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

[Graycat]

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?

[Gdetrailer]

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..

[turbojimmy]

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.

[DutchmenSport]

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.

[matt7591]

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.

[LVJJJ]

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.

[rbpru]

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

[Blutoyz]

Wait a while and they will probably give it away just to get it off the property

[nypatnva]

I restore vintage trailers. That year, length and condition at the most $500.00. Plan on at least $3000.00 to restore and that is if you do all the work yourself. I would walk away.

[westend]

time2roll wrote:

matt7591 wrote:
They should pay you. There are affordable, nice condition trailers out there. Don't compromise hundreds of hours of your time to save a couple bucks.

That would depend if you want a project or if you want to go camping.

Exactly, assume there will be a lot of work. I did it my way because I wanted something that wasn't being built.

[time2roll]

matt7591 wrote:
They should pay you. There are affordable, nice condition trailers out there. Don't compromise hundreds of hours of your time to save a couple bucks.

That would depend if you want a project or if you want to go camping.

[matt7591]

They should pay you. There are affordable, nice condition trailers out there. Don't compromise hundreds of hours of your time to save a couple bucks.

[westend]

My recipe: '71 Starcraft with good frame and running gear but needing total restoration--$750
$5-6K and six months of my time.

[time2roll]

Half what he is asking assuming good title.

[Lwiddis]

How long has it been for sale? The longer the lower your offer can be.

[turbojimmy]

Based on your description, free is too much. Keep looking. If you have a $2k, or even $1k budget you can find something in much better shape.