'85 Coelman-bad deal at $1000?

[Bowfin]

I'm looking at an 85 Coleman. The fellow wants $1000 for it.

The good- Clean, no mildew or stains, AC, propane stove

The bad- two tears in the canvas, one on a roof seam over the front
              bed corner
             - water leaks in the top around the AC and the roof is                
               bowed-in where the unit is mounted, allowing water to pool  
                and leak into the camper
             - the awning has a tear along where it meets the camper top

The camper is very clean and looks to be in great shape other than the issues.


I pushed in a home-made wooden crossbeam and water poured from under the ceiling. He says they store it under a shed and the previous owners all stored it covered, but he set it up when he put it up for sale and it rained.

Easy fixes?

[Tim5055]

Nope, not easy fixes.  You are looking at a major overhaul of the roof if not outright rebuild/replacement.

[ccarr113]

If you are patient you could find a way better deal.  Don''t leave any stone unturned either.  Check the news paper classifieds, buy the want adds,  check the bullitin boards at the dealers and at local campgrounds.   Also, when I was shopping around, anytime I saw one for sale in a driveway or yard I would stop and look or at least write a phone number down to make an appointment.  Do yourself a favor and don't jump at the first thing.  Trust your gut feeling.  The fact that you came on here to ask if it was a "bad deal" makes me think you already thought it was.

[trumpet87]

I'm looking at an 85 Coleman. The fellow wants $1000 for it.

The good- Clean, no mildew or stains, AC, propane stove

The bad- two tears in the canvas, one on a roof seam over the front
              bed corner
             - water leaks in the top around the AC and the roof is                
               bowed-in where the unit is mounted, allowing water to pool  
                and leak into the camper
             - the awning has a tear along where it meets the camper top

The camper is very clean and looks to be in great shape other than the issues.


I pushed in a home-made wooden crossbeam and water poured from under the ceiling. He says they store it under a shed and the previous owners all stored it covered, but he set it up when he put it up for sale and it rained.

Easy fixes?

Sorry, but I wouldn't touch that unit with a 10 ft. pole. By the time you fixed it to where I'm sure you would want it, you would have a LOT of $ in it, not to mention time. Just my honest opinion  

[Tim Haskett]

To replace the canvus will cost you around $1K.  Keep looking!!!  Tim

[curryp]

Sounds to me like the only thing that would be working  on that camper is the owner.

[Bowfin]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll continue looking.