Newbie in Oregon with an "is this trailer worth it" question

[AprilRosyButt]

My name is April. I am a divorced single mom of a 7 year old little girl. I grew up as the oldest of 5 girls and have very fond memories of camping with my dad growing up. I want to be able to create those same kind of memories with my little girl.

I have been sarching craigslist for about a month now. I would love to get a vintage trailer. Finding one small enough to be able to pull it with my explorer (v6) is the problem I'm running into. My uncle (who restored his shasta lo-liner) asked if I would consider a teardrop and I fell in love!! While I would love to be able to restore one, I just don't think I have the knowledge or the skills to take care of issues beyond cosmetic little things. This led me to this trailer. http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/rvs/3726913941.html. I really love the wood inside. While it isn't the teardrop shape I'd love, I really think I will get over it. My question is, do you think it's worth the $2,500 he is asking for it?

[Roly Nelson]

Hello April, welcome to the forum. To be considered a teardrop trailer, it need not have a teardrop shape, only be able to have a bed inside, a galley and not be tall enough to stand in. It looks like you have found the trailer of your dreams. I think you had better grab it before someone else does. At that price, most of them require a bunch of repair work, and by the pics, it looks like this trailer is in pretty good shape. The galley is of particular interest. Your 6 cyl should pull it nicely. Now, lets see what some of the others here on the board have to say about your find.
Roly, the So Calif woody guy.

[Gage]

Hello April, welcome to the wacky world of Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailers. Wish the pictures were better of the trailer. But I would say for the price, it's not that bad for a first trailer. You'll have a hard time finding another as cheap. Can you get your uncle to go with you to take a look? You can always get it and make improvements later to suit what you like or even give you time to save up to buy something you would really enjoy. I rebuilt a 'KIT' teardrop for my sister and it cost me $2500 in materials alone (just to give you a cost to work with). The price is pretty right, but you need to go and take a look at it. Look inside at the celling along the edges for water stains and in the galley area for the same. Then make a decision.



Aw, Roly beat me again.

[AprilRosyButt]

A young guy owns it now and just isn't using it. I have seen a few vintage teardrops on our CL, but the owners are wanting roughly the same amount as this one! I can't imagine how much more I would have to pay to restore them. I know that this doesn't have a ceiling vent. The son said having one could possibly lead to moisture and leaks. I undersand if you're careful to seal everything you're fine.

Hoefully my tax refund comes soon!

[Junkboy999]

That is not a bad price for a home built small camping trailer. It is wired and ready to do. Along with a
TV and DVD and lights, you would not be able to build a trailer cheap if you had to buy everything. If
you had a trailer already and some wood you can build cheaper. But with no build skills that looks good.
That shape and style is commonly called a wenkerder.

If you can take someone with camper or build experience to look it over.

GL.

[AprilRosyButt]

I appreciate the response!

[Roebuck]

Well hey there April, glad to see you finally took my advice and came on over here.