Re: [VAC] Please help A.S.A.P.!!!

[John Anderson <janderson@xxxxxxxx>]

Jeff & Angie, the $2800 may be a reasonable price but rest assured it is not
the final price because in any A/S trailer of that vintage you will
undoubtedly discover things that either demand attention or that you want to
change to increase your enjoyment of the trailer.  To find out if you are
making a mistake just by buying this trailer at ANY price, I would suggest
you focus first on structural issues.  Don't take the seller's word for
anything. Get a professional opinion on that spongy floor. This could be a
big ticket item, and you don't want to do anything else of significance in a
trailer with a bad floor until that is fixed. Lift up carpet to look at what
is underneath.  Don't worry--it goes back down easily enough. Find out where
the water was coming from and whether it is fixed. Have a knowledgable and
experienced person test the furnace, gas system, refrigerator, water system
and the electrical system.  Open the wiring access panel in the underbelly
and get a look at what you can see of the frame and floor from underneath.
Try to move the rear bumper up and down; if there is motion there relative
to the body/shell, then you have the possibility of a frame repair or
frame/shell separation.  While you are under the trailer, look for any signs
of axle deformation or misalignment.  Some of these trailers saw some pretty
rough roads down in Mexico and other places, and a bent axle could mean
handling problems and premature tire and/or bearing wear.  You do not have
the benefit of observing the tire wear pattern, since they have just been
replaced.  Be sure you have a good strong flashlight to see into every
accessible inch of the trailer looking for trouble, including signs of
rodent infestation.  Ask to see service records for the last time the brakes
and wheel bearings were serviced.  If the trailer has been stationary, as
you seem to suggest, it may take some work to get it ready to tow on the
road.  As someone else suggested, check out all the windows and their
operating mechanisms.  These are difficult if not impossible to replace if
damaged or missing on some mid-60's trailers. I suggest you don't worry too
much about the upholstery and curtains--they are relatively easy to deal
with.  At the same time, don't be overly impressed with all the plastic
trays, etc.  I found them flimsy and a pain in the neck.  Lots of better
options available in 2000 than there were in 1968.
John Anderson