How much is a trailer with damage worth?

[Trailering_Texa]

Nobody probably wants to answer this but I'm gonna give it a shot. We have a 2000 Gulfstream Travel Trailer that we have loved for the last 7 years. However it has recently gotten some roof damage and suffered some water damage. It also has dry rot in two corners. The floor is still solid, but on the edges of the outside there is a problem. The interior still looks good and everything works great. The exterior is a little rough, needs a good cleaning. Our original plan was to do a little work on it and see how much a dealer would give us on it for trade in on a new one. My husband is getting too old for a major re-do like this. Though I think it would be a good project for a young man. We were stopped at a truck stop on the way home from our last trip by a young man asking if we were interested in selling the trailer, he needs a cheap trailer. We took his phone number and called him yesterday. I have been very open about both the good and bad of this trailer. He may come and look at it. Here's my problem. What is this thing worth? If it didn't have the recent water problem and dry rot I think it would be worth $4,000. With the problems it's a different story. Is $2,500 fair? I know most people on this forum wouldn't even touch a thing like this. But maybe there are some guys who've done some DIY fix ups that can give me a clue. How much would someone pay for a "project" trailer?

[jsikora]

I'll chime in here as i have and am in this same point. We bought what we thought to be a great 5th wheel in 2006. Little did we know that within 2 years it would start falling apart and actually had one wall come delaminated and blow off while heading on vacation. Being the manufacturer dropped the line they were no help, nor was any of the dealers that we dealt with. At this point we still owed about 20K on a loan and the insurance company wouldn't give us money as they determined it was a manufacturer defect. Many arguments later I decided to repair it myself. We spent all summer rebuilding the single wall. Now no one will touch the camper and now the other side is doing the same. We still owe lots of money on it and will most likely rebuild the other side this spring. I recommend to all now to get rid of any camper that is older than a couple years old. If not you are really stuck with it.

[Trailering_Texa]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. This has given me a good idea of just how little my trailer is worth. But I needed to hear that. Thanks again for your time.

[zesty]

I've bought some "projects" before. I think the problems usually take 200% effort and money that you initially think they will. Let's say your RV is worth $4000 in good condition, but it looks like there is $1000 worth of damage... I wouldn't buy the RV for more than $2000. That gives me $1000 worth of value to deal with the other problems I find when I start ripping walls apart.

It sounds like you might have more than $1000 in damage. This is one of those things you'll just have to feel out with the buyer. Good luck!

[Lantley]

I agree with the others. I believe your trailer has very little resale value $1000.00 or less

[beemerphile1]

I paid $3,000 to put a new roof on a 19' trailer. I would say your trailer is just about worthless, get whatever you can for the thing and run away.

[n7bsn]

ScottG wrote:
You might be surprised. When we traded in our last TT it had some rot under a window. I told every dealer I talked to about the rot but it didn't seem to matter.

What were they going to do with it?

Fix it or junk it?

I'm betting junk, or sell at auction for less then $1K

[colliehauler]

I would let him make you an offer. I agree with Westend on $1000. to $1250.

[Bill_Satellite]

It's worth exactly what someone offers to pay for it. Not a dollar more or less. You are going to need to ask around, get some offers and see what's what. If you are not willing to fix it you need to be willing to release it to someone who is willing to do so or try to pawn if off on some unsuspecting dealer and buy something else. Either way, it's just a matter of finding a buyer willing to pay some amount of money you can live with and move on.

[westend]

My top dollar would be $1000. I've done a restoration from water damage so know what's involved.

[ScottG]

You might be surprised. When we traded in our last TT it had some rot under a window. I told every dealer I talked to about the rot but it didn't seem to matter.

[diveman52]

Would be nice to know what model? Length?
Travel trailer or 5er.

[n7bsn]

Depends on the damage, but it sounds extensive
Few dealers would be interested in buying a rig like that. Too much labor (at $100+/hr) to fix
If I was looking for a "project rig" I would be looking at less the $4K, certainly not over $3K, maybe less then $2K if the rot was down into the walls.

[rav]

let him make you an offer- if you like the offer go for it.