Need advice on a 1980 Caravelle 20ft trailer

[Davis]

I am looking at buying a 1980 Caravelle 20ft trailer and it seems to be in good condition. Are there any negatives to buying a trailer like this ? I know it will be different from my 34ft but it would allow me to go to some of the state parks that have smaller sites.But I will keep my 34ft.
Also the owner does not have a title and in the state of GA you are not required to have a title for a vehicle 13yrs old and older. But if I don`t like this size trailer and want to sell it to someone that lives out of state then what are my options ? Do all other states require you to have a title ? Thanks Davis

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by Davis

I am looking at buying a 1980 Caravelle 20ft trailer and it seems to be in good condition. Are there any negatives to buying a trailer like this ? I know it will be different from my 34ft but it would allow me to go to some of the state parks that have smaller sites.But I will keep my 34ft.
Also the owner does not have a title and in the state of GA you are not required to have a title for a vehicle 13yrs old and older. But if I don`t like this size trailer and want to sell it to someone that lives out of state then what are my options ? Do all other states require you to have a title ? Thanks Davis

Davis,

I can only speak for California. I own two Airstreams, a 1979 and a 1954, both have titles. I also own a home built utility trailer, which has a title. The 1979 was purchased from a California owner, the 1954 was obtained from Florida and it did not have either title or current registration. It took a few hoops to jump through but I did obtain title.

Bill

[Melody Ranch]

You are severely limiting your resale options.

[GStephens]

Others have discussed the title issue. My comment will concern the fact that I believe this is the last year model with aluminum which will polish to a mirror shine if that is something you'd ever wnat to do.
GStephens

[Lee Pace]

Speaking from Texas, I can assure you that you have to have one here. No way will our state miss out on collecting fees! Good luck!

Lee Pace
72 Tradewind
WBCCI 7287
Greenville, Tx.

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by GStephens

Others have discussed the title issue. My comment will concern the fact that I believe this is the last year model with aluminum which will polish to a mirror shine if that is something you'd ever wnat to do.
GStephens

I thought they didn't change the structure of the aluminum skin until mid '82?

[bobchevy89]

does the po have a registration for it?check it out with DMV.I bought a car in Atlanta that was20 yrs old. After 1 yr of restoring went to register it found out it was stolen.. be careful!!

[Davis]

Thanks for the replies. I checked with the local tag office and the police station they said it is not listed as being stolen. The tag office said that it was listed as being nontitled and I would not be able to obtain a title in GA due to that. There again if I buy the trailer and like it then I won`t have any problems since GA does not require one on older vehicles. Also the trailer does have current registration in GA.But if I don`t like it then what ?

Are there any negatives to buying a trailer this size or this year ? Are there any towing concerns since this is a single axle trailer ?

[overlander64]

Greetings Davis!

Originally Posted by Davis

Thanks for the replies. I checked with the local tag office and the police station they said it is not listed as being stolen. The tag office said that it was listed as being nontitled and I would not be able to obtain a title in GA due to that. There again if I buy the trailer and like it then I won`t have any problems since GA does not require one on older vehicles. Also the trailer does have current registration in GA.But if I don`t like it then what ?

Are there any negatives to buying a trailer this size or this year ? Are there any towing concerns since this is a single axle trailer ?

I ran across some information while researching the Argosy Minuet series that pointed toward the 1980 Caravelle being the Airstream version of the Minuet. If that is the case, then the coach may be even narrower than the typical 1980 coaches -- the Minuets were 7' wide at floor level.

I have owned my '78 6.0 Metre Minuet (VIN shows 20') for three years. It is one of the easiest towing coaches that I have owned. In fact, it only reduces the fuel mileage on my Suburban by about 1 MPG. Last summer was my longest trip with the coach (Southern Illinois to Salem, OR), and I have absolutely no complaints about the coach. After a terrible experience with a single axle Nomad in 1980, I never thought that I would tow another single axle travel trailer, but my Minuet has restored my confidence in a well-designed single axle coach.

I have been running a Reese Strait Line Hitch with 350 pound light-weight special weight distribution bars, and have never felt any tendency for sway with the coach. I do keep the coach on four-year tire replacement schedule for the additional peace of mind.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[CanoeStream]

Davis -- So Georgia will give you a license plate? Sounds good so far. Untitled Airstreams comes up as a topic with some regularity -- might try searching some. A number of people have spoken in the negative about their states titling such a vehicle. My experience on the Forums suggests the opposite. Most states do have steps for granting a title. Or just tell them you built it yourself -- sometimes it seems like it!

You will most definitely want a bill of sale from the current owner Any records that indicate how and how long ago he/she obtained it would be icing on the cake. They should be willing to provide identification that establishes the full name of owner & co-owners -- and both husband/wife sign the bill of sale.

I don't think this consideration would deter me.

[Davis]

Ok this trailer is listed on Ebay and the bid is at $5300. What would be a fair price be for a trailer like this ? From what the owner has said it seems to be in good condition with all systems working although it does have some clearcoat fade towards the top and roof. If I get it I will probably polish the outside. Thanks Davis

[ALANSD]

you should be able to take the bill of sale to the GA title office and apply for a new title if you do get it. Do you know about this---


http://www.airforums.com/forum...-ga-29042.html

[Melody Ranch]

There she goes!
Sold to an Ebayer for 8100 dollars. I hope they knew about the "No Title" status.
I have been looking for a Caravelle for the fleet but this one gave me the willies.
I hope the new owner plans on: $300 for new tires and bearings; $650 for the new fridge; $600 for the replacement AC; $2500 for the polish job +/-; about $500 for replacement foam in the seat/beds; probabley a replacement water heater, a stove oven thermostat (they always go); the propane system and bottles looked about 25 years old too...OPD here we come; the converter will need attention too and a new battery is a must. Then there is the almost certain general maintenance a repairs from plumbing to leak sealing and door/window seal replacement. Its an even bet on the floor under the new surface put down. At least its not a '60's Caravel or there would be the axel prob...which he may still have.
I've been through the "everything works" and "excellent condition" trip before. I hope the new Vintage owner is up to the job ahead....a great trip, but those supprises are nasty.

[Davis]

And the funny thing is I was talking to the person that bought it at lunch today in my home town and I did not get any hint that he was interested in it. But the person that bought it buys and sell the smaller trailers . I hope he has good luck.