It’s not every day you come across a potentially roadworthy vintage travel trailer for under $2,000. Usually this is the kind of “find” you hear about over burgers and beers from the lucky new owner!
This ’69 Terry camper had to wait almost 30 years to get back on the road.
A 1970 Terry travel trailer went for $1,500 and change on eBay recently, complete with the original manual and a fabulous history of its travels courtesy of many colorful decals on the inside door.
From Canada to Mexico and all points in between!
Extras like stabilizer bars and propane tanks are right where the last owner left them. It’s helpful to purchase a vintage trailer with this equipment in good working order. First, you can go camping straight away. Second, if something needs replacing, the original is there to aid in finding an authentic replacement.
Expensive to replace extras made this an even sweeter deal.
The trailer was purchased by the seller’s father from the original owner when it was less than a year off the assembly line. It served a solid decade and a half of travel and was parked (for good) in 1985. From the description and pictures, the camper seems to be in decent shape, with the exception of a few small leaks. Still, there’s a good chance some mechanical, plumbing and electrical gremlins await the new owner.
Proof positive: the electrical system is working!
The original platform was loaded with features. Here’s a few from the ad:
- Sleeps: 6
- Dinette and full kitchen
- Shower, toilet and sink in rear
- 10,000 BTU propane wall heater
- 30 gallon fresh water tank
- 12 volt fluorescent lighting and 110 lighting, all working
- Working 110 volt AC
- Integrated electric tongue jack
The cabinets, dinette and kitchen are in excellent condition for a classic trailer.
Everything is all original with working electrical and fully functional appliances. Even the classic woodwork is intact.
This vintage Terry manual is a find in itself.
The seller also added a list of items for the new owner to address, and took the time to correct the manufacturing date when they got better information.
The 110 volt AC unit still in good shape and blowing cold.
Front view, with intact shutters and propane bottles in place.
Looking at the photos, the exterior seems to be in good condition, with the exception of the leaks that are mentioned in the seller’s description. The seller also included several questions and answers regarding the condition of the camper, a helpful item for would-be vintage camper buyers.
Close-up of the exterior.
We gained a lot of information about what this camper might need from the questions the bidders asked. So much in fact, you could practically start your renovation shopping list right here!
- The trailer has never been in an accident
- There are no dents in the trailer’s skin
- Seller suggests a fresh coat of paint, which makes sense to us too
- The refrigerator was working at both voltages when last used.
- The water tank needs a patch and the toilet needs an overhaul kit (included)
- All marker lights are working
- The floor is solid
- The tires are solid with good tread, but the seller is cautious, due to age.
In this view, you can see the water tank and electrical box. Frame looks good – no evidence of dry rot.
The Q&A reads like a primer on what you should look for in a used RV. If everything is as it seems, the story of it being parked – but cared for – seems to play out. Someone is probably enjoying a like-new trailer that cost them just a few weekends in time and an extra grand in repairs. Kudos to you!
