Salvage 2011 30' International Serenity in C.A.

[geraldkealak]

Hello; I have purchased the E-bay Salvage 2011 30' International Serenity located in Rancho Cordova, subject to inspection on Monday May 5th.


It seems as if the trailer is perfect condition on the interior. However it seems as if someone damaged both exterior sides and the bumper while towing it, and that seems to be the only problem with the trailer. Of course, with this type of damage, it is most likely not structural, but is unsightly and really expensive if one wants to do the repairs.


Would anyone know anything about this trailer? Suggestions?


Many thanks, Gerald Kealakak


2011 Airstream 30 Internatioal Serenity Lounge camper Trailer RV Low Reserve 11 | eBay

[firemed509]

How did the inspection go? I saw this on ebay.

[SafariSS]

It does not take much to total one. Just a curbside lower longside panel (including wheel arches) if replaced buck riveted is about 12k. So it is not hard to see why the insurance wrote it off.

I realize something is worth what someone will pay for it but if I had 40k I would put it towards a non damaged unit.

I agree with you that the damage is not structural.

[aquinob]

Hmm. Post is over a month old with no response from the OP. If you are out there still OP, I'd go ahead and use it and not worry too much about the damage. It looks pretty good from 30 feet away. Fix the steps, make sure there arent any leaks and enjoy it. And when you do end up scratching it, no worries...

[geraldkealak]

I'm the OP. I had paid a $500 Paypal deposit on the trailer, subject to inspection. Drove from Vancouver, B.C. to Rancho Cordova in a day, and saw the trailer the next morning. Killed the deal, and the Seller was very gracious and refunded the funds immediately, and he reposted it on Craigslist. It re-sold about two days ago on Craigslist.

... the interior was immaculate, perfect, seemed to be never used, except that the floor was worn and the inside of the bathroom door was cracked. The stove worked, however the batteries were dead so one couldn't check the electrical items and I didn't have a 50-amp to 15-amp electrical thingy with me.

... the exterior had issues.
- The Seller didn't seem to have any keys, so entry was made by someone jamming something like a screwdriver into the door gap and breaking off the deadbolt, so lots of damage there.
- Seems as if someone had wanted to get into the unit and they broke the front window completely, so all that was there was the two metal arms, some broken glass, and the plastic front transparent shield.
- The front two stabilizers were bent backwards and irreparable. They probably were down when someone started to pull the trailer.
- The steps were bent and irreparable.
- There was a long gash along the underside of the belly on the Driver's side.
- The waste water tank's shield had a hole ripped in it.
- There was rubbing on the side of the trailer on the passenger side which damaged the metal and tore off a clearance light and some bracket midway up the side (probably for the awning).
- The rear bumper was bent.

It seems as if it was repossessed, and it was taken in a hurry by someone not familiar with trailers. That is only a guess as it was purchased at auction by the Seller.

A good example of that trailer is supposedly $63,000. My accepted E-bay offer had been $40,000. After its inspection, I would have taken the risk and purchased that trailer for $25,000 or thereabouts, but it is doubtful that the Seller would have been game for that.

I wonder who purchased it from E-Bay two days ago, and their feedback?

[Riverdrifter]

I am the one who purchased it! Got it for $35,000. It is now at the Airstream Dealer in Seattle. We are replacing entry door, front window, passengers side rock guard, bathroom door, molding on the underside, stairs, and all the damaged exterior fittings. The side panels are scratched but not dented and we can live with that for now. There was a water leak at the hot water tank. It is still being inspected, but our repairs look like $7000 to $9000. As you said, the interior is unused. I figure I can live with the panels being scratched and will have a trailer for under $45,000 as opposed to new price of over $90,000. Yes, it is a 2011, but what used 2011 trailers are totally new inside? For another $20,000 they can make it brand new, which I might do in a few years. Looking at various online sites, I found trailers in that size and age for $65,000 to $80,000 so I think I got a screaming deal!

[Riverdrifter]

We are still scratching our heads about the damage. It still has the dealer's new trailer sticker on the window. Scrapes on both sides and damage to the underside. The broken window without damage to the plexiglas shield could be explained by someone breaking in. Since the entry door and small panel in front of it are damaged, replacing it will give us a new key anyway. Most of the repairs are quite reasonable ($500 for the new window as an example).

[DanB]

Sounds like a theft recovery.

[geraldkealak]

That Serenity interior is wonderful, bright and happy.

You didn't mention it, but think that it needed new tires (someone at some point probably swapped the new tires with their old tires). And the house batteries are probably also pooped as they were dead, dead.

Congrats on your deal. I found the Seller, Alex, to be pleasant to work with, and hope that you found the same.

[Riverdrifter]

Tires actually looked good. We went to a tire store in Sacramento to have them checked. Low on air but they said they were fine. Looked new actually. Once I plugged in trailer to truck all systems worked but I plan to replace them.

[Riverdrifter]

Alex was very helpful!