info on ebay '65 17 footer

[flaman]

What would an experienced streamer think of this trailer listed on ebay.? They look so cool shined up. My wife and I are just looking were thinking more of a newer 19/-22 footer, but these shiny beauties can be stunning.Any info about buying one would be helpful.

Here's the auction #:

150180155612

[Janet H]

It's very shiny. But... it has creases in the skin. These are almost impossible to repair. Generally you would have to replace the segments. So while the trailer may not leak (although they generally do around creases that run over seams) it needs to be valued appropriately to reflect the cost of repair.

Other stuff you need to find out about:
The fridge - looks like an electric only (apartment style) model?
Is the floor solid?
The rack hanging off the back bumper is not original. It's generally not advised to carry much weight back there - so find out what modifications have been made.

But... it is very shiny.

[Stefrobrts]

Better look past the shine. The modern fridge looks way out of place, and now you have no counterspace - and believe me, in a stock Caravel, you barely have enough counter space to do anything as it is!

Also, the rack on the back looks like trouble to me. I had a Bambi with a rear tire rack and ammo cans on the back bumper, and the extra weight had caused the floor to separate from the shell to the point where I could see daylight from inside the trailer. Extra weight on the back is bad news!


And does anyone else think it's really odd to have levelers on the front of the trailer? I mean, I could see adding a pair of crank-down stabilizers to the trailer behind the wheels, but why on the tounge?

It's shiney, but I'd be very careful in inspecting it, just as I would ANY vintage Airstream, before making an offer.

[GreatPumpkin]

I'll echo some of the sentiments posted by Stef and Janet...

It's a nice looking shiny trailer, but now look at the negatives:

• The add-on to the rear bumper. Not original, and most likely has caused damage to the trailer.
• The creases on the skin.
• Deep scratches, and some pitting at the front.
• The fridge appears to be electric only, no good for boondocking.

But... all the vintage ones have some kind of issues. It's still a nice vintage trailer, and worth some money, but I think it's overpriced at $8,225. (and the reserve isn't even met!)

[soldiermedic]

I called and spoke with this guy (I am in St. Louis as well).

The current owner bought it a year ago to take it out, but never has. It is recently polished (By himself, and not professionally). He is the third owner. I am wary because the frame is original as is the floor. One of the previous owners welded a large storage rack as well as front/rear stabilizer jacks. This adds alot of strain on the frame, and I am 100% sure it will cause issues eventually.

It is surely overpriced. A polished turd if I may say it.

Steve

[Airhog1]

Steve,

That last line put me in the floor!

G

[Inland RV Center, In]

The door is sagging.

Andy

[InsideOut]

Also:

• The door also looks bent to heck along the bottom.
• Looks like there might be leakage or a bad patch on the ceiling by the A/C...what's that dark spot?
• Doesn't mention whether the axle has been replaced...'65 Caravel spindles have a reputation for being undersized. With the added weight of the back storage platform and the front stablizers...it would seem the spindles/axle would just be an accident waiting to happen!
• Missing a hubcap...only one shown (opps, sorry...there's another on the spare)

And finally, it's being towed by a Mazda!!!

I agreed...$8,000+ is way too much, polish job or not....and if you look at the close-up pics, it doesn't look like a very through polish job at that. Lots of corrosion & pitting can be seen...

Shari

[soldiermedic]

Axle is original.

[Heirstreamer]

Originally Posted by flaman

My wife and I are just looking were thinking more of a newer 19/-22 footer, but these shiny beauties can be stunning.Any info about buying one would be helpful.

Fluff and beauty do not add up to substance and usefulness. I have bought from ebay, but when it comes to high priced items, I would want a thorough, hands on, inspection.

Best of luck to you in finding the "right" AS.

Be sure to check out the FORUMS classifieds here too.

[Melody Ranch]

AMEN....you guys all have hit it on the head.
Too many individuals and resellers polish a junker and put it out there....and guess what? IT SELLS.... to the unsuspecting neophite.
If its straight and original it will need:
650 for anAC.
450 for a stove.
650 for a refridgerator.
Up to 350 for new updated propane tanks and regulator.
The water heater IS on its last leg....another 350.
The cushions/matresses ARE gonners....probably 1500.
A vent fan of some type....100.
Electrical converter....the Univolt IS shot for sure.....300.
A battery....100 to 300.
Curtains.....450.
etc., etc., etc.

I also lsee many with a panel....only one panel, and most likely only a part of a panel, polished. Thats where the previous owner realized what he/she was in for and buggered out......not a sample of a simple polish job ahead. Look at the ads here and on EBAY.

[InsideOut]

Looks like it sold for a whooping $14,100...I sure hope the buyer isn't disappointed ~

Anybody wanna bet whether it will be for sale again shortly?

Shari

[soldiermedic]

Obviously the buyer has no idea what he is getting into. They will eaither find this forum and realize how badly they got nailed when they get here asking us for info, or they will relist it, and take a severe beating on it.

Steve

[Silverwanabe]

Hi folks,

14k, way too high, it's not even a Bambi !!

I hear PT Barnum in the background

tire carrier on back, a big no no!!!

Unit might be worth 5k,

6k on a good day!

Greg

[Small Fry]

Hello,


I am new here to the forum, and would like to get a smaller Airstream, no bigger then 22 feet max. Can someone please educate me as to the difference on the Caravel and the Bambi etc ?
Thanks,
Steve

[InsideOut]

It's the year...vintage 16' Bambis started in 1961 with the last year being 1963, then there was the 17' Bambi II in 1964 and 17' Caravels were introduced in 1965. They were the smallest model made for each of their respective years.

Check out the Photo Archives to see most of the different vintage makes, models & years....and Welcome to the Forums!!!

Shari

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by Silverwanabe

Hi folks,

14k, way too high, it's not even a Bambi !!

Unit might be worth 5k,
6k on a good day!

Greg

So, a new BaseCamp is "worth" $21k? A new Safari 20' is worth $36k?

I bought my '70 Safari Special 23' for $2k in 1987 and sold it in 1994 for $5k. It didn't need anything. I bought my '61 Bambi for $1100 in 1998, and sold it in '01 for $6,300. It was completely stock and ready for a new axle. The lady to whom I sold it was thrilled to get it. Bambis and Caravels are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them, particularly with new small trailers going for twice to three times that amount and climbing. If the new owner wanted it badly enough, and $14k isn't a big deal to him, then it it's "worth" $14k.

Roger

[soldiermedic]

While I agree with Roger that the smaller units are worth whatever you will pay for them, this unit had too many no nos to be worth that to me personally.

Steve

[Small Fry]

Hello Shari,
Thanks for the link, I am in love with Maxwell !!! What a cool trailer, and a a very cool restoration job you guys did
Thank You,
Steve