Author Topic: Should I Sell This Trailer?  (Read 1829 times)

calimom

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Should I Sell This Trailer?
« on: September 04, 2020, 09:00:53 PM »
In 1955, my grandparents bought a brand new 15' travel trailer. My mother remembers traveling around the West in it.  It's just about as cute as it can be: very original, birch paneling, and all the features of the day.  It was stored for  a  number of years, and when I  moved back to the area in 2007,  my then-living grandmother signed the title over to me. No one else in my family wanted it. After I got it, it was towed by a relative's pickup truck to a nearby lake each summer for a  couple of  months for a  family compound campsite. We haven't done that for a while, it's been parked for years on a concrete pad behind my house.

It's cute to look at! It's been the site for tea  parties by my youngest DD; countless sleepovers; a place for me to have a quiet nap on a Saturday away from all the children;  and most recently,  a quarantine hut for my visiting eldest DD and her housemate during COVID when  they came  to  visit. My son has practiced his guitar there without interruption. 

Some time ago,  I  joined a FB group featuring this brand of trailer. It's apparently from a limited edition series, something along those lines. A member there, who is about 100  miles away, is very interested in  purchasing the traile and has offered $6500 for it, based on pictures  I  have sent her. It's in good condition, save for a small  leak in  the left rear quadrant,   which she is aware of and undeterred by.

$6500 is a  lot of money right now. I have not  drawn  a salary from my business for over 6 months and while I do have other household income via Social Security and rents, my overall income and cash flow has not been great. I've been preserving other assets while tapping our EF hard.

If I sold this trailer, it would be better cared for.  But  it would  leave  our family  forever.  But   I would have $6500 to shore up expenses for months. It's a  conundrum.

A quick look on local  Craigslist shows a  few other trailers in the same  size range for $800 to $1200. OK condition, would servee the same privacy/guest needs just the same.

Any thoughts from you wise people?  What would you   do?




Fru-Gal

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2020, 12:55:04 AM »
I would keep it based on the memories, the classic nature of it, the fact that you use it, and the fact that you're considering replacing it if you sell it. I once sold something of my grandmother's that I never used and discovered was valuable and while I don't regret it, still having it wouldn't be bad either. OTOH a trailer is a big thing to keep if you need space... But sounds like you actually *use* the space. People even Air BnB those things, BTW!

MayDay

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2020, 05:40:40 AM »
I would either properly fix the leak or sell it. If you can't afford to keep it in good condition, it deserves to go to a new owner who will appreciate it.

bbqbonelesswing

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2020, 07:49:51 AM »
Sell it, buy a cheaper trailer, and pocket the difference. Take some nice pictures before the sale goes through.

BikeFanatic

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2020, 09:14:37 AM »
Sell it, have someone else enjoy it, probably bring her good karma. I have tons of memories of my family camper, but no way I would want to keep it up! I had one of the first electric bikes called the Voloci it was a classic a looker, I didn’t want to get rid of it. But the company went bankrupt in 2003 so it was so hard to find parts for it. I loved that bike but I did part with it a few years ago a collector in California wanted it bad. I end up feeling good like someone else can love that bike too. Maybe be sure to have a few pictures of it before the sale.
« Last Edit: September 05, 2020, 03:42:02 PM by BikeFanatic »

Cassie

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2020, 03:36:02 PM »
I would sell it. They are hard to sell unless it’s a collectible which it appears yours is.

yachi

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #6 on: September 05, 2020, 09:09:38 PM »
Not all RV listings on Craigslist are legit.  I used to go thru my local listings and report the scam ones.  Some have pictures that don’t match the description (good on gas description for a trailer, slides for a conversion van).  Some have an email address plastered over the RV picture.  Some have pictures that look odd for your area (parked in a driveway with palm trees visible, but sold in a northern state).  Often you can do a google image search on some of the pictures and find an original listing where the scammer stole the pictures from.  The prices are low either because they don’t know or, more likely to draw attention and get more people interested.  The scammer doesn’t have anything to sell, instead you are told it’s in storage a few states away but will be shipped to you.  You are asked to pay upfront.
All that to say it sounds like you have an airstream or similar trailer.  If that’s the case I don’t believe the 800 or 1200 prices.  Do a google search on one of the pictures and see if they come from a different listing.

Sibley

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2020, 01:03:10 PM »
It doesn't sound like it's actually used a lot. Yes, it's used for various stuff, but nothing (aside from the quarantine) that couldn't be done in the house. It's a convenience, not a necessity. I would sell it. You have an offer, you need the cash. And don't replace it, at least not immediately. Wait until your finances are in better shape.

KBCB

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #8 on: September 09, 2020, 08:53:59 AM »
I would keep it based on the memories, the classic nature of it, the fact that you use it, and the fact that you're considering replacing it if you sell it. I once sold something of my grandmother's that I never used and discovered was valuable and while I don't regret it, still having it wouldn't be bad either. OTOH a trailer is a big thing to keep if you need space... But sounds like you actually *use* the space. People even Air BnB those things, BTW!

That is such a good idea to air BNB/Rent it out. If the leak can be easily fixed that is a great option!

I regret getting rid of items with emotional attachment and would advise to keep it. However, If you are truly struggling and need the money sell it now and hopefully in the future you can purchase another one when finances are right.

Lastly- I would also look into other options for selling it. They are hard to find these days and are selling WAY above actual value in my area!

researcher1

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2020, 09:13:16 AM »
We haven't done that for a while, it's been parked for years on a concrete pad behind my house.
It's in good condition, save for a small  leak in  the left rear quadrant
I have not drawn a salary from my business for over 6 months, my overall income and cash flow has not been great. I've been preserving other assets while tapping our EF hard.

Initially, I was strongly in the "Keep It" camp.  But unfortunately, you need to sell this ASAP.

You can't afford to properly preserve and care for it.
A 70+ year old vintage piece of history should not be sitting outside uncovered.
That small leak will grow and rot out the entire camper.

Sell it to someone who can properly maintain it.  And use the $6500 to keep you afloat.

erutio

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #10 on: September 09, 2020, 11:19:51 AM »
You have a lot of strong memories and emotional attachment to the trailer, which is okay!  But all signs point to selling now, with this buyer, at this amazing price.
So what you should do before you sell it, is "marie kondo" it.
Meaning take some pictures of it, thank the trailer for all the memories, you can even write a thank you letter to it, then say goodbye. This will hopefully resolve the emotional attachment you have with it.  And then do the right thing and sell it to the owner who will take care of it going forward.

Montecarlo

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #11 on: September 09, 2020, 12:52:59 PM »
If you do sell, make sure you do all cash, or the transaction at a bank, etc.  Don't accept paypal or zelle.

calimom

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2020, 08:38:59 PM »
Thank you  all for the great feedback, it is much appreciated.

I've decided to sell. I messaged the FB group admin, he knows the interested buyer,  she's legit,  and he  thinks her offer is sound. She will pay in cash, and come with her husband to tow it away. I do not have the wherewithal or wheelhouse to preserve it the way it should be. It should go to someone who'll care for it well. 

It's a little sad and nostalgic but certainly not a tragedy. Final pictures will be taken. No used trailer will be considered for the next near future. This particular trailer was way too small too be considered for an Airbnb space  and it has no toilet/bathroom. 

Thinking of my dear grandmother and know she'd be happy with this decision. She was always all about the kids and taking care  of the family and would be thrilled to know the money (which is far more than it went for new) will help solve my temporary cashflow crunch.

Dicey

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2020, 02:38:45 PM »
Thank you  all for the great feedback, it is much appreciated.

I've decided to sell. I messaged the FB group admin, he knows the interested buyer,  she's legit,  and he  thinks her offer is sound. She will pay in cash, and come with her husband to tow it away. I do not have the wherewithal or wheelhouse to preserve it the way it should be. It should go to someone who'll care for it well. 

It's a little sad and nostalgic but certainly not a tragedy. Final pictures will be taken. No used trailer will be considered for the next near future. This particular trailer was way too small too be considered for an Airbnb space  and it has no toilet/bathroom. 

Thinking of my dear grandmother and know she'd be happy with this decision. She was always all about the kids and taking care  of the family and would be thrilled to know the money (which is far more than it went for new) will help solve my temporary cashflow crunch.

I think you have made a very wise decision. It sounds like the new owner will be happy to have it and treat it well. You, in turn, will be a good steward of the money and use it to keep your family afloat. A very solid decision, IMO. I agree that your grandmother would be pleased.

Fru-Gal

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #14 on: September 15, 2020, 12:07:58 AM »
Awesome, way to make a decision! Sometimes you just need to work through all the options...

bbqbonelesswing

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Re: Should I Sell This Trailer?
« Reply #15 on: September 15, 2020, 07:03:45 AM »
Nice! I hope the extra cash on hand helps out.

 

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