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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2017 23:35:45 GMT -8
Not sure if I'm allowed to create a thread for a truck camper, but here it goes:
I was casually looking at Craigslist for parts that I could use for my Catalina...furnace, fridge, and anything else that might be too good to pass up. I came across a listing "Free truck camper - $1"
The ad read:
"Truck camper free - you haul away. Tough shape but lots of good parts can be used for fish house, hunting shack, etc. Camper has the sink, stove, toilet, cupboards, table, etc."
There were a few photos included that made it worth my while to give the owner a call...I subsequently made the 45-minute journey to take a closer look.
I get there and see the camper is a larger 1970 Juno Real-Lite (turns out to be 15 feet overall). It looks pretty good other than some damage at the front left corner of the overhang. The owner tells me it has sat here for over 40 years since the roof above the overhang was caved in during a heavy snow and ice storm. In fact it had been used only a handful of times prior to that blizzard hitting. Additionally, it has recently suffered some hail damage on the right side that left a bunch of signature dents.
We open the door and I can't believe my eyes! Other than the overhang, this thing is pristine and everything looks like new!
Now...the million dollar question for all on this forum: Should I repair and restore, or should I take what I need and part out & sell the rest?? I have no idea what kind of demand there is for a "vintage" truck camper, so am looking for you all to give me some guidance.
Here's a bunch of photos taken earlier today after getting it unloaded and set on the jack stands:
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chriss
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Post by chriss on Dec 2, 2017 1:15:40 GMT -8
With the exception of the Alaskan, Pullman, or rare camper packages, such as the late 60's Jeep CJ5 camper, the truck camper collector market is almost nonexistant.
There are advantages and disadvantages over a trailer. Most are obvious. I come across free truck campers on CL often. Most of the time, they are left on properties that are sold, or the owner no longer has a truck to haul it.
On this particular one, I see more water damage in the bathroom area as well as the front. Who knows what the extent of the rot really is.
If this is something you wanted to fix for your own personal use, then I say go for it, but if you plan on restoring it to sell, then save your time and money and part it out. It does have a lot of useful parts.
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Dec 2, 2017 19:16:55 GMT -8
Over in these parts, there seems to be quite a few older truck box campers for sale, usually priced quite high.
I just do not know about the resale value of one restored.
I do know where I can get one for free, an hours drive, I just do not think I want that big of a camper and that much weight on My truck. If the truc were a dually, I might think about it.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Dec 2, 2017 19:38:42 GMT -8
When you first saw this did you think, Wow this is what i've always wanted ? If not, I'd say take that stove and run. There is a free Alaskan near me, and i have a real fondness for them, but dont think i want to devote the time and money........but it is tempting. Borrowed one for a long trip once and loved it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2017 21:28:54 GMT -8
I initially acquired this thing with plans to use parts needed for other restos currently in the works, and then part out the rest of the stuff that might have some value. Obviously the price was right - free!
It was when I looked inside, cleaned away the dirt and dust, that it came to mind that a restoration was a real possibility based on the interior condition and it being "old". Plus, the layout seems really cool with that front U-shaped kitchen design.
However, I do believe you are correct in that these truck campers really don't have much demand, so parting it out is likely the best choice. I have yet to try and sell anything associated with "vintage" campers, so looking for any advice.
Can anyone shed light on best approach - advertise on Craigslist, Ebay, or maybe some consignment type place that does this as a business? Just want to minimize the time spent trying to peddle this stuff...
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Post by vikx on Dec 2, 2017 21:32:36 GMT -8
I've said this before; it is VERY difficult to make money on old trailers, let alone a camper. You've probably read our threads about making $1.78 per hour and that's if you're lucky. Buy them because you like them and would keep them in the end, not to make money on them or you could be sorely disappointed when you try to sell.
The only popular campers I've seen lately are Alaskans and aluminum Avions. Being built in the 70s is against this one, as a lot of the cabinets will be MDF.
That said, this camper should be parted out for several reasons. The first being it is too big and won't fit "most" modern pickups. The beds are more rounded these days. There are methods to make them fit, but honestly, I doubt if anyone would want one this big. Someone with an old truck, maybe. Many people buy campers that are short enough to tow a trailer as well.
This one has more damage than you think as said above. It's got tons of great parts for the picking, enough to build another trailer.The stove and hood are a great color! Don't count on the fridge working, tho. Even if it does, probably not for long.
I hope this helps. It's a good find.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2017 21:48:14 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx - you definitely reinforced the best choice being to keep what I can use and part out the rest. As mentioned above, I have zero experience selling vintage camper parts. Any advice on where and how to proceed? Also, I'm assuming the windows have some value - is that true? I don't believe I have seen an entire "lot" of windows advertised on Ebay or Craigslist.
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Post by vikx on Dec 2, 2017 23:41:48 GMT -8
Windows sit for years. They need to be the right "size", also Hehrs are much preferred over more modern ones. A window only has value if it fits the era and the rough opening. I sold the last two for 20 bucks each.
Selling parts is fine if you're OK with strangers coming by. Most parts are sold locally, so be sure there is a market in your area. eBay is great as well; research selling and shipping prices closely. Try local rallies and keep the prices reasonable or you'll be hauling them home again.
I keep what I need and sell what someone wants. If I "might" need the part, it isn't for sale.
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Dec 4, 2017 19:05:11 GMT -8
I got one of these for free years ago. I used it for a hunting shack. When I got out of that club I just gave it to another member. It was a cheap warm place to sleep at the hunting club. That one actually looks decent to me. Here in Bama that's a $300 camper easy.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 20:12:56 GMT -8
I'm starting to rethink what I might use this for...I really like the layout and all of the goodies inside, so I might just make the necessary repairs and keep it for personal use.
I currently own a 2010 Real-Lite soft side pop up truck camper (kind of ironic that the 1970 above happens to also be a Real-Lite). My son and I use it for weekend camping at the local dirt race track. It has worked really well and is easy to get on and off the truck. There are times, however, when we'd like to take off from where we are camping to go golfing, find a local grill, or cruise the area. It is kind of a hassle to do this when we are all setup - having to crank the top down, disconnect the generator, and put away all the stuff. See the photo of it parked in front of my shop below:
So here is what I'm thinking...
Sell this existing 2010 Real-Lite as it still has relatively good resale value, and convert the 1970 into a pull behind travel trailer. I would need to obtain a trailer frame and axle sturdy enough to hold this thing, and then come up with a way to mount the camper to it.
Anyone out there done a conversion like this...I'd be very interested in suggestions you all might have!
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Post by bigbill on Dec 5, 2017 13:32:47 GMT -8
A lot of truck campers used to get mounted on flat bed trailers so the owner could haul toys or ect. on the remaining area behind the camper. The problem with trying to put it on a regular chassis is front over hang clearing the tow vehicle, weight balance, and wind lift tending to cause swaying do to changes in tongue weight. This usually a bad idea. From looking at your pictures I believe that you would find sever structural damage to this unit if you removed all of the exterior aluminum for inspection. Also keep in mind that it was designed to have a truck cab in front of it to help protect it from wind stress, which you wouldn't have on a trailer chassis type setup. These are just a few things for thought before you invest your money. Let us know what you do and how it works out.
PS: Also give some thought to what it would look like when you are finished.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2017 20:30:51 GMT -8
Thanks bigbill...I believe you are right on. After talking with a few other folks who know trailers and hauling, I think a really good option is to set it on a tandem axle car hauler. This would sit relatively low to the ground, and the tandem axle would provide great towing stability. I believe I can get a used one for around a grand. Also, I'm in need of a general utility trailer for occasional hauling, so this would fit the bill for that as well.
I plan to tear down this camper complete, same as a frame off restoration of a travel trailer. I'll then build it back up and reinforce the structure as necessary. We aren't real concerned about the time involved...would be a great project for my son and I to work on together. The looks of the finished product don't really matter either, as this is for the boys camping, not glamping!
As I mentioned above, the intended use is for weekend camping at the local dirt race tracks and an occasional trip to a larger speedway. We are planning to reverse the position of the camper as it sits on the trailer, so the overhang points opposite of the tongue. This is necessary to allow us to back in to where we view the race track. I sit out front in a lawn chair, and the kid views the races from the overhang. We would also place a shed on the trailer in the open space under the overhang to house the generator, lawn chairs, gas grill, etc.
Thoughts??
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Dec 6, 2017 5:32:56 GMT -8
I know it is not a travel trailer but, please post the progress of the rebuild of the overhead camper.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2017 11:25:00 GMT -8
Will do...I'll move this thread over to the Restoration section of the forum when I get started. Thanks for your interest. Being on the tundra in Minnesota - working on the camper outside, may not get a lot done too quickly. But hope to chip away at it...probably pull the door and windows and begin removing some siding. Weather permitting!
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Post by vikx on Dec 6, 2017 22:57:33 GMT -8
I'll move it and leave a note. It belongs in the restro area. Looking forward to seeing this...
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