Looking at 1978 trillium 4500 tm

[TomnVyv]

We are new to this journey. Right now, considering buying a cute little 1978 Trillium 4500. (Photos attached) We think, as is...they are asking too much at $7800. Plus, it has not been inspected yet. We noticed, Sink and toilet water pump levers do not work. No shower. Only black water. What else should we look for? We would like to make a cash offer but don't know what is reasonable.

[David Tilston]

Interesting. The serial number implies that this is a 1979. Also the original fridge was an RM360 also implying a 1979. I would like to know if the window in the door opens. If not then it is most likely a 1979.
Just to state the obvious, this trailer has been painted.
Also that fridge is not original. Is it a propane fridge? Or a 12 DC compressor?
Does the furnace work?
The jacks on the rear bumper are kinda over kill, and kinda ugly, (opinion).
The roof vent has a fan. Not a great one, but at least the wires are there.
As for price, they are not far off, assuming everything works. But I am not fond of the front bathroom models. Why have two sinks so very close to each other? Also opinion.

I would very much like to see more pictures. The scribbles on the closet data sheet imply that they have changed out the converter as well.

[TomnVyv]

David, thank you for your input. We appreciate all the information we can learn from those of you that know about these campers. We truly thought the price was too high but you're suggesting it might not be far off (if everything works). It has been painted? Is that reason to be concerned? This unit hasn't even been inspected yet they have priced it top dollar. We low balled our offer (pending inspection) based on what we observed. That said, we're expecting them to refuse. We continue to learn and thank all for input.

[David Tilston]

The fact that it was painted is not a reason for concern. In fact if done well, that would add value.
The value of these campers keeps going up, but I would not pay that much. Probably because I purchased a 1977, (1976?) 4500 for $1350 cdn, ($1050 usd). That was five years ago though.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...0-a-61038.html

[Kristen S.]

We bought a 1978 4500 last year in California and paid $10k (way too much, we know) but it was at least updated and in great shape. Bottom line, there is no blue book for these things. It's all based on what someone is willing to pay for it and people are starting to like these little gems.

I would offer $5k and see how far you get with them in the negotiation. Start calling out all the things that need fixing. Agree with the post above that the jacks are overkill, the fridge isn't original, that toilet is BIZARRE and make sure the furnace works (it's a lifesaver).

[TomnVyv]

Thank you for all the suggestions and info. Although a real cutie... "at the end of the day", we're convinced that this is not the one for us. Casita, maybe? We are thinking about something a bit newer with upgraded toilet, etc. (That toilet was creepy)

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by TomnVyv

Thank you for all the suggestions and info. Although a real cutie... "at the end of the day", we're convinced that this is not the one for us. Casita, maybe?

Welcome to the forum. If you can make one of the rallies that's a great place to see a bunch of different makes and models and ask questions about them from the owners. Many folks have been set on a certain TT....until they got inside it . Your intended tow vehicle may also rule out some because of tow ratings. The hunt is part of the fun, good luck to you.

[John in Michigan]

The asking price is in line assuming no significant problems are found. Here's the list of things to check that I posted a couple of weeks ago re another Trillium for sale:

- clear title
- frame condition
- condition of axle, bearings, brakes and tires
- condition of coupler, door, windows and other mechanical parts
- leaks in belly band, door, windows, roof vent, etc
- belly band rust/disintegration
- condition of electrical components and lines
- condition of propane components and lines
- condition of fiberglass substrate and gelcoat

I failed to list another common problem with Trilliums: wood rot in the interior window frames and in the plywood floor. Check the floors including inside all benches for wood rot. Check for rot in interior window frames by wiggling curtain brackets (should be rigid) and inspecting interior surface of frames (should be flat and firm).

[k0wtz]

I have purchased 2 trailers sight unseen just pictures. both trailers were sought after I frankly don't know how we got them at the prices we did!

the last one our 13f scamper was listed at 6k I asked him over the phone what his sell it today price cash he said he was going to pick up a new bigfoot within 2 days and wanted the scamper off his driveway.

he said 5k I didn't know anything about scampers at the time but I thought this might be a good price so I agreed to flash him a deposit and we grabbed our cash and in 2 days we picked her up.

our camper lacks for nothing no b/r wanted it has a/c we don't use but in the resell end it will be worth it.

saying all this even if we overpaid by 1k we get several years use out of it I am 76 so who knows! I think in the end we will get our 5k back as it needs nothing maybe we just have to take a chance sometimes!

bob

[Phil 4500]

I have purchased two Trillium 4500’s over the years. I paid $6200 for one and $5000 for the other. They are all 40 years old so will need some work. I’d say 6,000 to 6500 is fair.