New (to me) Excella II Question

[DobbysStream]

Hello Member's
I have recently been given this trailer by my father in law. Yes, very nice gift.
This trailer is in original condition and I have a two part question that hopefully you can give some thoughts

My wife and I plan to clean up this trailer and use on our lake front property to have a weekend getaway so to speak. Knowing the value of these trailers, would we lessen the value if we did updates (new fridge, reface cabinets, etc.) or should we try to keep in its original state? I dont know if anything works in the trailer so that is a big unknown however I have to assume that it does. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Allen

[cwf]

Howdy!
Just browsing and noticed no replies.

I would just clean up best I can. Replace bed mattress. Check for leaks.. Seal it up. Check for leaks... Did I mention checking for leaks?

Camp in the trailer in driveway or local RV park. Work thru bugs BEFORE moving way out away from help.

Set up foundation for AS on new site so you can jack trailer up to take load off tires. Even dealing with the current tires you want to make sure they are ok and monitor.

If it freezes where you will park you will need to prep before leaving. You will need to pull batteries, have a plan for dumping tanks and fresh water supply.

[perryg114]

You won't lessen the value if you remodel. Getting rid of some of the plastic junk would enhance the value. Replacing RV appliances with AC only stuff will reduce the value. Most folks that buy an RV want to be able to camp without power and they want a gas fridge and gas water heater and gas furnace. Also it is hard to run all that stuff on AC with 30A that you will get with an RV outlet. It looks like the trailer has sat a long time and you need to evaluate the structure and make sure you don't have rear end separation or other rot/structural problems.

My Trailer is the same as yours accept mine has a rear bedroom. I am right down the road from you in Huntsville, AL.

As far as value in the state it is in, it is probably worth about $5k or less. Restored and camp ready maybe $10-15k. So be mindful of how much you spend and how much more you put into it than you will get out of it if you sell it.

Perry

[DobbysStream]

Thank you for the response. I have it at the house now and I am going to start the process of evaluating what we have. Seems like everything is original and in pretty good shape. I will post pics once I start the process.

[cwf]

Get after any leaks right away. If you find weak or damp floor address NOW !!!

[ole81]

We have a similar unit with custom double bunks in the center. The rear bath is great, but sure wish we had a double bed!
Just last year we replaced the original gas hot water heater.
Highly recommend that you get a gas/elec unit. Elec is always free at campgrounds....and so easy to turn on!

For the month we are at Dellanera RV Park in Galveston...

Enjoy your rig!

Bob and Gail