Fiberglass camper... Advice needed

[Jfrancoeur73]

Hi Everyone,
So I purchased a old fiberglass camper trailer mainly for the under frame. I knew nothing about the trailer, but Once I got it home I began to research it. This is where I find out its a Playpac camper and apparently pretty rare. My intentions were to trash the shell and use the frame. Now I'm torn on what to do. personally have no interest in restoring it. I just want the frame for my own tiny camper build. As for the condition, it is just a gutted shell, the roof is sagging, has no windows, holes in the sides from screws drilled to board up the windows, the floor is bad. There is a few things like the window frames seem to be good, 1/2 door frame, it has the roof vents, but I think they aren't great. Anyways, in my research i couldn't find any parts anywhere, so this sounds like it would be an impossible restoration.
I listed it on some websites for sale, but I'm hesitant to sell it, because I don't think anybody that inquired about it is interested in restoring it.

What should I do? Sell it in hopes it gets restored or keep it for the frame and make a sweet tiny camper?
Also, if I do get rid of the shell, in going to strip it totally of all the metal that is left on it and sell it to someone who may need it for a more complete restore.

Thanks

[mary and bob]

Try to find someone that will restore it, best bet if they already have one or have done one.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Jfrancoeur73

What should I do?

Joe,

Welcome to the forum!

If you are inclined, you could post a classified here on this site and also on https://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/.

These two sites would expose it to an audience that might include someone who would like to restore it.

Here's one that apparently was restored and just sold. Apparently they are very rare.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...pac-80842.html

[Bruce Thomas]

It would hafta be pretty bad before I tossed it away...they're too hard to find cheaply. Post some pics here of it and maybe people will give you ideas.

[MK Evenson]

Would be great if you posted pics. I am sure most of us have never seen one.

Mark

[Borrego Dave]

Joe, you can find frames a lot of places for a build and they don't have to be from under an existing TT. Lil Snoozy's are built on galvie boat trailer frames. This TT is pretty rare and should be offered up for someone to bring it back to life. If you were to do a bit of searching on this site you'll find a few TTs that were brought back from some pretty major accidents. Being gutted and the problems you state are minor in comparison. Post it for sale, you may even make a few bucks .

[Jon in AZ]

I agree. The shell is the most valuable part of the unit, but it won't be nearly as saleable for a restoration without a frame under it. The issues you describe with the shell are pretty typical and very fixable.

I'm actually a little surprised the frame is still good. They often rust out long before the shell needs major repair.

Without photos I wouldn't suggest a figure, but gutted shells typically go for anywhere from $500 to around $2500. I'm guessing you could have a brand new custom frame built for $1000-1500.

It seems a shame to consign this classic to the parts bin just for a 40 year old frame.

Thought about fixing it up yourself? Lots of good information on this forum, including how to repair fiberglass. Molded fiberglass shells make for compact, lightweight, roomy, and leak-resistant camping trailers. Aside from building in some support for that sagging roof, you can do pretty much anything you want with the interior.

[Jfrancoeur73]

[Jfrancoeur73]

So here are some pics. I would love to restore it, but like the windows and doors look like they would be impossible to replace.

[Jon in AZ]

I agree the door is a big problem. That would take someone with fiberglass mold-making skills and possibly access to a door. Windows could be managed, but they won't be cheap.

This is definitely on the low end as far as project shells go, and your location will make finding a buyer more difficult. Curious what others think...

[Jfrancoeur73]

I had 400 dollar offer on it, but they wanted me to deliver it 2 hrs and have paperwork to go with the trailer. The delivery isn't a big deal, but I have no paperwork what so ever. What paper work are they referring to. The only thing I could offer is a bill of sale.

[Mary F]

For more info here about the PlayPac (Play-Pac) trailer:

Concept of and commissioned by Steve Whysel, the PlayPac "Hitch Hut" was intended to be light enough to be towed by a VW Beetle. Seventy-five of these trailers were built in the (eastern) US between 1971-1973, when production ceased. They featured a private bathroom, domed skylight, slept six, and had an "ultra modern design."

Also:
PlayPac Restoration Project - Windows and Door Help

And:
Chat with the Inventor of the PlayPac

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Jfrancoeur73

I had 400 dollar offer on it, but they wanted me to deliver it 2 hrs and have paperwork to go with the trailer. The delivery isn't a big deal, but I have no paperwork what so ever. What paper work are they referring to. The only thing I could offer is a bill of sale.

Joe,

That's one offer; I don't believe I've ever gotten two offers that were exactly the same when I sold something.

Posting here on the classifieds section and on the Fiberglass-RV-4Sale site might bring in a buck and even some sense of satisfaction as it's apparently one of only 75 ever built.

It's yours to decide. I expect a couple of weeks, a month at the maximum, would tell the tale if you are willing to give it that.

[john madill]

If it meant they were buying sight unseen.

The buyer may balk when they see it.

Given its rarity i would place an ad here and on craigslist and let it have a chance to live on and make someone happy.

There are lots of trashed pop up campers that could provide the frame you need that are much newer than 40 years old.

Good luck!

[Jfrancoeur73]

I will list it on here....any ideas what this is worth as is? Or should I put lights on it and a little money into it before selling it?