How much does it cost to restore a vintage trailer?
Eric Sande found out the hard way that restoring a vintage trailer is not a weekend project. Eric called Flyte Camp to ask for help. $25,000 later the “canned ham” style trailer was done. “I originally thought, ‘Gee, if I spend $8,000 to $10,000 maybe it will be worth something,'” recalls Sande. “But the damage was worse than we thought.”
Is it possible to restore a vintage RV?
Restoring trailers with issues such as these is not impossible; however, they can be expensive, time-consuming fixes. Investigate thoroughly to estimate just how much money, time, and effort you’ll need to invest into the vintage RV of your dreams. The best cost-saving tip when it comes to renovating a vintage RV? Do the job well the first time.
How much does it cost to remodel an RV?
RV renovation costs can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. It all depends on the condition of your RV and how extensive you want your remodel. Also, the price can fluctuate depending on whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it.
What was the first Camper you remodeled?
Our vintage, 1950’s trailer renovation was the very first camper I remodeled. She was my dream come true! I had always wanted to own a vintage camper and the dream became a reality when we found “Gidget” as we affectionately named her. The damage was extensive, and I learned a lot about water damage and running new electrical.
Is it worth restoring a vintage camper?
Buying a vintage camper isn't for everyone. You will likely spend a lot of time on DIY repairs or finding someone who can do much of the repair work for you. Finding parts can be complicated and often expensive, too. But if you have the time and inclination, restoring a vintage camper can be a smart investment.
Is renovating camper worth it?
So if you want a personalized and modern look in your RV, you should consider a renovation. And even though the trade-in value on your rig may go down, if you have a high-quality renovation, you may be able to sell it for a good price to a private party.
Are old campers worth anything?
Most 10-year-old (or older) trailers are priced between $4k and $10k, with $4,600 as the average price (according to NADA). That's a really good deal! If you look at the price of a steel-framed trailer with nothing on it, you'll see that almost any camper trailer is worth the money at that price.
How old does a camper have to be to be considered vintage?
The consensus is that a trailer must be between 20 and 100 years old to be vintage. That's really the only requirement. You might picture a quaint camper from the 60s with bright colors and a retro-style refrigerator. But a camper from the 90s is also considered vintage at this point.
How do you renovate a camper on a budget?
InstructionsFind an Old Camper for Sale & Assess It.Make any Necessary Repairs.Rip it All Out!Prime & Paint the Walls & Cabinets. ... Add Decorative Surface Treatments like Wallpaper, Contact Paper & Peel-and-Stick Tile. ... Install New Hardware, Lighting and Window Treatments.Recover or Slipcover Soft Furnishings.More items...•
Does painting an RV decrease value?
#1 – RV Modifications As much as you want to remove something, change another thing, or paint over an unappealing color, I can't say this strongly enough… if you plan to eventually sell your RV, don't do it! When it comes to resale value, both RV dealers and RV shoppers are looking for originality.
What are vintage campers called?
Retro-Style Campers Retro usually refers to travel trailers that are modern in construction, but are styled to look vintage – typically from the 60's. Many retro-style campers have fun, old-school design elements such as wings, red or vintage blue contrasting paint, and fun, mid-century interiors.
What are the most popular vintage campers?
Popular in the west are Aristocrat, Airstream, Boler, Little Caesar, Kenskill, Lawton, Mobile Glide, Scotty, Shasta and Starcraft trailers.
How can you tell if a camper is vintage?
Use paint remover or sand lightly to uncover the numbers. The first two digits may be letters that identify your make, followed by the year, length and number of production. Example: Serial number (or VIN number): MR 57 25 123 is a Monterey, 1957, 25′ number 123.
What is the 10-year rule in camping?
“The Ten Year Rule” is a code that's enforced at many upscale RV parks around the country. The rule implies that RVs older than 10 years are too weathered and worn and should be prohibited.
Do vintage campers have asbestos?
Asbestos can be found in older vehicle parts such as brake linings, transmission plates, fume hoods, clutch linings, and even flooring, tiling and insulative materials used within the camper.
How do you get around the 10-year RV rule?
So, regularly washing and wax a pop-up camper, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, or motorhome can help with the ten-year rule. Doing so will mean the luster of the paint finish will last a lot longer. Torn or fading decals can also be easily taken care of. Also, many people take care of rust as soon as they see it.
Can you make money refurbishing campers?
In many cases, this is not feasible because used RVs are intrinsically worth less than new ones, even if they are in good condition. However, if the model is vintage, or if the repairs are fairly cheap, it is possible to make a profit.
Is it difficult to renovate an RV?
Remodeling your RV can be a daunting project, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. After all, depending on how far you take it and how much work you're willing to put in, you can basically create your very own custom RV from scratch.
How long does it take to renovate an RV?
An average RV remodel can take up to 4 weeks to complete. Your remodel process should start with the flooring, as it is probably the most important part of the RV. Then consider other parts such as the windows, furniture, and walls.
Can you get a loan to renovate an RV?
Most banks and credit unions offer financing options that can be applied toward the purchase of an RV. If you choose to work with a local lender, be sure to think through in advance exactly how the funds will be transferred from your bank or credit union to the seller's bank account.
How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Vintage RV?
Renovating a vintage RV can be very little to tens of thousands of dollars. The expenses come slowly and over a long period of time as there are maintenance costs and upgrade costs to a vintage RV. If the previous owner did not spend any money on the RV, then guess what you get to pay for the maintenance costs of their ownership as well as yours. Then there are upgrade costs. If your RV is looking dated and you want to refresh the look, well that is going to cost you. On the low end, the cheapest renovations are changing out flooring, light fixtures, paint, and adding new counters. On the high end, you might have problems with water damage or structural problems that can be quite costly. Then there’s getting the original style looking tail lights and decals, awnings and the like to restore the original look of the RV. Certainly, there can be no end to what can be spent in time and money on a renovation. Ideally, you might want to have some average numbers for parts and labor and start with a budget so costs don’t get out of control. Remember to add contingency costs in case you are wrong or if you have to buy from someone more expensive for the parts.
How To Restore A Vintage Camper Trailer?
Restoring a Vintage RV takes some thought, design, and skill in executing the creation. The creative ideas are unlimited. Many of the highest valued Renovated RV’s have been more than just renovated to the original design, they are taking on a full renovation and updating everything. From the electrical to plumbing, heating, refrigeration and finally the esthetics. Many hours can be spent looking for parts and sourcing parts as well as installing. I have seen many great ideas on Pinterest. If you are also looking for creative inspiration, check out some of my favorite designs here.
What Kinds Of Vintage RV Are There?
Vintage Rv’s are more than just the pull trailer. RVs exist in all the different styles we have today all have a start with a similar model in history. They are all making a comeback. Vintage Rv’s fall into several categories:
Can You Make Money On A Vintage RV?
The Quick answer is that Yes, you can. If you renovate an RV tastefully and restore the economic value, they can fetch upwards of $50,000. Some of the renovations that I have seen are just amazing and well thought out. Most sell for $10,000 to $30,000 that I have seen. The highest demand brand names like Airstream, Shastas, Aristocrat, Avion and fetch the most money. Not surprising they have been around for a long time and they have produced many RVs over the years.
How long do motorhomes last?
Motorhomes often last for a couple hundred thousand miles with regular care and maintenance. Plus, in some cases, you can purchase a “shell” of an RV for a low price, then install a brand-new engine. Doing an engine overhaul can earn you another two hundred thousand miles on an older body.
What do you do if your camper has water damage?
If a vintage camper has sustained water damage, you may need to replace the subflooring and even the framing underneath.
How much does it cost to have an electrician on a trailer?
Hiring an electrician can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the parameters of the job.
How many wheels does a camper need?
Type of Camper. Fortunately for most buyers, a travel trailer tends to have a long useful life. In contrast with motorhomes, a travel trailer only needs four wheels to hit the road. You avoid engine repair costs with a camper, which can be a large expense. There are excellent deals to be had on used RVs for sale, however, ...
How much does it cost to paint a car?
A professional paint job in an automotive shop can cost you a few thousand dollars. Conversely, a DIY paint job can cost as little as a hundred dollars with only paint, brushes, and your labor as the investment.
Is a vintage trailer a wreck?
Not every vintage trailer is a wreck on the inside, but many have visible and in visible issues. Look carefully when touring a potential purchase. Pay close attention to factors such as:
Can you find an abandoned trailer in a field?
Sometimes you can make an amazing find in an empty lot or field behind a business or home. In those cases, it’s uncommon for the seller to have paperwork on hand. Obtaining registration documents for an abandoned trailer or motorhome can be complicated and even expensive.
