Appraiser and 34' TT

[kb0zke]

We've accepted an offer on our Foretravel MH, so we're actively looking for a late 90's/early 00's 34' Airstream.

1. Any suggestions for an appraiser? I know that Airstreams sell for more than what NADA or KBB show, and I'd like to get insurance to cover the actual cost of our coach, rather than tell the agent I paid xyz for it, so the premium is based on that, but then the fine print says they will only pay NADA or KBB in case of a loss. I want it insured for what I paid for it (and that means that they pay me what I paid for it in case of a total loss).

2. Along with that, then, comes the need for an appraiser. Any suggestions? Obviously an appraiser in Florida isn't much help if we buy a coach in Washington, but if I have some suggestions it might be that I can find someone either close to where we buy or at least on our way to wherever we're going.

3. What's a realistic ballpark number for what we're looking for? We looked at one coach some time back (long before we even had an offer on the MH) that seemed to be priced way too high for what it was. The ad expired, and was eventually reposted at a slightly lower price. That ad is about to expire, and I suspect that in two or three months it may appear again with another slightly lowered price.

[AtomicNo13]

Find a company that will write an agreed value policy.

[HowieE]

Ballpark is a good term in this case. The price of a given used trailer can vary by 30% or more. A dealer will want significantly more than you could buy the same unit from a private sell. It is all a function of seller motivation because the market is really much smaller than perceived. This is a specially true with the 34s as most buyers are shying away from them preferring a smaller unit.

If you want to define a range I would suggest you follow listings on E Bay and watch the listing here in the classified section of the Forum.

The dealer asked $35,000 and I paid $24,000.

[Al and Missy]

Progressive writes agreed value policies. Since I bought my 2002 this year from a dealer they did not require an appraisal and let me even insure for a little more than I paid since I transferred 16" wheels and tires from my 25.

Al

[loft47]

Jim Polk in Ca. is an excellent appraiser.

[featherbedder]

As Al stated Progressive writes agreed value policy and many AS and any kind of rec. usage use them. They originally started to write Winnabego. motor homes. I found rates very reasonable, as far as appraiser I used local AS dealer, He was very fair with figures. They will want pics of outside and all of inside to verify appraisal. There wasn't any hassle for my policy. Bill

[rvb]

This won't really help you at the moment but could help down the road if you ever have a claim. Insurance companies try to pay out as little as possible so I copy the adds for similar trailers to mine when I see them on Airforum or Craigslist, particularly those that sold. I now have a stack of comparison trailer values I can present if I ever have an insurance claim.

[kb0zke]

Great idea, rvb! Having a copy of the ad for the coach we buy is something we had planned to do, but having ads for the ones we don't buy is also going to be helpful.

[vrp]

For what its worth we have a 1998 34ft Excella FK for sale. I have not listed it yet, and its stored indoors in Minnesota right now. We're in Florida. If interested, respond back
Vern

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

Great idea, rvb! Having a copy of the ad for the coach we buy is something we had planned to do, but having ads for the ones we don't buy is also going to be helpful.

I have several three ring zippered binders for trailer and truck concerns. One has a great number of comps for the relatively unknown Silver Streak.

Brand new appliances plus flooring, upholstery and window treatment will do more than anything to "sell" condition (given very good or excellent exterior).

But it must meet or exceed factory standard. This is where nearly everyone falls short.

Get a camera and practice. I took hundreds of photos and used a lot of different lights to eliminate shadows to advertise my last trailer. (In signature).

Use factory brochures to see how pros do it. Use their angles and backdrops. Plus, remove nearly everything in interior personal or not standard from factory.

Along with comps and an appraisal, this body of documents becomes overwhelming in your favor.