Used TT Buying Guidelines

[henderr1]

I'm going to buy a used travel trailer (TT) and cannot seem to locate any good guidelines of what to check before conducting said purchase?

Secondly, looking to determine what is "standard" equipment on the trailer. My consideration is a '71, 31' Landyacht.

The seller and I are going to push the buttons and turn the knobs this weekend, February 20, 2005. Any idea's on how to check a/c and fridge while the temperature outside could be below freezing?

All suggestions are welcome and thank you for reading my questions.

henderr1

[overlander64]

Greetings henderr1!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by henderr1

I'm going to buy a used travel trailer (TT) and cannot seem to locate any good guidelines of what to check before conducting said purchase?

A good place to start your investigation is a page on the Vintage Airstream site operated by R J Dial. The Price vs. Condition page should give you some very good information to create a pre-purchase inspection list. You can find this page at:

http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_t...condition.html

Originally Posted by henderr1

Secondly, looking to determine what is "standard" equipment on the trailer. My consideration is a '71, 31' Landyacht.

The standard equipment could vary quite considerably from one year to the next. Land Yacht was the base model in '71 while the Land Yacht International would have been the upgrade trim/accessory level. The best source for determining what was standard, optional, or later installed accessories is the original showroom sales literature. The owners' manual can be of some help, but its information isn't always complete regarding standard and optional equipment.

Originally Posted by henderr1

The seller and I are going to push the buttons and turn the knobs this weekend, February 20, 2005. Any idea's on how to check a/c and fridge while the temperature outside could be below freezing?

All suggestions are welcome and thank you for reading my questions.

henderr1

The one thing that comes to mind is to have the furnace operating and get the interior temperature to something approaching normal living levels. The refrigerator should easily make ice cubes in the freezer and the refrigerator compartment should be well within the "safe" zone on a typical refrigerator thermometer (it could take several hours even in cold weather for the interior compartments of the refigerator to actually reach normal operating temperatures for the unit). It would be ill-advised to try to test the air conditioner unless the owner has 30-AMP 120-volt electrical service available where the coach is parked. It doesn't take much time operating on less than the necessary amperage/voltage to burn out the air conditioner's compressor. If 30-AMP is available, with the interior heated by the furnace, it might be possible to get the interior warm enough to test the air conditioner.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Barbara Peerenboom]

"So you want to buy a trailer 3 states away" is a thread of folks who have volunteered to check out potential purchases for others. Maybe someone on the lischeck it t, who lives near the trailer or you, would be willing to help you to check it out.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ead.php?t=7387

good luck!

Barb

[henderr1]

Ovelander64:

Thanks for the information, any idea's on where to get sales literature for a '71 Land Yacht?

[overlander64]

Greetings henderr1!

Originally Posted by henderr1

Ovelander64:

Thanks for the information, any idea's on where to get sales literature for a '71 Land Yacht?

The most probable place to find original Airstream sales brochures is through an E-Bay auction. The publications are usually called The Airstream Story - - a new issue was produced for each model year. It is hard to predict the price on a specific brochure - - I have seen them sell for anything from $20 to as much as $200. Generally, it seems like the prices for the 1970s brochures run from $20 to $75.

Good luck with your search for information!

Kevin

[henderr1]

Barbara:
I just found the exact link from thenewkid64 in the forum link you sent to me, thanks! His posting is thread number 116. After looking through the listing, I'm going to contact a member to see if they are still helping out.

henderr1

[Condoluminum]

The advice I'd offer is to do enough research to determine how much the Airstream in the condition you'd like it to be is worth to you, based on Vintage Airstream sites and other threads here, and then subtract all the (rounded up..) fixit costs to get there, plus a reserve, and make that your target purchase price... If you feel carpet is intolerable, for example, or turquise upholstery and curtains most go, and refrigerator or stove or A/C need replacing, itemize all of them with either your labor or professional help and total them up.. If seller unhappy, point out most other buyers would do the same, and it's not personal, and if they really believe it's worth more in "As Is" condition you'll grant them a little time to test their theory...

On a 1970's model, the cost of upgrades and renovations could equal the purchase price (or exceed it..) in a hurry. The desired finished state, however, will vary from buyer to buyer, and so your cost to upgrade may vary...

Some ideas on costs..

A/C installed: $900
Refrigerator: $1000
Carpet: $250-500 depending on installer
Hardwood Floors: $300-500
Drapes: $100 (sew yourself) to $800
Replacement Couch/Bed: $800+

John McG

[henderr1]

John-

I venture out today to make the assessment. Since this is my 3rd trip, any of the trailers attributes (good and bad) that has been missed on the other 2 trips should exposed. Today is more touch everything day. Appreciate your "back-in" suggestions. Using everyone's tips, with any luck, my decision will be a good one.

Thanks to all. My success will be posted in a future thread!