old trailer for a new teardrop build

[doris s.]

I'm hoping to look at an old pop-up this week to use for a new camper build.
It' a 1979 pop-up. Are trailers from this vintage usually still sound?
They are asking $550 and there is no stove or sink. It's in rough shape. Do you think that is to high of a price?
Can I use a wire brush to clean up the trailer and paint with rustolem to get it ready to build on.
Would it be better if I just bought a new trailer instead?
Any thoughts?

Doris

[Pmullen503]

I bought a 1968 starcraft 6x10 popup for $150 this winter. No canvas but otherwise is good shape, too good to scrap in fact. I used another trailer for my foamie. Still haven't decided what to do with this one.

[doris s.]

The box on this pop-up is 10 ft so it should work well to build a standy. Yeah, I'm thinking $550 is way to much for this one.

Doris

[Pmullen503]

Basket case popups come up fairly regularly around here. $150 was a steal but $250 to $350 isn't uncommon. People build a hard top on them to make tow-able ice fishing houses/hunting shelters.

If it has good tires, wheels and bearings, not too rusty, leveling jacks that work etc. $550 isn't that bad for what you get. If you can find someone to strip it for the aluminum and give you a bare trailer ready to paint............See if they would consider doing the work to strip it for you.

[doris s.]

I was thinking of stripping it myself and take the metal to the salvage for a few bucks. The canvas and none recyclable stuff I was going to take to the landfill. The pop-up does not have a sink or stove, it was removed long ago. I hope the hitch is in good shape but I know that the tires are bad. I don't think the camper was out of their yard for some time. We are going tomorrow evening to take a look in person. I'll let you know how it works out.

Thank you for the info.

Doris

[Pmullen503]

A lot of work to strip it and you know you'll need new tires (at least!) Better get it cheap! Good luck.

[doris s.]

Well, that didn't go well. I think the camper was older than a 1979, it had a strange braking system on it. When the camper pushed into the car the sliding hitch out the brakes on the camper. I would had to change out the whole hitch and they wanted to much money for it. So it's back to the drawing board. We are going to look into having someone custom build a trailer. Most places trailer manufacturers don't carry the size I want stripped down without rails ect. So I won't be able to start building for awhile. I'll try to have patience, lol.

Doris

[tony.latham]

We are going to look into having someone custom build a trailer.... So I won't be able to start building for awhile. I'll try to have patience, lol.

Doris:

I think a well built custom chassis will be a good thing. Proper weight axle rating and correct placement for your build. Also, there's no reason you can't begin working on the walls if you're going to have somebody crank out a size-specific chassis.

T

[rebapuck]

You will have more confidence in a new one than an old unknown one.

[doris s.]

Well, we decided that having someone build it new to our specifications is the best way to go. Thanks for your suggests. Now to figure out the dimensions of a standy with a clamshell kitchen...it will be perfect!

Doris