the infamous trailer stripping tweekers out there who are only in it for the scrap metal. Also people who see a chance to make a bundle of money who cover up old rotten wood and paneling with paint or new paneling. Lipstick on a pig is what we call it here. They are not helping the situation at all.
Our poor little hobby has been infected with greed. Greed will kill off anything. But be patient and your little gem will pop up when you least expect it.
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lalaland
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Post by lalaland on Oct 9, 2014 11:11:00 GMT -8
Lordy, I can't believe you posted that link. Talk about addicting!!!!!
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Post by danrhodes on Oct 9, 2014 12:33:48 GMT -8
I do agree about the thousands out there in fields comments. Since ours took up residence in our driveway, I see vintage trailers all over now. On my backroads drive to weekend shopping, there is a patch of land with, what I thought were just horse trailers, but now I can clearly see two separate travel trailers there... Click for bad street view of hidden trailers
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Oct 9, 2014 16:39:48 GMT -8
I do agree about the thousands out there in fields comments. Since ours took up residence in our driveway, I see vintage trailers all over now. On my backroads drive to weekend shopping, there is a patch of land with, what I thought were just horse trailers, but now I can clearly see two separate travel trailers there... Click for bad street view of hidden trailersSee? Now with technology like GE you don't even have to leave your house.
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