how to figure the resale value

cortlandjim

is there a valuing site for campers like KBB? Wonder what sale and trade in values are for T@bs

Cyclonic

No, there is no such site.  The best way to determine value seems to be to look at T@B's that are as similar as possible that have recently sold.

JandJ92010

As I understand it, now that T@Bs are being titled, they should be in the NADA book.

Spruce1

NADA has pricing info. Here's the link: http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/Manufacturers. You have to scroll down the page to the "Don't see your manufacturer" list.  They've got a selection for T@B (pre-2010) and T@B by Little Guy for the newer models.  I don't know how accurate it is but it might offer some guidance.

geromo

Most areas have property tax on RV's that are computed from some list/guide so there must be some publication. Check with your local tax office to see what they use.

USWildflowers

When I went in May to renew my tags and pay my GA ad valorem, they said "Hmmm. Not listed. How much is it worth?"

Nomad

My insurance agent found it listed last Oct.

Verna

Spruce1 said:

NADA has pricing info. Here's the link: http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/Manufacturers. You have to scroll down the page to the "Don't see your manufacturer" list.  They've got a selection for T@B (pre-2010) and T@B by Little Guy for the newer models.  I don't know how accurate it is but it might offer some guidance.

T@B's are in this NADA list. Follow the instruction given by Spruce1. 

USWildflowers

Is what they are listing the MFG suggested list price when new, or the avg sale price used? They seem pretty high to me if avg sale price used...

Eji

how much an a T@b 320 s Sofitel 2018 depreciate ?

lkc001

As a general rule of thumb, it appears that most Tabs sell for $1,000 for every year (i.e. 2018 = $18,000)give or take.  If you find one priced high, the seller is wanting the buyer to take the hit in depreciation.  As with all vehicles, and especially RV's, depreciation on a new unit is a killer.   Trade in value is brutal because a dealer won't give you a fraction of what it's worth.  Do a lot of research on used units through RV Trader, RVT, here on this site under "for sale", ebay, craigslist, etc.  Beware of sellers that are deeply discounting a unit, check it over very carefully.   NADA should start having more information on this as more units are sold & licensed.

Cbusguy

@JandJ92010 depends on your state whether you need a title.   In ohio 320's and tags get no title.    I am unsure about the 400s

mfmccann

Thinking of purchasing a very used Dutchmen 2004-5 T@D T2. NADA suggests it is worth around $5,000. Seems in good shape, but my experience in this arena is nonexistent. I'd like thoughts from folks who have bought used (especially older used). What do you wish you had explored BEFORE you took possession? I imagine battery and charging system (and don't know much about how to explore that). Refrigerator (and once again, no nothing about exploring that).

Of course I'd rather buy a new one - and if I could afford to do that I would at least consider it. But I can't. And even more I can't afford to buy something that then ends up costing 2x what I paid for it to bring it up to spec.

4ncar

mfmccann said:

Thinking of purchasing a very used Dutchmen 2004-5 T@D T2. NADA suggests it is worth around $5,000. Seems in good shape, but my experience in this arena is nonexistent. I'd like thoughts from folks who have bought used (especially older used). What do you wish you had explored BEFORE you took possession? I imagine battery and charging system (and don't know much about how to explore that). Refrigerator (and once again, no nothing about exploring that).

Of course I'd rather buy a new one - and if I could afford to do that I would at least consider it. But I can't. And even more I can't afford to buy something that then ends up costing 2x what I paid for it to bring it up to spec.

Be very careful of the Dutchman’s as they use plywood in the floors and they have been known to rot. Look VERY closely for this.

dragonsdofly

@mfmccann, you express concern about the mechanicals, and those are standard items to check. The early Dutchman (Thor) t@bs were constructed from mostly wood. They are prone to water invasion and wood rot if not having been cared for religiously. Check under the benches for water stains. The same is true of inside/underneath the cabinets. Check the floor carefully for soft spots. Get underneath the trailer to look for problem spots as well. One poster here had the door side of the trailer separate from the body/roof as well due to water invasion and rot. Is the unit you are considering a clamshell?  If so, then check that the clamshell hatch has the protected hinge seam as water infiltration can cause the weight of the door to increase, thus causing failure of the shocks or even the clamshell hatch door to be replaced. If you are looking at a standard inside kitchen, look under the fridge for front end water damage. Check outside in front where the downward curve begins or at the junction of the diamond plate. Sometimes the evidence of water damage can be seen outside at the point where the front wall curve meets the floor. Look for swollen or bumpy areas under the diamond plate.or along the front outside floor joint.
That being said, there are bargains to be had if you shop carefully. There are quite a few early t@bs in good to great condition to be found.
Frames of the older t@bs were galvanized, and not a lot of problems have been reported. They have surge brakes, also not a lot of trouble reported. Something to consider is the trailer age and ease of finding replacement or maintenance parts and supplies. If you relish the challenge, then you'll enjoy the hunt, but if not you'll endure the frustration.
This is not said to discourage you, but just make you aware. Good luck. Examine with an informed and critical eye. Hope to soon be wishing you happy t@bbing. 

Mouseketab

Everything said above. Unless the previous owner added it, the front of the older T@Bs will not have diamond plate.

mfmccann

Thanks to those of you who responded. The floor on this one has been replaced (which makes me a bit MORE concerned about damage to the frame if it is wood. Floor seems sound now and I'll look more carefully underneath now that I've been warned. The side/roof seams all both look and feel very tight. There is no evidence of water damage or mold on the visible areas of the inside.

1 window (door side) is tricky to close. And its screen and share are a bit funky as well. I bet the new ones don't fit (but I have no idea if that is right). Door works fine.

If the battery needs replacing, what is an ideal replacement? Same question regarding the charging system. Any idea about $$ for either?

Mouseketab

The frame is galvanized steel, it is the floor that was wood. Ask if Pleasant Valley did the floor replacement, if so, the trailer is solid. The new shades and screens will fit, but holes from the old shades/screens will show in the walls. Some decorative trim around the new shades/screens cover up the holes.

The new windows are problematic. Pleasant Valley can put a new window in an old T@B, but it takes some sidewall modification. Is the side arm messed up on the one window that doesn't close well? If that is all it is, sidearms can be ordered from across the pond and replaced.

mfmccann

Yes - both side arms are not operating freely.  Who in Europe manufactures (or distributes) replacements?

And I forgot to answer the earlier questioner: The T@B T2 is not a clamshell. Kitchen inside.

mfmccann

Great.  Who manufactures / distributes the arms?

jgram2

@mfmccann I’d resort to calling Elsie at Nücamp (probably just closed in Ohio) and asking her if they can source the parts or direct you to someone else. Her number is in the Nücamp contacts, Parts dept. in the categories to the left.

Sharon_is_SAM

Heads up:  Elsie's number is no longer listed under Parts.  Best to call the main number and ask to be directed to her.