Opinions needed before I purchase

[KarinW]

Hello!
I just joined this group a few days ago. I have a 1970-something Argosy trailer. The intent was to rehab it into a home office. After working on it for over a year I found out that it's much more work than I thought! Soooooo.....I found someone who is going to take the Argosy and now I'm looking for a new "office ready" trailer.



I found this one on Craigslist (1978 Airstream International) and I've asked around my friends and have received vastly different opinions. It is exactly what I need as is. I wouldn't have to do a thing to it but get it from Jacksonville to Fort Myers.



The question is....is this a fair price? Some of my friends say it should be half that amount. They are asking $14,500. There is no kitchen or sleeping area (which I don't need). They stated it has new tires and brakes, the a/c works but it needs servicing.



I'm looking for some opinions here or other questions I should be asking. Help please and thank you!


https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/rvs/6627236271.html

[Kevin245]

For $14.5K I would not give that one a 2nd look. Way overpriced IMO.

[KarinW]

Thank you Kevin245. That's what I'm looking for!
What do you think it is worth?

[rugjenkins]

If the camper has been rebuilt from the frame up and not just cosmetic upgrades this camper would be good. Check to see what was done: frame repairs,new subfloor, new axles and tires, functioning bathroom without repairs, no leaks and new insulation and electrical. If all that was done 14k is a good price.

Your argosy was a great candidate to do this to unless your not dyi and would have to pay someone.

[KarinW]

Thank you Matt!
I will ask all of these questions to the seller. Thank you!
I really gave it my best shot at the Argosy because I'm a DIY at home but this is a different ball game. I'm ready to throw in the towel and get one that's ready to be used.

Karin

[Caffeinated]

It would save you time and a lot of money to just make space for your office on your house.

Mike

[JMynes]

New tires and brakes don’t add value to the deal. Those items are required to make it go down the road. If it had bad tires and brakes, then you start reducing the price.
No kitchen or sleeping area is a BIG price reduction. It might happen to suit your current needs, but when you try to sell it you will have problems.
I think it’s a bad deal.

[KarinW]

Thank you JMynes. What do you think would be a reasonable offer?

[dbj216]

This 78 Airstream is an Ambassador 28' with the International trim level which back then was extra nice stuff. The seller gives very limited information about the trailer. The floor covering looks nice. The walls look painted (a negative in my view over the original very durable vinyl laminate.)

For $14 I would expect no or very limited body damage like scratches or dents. I would expect no rain water leaks or rotted floor. I would expect no "rear end separation" or frame sag. I would expect a good hitch coupler with minimum wear. I would expect newer axles, brakes, bearings and shocks. I would expect tires less than 5 years old. I would expect a working air conditioner. (Needs service means "worn out" in sales talk.) I would expect all the windows and doors work and the rubber seals are good. I would expect the 12vDC electrical system with a good converter and battery is in place. I would expect the 115vDC electrical system is 30 amps and all circuits and breakers function normally. I would expect a working bathroom with good water flow. I would expect the waste water holding tanks function. I would expect the awning(s) in good condition. I would not expect to smell mold or mildew 'cause the trailer doesn't leak rain water.

It is difficult to access a 40 year old Airstream from some pictures of the interior. If the items above check out satisfactorily, then to me the trailer is worth in the 11K range. If any items is worn out other than the AC, then the value is down from there. As mentioned earlier, this trailer is built for a special purpose. Most folks want an Airstream travel trailer, not an Airstream office. The market is limited.

David

[JMynes]

Originally Posted by KarinW

Thank you JMynes. What do you think would be a reasonable offer?

Im not really up on vintage Airstream values, so I can’t say what it might be worth.
I think the seller will be VERY lucky if you decide to buy it because it’s not going to appeal to most of the people who are shopping for an Airstream. In the event you decide to sell it, you’re going to have to have the same kind of amazing luck finding a buyer.
Given the limited resale opportunities, I see it as a bad investment. But if you plan on keeping it forever that doesn’t matter.
I know if I owned it, and you paid me $14k, I would be delirious with joy and smiling all the way to the bank.

[KarinW]

Thank you JMynes! That's the kind of advice I'm looking for! I understand now that it is a very limited market for what she has to offer and her price is much too high.

I will offer her something much less with the reasons I'm hearing here on the forum and she how she reacts.
Thank you for the input!

[KarinW]

Thank you David for that thorough reply! Now I have something concrete to go back to her with.

She bought the airstream off Craigslist but then never used it. She had it inspected the other day by an RV person...and they said it needs a new AC and new seals around the windows but other than that it's in excellent shape.

I'm going to offer her something much less and see how she responds.

THANK YOU for your help! I really appreciate it.

Karin

[JMynes]

Check on availability of replacement window seals. Being 40 years old, who knows what was used originally, and what current product would work?
Plan on at least $2k for replacing the AC. Mine was done under warranty, so I don’t have a firm number, but they ain’t cheap!

[AKStreamers]

Originally Posted by JMynes

Check on availability of replacement window seals. Being 40 years old, who knows what was used originally, and what current product would work?
Plan on at least $2k for replacing the AC. Mine was done under warranty, so I don’t have a firm number, but they ain’t cheap!

I wouldn’t rely on the sellers say so on condition. If you get serious about buying, try to get an RV technician to look at it. If you can, have the seller tow it to an inspection.

I would think you are looking for portability at a minimum for resale (ergo - axle, brakes, springs, straight frame, tongue).

Working electric: wiring, lights, service entry (fuses, converter).

Dry: window seals, skin seals.

Ventilation/Cooling: A/C, windows the open (humidity).

Security: working and locking front door.

Have those items inspected and get an estimate. You’ll soon find out if the $14K is a good price or only half the cost of your new office.

Best of luck.

[AKStreamers]

Originally Posted by AKStreamers

I wouldn’t rely on the sellers say so on condition. If you get serious about buying, try to get an RV technician to look at it. If you can, have the seller tow it to an inspection.

I would think you are looking for portability at a minimum for resale (ergo - axle, brakes, springs, straight frame, tongue).

Working electric: wiring, lights, service entry (fuses, converter).

Dry: window seals, skin seals.

Ventilation/Cooling: A/C, windows the open (humidity).

Security: working and locking front door.

Have those items inspected and get an estimate. You’ll soon find out if the $14K is a good price or only half the cost of your new office.

Best of luck.

FYI - I was just reading another post about someone replacing their Interstate. They mentioned that this forum has a list of inspectors by state.