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luxxCon · 02-19-2012, 12:04 PM

I found a built in 73, titled 74 sovereign that has been sitting under a carport for 15 years. The shell looks good, a lot of mildew and mold inside. axles still sit up where they are supposed to. Tires have lots of tread, but small cracks on the sidewalls. There looks to be no problem with backend sag. I think there have been few miles put on this unit. I'm looking at this unit to do a total renovation/ custom. The inside needs total gut anyhow. The bath floor is a bit spongy, is a rear bath. Under body looks good, not sure how the frame looks. I do think breaks will need replaced, a lot of rust. If I do get this unit I will put new axles with hydraulic brakes. Since I plan on a total rebuild to my liking, what should this unit go for? I have my idea, but looking for some feed back if you have a chance. Thanks so much.

luxxCon · 02-19-2012, 12:07 PM

wrong brakes, oops

Inland RV Center, In · 02-19-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luxxCon

wrong brakes, oops

You can add disc brakes if you wish.

If the inside is a mess, then less than $4000.00 would be fair.

Having sat for all those years, destroyed the rubber rods in the axles. Jack up one side, and see how much a tire drops.

If the rubber rods are good, the tires will drop about 3 inches.

If the r4ubber rods are bad, the tires will hardly drop at all.

Andy

luxxCon · 02-20-2012, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the reply Andy.

Lumatic · 02-20-2012, 06:41 PM

If it has been stored in a humid area for 15 years, there may be a rust problem with the frame and outriggers. If it has not been used for 15 years the rust may be what is holding it together. You might be able to get a peek at what you are in for from inside the rear exterior compartment.

luxxCon · 02-20-2012, 07:28 PM

The trailer as been in Ohio for the past 15 years under an open carport. If there is a lot of frame rust, what do you think this trailer would be worth with a good shell? Lumatic Thanks

derf · 02-20-2012, 07:53 PM

I paid $3000.00 for mine, floor was dry and sound

Lumatic · 02-20-2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

I paid $3000.00 for mine, floor was dry and sound

About right. Hard to tell without a good inspection.

Sorry to sound like a downer, but............Take an educated guess of what you think it will cost you to fix her. Then double it. Don't count on making the money back on resale. You may break even.

Consider a few thou more on a vintage unit someone else has already put back together, unless you are a DIY kind of guy.

Sneakinup · 02-21-2012, 06:24 AM

I snagged my 77 Sovereign for $800. The guy wanted $1500. It was gutted, has some rust through on the rear frame. The shell, windows, door, hatches, etc. are all in good shape. Has a 2 year old AC, newer Iota 55 amp converter, newer water heater. Zip Dees on both sides... in need of new fabric. Aluminum wheels. Plumbing all there. Tanks all there. Amazingly enough, minimal floor rot. I expect I will spend close to 10K to get it where I want it... and 100K's worth of my labor... at $7.50 and hour! Do the math!

Check the frame around the steps and through the rear bumper. That will give you a good indication of what you have to look forward to.

I would have given the guy the $1500 if he was firm on it, but he knew the condition of the trailer and needed to move it. I wouldn't pay more than $1500 for a gutted trailer in need of significant repair. Like you, I wanted a trailer that I could start from scratch with... and I got one!

luxxCon · 02-21-2012, 07:39 PM

Thanks a lot for the post Sneakinup. I'm looking forward to the slow process of a complete renovation. I want to take my time and do something really cool and different. Of course time is a premium. These days funds directed towards pet projects are also at a premium. You only live once, right? I have not bought this trailer yet, I'm letting the owner sweat a little. We will see how bad he wants to get rid of it and how bad I want this one.