Valuation of older motor homes

[Tskate1]

Hi, we purchased a 1997 Fleetwood American Dream motor home late last year. The coach was in very good condition, but needed some updates, which we have done (new rubber roof, new tires, tv's, air conditioners). We also had it gone over very thoroughly mechanically. We lost the coach last night when the barn it was in burned down. The coach is a total loss. My question is .....we need to develop a frame of reference for valuation. Are there any suggestions for the best process to do that? Thanks.

[mike_brez]

JumboJet wrote:

Tskate1 wrote:
Hi, we purchased a 1997 Fleetwood American Dream motor home late last year. The coach was in very good condition, but needed some updates, which we have done (new rubber roof, new tires, tv's, air conditioners). We also had it gone over very thoroughly mechanically. We lost the coach last night when the barn it was in burned down. The coach is a total loss. My question is .....we need to develop a frame of reference for valuation. Are there any suggestions for the best process to do that? Thanks.

Were you running a battery charger at the time of the fire?

Just interested to know.....!

Battery chargers have caused many fires over the years.

....and refridgerators

[accsys]

And whatever you do, do not accept their first offer. They will always lowball you to begin with on a "total." Remember it's a negotiation and you will need to negotiate their final offer. This is especially true the older the vehicle is.

[JumboJet]

Tskate1 wrote:
Hi, we purchased a 1997 Fleetwood American Dream motor home late last year. The coach was in very good condition, but needed some updates, which we have done (new rubber roof, new tires, tv's, air conditioners). We also had it gone over very thoroughly mechanically. We lost the coach last night when the barn it was in burned down. The coach is a total loss. My question is .....we need to develop a frame of reference for valuation. Are there any suggestions for the best process to do that? Thanks.

Were you running a battery charger at the time of the fire?

Just interested to know.....!

Battery chargers have caused many fires over the years.

[crasster]

NADA, Kelly Blue book, and also check how much similar makes and models go for on Ebay & RV trader.

[gbopp]

mike brez wrote:
Don't think you will get any $$ for repairs or add ons.

I agree. I think if you have a 1997 Ford/Chevy/Buick/Whatever and it gets destroyed, it doesn't matter if has 5k of recent mods or repairs. You will get the value of a 1997 model.

[westernrvparkow]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
Stated value insurance-----

is extremely expensive compared to normal full coverage. And you have to have appraisals done at your expense, which adds to the expense.

[Executive45]

If you bought it "late last year" you would have gotten your insurance at the same time. I would use whatever value you/they placed on it at that time. I doubt they'll give you anything for upgrades you've done unless you have meticulous receipts. "Sweat labor" doesn't count. Don't forget about the personal item inside the coach. Your vehicle insurance won't cover that but your homeowners should minus your deductible. Good luck with your negotiations.....Dennis

[enblethen]

I would look your model on RVT.com.

[ferndaleflyer]

Stated value insurance-----

[rgatijnet1]

It would be nice to try to get back all that you have in to the coach but items like a new roof, and other needed repairs, are usually not counted in the valuation. These are repair items.
Don't forget to ask about and add the personal belongings that you had in your coach. My policy includes $5000 for my personal items in the coach.
You may want to check with your bank and see what they say the loan value is of your coach. Since they don't loan 100% you will have to add the value they give you plus the down payment difference to find your total value.

[mike_brez]

Don't think you will get any $$ for repairs or add ons
Nada for the three models that year

[bsinmich]

Sorry about that loss. Now it depends on your insurance co. Have all the receipts available for everything you had done as an improvement for your negotiating. Depending on the insurance co. and the adjustor will determine your payment. Good Luck If you don't agree, after negotiations are ended then you can get an attorney. I have found you will get better settlement if you don't even mention an attorney at first.

[amazingvanstone]

I would start with NADA.com to set the "black book" value of a typical 97 American Coach. Then to Google to see what others are asking for them. Then gather your repair invoices together and begin negotiating.
Good Luck.