Leaky roof, sell as is or try to repair?

[ror105]

Hi Guys,
I haven't been on for a while but I was hoping some of you could provide some advice.

I still have our Winnebago Minnie which we used so much when my sons were younger. The boys are now 12 and going on 7 and we are all so busy with other pursuits in life that we did not get out to camp once this year.

With that being said, my wife and I have decided to sell the motorhome. A while back it had an issue with a leaking front clip, the typical water intrusion that makes a mess out of the overhead bunk area. A year ago I got an estimate to have it fixed and it was around $3100. Other items have come up around the house and it never got taken care of.

My question to you all is, I would like to attempt to sell it as is. I understand I will take a beating on it due to the front clip leaking but the rest of the motorhome is in excellent condition other than a little bit of delamination that has been there since I bought in 2007 and it needs a new awning. Newer tires, fiberglass is clean and shiny, had the e-brake replaced, all new batteries, clean inside, no rust, drives nice, and only 34,000 miles. With the disclosure of the front clip, does anyone have any kind of guess what I should ask for it? Last check on NADA had its value around 20K but I know that someone is going to get it for a lot less due to the water damage and I accept that. I dont want to sink the money into getting it fixed only to find out I cant sell it.

Just looking for some advice from someone who may have gone through this before.

Thanks and god bless,
Rob

[DaHose]

Yay! Good outcomes for all involved are to be celebrated. 🙂

Jose

[docnascar]

Congrats on the sale!

[ror105]

Thanks for the advice guys, sold in 3 days. New owner is ecstatic and so am I. He is retired, plans to fix it and use it from Maine to Missouri. Great people and I wish Ray and Susan the best!!

[bsinmich]

You could make a donation to Salvation Army and get a tax deduction without the hassle of selling it yourself.

[Holiday27]

Not sure what year your rv is but mine was a '94. I fixed the cabover leak myself for less than $100. I paid $7500 for it and sold it 2 years later for $7000. I think you could fix it and make out ok. It really is a pretty easy fix. Good luck with your sale!

[mlts22]

I'd check if you can file a water damage claim with insurance. Chances are slim, but if they do cover it, the rig likely will be totaled.

I do think it is good to sell it "as is" with the damage mentioned. Here in Texas, there are those who will buy a water damaged rig, haul it to their property, throw a tarp over it, and use it for a hunting cabin.

[DaHose]

I bought a used MH private party. I have done a TON of work and now am just finishing up the outside of a cabover rebuild. That kind of work REALLY is a bear. Knowing what I know now, I can tell you that the damage you see is not the whole story. I would agree with pricing it well below any NADA value.

Considering JUST the cabover rebuild, I am in about $900 in parts and 100+ hours of labor. A dedicated shop could do it a bit faster. So figure cabover work and the additional delam. issue (that is structural in your model of MH) is going to be worth about $10k to have done.

That recommended price of around $8k might just be where you end up. As the purchaser of an older MH that exploded into a hot bed of DIY "antics", I commend you on your desire to really be fair and honest. I hope you come up with a solution that does right by everyone.

Jose

[ror105]

Thanks guys. That is exactly where I am at with this. There are too many other things biding for my money and time. I just want to get rid of it. I had a friend that offered to help me fix it enough to get rid of it but I am not the kind of person who is going to pull one over on someone. Full disclosure and here is the discounted price.

Really appreciate the feedback,
Rob

[runaways]

Our 5th wheel had major issues on the bedroom slide wall. The slide was causing the wall to flex and crack. Sold it "as is" on Craig's list in 10 minutes. We included pictures of the damage and fully disclosed the issue. Yes we knocked off $$$ on the sale price but it was worth it to us to not have to deal with the repairs.

[Dakzuki]

Just because it may not be viable to repair it at a $100/hr shop doesn't mean somebody wouldn't take it on as a project. There are many capable DIYers out there that take on stuff like this. Somebody with limited financial resources that has the skill and time just might want it.

I did a heavy water damage repair on a truck camper years ago. It was a fun entertaining project. I'm sure glad I wasn't trying to make money at it though.

Be honest about it and be prepared to discount it heavily.

[ksg5000]

Leaking RV with delam and cab over issues won't be salable to many at any price - whether it's worth investing a few grand depends on the market for your rig which is way beyond my knowledge.

[docnascar]

Easy for you...
Be honest and disclose it. Get a current estimate in writing and knock off double that estimate for the buyer. Its going to be a major inconvenience to get it fixed. Who know's what internal damage lies under the leak where you can't see.

[I_am_still_wayn]

Not to insult and with all due respect, here are my thoughts. With the damage from water intrusion and delamination, the motorhome is not in "excellent condition" as you state. You really do need to take off your rose colored glasses. The entire structural integrity of the motorhome is compromised, and to many buyers it has no value while to others it is worth its scrap value. Not seeing it and the extent of the damage, it is difficult to know how to price. However, based on your description, cost estimate to repair, and your supplied NADA valuation, I suspect you will get between $3,000 and $8,000 for it.