Visit our Popular Forums

karmaco · 09-02-2008, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the quick response!

I'm looking forward to hearing from the mechanic but didn't know if the issues already addressed would be enough of a deal breaker. My worry is that I live in a rural area and the only mechanic that I could find has ties with the seller. I'll update the post with his findings once they are in.

richinny · 09-02-2008, 10:44 AM

some of the big ticket items for all trailers are:
axles
heater
water heater
refrigerator
a/c
floor rot
black, grey & fresh water tanks
frozen water lines

the smudges might be from rubbing tree branches.

trailers are different than other vehicles and should have an inspection done by someone familiar with them.

many folks on the forum are available for courtesy inspections.

karmaco · 09-11-2008, 03:44 PM

Thanks richinny! It looks like the fridge, AC, batteries and the holding tank will all need to be replaced. Plus I still don't know condition the brakes are in. They're asking 6K for it as-is. Do you guys think that's too high?

richinny · 09-11-2008, 04:18 PM

too high or low depends on what it is worth to you. you can now start putting a list together as to what repairs will cost. add those costs to the initial purchase price and compare it to classified ads in this and other forums then do the math.

condensation can go with water leaks so check the floor carefully! if you read up here, you'll see how/where to check and what is involved to fix it.

i would not call it frugal living. it can be a great experience!

DEITZ645 · 09-11-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karmaco

Thanks richinny! It looks like the fridge, AC, batteries and the holding tank will all need to be replaced. Plus I still don't know condition the brakes are in. They're asking 6K for it as-is. Do you guys think that's too high?

Karmaco,
Those are pretty big ticket items to be replacing. I would suggest continuing your search unless you want a project or can pay somebody to complete the project. But then again that is just my two cents.

karmaco · 09-12-2008, 08:00 AM

Thanks again for the quick replies! It looks like they were able to fix the issues with the holding tank and AC at the current owner's expense. The fridge is still an issue so I might offer a little less than asking.

DEITZ645 · 09-12-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karmaco

Thanks again for the quick replies! It looks like they were able to fix the issues with the holding tank and AC at the current owner's expense. The fridge is still an issue so I might offer a little less than asking.

Karmaco,
Before signing on the dotted line, be sure to make sure EVERYTHING works to YOUR satisfaction. Crawl in, on, under, through, everything. Take an ice pick and make sure you find no soft spots in the flooring around the perimiter of the trailer, or anywhere else. Make sure the coach has good (hopefully new) batteries, full propane and the tanks have the new OPD valves on them. And ask LOTS of questions.

Check out this checklist...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f138...ist-43294.html

Also be aware that a new refrigerator is a $1,000.00 - $2,000.00 proposition.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

willyd · 09-12-2008, 11:44 AM

Don't forget to check NADA RV. However, the condition of the unit, the extras and trying to understand the reason for the sale will give you the best price at that time. I have gone through this process and purchased the same unit from the same seller approximately 4 weeks later at a better price - due to circumstances. Be patient and look for the best deal for you.

karmaco · 09-15-2008, 01:56 PM

Thanks everyone! I actually stumbled on a much better deal so I went with that one and I am now the VERY proud owner of a beautiful 1977 31' Sovereign.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge and helping me make an informed decision.

hampstead38 · 09-15-2008, 02:21 PM

Congratulations.

TinRitz · 09-22-2008, 02:53 AM

My Husband and I also bought a 67 overlander that we plan to restore. We would love to hear about the progress or lack of that you make along the way.
We bought ours in Winterhaven Florida a couple of years ago and had it towed out her to California and haven't had the time to get started on it yet. Our youngest is 13 so we have a few years until we too can make our dream journey across country.
Please keep us posted...

hampstead38 · 09-23-2008, 07:51 AM

Check out my Yahoo360 page (link below). Our expected "launch" date is July 1, 2011, for what could be a full year of early retirement, roaming, full timing before we settle back into our careers.