Thursday, February 4, 2016

What's it worth?

Peeps always ask me what their camper is worth. Ones found abandoned in an old field. Ones that have continued to see gentle use, but are essentially all original. Ones that have been completely renovated, with every attention paid to authentic detail. And, most often... ones that have been renovated with very little commitment to authenticity.

My answer to all questions is more or less the same:

Hell if I know.

Ahem, er, I mean, "It all depends."

  • First, it depends upon the condition of the camper -- and not just how it looks, but what condition the bones are in. I've seen a sparkly new "renovation" on a trailer frame that was about to break in half due to rust. 
  • Next, since we are talking about a vintage product, IF work has been done, was it true to the original design? Especially in a Mobile Scout, if you remove the triangle window... value goes down. If you change the paint scheme... value goes down. These old items have the most general market value when work done to them was intended to maintain the original design details. 
  • What will the market bear? Are you in an area where camping is hot? Where pulling around a cute little retro is hot? An area with high population? Or out in the middle of nowhere? All these things play a role. 
  • And perhaps the biggest element -- which some people don't want to/cannot admit? How much do you want to buy it, or sell it? If you see something unique that you really, really want -- then it's worth whatever amount of money you'll take out of your pocket. And if you really, really want to sell it... then you'll set the price to match what someone out there is willing to pay. 
Here's a new retro that's listing for almost $10,000. I'll hold my opinion on that, because I'm not in the market to buy a camper, so who cares what I think? 


And another. 


In short, TinCanTourists and other sites that have available campers is the best way to get a ballpark. But if you think you're going to strike it rich with the old mold infested, rotted hulk you found in your cousin's friend's back field... think again. Most of the beautiful renovated campers you see are labors of love. 

And worth every penny. 

9 comments:

  1. Absolutely correct! " It all depends". But what totally matters is how you give the best of it.

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  2. Hi there,

    I'm not so concerned about value as we just bought a '64 Mobile Scout yesterday and I love her. Where can I find parts and resources to fix her up a tad?

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  3. LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING HOPE YOU WILL CHECK OUT MY BLOGSPOT ON MY VINTAGE REBUILD MAYBE POST IT ON YOUR SITE ??
    1950ANDERSONCOACH@BLOGSPOT.COM

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Chris.

      I did check out your blog -- note that it's not an email address, it's a URL. Your should have a "period" in place of the "at" sign. Like this:

      1950andersoncoach.blogspot.com

      Welcome to a great labor of love. There are few journey's like it!

      AND NO NEED TO SHOUT. In the online world, all caps is like shouting.

      WELCOME!

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    2. My question is not in regards to the worth of my little mobile Scout I just have a few questions since I can't seem to find a owners manual for my 64 mobile Scout is, if the pipe fitting underneath it on the driver side front is possibly for attaching water it's coming out of the bottom and looks like a male water hose joint.

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  4. I have parts from a 1968 mobile Scout. All are in great condition. Contact me at galindorders@gmail.Com. My prices are reasonable. Hope I can help you guys out!

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  5. I have parts from a 1968 Mobile Scout RV. Email me at galindorders@gmail.Com to see if I have what you'really searching for. All parts are in great condition. My prices are very reasonable. Hope I can help you out!

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  6. Hello, we picked up a beat up 1962 Mobile Scout and looking for parts. Larger size then I'm seeing here.
    I would also love a sticker. How can I get one?
    Kathy

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  7. Any help would be Wonderful. I'm in serious need of a 1964 owner manual on a Mobile Scout or even a diagram of wiring, gas lines and plumbing would be good enough. I honestly Just need to Know how to hook it up to city water, fill the water holding tank, be able to hook it back up to gas (so check for leaks) i will be uploading video to my Vlog at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-LckFrhkXonktRyYVcPjwA

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Don't forget, if you have a Mobile Scout, let me know! Send me some pics of your little camper.