78 Tradewind 25’ Value?

[sterlinghick]

I just looked at a 25’ 78 TradeWind for a project trailer. The exterior was in reasonable shape with just a couple of small dents. It definitely had rear end separation. Everything on the inside needs to go in the trash bin. There was some damage to the air conditioner shroud, that seemed a little alarming because I couldn’t tell if the roof was also damaged. There was some rust-It looks like maybe the outriggers nearest to the wheel wells were rusted out. So given that it’s a total gut job, and likely some major frame repairs, what’s a fair price? They want to $20,000 and that really seemed high to me. What do you think?

[Bubba L]

Way too high. If you put 20,000,00 into it (materials only) and all your labor (free), you’re into it 40,000.00 if you pay his price. For that you can buy one safe and ready to go. IMO, sorry, I would pass. Good luck

[kidjedi]

I wouldn't even push as far as Bubba suggests above. Once the pandemic craziness settles down, $20k will get you a pretty decent rig. $40k could put you in the darn near "pristine" category for a 1970's airstream.



Granted, I haven't seen the trailer, and I am just going from your description (and assuming the interior is as bad as you say), but before the pandemic, the Airstream you describe was $2.5k-$5k, $8k tops. A year ago, $20k would get you a (possibly) rough looking but extremely road worthy and comfortable 70's trailer.


Right now everything's at a premium, and that trailer can probably fetch $12k (but I sure wouldn't pay that much).

[dbj216]

Having renovated a 75 Overlander 27' that was in pretty good shape when I towed it home. And having renovated a 76 Sovereign 31' that was pretty rough I have a feel for the renovation costs involved.

The 75 Tradewind 25' all "original" with a very good body but bad axles, floor rot, rear end separation, ratty interior, broken plumbing and appliances that don't work might be worth $12k. The body is the most expensive and difficult to repair. Renovation cost of materials could be another $12k pretty easy. And it would be well over 1000 hours of enjoyable work. Don't even think about having a shop do the renovation unless cost is no object.

If the renovation is of reasonable decor and not way out, the trailer may very well be worth $24k when done. 70s trailers are not the market's favorite, but they do make nice traveling Airstreams.

David

[sterlinghick]

Thanks to all of you for the input. It was advertised as ‘road ready’,but that was a stretch. The rear end was definitely separated, as the dividing panels at the bathroom were attempting to push through the ceiling. Most of the interior ceiling panels were peeling off, but they were pretty ugly anyway so no great loss. I’ve had this dream of doing over an old Airstream for a long time, and since I’ve just retired it was worth considering. The 25 foot length is appealing and difficult to find in New England. Oh well, something will come up.

[Bubba L]

Sterlinghick, I started researching Airstreams about 6 months before I retired. Once I retired (my wife retired the same day I did), we started looking for a ‘fixer upper’. We found our first 6 months after retirement. Took a year to renovate.
You’ll find one. Just keep up with the Airstream Classified, Airstream Hunter and others for options. Once you find one you’re interested in, look on the ‘portal’ and go to inspectors. I’ve inspected a few trailers for buyers and they were enlightened. Sometimes it helps. Good luck and keep looking.

[sterlinghick]

I looked through the thread on the ‘55 renovation- it’s a work of art.

[Bubba L]

Originally Posted by sterlinghick

I looked through the thread on the ‘55 renovation- it’s a work of art.

Thanks, slow and steady wins the race. Take your time finding a fixer upper. They’re out there and you’ll find one that will be perfect for you and your family. Keep us posted. Take care

[OilnH2o]

If it's as rough as you say, the price has been placed on it by someone who both a) doesn't know Airstreams, and b) wants a quick buck. It's more like salvage value - again, at what you've described (ie, what you'd get for the value of the aluminum at a scrap dealer).

See if there is a nearby Airforums "inspector" that could help you value it. The biggest concern I would have, is that you are looking at a trailer, deteriorating for years with unknown problems, being offered for sale by people that have not used it.

When did they last camp in it? Are there awnings?...that work (and all-around if so)? Does it still have the copper plumbing (if so, probably is split from freezing). What about the tanks - do they hold liquid or are they compromised? How does it sit on the axles - they and the shocks likely need to be replaced - the tires, too. The propane system? Does it have the propane tanks? Does the fridge work; the stove; the hot water heater? All these things determine value for something that is truly, "road worthy." My suggestion is look closely at the value of what you see - don't "see" in your mind's eye, what it will look like after 1000 hours of potential refurb. But, unless you could drive it today and sleep in it tonight and know that everything works, it's worth NO WHERE NEAR $20K.
(Just my opinion.)

[MickeyC]

That is way too high. A few years ago I purchased a 79 trade wind for $3000. It was in the same condition as you described. I gutted it down to where the interior aluminum walls were still in tact. Then we replaced the plywood floor, rewired the brakes and TV cord. Also did a lot of other upgrades. The trailer was ready to reinstall the interior partition walls and appliances. Last year we sold it incomplete for $8000 and purchased a different trailer that was ready to go camping. We decided we wanted to camp more and work less.

I would walk away.

Good Luck
MC

[bibbs]

That asking price is WAY out of line. Don’t walk. RUN , Away from this one.

[redthies]

I’m sure the OP has got the idea by now, but I will add my two bits and say there is a lot of difference in price between regions. Then factor in the ignorant sellers and buyers who unwittingly put the prices all over the place. You can see two very similar trailers in my area (Vancouver/ Seattle) with a $10,000 difference in asking price. From the description given, I’d say $2000 maximum. But as they say in the car business... there is an a$$ for every seat.