1983 Excella Questions

[Larry71]

I have a 1971 Safari that I tow with my 2005 Nissan Titan. I have found someone who is selling a 1983 31' Excella that has been garage kept it's whole life and had only two weeks use each year. The owner has passed away and the family is selling it.

My questions are:

Do you think my Titan that is rated at 10,000 pounds towing capacity can tow this 31' Excella that has a loaded gross weight of 7,100 pounds. I have no problem towing the 24' Safari but am a little anxious about adding the additional weight and 7" of length.

What is a good price for the Excella. They are asking just under $14,000. The rig is in excellent condition. The only appliance that has been replaced is the refrigerator in 2002.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Larry

[Chuck]

I don't think the Titan is rated for 10,000lbs. are you really sure about that? Alot of class iv hitches have that stamped on them...that's what the "hitch" is capable of, not the truck.

still, if the Titan is properly equiped, it should handle the 7100lb Excella. You'll want to make sure you have a good anti-sway hitch setup...might even want to consider a Hensley ($$$$$$$) for something that long.

Don't know much about the price thing on this vintage...I'm not sure how far back NADA goes, but it might be a good starting point. I thought it was 15 years.

[GoNomad]

Larry,
We own a 1972 Excella and love it!!!!!! Moved from a 24 foot SOB to our Excella a year ago and couldn't be happier. The Excella will tow better then you might think. I was concerned about the extra 7" but once we got her on the road I couldn't believe how little difference there was between the two trailers. I have an anti sway bar and the load distributing bars but the Excella is pretty well balanced. I would recommend Electronic Brake controller. That made a huge difference (towed her home without, camped all summer with). If the trailer has a rear bath check for floor separation in the back. What you pay is always a matter of personal preference but maybe this website will help you decide if it the right price.

http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_topics_pricevscondition.html

I know I felt better about the deal after going through the comarison.
If you do decide to buy the trailer let us know! It is always good to have another Excella owner out there.

[Larry71]

Chuck,

You are right, the max tow capacity for the Titan is only 9,200'. NADA does not go back to 1983 for RV values, guess I'll have to wing it.

Nick & Holly,

Thanks for your encouragement. I think I will try to get the Excella, just have to start negotiating on the price.

Larry

[Okiegent]

I paid 9,000.00 for a 83 just a week ago. It was real clean and in good condition. I will have to do maintenance to it. However I thought that was a good deal. I am looking for a service manual for mine. Sway bars and stabilizers would be a good Ideal. I pull mine with a 1500 360 quad cab dodge 98 for right now. I plan to bump that up some.