31' Excella 500

[davidz71]

I purchased this '77 Excella 500 31' from a gentleman in Vernon, AZ. in April '01. It is a rear bath model with curb side twin bed, dresser street side, flexsteel couch curb side, entertainment credenza across front, original Armstrong AC and Dometic 100 fridge as well as 40 lb. alum. tanks. The Nutone was replaced, a waterline repaired and all systems are up and running. See the interior photos in my photo gallery.

[InsideOut]

Looks like a nice one...

Shari

[davidz71]

Thanks Shari,
I was told to expect to put in close to $1,000 after buying a used model and sure enough, with accessories and replacement parts here and there, that is about what I have had to do. 4 new tires, furnace rebuild and new Wave 6 catalytic heater take up a big part of this. Craig

[InsideOut]

There's always going to be something! And if there isn't you'll spend the money "customizing" it...right!? But that's the fun part....

Shari

[lauradorala]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and thought I would introduce myself. I recently bought an airstream excella 500 (31 foot) in Arizona, and the seller was helping me pull it back to California with her Suburban when we were run off the road by a semi and the trailer fishtailed, did crazy stuff, and eventually jackknifed. We all survived, but the trailer was not so lucky.

I am looking to find evidence as to its value, as the insurance company is being a bit stingy when it comes to coughing up the dough.

Has anyone else bought an excella 500 31 ft, within the approximate year, or have other evidence of its value? It was in excellent condition, everything worked, there was a lock box under the sink, gold plated bathroom fixtures (a bit cheesy, I know!), original appliances with all working parts, new quality couch in the living room, recently recarpeted, an excellent body (but not supershined.... just no major dings), etc...

I can post photos if anyone is interested. (Before or after, just let me know!)

Thanks,
Laura

[davidz71]

Laura,
I sold my '77 three years ago for $6,400 which was the minimum I would let it go for. I had over 100 hours of polishing done on it, all appliances (including the Nutone Food Processing Center) worked and the disc brake system was functioning perfectly. I let it go for the lower sum due to slight rear end seperation where the frame is slightly bent over the axles and the trailer skin starts to bow outward near the wheelwell opening. This could have been repaired for anywhere between $1,500 to $2,500. I'd pay attention to ebay auctions as well as trailers listed for sale here on the forum. Also check the VAC classifieds as well as RVTrader.com.