worth the trade?

Les H · Feb 16, 2013

Hi all. For the last couple years, i have been hunting for a somewhat newer, larger travel trailer than my 69 shasta 14' (box measures 11x7). I have found ( finally) a 88 Espre 198 (18x7 box, with a shower) in usable shape, for around $2000, give or take. People are getting $2500 for the same size in older, junkier condition. I plan to go back mon and crawl through it with a fine comb, checking all systems. I have been living in the shasta while seperated from my wife for the last several weeks, so this would definatly be an upgrade.

Thing is, i dont have cash in hand, and the only way to get it before its gone ( and it will go quick) is to trade the bus for it, probably even swap. If he wants cash too, no deal. ( ive checked nada value on the camper and kbb on the bus, as a straight cargo van, and they are comparable within a couple hundred dollars) Thing is, the van is paid for, works well, and i know it inside and out, as i built it. Ill probably try to keep the solar system to swap to the trailer. Sure, i have an attachment to the van after 30kmi and 3 years, but i can tow the tt with my 04 f150 and get the same mpg as the bus (13) unhook and go back to 20 that the truck alone gets. Plus the added bonus of a shower and a bit more room.

for weekend travels or deep in the woods stuff, a tall pickup cap is being planned, similar to what Johnny Canuk did.

THOUGHTS??
Pros?
Cons?

HEEELLLLLLPPPPPP!

bk2valve · Feb 16, 2013

Sounds good to me Les. You are working now and need something to fit those needs...if the trailer does it better, then it is a good idea. Hard to say...you have to go with what works today.... bri

CrossCountryGal · Feb 16, 2013

It looks like you've done your homework on value vs value so I won't address that, but do want to remind you that ANY thing you buy you'll have to modify to fit your needs, which costs cash.  I paid $3,200 for my bus and feel like I got a fair deal. I have another $400 in replacing the heater core, and roughly $500 in interior modifications I've made, so I really have $4,100 in it already.  Still to come is a brake job and a general tune up.  All that to say, consider the total cost, not just the asking price. But you knew that already <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

weestrom05 · Feb 16, 2013

The nice thing is that the trailer is cheap to register and insure compared to the van, and the trailer will not need any mechanical repairs that a van will need in the future.  Curt

cyndi · Feb 16, 2013

I'd be heartbroken to sell that bus. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do and it looks like that TT fits your needs. Are you sure the F150 can tow the TT when it's loaded (water, etc.)?

Les H · Feb 17, 2013

@cindy- i know. Im attached to it too, but the mpg,space and shower factors make the trade appealing. I have 2 1/2 years of payments left on the truck, so i cant do anything with it. It is rated for towing 5000 ( its a v 6), the tt is 2770, dry. Even if i max it out and add another 1000 or so to it, im still 1000 under max gvw. I have been looking at something like this for a while now, so, while its not a slam dunk done deal, im leaning towards doing the trade.

Les H · Feb 17, 2013

@ Ccg, yup, just out about a grand into the bus doing a bunch of front end work, tune up, o/c, the works. I have about the same as you in it as far as cash paid so far , but yours is nicer! Ive hsd mine for 3 years or so. The tt does need some cosmetic stuff, but is very livable as it is, and since ill be living in it for the forseable future, that is important, as well as making it to work and keeping up with stuff as cheaply as possible untill i can fo truely full time mobile.

Seraphim · Feb 18, 2013

Practicality wise, and I'm assuming you have a tow vehicle for it, the TT wins. Your bus is neat but a bit more costly to maintain and drive. I think you'd end up saving money, over the long run, with the TT. Just my $.02

highdesertranger · Feb 18, 2013

i am really weary about manufacturers claims about tow ratings.  especially on mountain travel.  i have seen a few problems in this area with people towing well below the max.  highdesertranger