Forum Discussion

D_Sluv2fishandc's avatar
Apr 25, 2014

What's my 5th wheel worth?

I have a 1993 Coachmen Catalina 24' fifth wheel. Everything on it works perfect, stove, fridge, water heater, ac, etc. I replaced the blue carpet with laminate flooring and the upholstery is in great shape. The exterior and the awning is in ok shape for a 1993.

It,s a smaller 5th wheel that makes it legal to pull a boat or other trailer behind it here in MN. It has a receiver hitch for just that. Minnesota is a huge fishing state and lots of campers also fish and boat here.

The only problem is the roof is completely shot. It leaks and parts of it are rotten. I think the whole thing needs to be torn off and replaced. At least the back half anyway.

What do you think I could get for it? I'm just not up to the project and it's time for something different anyway. Do you think there are many people out there that would take on a project like this, if so how much do you think they would pay? I'm hoping I could get at least a couple grand for it since everything else is in good shape. What do you think?

18 Replies

  • D&Sluv2fishandcampMN wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    NADA lists it 'Low Retail'--------$1,870 'High Retail'--------$2,250

    Subtract $12K for new roof.

    You'd be lucky to have someone come drag it away.

    Sorry but trailers with rot just don't sale very well.


    You are probably right but the value you are quoting is before adding in any features. I actually got a value of $4330.00.


    You are quoting retail, which would be through a dealer. You are selling as a private party, so subtract at least 20% -30% if not more. Also, most make the mistake of adding options that are factory standard on the vehicle. Best way to check is do not add any options. That will get you a good idea of average RETAIL. But in your 5r's case, NADA won't really apply since the roof is toast.
    If it was mine, I would donate it, if they would take it from you, and take the tax write off next year. Might not even be worth it since there are so many little idiosyncrasys with the IRS accepting it.
    Maybe throw it on Craist List for a grand and someone might want it. Good luck.
  • I think you would be lucky to get $2K for it. As far as $12K for a new roof, that's 2-3 times what it should cost. I paid $4500 last year for my 30 ft'er. Good luck, John.
  • D&Sluv2fishandcampMN wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    NADA lists it 'Low Retail'--------$1,870 'High Retail'--------$2,250

    Subtract $12K for new roof.

    You'd be lucky to have someone come drag it away.

    Sorry but trailers with rot just don't sale very well.


    You are probably right but the value you are quoting is before adding in any features. I actually got a value of $4330.00.


    Did you subtract for the rotted roof.......and the hidden water damage?
  • For 5,000 one can pick up an older RV that is in GREAT shape without leaks and has been maintained. Not sure what you are adding in but you don't add in items that are standard such as fridge, awning, oven, AC, etc. Part it out and drag it to a recycle center.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    NADA lists it 'Low Retail'--------$1,870 'High Retail'--------$2,250

    Subtract $12K for new roof.

    You'd be lucky to have someone come drag it away.

    Sorry but trailers with rot just don't sale very well.


    You are probably right but the value you are quoting is before adding in any features. I actually got a value of $4330.00.
  • nobody will pay much for it. I've been doing repairs and renovations for years on campers. You are better off parting it out. Fridge is 300-400 by itself, then sell ac unit, holding tanks, stove, microwave, dinette, sofa, and any other good working parts. then sell the empty camper to someone who wants to make a utility trailer out of it or use it for storage
  • Somebody might buy that for a permanent location and just put a metal roof on it. You may get $1,500 or better out of it.
  • NADA lists it 'Low Retail'--------$1,870 'High Retail'--------$2,250

    Subtract $12K for new roof.

    You'd be lucky to have someone come drag it away.

    Sorry but trailers with rot just don't sale very well.