Am I Crazy???? "Reality Check Please!!!

[jeffshaw]

I am looking at this 1967 Tradewind, purchase price is 4k, for a gutted trailer
im ok with it gutted cuz i am going to make a mobile office, suite with kitchen

First is that a good price for this trailers condition https://goo.gl/yAiOLV

Second, my biggest concern is how to fix this belly pan, and if i can replace the floor without taking off the shell. (this is more than a belly pan thread, but i thought i would add it in)

Lastly is the blow out on the back corner. a big problem? how do i even fix that.

I have not pulled the purchase trigger yet! But i don't want to regret pulling it later.

[Belegedhel]

This trailer looks like a project that someone started, and after a year or two of wrassling with it, they gave up realizing that they are over their head and just want out. With this in mind, $4000 seems a high price. That being said, by the time you do all the necessary repairs and invest a few years working on it, you won't remember how much you paid for it whether you pay $2000 or $4000.

I couldn't see the pictures you had linked (the link doesn't work). Make no mistake, this trailer is a full-blown shell off, and a major project. The frame likely needs repair, obviously the bellypan needs to be replaced, and the banana wraps straightened out. By the time you have removed the belly pan, fixed the wraps, repaired the frame, and gotten a new floor in place, the only thing missing will be the actual lifting of the shell. All of the repairs will be monumentally easier with the shell off.

It isn't a matter of being crazy--people tackle jobs like this one all the time. Its the trailers that have had a tree fall on them, or have been run over by a cement mixer that I think people are crazy to try to repair. That being said, if you don't think you are ready/capable of tackling a shell-off restoration, then this isn't the trailer for you.

Good luck!

[HowieE]

With it already gutted you will find floor replacement and frame work a lot easier if you lift the body. You will be able to tilt or even turn the frame over.

Looks like it is at a dealer so the wiggle room my not be there but I would make a lower offer.

[AnnArborBob]

Of course when you say you just want an office, we don't know the scope of work you plan for restoring this trailer - e.g., are you just looking for an "aluminum tent" or a fully functioning RV?

But to put things in perspective, if you are going to provide all of the labor for this job and you want a fully functioning RV (AC, kitchen, shower, toilet, cabinetry, furniture, etc.., plan to spend at least 1,000 hours of your time and $20,000 to $25,000 in parts and materials (could be even more $ if the aluminum skin is in bad shape.) If you were going to turn this over to a professional, the tab for the complete restoration job would likely be in excess of $65,000.

This is a project for someone who wants a vintage trailer, has a lot of money and time, and will enjoy the process. If you are just looking for a quick and inexpensive project, fugetaboutit!