How do you figure value on an old trailer in poor condition?

Graycat wrote:
NADA isn't much use when it comes to anything older than 1995. After that, all the values for a 29' trailer are the same: low $1725, average $2080.

I'm looking at a 1986 Terry that looks like it has to be completely rebuilt. If the tanks hold water, I'm good with rebuilding.

The ad says the value is $2000, has no a/c or refrigerator and needs minor updating. The pictures show mold across the ceiling and down the walls. Looks like nothing is salvagable inside. Windows and siding possibly can be reused. They are asking just under $1000.

What would you go by to make an offer, knowing you have to rebuild and buy all new fixtures/appliances?

Back to the original question/answer, OP I wouldn't be interested in this one for two reasons, and maybe an observation as a third.

1. It's too new. For a few hundred dollars (depends on your area market and all seller's expectations) you can find an older one that has the real wood paneling. Thinks 1960's. Some in the early seventies. If it's that paper covered paneling, it's often not worth saving. If it's that old school real wood paneling, even IF it's a gut job, you can salvage large sections of wood, sometimes the whole wall or ceiling including framing.

2. Missing appliances. Yes, you can buy those from salvage lots. Or use what you've salvaged from other units (kind of like I do), or buy new, but you still have to get them. Equals money.

3. You said "if the tanks hold water", you can build. On these things, replacing tanks is one of the EASIEST things. You don't have to read the whole threads, but if you read some of my work, you'll see that it's not just about building, you kind of have to be able to deal with "whatever" comes up, even tanks that don't hold water (again, one of the easiest things).

Locally, there's a seller who wants $1800 then down to $1500 for a couple of canned hams he says a person could make one good unit out of. That's if you're GOOD. And if you want a combo unit. I offered him 200 for one and 400 for the other. He asked for my offer after I told him I'm not interested unless he's willing to come way down. Since he asked, I offered. He must have been insulted, because he never responded back. Which I think is simply inconsiderate.

So value is extremely subjective. As you can see from answers here, it is ALSO subjective in a group who advocates for much newer, and less effort, or who spectate.

If you're serious about a unit (regardless of age related quality materials), I would be thinking "way low" (2-6 hundred). If you see one requiring work, but mostly complete and workable, maybe as much as $2000, but if you're doing a bunch of work on it (for self use, or for re-sale) over $1000 can be non-starter.

Also, be aware, I think many $2000-$7500 "restored units", are often covered over - interior painted instead of paneling finishes (stain and poly). What's beneath the surface? Just like nightmares in flipped homes.

Good luck.

If I was interested, the unit you describe I might pay $200 for. If it's titled.

matt7591 wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:
Nonsense

You feel better now? Do what you want.

I didn't find his reply "nonsense", it is more to the point of this thread than what you have not added. If you are that thin-skinned, I'd suggest to find another activity than reading online Forums.

Wondering what the OP has decided to do re: his trailer purchase?

Gdetrailer wrote:
Nonsense

You feel better now? Do what you want.

turbojimmy wrote:

rbpru wrote:
The big issue for me is. You will never recoup your costs.

That can be said for almost any RV, old or new, restored or not. They're a horrible investment, but I don't know anyone that buys them to make money (except dealers).

+1

matt7591 wrote:
Wow a couple pretty low standards. Why restore something with mold and rot (original post) which has been run hard and put away wet, missing parts when you can buy something for slightly more that has all the parts and isn't a health hazard.

Who says that everyone must have YOUR "high Standards"?

Just because you are not able to envision someone elses vision does not mean that they have low standards.

I most likely have higher standards than you since I cannot find ANY off the shelf cookie cutter RV that suits my tastes and life style..

SO, I bought a nearly 30 yr old TT for $700, with all that ROT, then gutted inside and out..

Then rebuilt it to the layout that I wanted and used BETTER material than even the highest high end $100K plus RVs will ever use..

Sure, I put $3K-$4K into it and a lot of hrs of my labor, but it WILL be the LAST RV I ever will need to buy and it didn't cost me $100K or even a bank loan for 20 yrs in interest..

Not to mention I know EVERY INCH and EVERY detail from plumbing, wiring, fit and finish.

For the OP, my TT the seller was asking $800 and I offered $700, the seller took my offer..

$1K is high, I would offer $500-$600 and see if they are willing to deal..

Around here, frames with GOOD CLEAR titles sell for about $400-$500 and you will have doors, windows and any working appliances that you can sell off if you don't want them..

In reality, if you have the time you can buy it cheap enough, sell off unneeded items and turn a bit of profit plus have whatever you need for your project..

rbpru wrote:
The big issue for me is. You will never recoup your costs.

That can be said for almost any RV, old or new, restored or not. They're a horrible investment, but I don't know anyone that buys them to make money (except dealers).

My recipe? 1984 Allegro M30. Sat in a tow yard for 6+ years with a blown engine. Zero attention paid to it. Roof leaked, mildew coated EVERYTHING. Asking price: $600. I got it for $400 with the condition that they tow it to my house, which I figured was worth $200. It had 85 gallons of gasoline in it (that I siphoned out and used in my daily driver over time) and 80 lbs. of propane. I figure I made money at the point of delivery. All of the RV-type stuff worked, though. Fridge (for a brief period of time), both furnaces, both A/C units, 6,500 watt generator, etc. I'm not saying I didn't have to fiddle with stuff to make it work but it worked. Add the cost of a new engine ($1k), tires ($2k), and other random stuff and I will never recover my costs. But I don't care. We have a blast with the thing.

matt7591 wrote:
Wow a couple pretty low standards. Why restore something with mold and rot (original post) which has been run hard and put away wet, missing parts when you can buy something for slightly more that has all the parts and isn't a health hazard.

The OP said: I also just want it for the frame and tanks.

Offer $100. If they don't accept, do as others have said, walk away and look for something else.

Wow a couple pretty low standards. Why restore something with mold and rot (original post) which has been run hard and put away wet, missing parts when you can buy something for slightly more that has all the parts and isn't a health hazard.

it's not easy to get rid of old junk anymore, usually have to pay to throw it away. So tell them for $100 (they pay you) you'll tow it away.

The big issue for me is. You will never recoup your costs. You can do an excellent job of remodeling and install the finest appliances and materials but it is for your own gratification.

This is fine, as it gives you exactly what you want. Unfortunately to the next guy it is just an old TT that someone fixed up.

Good luck