Used Alaskan pricing and inspection

[Peter A]

Hello Wanderers

I am considering the purchase of a 1974 8' CO Alaskan camper. I have looked on the web for what a fair price is for the camper but there are so few examples and the conditions vary greatly. I haven't personally inspected it yet but the owner describes it as "very fair condition, above average". If I buy it I fully expect to have to put some time and money into it.

The asking price is $2000, which seems a little high to me, is this a fair price?

Also what are the typical areas of failure that need to be inspected for, is rot a big problem?

I currently own an Award TT that i have fixed up and taken on a long trip to Alaska, I am looking for something that i can take on smaller rougher roads

Thanks

Peter

 

[Hyakian]

Given the age and posted condition, $2000 seems pretty high.
I picked up a 1988 8" CO recently for $1600.00.
It is in pretty good shape.
There are a few things that I will update/improve but they are minor.

 

[MikeDahlager]

I agree with the previous poster-$2,000 is on the high side for an Alaskan of that vintage. For that money, there should be no evidence of rot-anywhere. There should be no evidence of water leaking around the corners of the top section as evidenced by stains on the wood. The most common sites for rot are the 4 corners of the bottom section where lift jack brackets are usually bolted on. The other common rot sites are the corners where the floor attaches to the bottom section.

Good luck in your search. To save time, you might try the following Craig's List search engine http://www.searchtempest.com/


Mike

 

[banderswipe]

Hi, Peter for 2000$ this Alaskan should be in very good condition, it should be ready to use with no problems.Make sure it has 3 or 4 lift jacks in good working condition,not seized, as a new set will cost around 6 to 800$. It should come with a tie down system chains turnbuckles belly bar or similar.Check the hydraulic pump lines and cylinders (for raising the roof) for leaks. If it has not been used for a number of years the seals on the pump and cylinders dry out and will leak.Check the roof has no big dents that will hold water.
I payed 800$ for a 1972 10' NCO Alaskan that had water damage from a missing roof vent cover. The floor cost 70$ to fix. It had a cracked font window 60$ and seals for the hydraulic pump were another 60$. Check the Pirelli rubber seal around the camper is not dry and cracking( between the roof section and the walls).
Hope this helps Good Luck,
Kevin.

 

[Paul_S]

Several years ago I picked up a 1984 8' C/0 for 1500.00 but it did need some work, mostly because a previous user had started refinishing / rebuilding cabinets. One thing to check on that I haven't seen mentioned is to check the rear width of the Alaskan against the rear width of the truck you are putting it in. Because newer truck beds have a taper some modifications may be required to the camper. I really like our Alaskan though and we use it extensively.

 

[Peter A]

Thank you for your input. I plan on looking at the camper this week and your information will be helpful

 

[Hyakian]

I know it's an NCO but holly smokes does it look clean...
$750 starting bid and I doubt you would need to do much if anything to it.
My link