What should we pay?

[osolow]

if you would think about a 91 29ft the wife and i are thinking about selling ours clean and nice i can send you all the pic and info you need

[hampstead38]

Thank you, Osolow, but 29' is a bit long and heavy for us. According to my "cheat sheet," the dry weight is about 5600 lbs. I'd like to keep my Nissan Titan as our tow vehicle. With everything loaded, I think the 91 Excella 29 is a bit more trailer than we're looking for. Thanks, though. I appreciate the thought and hope you find a buyer.

[karmaco]

Hi all! I’m new to the forums and have found everyone’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for all things AS to be contagious!

I’ve found a 31 ft ’79 Sovereign International for sale and would like your opinion of what it might be worth. The interior is in great shape and almost everything is original. The floor seems to be solid, there are no signs of rear separation and no leaks can be found. The skin needs a lot of work (it looks like someone tried to polish it and left a lot of black smudges on it) and the blue paint is cracked and faded. I’m having a mechanic check everything out tomorrow but it looks like the tires will need to be replaced, the axles are very brown but there appears to be no rust spots (I couldn’t get close enough to tell), the film in between the windows is peeling badly, the back window has some condensation between the panes and the belly pan is coming loose at three rivets.

I’m trying to practice frugal living, so I’m looking for something to live in full time while making repairs as I can afford them. I cannot afford a money pit at this time, but for the right AS I would gladly put in the time and money required over the next few years to slowly bring it back to its former glory.

I do not have a lot of money but would like to pay the seller a fair price. Any indication of a ballpark figure would be greatly appreciated!!!

[richinny]

it might be best to finish the list of needed items after the mechanic checks it out. it's hard to estimate price before you think/know what it needs.

[karmaco]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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...

Trailer Inspection Checklist

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]

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]

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]

Congratulations.