Forum Discussion

Märk's avatar
Märk
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014

How do you find out how much to sell an antique pop-up for?

I'm in a bit of a dilema as I want to sell my antique pop-up (circa 71) and... I think this is the first time in my life I did a search for the make & model online, at auction places, and craigslist and there are 0 hits... ever. It was bought by my family back in '71, but now it needs to go to someone willing to restore it.

My dilema is I think I have something as, it was the king of the models back then (biggest, least sold model, sleeps 11) purchased with accessories and everything is still original even the cloth top. When I brought it camping people would swarm us to check it out the last cloth-top pop-up camper they saw was 20 years ago, or their parents used to take them in one back in the 70's and they couldn't believe how mint it still is (the roof is still waterproof and original, but the cover when closed is beginning to let water in, and floor has just started to become spongy). I'm in no position to restore it.

What would you do for pricing if you truelly believed you had the only remaining high-end brand antique camper of this sort still original, that has just come to the point it should be restored (passers by considered it in mint shape 3 years ago), and have absolutely no reference to its value? Thanks

17 Replies

  • In my opinion, older pop-up campers do not hold the same value and appeal as say an antique car does. Finding a buyer is gonna be hard. I see pop-ups listed on craigslist in my area for 500-1000 that are in decent shape and need no work.. that don't sell to quickly. I'm sorry but I just don't see a market in restoring a pop-up.

    Personally, I would list it on ebay with a reserve of what you are will to sell it for and see what happens. You never know what might happen.
  • I agree with the general consensus... but I would establish an asking price - base it on whatever you will - then allow for negotiation with the term "OBO" (Or Best Offer). The responses that you get should help you gauge the market.
  • Unfortunately, you have personal connections with the camper, and because of your personal sentiment, you value it more than someone else ever would. In the eye of the seller, it's always valued higher than what the buyer thinks it's worth.

    If you really want to sell it, you'll have to just start at a price, and if it does not sell, keep lowering until someone shows interest. And if you get it down to "Free", then really ... it's valuable only to you. Sorry for the harsh reality, I don't mean to hurt your feelings.

    On the other hand, depending upon who your market target audience is and who's interested you could potentially get a good price.

    Considering it needs work and restoration, just put a price on it an see what happens. Who knows, "American Pickers" may show interest, or some RV renovation television show may find you!
  • Mark,

    I'm no expert but I think you would be hard pressed to find many folks who would consider a 70's pop up as collectible.

    I would say $1500 to $2000 would be a great price for you or $1000 to $1500 a great price for the buyer who wants to put some additional cash for repairs and then use the pop-up.

    In looking through Southern California Craigslist the pop-ups are going for $1000 to $1800 for most with a few up to $3800 that are fairly new and in great condition.

    Maybe this website can help you price it
    http://www.vintagecampers.com/restorationinfo.php
  • I agree with "put it on ebay" where the audience is very large. You just might find someone with interest in such a camper. Everyone else will see it as an old, worn out camper that represents a huge expense to restore to useable and not worth the effort. It will be a specialty item and take a special type person to show interest. One man's "treasure" can often be another man's "trash".
  • I paid $500 for a really good condition 25 year old pop-up, that had been used less then 20 times. Everything in great shape. I am guessing you want more for it then that.
  • I would mention it on this forum, so people would know to PM you... just kidding around! But seriously, I'd take a slew of pictures, write a great description, and put it on ebay. So many people will see it, you stand a fair chance of getting what it's really worth (whatever that is).