1972 Tradewind - Should I buy?

[MWairstream]

Hey everyone! Newbie here - first post in the forums! I've been reading these forums and have gained so much knowledge from here, I am hoping you all will help will suggestions about this 1972 25' Tradewind I'm considering. The PO has it listed for $5500 and said he would come down to $5k. Here's what I know:

- axles and tires are original (tires look fine enough though)
- no front benches or cushions, PO took them all out, but has the dinette table
- PO installed new carpet, says floor is solid (it's not - we used a screwdriver and it was soft in the front where the front couch/bed would go (thanks for taking that out, PO!)
- exterior under where the soft spot in the floor is, is kind of soft and when I push up with my finger, it gives (unlike the exterior walls higher up)
- tons of mice droppings and insulation inside the oven which I'm assuming the mice brought in there
- PO didn't have a battery so we couldn't turn it on and see if it worked
- propane hose is busted
- twin model - the cushions for the beds are available for one, the other was taken apart but is there (and I actually like the 70's fabric)
- tons of rust underneath
- a/c, heat, fridge, and oven work according to PO
- only has one dent in the rear top

I don't mind doing the work. Going to work on it with my dad who is extremely handy and good with all of this stuff. Because of the mice droppings, I'm assuming I'm going to have to take out the insulation and redo the insulation and walls. Also assuming, because of the age, I'm going to have to take out the rug and the plywood underneath.

My concern is the frame and the belly that I keep reading about (I don't understand what part is the belly??). With all this rust, how do you fix it? Does the rust mean the frame is busted?

I am going to attach pictures and would appreciate any advice you guys have to offer! Thanks in advance for your help!

-MW

[aquinob]

Hmm. Big dent on one end, lots of visible rust, customizations on the plumbing and you already say the floors are soft. I'm not liking what I hear. For that kind of money, even in NJ, you should be getting something with fewer obvious issues. FYI, the belly pan is the sheet metal that covers the bottom of the frame between the frame rails. It protects the insulation and above that, the plywood subfloor from the weather. It also hides a multitude of sins and is mouse and roach central.

I wouldnt say pass, but I would suggest that you try and find somebody in your neck of the woods that can come and help you inspect it. They can give you a better idea of what you are in for. And before you jump in, keep in mind that replacing floors is major work that involves removing all the built ins and all or part of the interior walls. It is not a job for the feint of heart. The axles are also going to need to be replaced, thats 1500 right there, just for the parts. And then the appliances are all suspect and you havent been able to see anything run. To quote Hans Solo, "I have a bad feeling about this..."

[BoCox]

When I bought my AS I knew of some issues but uncovered many more. I personally think $5k is high. Are you set on a tradewind or just any AS? For me I wanted a Safari, so I was willing to wait for the right one at the right price. They can all be fixed, just depends on how much time and money you want to spend. You try searchtempest.com? I found mine by misspelling airstream....

[MWairstream]

Aquinob, thanks for explaining what the belly pan is. I'm prepared to remove walls, built ins, and subfloor. Time is not a factor. Would like to spend no more than 5k on repairs though. Walls are in good shape so I can out those back. Any idea on how much insulation would cost for the floor and walls? We have a 1 yr old and hopefully another on the way soon - I'd want to take everything out any completely clean it anyway. I'll post to see if there's anyone in the area. Thanks for your help; I really appreciate it.

BoCox, not set on Tradesind. Looking for 22-27ft. I learned that 60's probably had better workmanship, but feel that 70's feel less claustrophobic. Not set in stone though. Looking for a project. Most concerned about not getting screwed out if too much money. Will try searchtempest - thanks for the advice.

So do you guys have any idea on what a fairer price would be based on the pics? Is it more like $4500 or much lower like $2500?

Thanks again for your time.

[RM66caravel]

From what you are showing and telling you will have between 7 to 10k when you are finished but that depends on you skill time and available assistance. Looking at many adds you can find cheaper out there but travel cost to retrieve and repair cost may eat the difference so if you can point out the cost consideration for repairs and have 4k in hand perhaps it is not such a bad deal. In the rear there is a panel (3.5x 4 foot section) of belly pan that can be dropped with removing just a few rivets and if he or they will let you then you need to take a peak at the frame. If you have the tools and can weld then you Can even save there. Post a thread requesting any available inspector in your area and call ask if there is a fee, if not then at least offer gas and possibly a meal. Do a search for the inspection check list download and print it. Airstreams have gone through the roof and are even being stolen and sold for parts so the one you are looking at is not outrageous. As for me I would probably go 2.5 to 4k for that one but I already have an airstream. Obtw I have just finished the frame repair will put the floor, belly pan and axle on next and paid 5k for the caravel.
Cliff

[idroba]

From your description, you had better be ready for a lot of work, and a lot of $$ to bring it back. The plumbing has been modified, the floors are soft, you don't know if the electrics work nor the propane system because they are conveniently out of service. The owner says things work, (or worked) but they may not now. The axles will need replacing, and the tires. I'll be the furnace, refrig, water heater etc are all on their last legs or are not working. The floor is soft and the frame is questionable.

Pass this one up. Others will be available. Take the investment money and the repair money you have in mind and look for one which already has been renovated and restored, you will be much better off.

[aceflys]

I think you will a lot better off just paying more for a good! I searched 3 years for my AS. Its was well worth the wait. I got a Caravel in great shape for only a few k more then what they are asking.

Ace in PA

TAC PA-1
WBCCI 2169

[cameront120]

I'd pass. There's a lot of costly work needed on top of needing 2 new axels and possible frame & subfloor repairs/replacement.

[aquinob]

I'd look at it as a possibility at 2-3K. I'd figure that's the going price for a frame and shell and not much more. If its a total renovation you are looking at then make sure most or all the parts are there. You don't want to have to source broken windows or things like that they can get expensive.

I put closed cell foam board insulation in mine under the floors, probably a couple hundred for the material. If you want to see some pix, check my blog below. If you total for upgrades is 5K, it might not be feasible with this trailer.

[Tom Nugler]

Just looking at the pictures made me think this would be a huge undertaking. The asking price is unrealistic for the condition for the rig.
As a comparison I paid $3400 for the TW with damaged roof, no A/C, TV antenna and damaged vents (pulled under a tree). No propane tanks, no umbilical, dry rotted tires, soft floor in the wet bath and a crappy smelly futon up front. Axles were fair, new water heater, everything else was original and worked on delivery.
I pulled the trigger due to the fact that the rear section of frame had already been repaired and the DW really, really wanted it.
It took a Grand to make it road worthy and $1800 to be livable. More still to do.

If you’ve got the skills, a shop to work in, the woodworking and machine tools, plenty of time and patience, and, you can get the price down to $1500 -$2000, then think long and hard about what you’d like to do with the trailer. Just camp, rehab, or, rebuild the trailer to last another 40 years.

Personally I’d pass on this one and keep looking.
When the right one comes along you’ll know it.

Good Luck,
Tom

[mtbguy]

I think I would pass. I traded an old boat for my 26 foot trailer last year and was able to use it from the start. It had ugly interior materials but almost inside everything worked, new tires/bearings/brakes and no body damage. If you are really set on it I think it is worth 2-2.5K max. I see you easily spending 5 or 6k to get it up to speed, that is if you do all the labor.

[arktos55343]

My '72 Trade Wind was in similar shape. I got it for less than half what your seller is asking. And considering what I have sunk into mine (so far), I seriously doubt that a 5k rehab is realistic.

[MWairstream]

Thank you all for taking your time to give me some wonderful advice. It is much appreciate. I am going to take your advice and pass on this one.

[andreasduess]

As dad of three young kids, oldest is three, then one year old twins, all I can say is that your time for hobbies will evaporate like you never expected.

I don't know if your wife would be prepared to be the primary caregiver to the kids whilst you're out restoring a vintage camper, but mine would have opinions

Just something else to keep in mind perhaps.

[RM66caravel]

If you are still wanting to try and get that one than tell them that after research and due to the cost of redoing it to "your satisfaction" that you are all in at 2500. And if that's not good then call you if he changes his mind. Others on the forums have far and away more knowledge than I so do what you feel is best. For 11 to 13k you can get a camp ready and if you breach 7 to 8K in repair another 3k in your labor 2.5k is still high.

[thomdial]

It's a shorter trailer which are more sought after. Yes, you MAY find another one in better condition for a little more money. I would verify for certain that the AC, fridge, and heat work. Check water lines- hook up to water and wait for leaks underneath- give it at least an hour. They are all work. But..Don't settle for something too long that is a little less work. Personally, I would rather work on it for a year or so than look for three years.
A marginal floor equals a poor floor in my book- They both have to be replaced! I also had the same dent in mine on the back. It was not too hard to fix. I spent alot of time on mine, but its mostly fun and not really rocket science.

Thom

[RM66caravel]

Thom, thank you I was wondering how I missed all of these great deals that must be out there because after 4 years of looking I still have not found the overlander I want but it's all good I am having fun doing the caravel! (wife's choice)
Cliff

[68 TWind]

I inspected a 73 Ambassador for a forum member last week. Similar issues as the one you looked at and the guy would have taken $3K for it but it was still not a good deal since the prospective owner did not have the time. There was just too much work needed. I paid $2500 for my TW and looking back it was a little too much considering the 2 years and many thousand dollars it took to bring it back to 1968 condition. I think you made a good decision passing on this one.

[RM66caravel]

Classifieds 1973 overlander looks awesome 4500. Buy that one before I do! The wife would kill me and the daughter would get it.
Cliff

[Smokin Camel]

I bought my 72 for $1500 (I did get a deal from the PO), After installing--axles/bearings and brakes, all LED stop lights, new door light and LED running lights I then did the new indoor lighting, repairing the sliding cabinet doors, new black tank, new pump, new 3 stage charger, new elec box (3 breaker -r side outlet-l side outlet and 1 for ac), a front window protector, new awning, high efficiency ac--I would get a low profile if doing that over,,,new goucho covers, pex plumbing--oh yeah new slide valves, new furnace --the old refer still makes ice!, fantastic vents and a couple more items----I finished the fireplace last year...somehow this became a hobby, if you like to tinker these things are great! If you do not like to tinker--save the aggravation and get something new. I know I forgot some of the other little things like an old car stereo or doing the Fantastik treatment to the walls....oh yeah new window and door seals...

Believe it or not I even went camping a few times!,

I am moving to Las Vegas late this fall and will stay in the old camel until I find a place....was it worth it....to me DEFINATELY I am looking forward to several months in Nevada and Arizona---maybe I will even stop by Quartzite AZ

Not that I am predjudiced about a 72 Tradewind but-------------- and they are the largest of the small trailers - or smallest of the large trailers.

Earlier posts gave good advice about what you want and what condition the trailer is in, Sweat equity is sort of a pride thing, that is preaching to the choir in this forum, but that is what restoration is about.

I found a couple of people from this forum to have been instrumental with good advice--thank you to many and especially John HD and Andy .