|
Post by vikx on Dec 8, 2015 22:17:30 GMT -8
As Jr. members and above already know, we have limited access to our For Sale section.
ANY Trailer posted for sale here will be subject to discussion. Lack of proper repairs and evidence of flipping will be exposed. We want to educate current and future buyers on what to look for and how a trailer should be repaired. Claims of structural repairs should be substantiated with photos.
VTT strongly recommends requesting photos of stated repairs before purchase.
So:
Pictures or it didn't happen.
Keep in mind a person needs to inspect structure very carefully to determine if a trailer is sound enough for the road. THIS is what happens when the body bolts and skirt boards let loose:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/35493572412/in/dateposted-public/" title="Pink Shasta Disaster 3"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4238/35493572412_2b49ddcb83.jpg" width="275" height="365" alt="Pink Shasta Disaster 3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Another view:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/35275270380/in/album-72157682875554304/" title="Pink Disaster"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4262/35275270380_721b3267b6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pink Disaster"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
If a trailer has been repaired/decorated on the inside with no proof of structural repairs, IT WILL BE NOTED.
Photo proof of structural repairs is paramount to getting top dollar! Think about it: if a person does the work, don't they deserve a top price??
VTT does not endorse trailers for purchase. That is up to a savvy buyer.
I will be editing and improving this with input from all of you. Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
Post by Ross on Dec 9, 2015 3:30:18 GMT -8
I totally agree!
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on Dec 9, 2015 6:02:53 GMT -8
Wow. Any details on that trailer accident?
|
|
kirkadie
1K Member
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 556
'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
Currently Offline
|
Post by kirkadie on Dec 9, 2015 7:53:56 GMT -8
Maybe it committed suicide from too much glamp?
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Dec 9, 2015 12:22:51 GMT -8
Gossip on the accident:
Lady was towing across a bridge and lost control; possibly speed and overloaded Shasta contributed. The entire trailer was FULL of PINK and had had no structural repairs, lots of lipstick. (yes, pink)
The trailer started to sway. I'm assuming the rotten skirts allowed the body to twist loose from the frame with the bolts then failing. Highway patrol wanted to fine her $1500 for an unsecured load but lowered it to $850 when it was revealed to be a "trailer".
There was quite a hoopla on the old board when the lady challenged use of the photos...
Before:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/34821400044/in/dateposted-public/" title="Pink Shasta sister 1138"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/34821400044_40b260d31b_b.jpg" width="667" height="500" alt="Pink Shasta sister 1138"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Note the sag at the front.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Dec 9, 2015 12:34:26 GMT -8
"It is forum policy that all claims of restoration work done, especially structural repairs, must be substantiated with photos."
If a member puts a camper for sale with Non-specific phrases like "Lovingly brought back to life" or "Camp ready" generate an auto response:
"All members considering the purchase of a camper listed on this forum are strongly advised to request photos of repair work."
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on Dec 9, 2015 13:11:20 GMT -8
Wow. It's always amazing to me that:
1. These things stay together at all. It really is a unibody system.
2. That they fall apart like this, with all the internal cabinetry holding everything together. Mine had no skirt boards, no front or rear curb boards and it was still a bear to get apart.
3. That a few glampy doodads could make anyone look past the rot that you can even see in the corners of this one from the crash photos. I'm ending up replacing everything just because any warping/mold/delam would drive me nuts.
Also, just realized this was a sticky...probably best to clear out my comments to make it more impactful.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,749
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Dec 9, 2015 19:46:46 GMT -8
Wow. It's always amazing to me that: 1. These things stay together at all. It really is a unibody system. 2. That they fall apart like this, with all the internal cabinetry holding everything together. Mine had no skirt boards, no front or rear curb boards and it was still a bear to get apart. 3. That a few glampy doodads could make anyone look past the rot that you can even see in the corners of this one from the crash photos. I'm ending up replacing everything just because any warping/mold/delam would drive me nuts. Also, just realized this was a sticky...probably best to clear out my comments to make it more impactful. This is EXACTLY what I keep trying to tell people. Yes they are of Unibody design and they work well as long as all the joints are kept dry and free of rot. The trailer holds itself together and every piece of wood in it plays an important part in the structural integrity. If you change that, or the connections rot away the result is a collapse. I've seen a few of these on the side of the road over the years.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Dec 9, 2015 20:57:01 GMT -8
All comments are welcome in this thread. It's to gain ideas for a final draft to warn buyers of the pitfalls and lipstick... I can weed out your comments later, if anyone requests it. Really like the unibody information.
As we've seen, some trailers "look" GREAT, especially inside. Clean, with cool vintage colors, pretty wood work and more. However, lacking proper repairs, the above is truly lipstick. Exterior Paint SELLS, unfortunately. I'm thinking of starting another thread to list particular pet peeves on "restored" trailers and/or critical areas to address.
|
|
SusieQ
Global Moderator
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 1,197
'62 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by SusieQ on Dec 9, 2015 23:51:44 GMT -8
I'm going to be very blunt. We have had a problem in the past with members joining just to resale their trailers which they have already rebuilt or glamped with lipstick, "lipstick on a pig". Some members have met with constructive criticism which was not appreciated. Every member needs to understand that our goal here is to restore our trailers where they are structurally sound, whether they are restored to vintage mint-like condition or comfortably campable or modified/remodeled. There is a ton of info on the web about trailer restorations, including videos of DIYers who do it badly. Anyone who takes time to read through this forum should be able to see that that there are certain standards here which we expect our repairs to meet. Any member who posts a trailer of their own in the For Sale section is a reflection of our group. They have to be honest and forthcoming with the actual repairs and condition of the trailer or it makes us as a group look bad.
|
|
kirkadie
1K Member
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 556
'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
Currently Offline
|
Post by kirkadie on Dec 10, 2015 6:10:37 GMT -8
I want to retract my snarky remark; I feel bad for anyone who falls into the "needs work but ready to camp" because they trust a PO's ad and don't know what may be lurking under new paint. I feel especially bad when disaster strikes like this one.
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on Dec 10, 2015 6:31:17 GMT -8
I want to retract my snarky remark; I feel bad for anyone who falls into the "needs work but ready to camp" because they trust a PO's ad and don't know what may be lurking under new paint. I feel especially bad when disaster strikes like this one. I thought your comment was hilarious. I love the blunt advice given here and have learned a lot (at no small personal expense). I always try to pass along "the right way" when I see someone headed for trouble in a post on Reddit or elsewhere. I do cringe a bit when a wannabe glamper or potential trailer conversion wanders in and gets scared off by the first comment, potentially ending up like "pretty in pink" above. Rather than giving them the full rundown, it would be nice to see them slowly educated...maybe first mentioning how the closet should be left in place and another option found to mount the barber chair, etc.
|
|
|
Post by vintagebruce on Dec 10, 2015 8:07:42 GMT -8
This might be a bit off the mark for the main point in this thread, but what concerns me is when a seller says it has all it's original appliances, and gives the impression that the seller has enjoyed camping in the trailer, and then proceeds to say they have never tested the water system, never tested the stove or propane supplied equipment, only used the fridge like a cooler yada, yada. I mean, who buys a decent camper and never tests the parts that make up the kitchenette, heating system, water delivery system and oh yes, never used the 12 volt lights? When they say all that, then they should finish with...so simply consider all those things as "not working"...
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,822
Likes: 3,749
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Dec 10, 2015 11:56:07 GMT -8
Flippers....
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Dec 18, 2015 22:01:40 GMT -8
I am hoping to encourage FULL DISCLOSURE when a person is wanting to offer one for sale....
|
|