1966 Caravel - price check?

[gabbieg]

Hi-

We are brand spankin' new to the airstream world.
Trying to make an old dream come true.
From what I've found poking around here a bit, there are MANY variables to consider.
But still... can anyone weigh in on whether $12500 for a 1966 caravel is crazy?
I know, but the weekend is looming!
Thanks so much!

[GetOutDoors]

Has it been refurbished? Are the appliances original? What can you tell us about it?

[Stefrobrts]

Condition means everything! More details - have you poked around it in person yet?

[gabbieg]

I am so thankful to get a reply!
I cant tell you too much. We are going to check it out on Sunday...
But, so far know that it has an a/c, electric fridge and a good body.
I don't believe refurbished.

We just had a dealing with a scammer from MT on a Bambi, so don't know what to think anymore!

[DKB_SATX]

If it's original condition with old appliances and a non-RV fridge, that price would be much too high for MY tastes, but free opinions are worth what they cost y'know?

As Stefrobrts said, condition is key. A well-maintained and modernized '66 Caravel with all the seals fresh, a solid floor and frame throughout, newish axles and no problems could be worth that. A polished, fully-updated trailer with all new fixtures and appliances and plumbing and floors and upholstery could command a lot more, but lots of sellers have their parents' trailer that has the original axles, obsolete wheels, iffy floors, ancient seals on windows and doors and hasn't been used in a decade and they are convinced it's worth a fortune because they watch American Pickers.

See the trailer and evaluate everything with a critical eye before you start thinking about traveling in it... first things first!

[gabbieg]

I reply appreciate the info.
Again, we are new to this and don't really know how easy it will be to come across a little trailer.

[Melody Ranch]

First of all it has corning windows. I love 'em. Make sure all the window opening crank assemblies are there.... They are expensive. If there are any replacements with Lexan...that's a downer. The floor by the entry, the floor by the battery compartment, etc around the perimeter. Don't fall for a Pergo floor covering...it hides a lot. The underside of the upper cabinets will show water leak damage from the vents and stove fan area. The refrigerator plastic vent over the counter crack badly. See if it has a newer converter and a new battery....both are necessary and add up the cost. The the big one...on a 66 the toilet sits directly on the black tank. If the top is cracked, and you can't see it....(maybe with a flash light thru the closet) thats an expensive job and the leaks have probably caused frame and insulation damage. Air conditioning is usually placed in the old fan hole....thats a cosmetic nightmare. An awning is a plus. Make sure all the screens and frames are there too...remember the curved windows...same for the screens.
So, you can see that for 12,500 and you need to deal with some or all of those problems....your in it to deep.
Axle and wheel/tires is always a consideration too.

[gabbieg]

Thank you! That is a lot of very valuable info for me.

Can anyone share how "easy' it would be to find a reasonable one for a reasonable price?

And what would a reasonable price be?

At this point, be thankful you don't have to live with me. Round and round, only thing I talk about...

[Wazbro]

Since your from NJ there are a few trailers for sale at the Airstream campground in Cape May County NJ (Jersey Shore Airstream Haven) might be worth a trip to check them out. Private sales by people that stay or use to stay there, last I heard there were 5 for sale I think 1 was a 199* 22' or 23' tandem axle for around $12,000.

[InsideOut]

Some good information for what to look for can be found here: Price vs Condition

Print it off and study it before you go look...but the bottomine is $12.5K sounds pretty high unless it is restored, everything is in working order & it's been polished - then the price could start at the $12.5K level.

Shari

[gabbieg]

Thank you!
As far as goign to Cape May to check out, we would totally be up for that!
The 22 or 23 is too big for us, though. Hopefully there might be something smaller, too.
We wanted a Bambi, but they seemed to be too costly, so we thought we could go up to a caravel. but that's probably pushing the limits for us.

[InsideOut]

What's pushing your limits? Tow vehicle? Storage space?

Bambi's & Caravels are basically the smallest vintage trailers - the newer they are, the more they weigh though. Small = more $$$

Shari

[Jimbcole]

There's a 67 Caravel on eBay right now, with a new bathroom installed by a dealer it says. Starting bid $12,500.

From the pictures, that one looks like it may be worth $12,500. But anything less would not be. Be patient, they are out there for a lot less, then you can make them your own with hard work. They mean a lot more to you that way. :-)

[gabbieg]

Yep, tow vehicle, storage space and use..

I've wanted one for so long and now, have someone who actually shares my dream.
I dont want my bubble to burst!

[gabbieg]

The "starting bid" of $12500 is what scares me.
I guess I need to read and memorize the Price v Condition guide.
We're looking forward to making it our own!

[Stefrobrts]

I'm biased, but I think the caravel has the best layout of all the little trailers - new or old! It feels very roomy inside, the gauchos and dinette give you a lot of flexibility, and the bathroom is huge. You might also like the argosy minuet, which has a similar layout with more windows so it's light and airy inside.

Just don't get in a hurry and pay too much. I've got about 12 invested in mine, but I wouldn't want to have paid that much to start with. It was unrestored and needed a lot more work than it looked like! Getting an experienced eye to help you look at it would be a good idea. I bate to see folks get in over their heads, it's a fun hobby if you get a good start. Don't get a project if you really don't like tinkering and just want to camp (and there's nothing wrong with knowing what you want)! Good luck!

[Jimbcole]

Yes! "experienced eye" is a key. There are plenty of people here that would be happy to look at anything for you. Check for inspectors in you area. They will give you an unbiased opinion.

[gabbieg]

I just check ebay. I only see the 1965 Airstream Caravel "Bambi" .
The one we are looking at isnt anywhere near that.
No sun glasses needed to see it.
And not so "fancy" inside.
To me, that sink doesnt belong in an airstream, but that's a different discussion!

[gabbieg]

Seriously, everyone is so helpful.
Thank you all so much. We cannot wait to become even more entrenched in this community.

[gabbieg]

oh. now i see the Michighn 67 caravel on ebay....