How to find Value for Old travel trailers?

[BILLVO]

I am looking at getting a 25 foot 1972 Avion travel trailer that is in Mint condition. Finally graduating from the tent my wife loves so... .



I have looked to no avail and can't find book values for RV's that old.

My great aunt is selling it and is the original owner and it has been kept in perfecdt condition and was looking for a fair price for it. I was told 2-3k was an average price but find no info to back it up.

 

[HBarlow]

As the prospective buyer you may not appreciate my answer but here it is anyway.

There are no price guides published for trailers that old. Condition is what determines the actual value of an older trailer. The trailer you described above is a vintage unit which has special value to those who appreciate older products. I would guess it is worth $10k, possibly more, if it is truly in mint condition and all the appliances work. The appliances on the old units were often better built than current products and may work fine.

An old friend of mine, Don Gradeless, from the days when I owned an Avion trailer, operates a website for Avion trailer owners. LINKS TO EXECUTABLE FILES NOT ALLOWEDcpc.com/~drg/avion.html

(Oops, after I posted this I went back and clicked on the link I provided and found it no longer works. I was able to locate and open his website but when I copied the link from the top of my browser screen it produces the above and you can't get there from here. Enter Avion Travelcade Club in your google search and it should come up. His website is old and extensive and contains a large volume of Avion information. )

Go to his website and look at the classified section to get a better idea of actual value. I haven't owned an Avion for six years or so and haven't looked at his website in a couple of years so don't have any idea what he has listed now but I'd guess there are still a few listings.

You could also take the trailer or detailed inside/outside digital photos to an RV dealer owner/sales manager and ask what he considers it's worth.

I found a vintage Airstream, a 1966 22' Safari, in a farmers field with several windows broken out and full of farm dirt, rat droppings, and a rat carcass or two about eight years ago. I cleaned it up and did a mechanical restoration on it then gave it to my daughter. She and her husband had it redone with fine quality carpet, drapes, upholstery, and formica counter tops and the exterior polished. It has new everything from air conditioner to tires. It is probably worth $30k to $50k to a vintage Airstream enthusiast but is not for sale. My daughter considers it a keeper and a reminder of her childhood.

 

[CDonaldson]

Just last month I picked up a 1987 Avion 30', it is in good to excellent condition, just needs a little TLC and elbow grease to clean it up. I paid $6K. When it was new, it listed for $32K.



As Harvey was conveying, I guess it's about the 'minds eye' and value is relative. Someone who looks at it from a collectors standpoint sees much greater value than someone who is just looking for a used camping trailer.



I might be somewhere in the middle in that consideration of value. I figured that considering it's age, number of hours on appliances, etc even if I had to replace the larger more expensive things I would still be looking at somewhere around another 6K investment, possibly making my investment 12K in the overall. I don't think you could even come close to spending 3 times that amount in a newer trailer today that is built as well as an Avion.



CD

 

[BILLVO]

Everything works in it and the only appliance replaced was the roof AC unit a few years back. It Even has On demand hot water that is original and in working order yet. Thats something that can't even be said about most new ones.



Sounds like it will be a mutual agreement on its value if We decide to follow through with it.



I am a lover of the old ones myself and see the value of a nice piece of history. I am not sure where she stands on it yet.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Used 1976 AVION ALL-AMERICAN prices, values, specs and options at NADAguides As HBarlow stated, it really depends on the condition of the unit. I sold a 31' Airstream last year for $4500. 00. If the roof/windows have not leaked and the floor is still solid 2k to 3k should be a good starting place. The link above is for a 23' 9" 76 year model. bg

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Everything works in it and the only appliance replaced was the roof AC unit a few years back. It Even has On demand hot water that is original and in working order yet. Thats something that can't even be said about most new ones.

Sounds like it will be a mutual agreement on its value if We decide to follow through with it.

I am a lover of the old ones myself and see the value of a nice piece of history. I am not sure where she stands on it yet.

Tell her I will give her $4k.

If she was to put that Avion on eBay, you would not be very happy if you really want it.

 

[BILLVO]

Tell her I will give her $4k.



If she was to put that Avion on eBay, you would not be very happy if you really want it.

If I get it for 2k I will put it on E-bay with a reserve of 4k and then you can have a try at it. :-laf

 

[Jumbo Jet]

If I get it for 2k I will put it on E-bay with a reserve of 4k and then you can have a try at it. :-laf

Just give me a shout and save the eBay fees!

 

[BILLVO]

I may have to rethink buying it, Obama might think I am rich by having 2 homes and 1 of them is a vacation home to boot. :-laf

 

[HBarlow]

That's also my fear. The socialists may decide and pass a law decreeing that it is unfair for one to own two residences and some (who coincidentally don't work) own none.

 

[BILLVO]

Here are a couple of pics right after I got it home.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Looks great Bill - a nice polish on the exterior will sure make it shine! The outer skin looks great - give us a few interior shots when you can...

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I'll up my offer to $4,500 and come get it when you are ready!

 

[HBarlow]

That's a beauty. It looks like a perfect original, probably stored inside all it's life and used very little.

Gary, the Avions were skinned with anodized aluminum with a dull finish. Polishing will make it clean but can't really provide a luster. That trailer is probably as shiny as it is going to be.

 

[BILLVO]

Thanks for the compliments

That's a beauty. It looks like a perfect original, probably stored inside all it's life and used very little.



Gary, the Avions were skinned with anodized aluminum with a dull finish. Polishing will make it clean but can't really provide a luster. That trailer is probably as shiny as it is going to be.

I was going to say the same thing about the exterior. They went anodized in the early/mid 60's the older ones could be polished.



Actually this one has sat outside in the elements its whole life as I know it. It has just been really lovingly cared for. It has had the AC and fridge replaced about 5 years ago. I just ordered a new roof vent cover that was cracked but other than the rock gaurd missing from the front window it is in pristine condition for its age, the interior is in near perfect shape it has newer carpet also. My wife is in love with it too.

 

[DaveHess]

So Bill. When can I expect a call to go to Sakakawea???????

 

[BILLVO]

So Bill. When can I expect a call to go to Sakakawea???????

I am hoping memorial day weekend will be nice I will be watching the forcast close.