13' Shasta on Ebay

[papmom35]

Hi All,
Well, I've been scouring Ebay and Craig's List for a TTT and FINALLY one is for sale in the Northeast that is somewhat in my pricepoint! Granted it's 4 hours from me but I've never been afraid of a roadtrip and if I can get in an agility trial while I'm checking out the camper then all the better!!
Here is the Shasta being offered:

Ebay camper for sale

If the link doesn't work, here is the Ebaymotors number you can put in the search box: 250788431743

I've emailed her with questions about the wheels and bearings and the trailer itself and the age of the tires. The comment about the wall needing to be replaced does bother me but maybe it's a quick fix? you can actually see the water damage stains in the pic of the dinette area if you enlarge it. I guess my question is this: Does this sound and look like a solid TTT and worth the 4 hours trip to go see it from her description? What else should I be asking?
Any and all comments are welcome!

Pam

[doug hodder]

It appears to be a respectable trailer. Whether or not the front fix is "easy" is kinda dependent on what your abilities are, and what you want. If you are going that far to look at it...I'd ask them to be prepared to fire up the appliances in it. If they say..."we don't have any propane in it"....you might remind them that someone else might want to see them work as well prior to purchase. For me....I'd haul a tank up just in case, but then I have one. If it fires up fine...if it doesn't...you have a bargaining point.

Based on the price of new foam and upholstery....the 900 isn't out of line for new work, depends on what was done. I got much higher quotes on what I wanted.

Since they wall papered it...it's entirely possible that other damage is hidden and not visible, paint and wallpaper can hide a lot, that can be why it's done. "cuteness" wears off much faster than a leaking roof. Push around the top vent, if applicable, with a finger and see if it's soft, look at all the walls to see if it's kinda puckered from delamination, especially under windows and near the rear sides...same with the floor....check for softness. Look for blobs of silicone on the exterior....it's trying to stop something.

It all sort of depends on whether or not you are looking for a "camp in it now" trailer or one that may need some work on it. Others opinions may vary. ME....I'd go look at it. I'd be prepared to deal on it though. Doug

[Miriam C.]

Has the leak been fixed? I don't think I would pay that much for a camper that needs a rebuild of a whole wall and may have other issues. Could be just me being cheap though....

[48Rob]

Hi Pam,

I would shy away from this trailer because of the water damage, and price.

Kudos to the seller for being honest, both about the water damage and not understanding the value.

Most sellers, and owners do not understand the extent of the water damage; all they see is a little bubbled paneling.
In order for the paneling to become damaged, the water had to leak in, and then soak the insulation, and structural framing in order to reach the paneling.
While damaged paneling may not look very bad on the surface, what you will find behind it can turn into major repairs.
Have a look at this photo, from the auction; blow it up if you can on a picture program.
It shows serious damage.

<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqZ,!iQE1N!QGQkVBNflolQyow~~_12.JPG">

Replacing cushions is nice...if they are comfortable to you?
But the trailer still needs help, and 2 grand is awful high.

With water damage and the destruction of the paneling by pasting wall paper on everything brings the realistic value down to $400-$800 and even then it is iffy because you can't see how much other damage may be hidden.

If you want a trailer you can just decorate and go camping in, this probably isn't it.
If resale is ever a concern, keeping it reasonably original can be important.
Most people that would be interested would be looking for an original interior.
Nothing wrong with customizing, many do a good job of it, but "covering over water damage" is a huge red flag that says; this trailer is rotten and probably needs a full rebuild!

Rob

[papmom35]

Thank you Doug, Miriam and Rob!! This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! There is no way I have the the skills, time or money to do major repairs-even if I got the thing for free I couldn't realistically take on this project. No garage to store it in while repairing for one thing. I definitely need "move in condition" and that is going to be really tough on my 1000-1500 dollar budget!! I do realize the best thing for me would be to buy brand new but I just don't have $10K to spend.
I will keep looking and hope I get lucky someday. Meanwhile, now I have some great info to help my in my search thanks to you guys!!

Pam

[48Rob]

Pam,

Decent older trailers in worn, but good non rotten condition can be had in your price range.

Just keep looking...

Don't limit your search to E bay, there are a couple dozen brand specific, and general old trailer forum's/Web sites out there where some very nice trailers can be found.

No matter what you buy, try to save back a hundred or two to make minor repairs and perform maintenance so that really nice leak free trailer will stay that way once it has been pulled out of the barn and put in service again.

Rob

[Miriam C.]

Pam you seem to have the same problem we have here. If it has wheels someone thinks they have pop's rolling mansion.

[mvperini]

Pam
I have to agree with everybody else on what to look for on a used trailer. one more thing is a seller can try to make a trailer look good but the one thing that they can not fix is the smell of a trailer with water damage. So if you find a trailer you really like but when you open that door and the smell knocks you down, turn and run out here in the north west i see trailers for sale almost everyday on craigs list.... keep looking your trailer is out there

from you sig. i am assuming that your are from Maine here is a link to a scotty on craigs list
http://maine.craigslist.org/rvs/2259758504.html



Mike

[papmom35]

thanks Mike and everyone else who has replied. I'm still on the hunt. Interestingly enough, the ebay seller never responded to my questions. I haven't even looked to see if it's still on ebay/CL.
I know she's out there-just a matter of finding her.

[doug hodder]

It might be worth your while to go look at a lot of stuff. Even if it is out of your budget. At least you will get an education on it all and prepare yourself when the right one does come along. Do some practice runs and listen to what they say, check out the differences in them, who's doctored them up and what you notice about each.

For me, as a builder...a complete trailer with all the right windows operating and full of appliances/ hardware, skins/lights on a good frame etc....I'd go look, but then I'd plan on a rebuild from the get go. Often times, the sum of the parts is worth much more than the asking price or a complete unit.

A really nice "campable" trailer will take more due-diligence. Drive some back roads and keep your eyes open....never know where your "creampuff" is sitting. Just my opinion. Doug

[papmom35]

thanks Doug! yep, my eyes are open whereever I go and I make sure I mention my search to most people I talk to. I wish I had the skills and resources to do my own build-Dad made sure I knew how to handle a hammer and some other light tools but he always did the heavy work-besides, I'm a girl right? My brother was the one who acquired all the real skill.
anyway, I'll keep looking and keep saving.
Pam