Author Topic: Potential new (2nd hand) 2004 Trackabout purchase (Read 10062 times)

cossonfamily · « **on:** June 06, 2011, 06:21:02 PM »

Hi
I know lots of you on here have a Trackabout and I know Johnny is on here too.
My question is - I am looking at a 2004 Trackabout at the moment. I was wandering what I should be looking for when inspecting it, considering age etc.
What would be considered a reasonable price.
It is the 2004 Deluxe.
so comes with tank,
stone guard,
electric brakes,
bie rack,
tool box
4 jerrys
2 gas bottles,
12 volt system via anderson (no batteries)
sink with extendable bench,
good tyres

I think that is all.
It doesnt come with enclosed awning. What would the cost be to have one added. I am not in QLD so may not be able to take back to John to have this done

Any suggestions and 'heads up' would be eternally greatful.

Thanks in advance
Tam

HEM19X · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:29:50 PM »

Tam,

In reasonable condition [IMHO] you might expect to pay $10, but dependant on the condition.

Check that the canvas is undamaged..no rips etc, check that the zippers are all there..make sure the 12v works & the drifta [?] kitchen is not too damaged etc.

Check underneath for damage, especially the spring mounts for cracks etc, the spare is reasonable and that the stabilizer legs work OK.

Anything that looks like it will cost to have fixed can give you a reason to get a price reduction - batteries are not overly expensive but may cost $250 plus..

Probably cost $1,000 - $1500 for a full awning but check with JT for a price.

Given it's a standard deluxe, JT may be able to sew an awing without having it there but again check with him.

Good Luck,

Hem

DANBRI · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:39:07 PM »

I'm not sure where you are but this is a bargain!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Off-Road-4x4-Modcon-Camper-Trailer-/220793918434?pt=AU_Trailers&hash=item336857d3e2

davo69 and the Nurse · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:43:44 PM »

Tam

You will need to unzip the awning off the camper an send it to Trackabout for a full annex to be manufactured.

Also where about's is the trailer located? A fellow Trackabout owner and swagger may be able to check the trailer out with you.

the Nurse

cossonfamily · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2011, 11:05:04 PM »

Thanks for the advice so far

Much appreciated

I am located in the Western District of Victoria, but the trailer is located near Moe, Victoria. So it is a fair hike for us, especially if the trailer turns out to have problems.

The price they have on it is EXTREMLY reasonable at $6000. I have done alot of research and I am now trying to convince my husband that it is worth the trip. I have been assured by the lady selling it that there is no issues (but I am hesitant because I have just wasted approx $700 on fuel and accomodation looking at horse floats that turned out to be DUDS! So have a little apprehension).

So my husbands two concerns - long way to travel and we still need to add the walls. Our budget is $6000 (I know it is on the lean side, but unfortunatly that is it

HEM19X - I was thinking the price range you said too. Which is why I am so amaxed at the asking price of this one. Either there is something wrong with it or they don't know the real value of it.

AussieBob · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2011, 04:52:42 AM »

A general question to those with Trackabout's...Is there any specific way to tell that this CT is actually a Trackabout, other than what the Ade said and the mud flaps show?? Want the Cossonfamily to get the genuine article.!!
Bob

Johnny Trackabout · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2011, 06:19:07 AM »

Quote from: cossonfamily on June 06, 2011, 11:05:04 PM

Thanks for the advice so far Much appreciated

I am located in the Western District of Victoria, but the trailer is located near Moe, Victoria. So it is a fair hike for us, especially if the trailer turns out to have problems.

The price they have on it is EXTREMLY reasonable at $6000. I have done alot of research and I am now trying to convince my husband that it is worth the trip. I have been assured by the lady selling it that there is no issues (but I am hesitant because I have just wasted approx $700 on fuel and accomodation looking at horse floats that turned out to be DUDS! So have a little apprehension).

So my husbands two concerns - long way to travel and we still need to add the walls. Our budget is $6000 (I know it is on the lean side, but unfortunatly that is it

HEM19X - I was thinking the price range you said too. Which is why I am so amaxed at the asking price of this one. Either there is something wrong with it or they don't know the real value of it.

6K is a great buy and most of the 03/04 models are fetching around 9 to 11K (pending options and condition). I'll be back in the office tomorrow, feel free to give me a call or send me a link and I'll check it out. Try and get the VIN as well and I'll make sure it stacks up as there have been quite a few copy's over the years and I can sort the weeds from the flowers....so to speak

Cheers
JT

cossonfamily · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2011, 08:33:54 AM »

Thanks for the heads up everyone.

JT - I tried calling you yesterday, but got in too late you were closed

I'll try calling today and I'll send the link to you through Trackabouts email. Thanks heaps.

Cheers
Tammy

Matto · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2011, 02:21:21 PM »

Hi Tammy,

First up - good luck! If you get it, you'll be laughing.

My first thought is : are you sure it's a Deluxe, and not a Safari?

If it's a Deluxe, then it's been optioned up with some very nice additions to bring it up towards Safari spec. IE, brakes, 4 jerry holders, etc. JT will be able to confirm, and if you can get the VIN then he'll be able to tell you exactly what it is.

As for the annex walls - do you *really* need them straight up? We don't have them on ours, and haven't missed them yet. We've got the kitchen-end wall, but rarely use it. If you do want to get them made later down the track, as TheNurse says, you just need to mail back the annex, which is really easy.

Hem has basically nailed the rest of it - check underneath to see if it's been abused, and check the canvas for any holes/tears/burn marks and broken zips. Check the base of the tent for damaged D-rings. Not much is terminal on these things (check the Murphy's Ck flood camper for evidence of that!), so use that to your advantage when negotiating. The distance you have to go to get it can also work in your favour if you're there on the day with cash in your hand, but are fully-well prepared to turn around and drive home again without it. The fact you've travelled that far and bought the money with will show them you're serious about doing a deal. NB - they may call your bluff on this, and you'll have to be prepared to actually turn around and leave. In that case you've learnt something about the seller anyway, and potentially it's saved you a bigger issue later.

AussieBob - our Trackabout has the VIN number welded onto the drawbar, as well as a build plate riveted on the rear showing the details about the camper (including manufacturer, etc). I'd start by taking the VIN number to JT, and seeing if he can match it. If I was looking at any brand of CT, I'd still do this step with the manufacturer - they should all keep records, and it gives you a lot more information about the trailer.

$6k - wow. That's a steal if it's in anything approaching good condition. Good luck with it - I hope it comes together for you!

Good luck!
Matto

cossonfamily · « **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:02:14 PM »

Matto - thanks for the info.

I have emailed JT at work to give him the link.

The trailer comes with 4 Jerry can holders, brakes, 2 gas botteles, 12 volt system (no batteries). Opps she did say it was a Safari.

The enclosed walls - we are a family of 5. My husband has been working away staying in Motels. Our thoughts are to get a camper so we can come with him and not worry about motel fees. So we will be using it during this cold weather. If there was something else we could use till we can the walls, that would be great. Any ideas? I was thinking Oztents on a couple of the sides, but really I can't be forking out the price on them right now (on top of the camper).

cheers

cossonfamily · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:13:35 PM »

Matto - I can't seem to find the info on the Murphy's Creek Trackabout Camper. Only the listing in Classifieds of JT auctioning it off.
Could you send me the link.
cheers

Matto · « **Reply #11 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:19:43 PM »

Hi Tammy,

A Safari for $6k - that's an even better deal!

I know JT's pretty busy this week, but I'm sure he'll get back to you as soon as he can. Will be interesting to see what comes of it!

Re: the walls - that makes sense. I figured there must have been a reason behind it. My brother takes his family of 5 away, and uses the walls pretty much all the time for that same reason - lets you use the annex as a "living room". Especially useful when it's cold (they go down around Girraween which can get pretty cold, but probably not as cold as where you are!). Short term - it wouldn't be pretty, but could you hang silver tarps on either end? Might be a bit cheaper than a pair of OzTents.

If I were you though, I think I'd be saving up to get the proper walls made ASAP.

Link to the trailer story is here : http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=11341.0

Good luck!
Matto

Monty94 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:42:21 PM »

I know all about the apprehension about driving long distance to check out a camper. We drove from Melbourne to Nowra after finding a camper on the Trading Post. With only a few photos and a long chat to the owner, we decided to make the trip. We bought it and don't regret it one bit.

We were wrecked when we got home, but you soon forget about the trip when you are away sitting around the camp fire.

krisandkev · « **Reply #13 on:** June 07, 2011, 05:36:44 PM »

re the Modcon Overlander for sale in this post, yep sounds like a good deal. We bought our 2005 Modcon overlander 2 yrs ago for $9000, had more extras than that one, but older. Ours was in good nick, and we have since done 40,000 klm with it. Has been a great purchase.

cossonfamily · « **Reply #14 on:** June 07, 2011, 07:36:10 PM »

Thanks everyone

Loos like I won the debate with the hubby!!!!

Looks like I am off to look at the Trackabout tomorrow. I am waiting on some more pics from the seller first.

She tells me they are the second owner. The first owner used it once for a small trip and the current owners used it for an approx 20,000km trip around WA and NT earlier this year. Been in storage when not in use. She said they have never had to do anything to it. They kept the bearings well oiled on trip. It has stone chips, no but rust etc anywhere else.

It doesn't come with a stove, was this standard for the 2004 Safari's? It also doesn't come with a kitchen wall.
I have convinced my husband that we could cope with just having our huge tarps up as walls. I hope that is effective or he won't let me live it down

lol

Danbri - sorry must have missed your post - looks like a good deal, unfortunatly I am in Vic.

Anyways, I will post how it all went. Hopefully it will be good news and I WILL be towing an AWESOME CT home (at a BARGAIN price)!

Oh, forgot to ask - Is the Poly Block coupling easy to handle, as I will be picking it up without my husband. Any tips?

Many Thanks
Tammy

cossonfamily · « **Reply #15 on:** June 09, 2011, 06:39:17 AM »

I am about to head off to check out and (hopefully) buy the trailer!!!

woohoo - I am soo excited!

I have wrote my list of things to check, from advice from you guys. Hubby is still away working so he can't come with me

but Mums coming for the drive (along with my 5 kids). Gee, I really hope it is not a wasted trip - I think it will really turn me off buying anything secondhand from a distance again.

Monty94 - I am glad it worked out well for you guys and your trip to see your trailer. Hopefully my luck will be good too.

She has also thrown in the Solar Panels for no extra charge. I don't now what brand, amps or anything. But its for free, so can't go wrong

I still have to get onto Trackabout to check authenticity of the Vin #, I have the number now and have been to VicRoads to check ownership, make, year etc. That all checked out.

So hopefully, next time you guys here from me, I will be the PROUD owner of a Trackabout!!!!!!!

Got to go.
Cheers
and Thanks a Million!
Tam

Gunna Do · « **Reply #16 on:** June 09, 2011, 06:56:34 AM »

Good onya Tam. You never know until you have a look with your own eyes. Hope it's everything you wanted, and then some, if it's not, there will be sure to be something else come along.

Pics, don't forget to get pics if you buy it.

Barrabart · « **Reply #17 on:** June 09, 2011, 07:06:07 AM »

Good luck with it all, hope it all works out well for you.......... I reckon a Safari for $6k is pretty bloody good buying, it'd have to be pretty bashed around for me to knock it back...

Slipus · « **Reply #18 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:48:29 AM »

Hope it works out for you ..... you can't go wrong with a Trackabout.... but I admit i am slightly bias.

cheers

Pete

cossonfamily · « **Reply #19 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:03:53 PM »

Good news

!!!!!!

I am the proud owner of a 2004 Trackabout Safari - grinning from ear to ear!

I think it is in good nick. It does have a couple issues though, but they are only small. There is stone chips that I would like to touch up. Does JT put a special undercoat to prevent rust? because although there is stone chips there isn't any rust in those areas. How is it best to treat the stone chips? Do we sand back, then spray with matching paint? Or is there more to it?

The zip on the dust cover seems to be splitting. It is covered in red dust. If I give it a good scrub with soapy detergent then some sort of lubricant, will that fix the problem. There is a cple tiny holes in the door screen. How is it best to treat them?

Otherwise I am so GLAD that I made the trip! Trackabouts are an awesome trailer and I am still pinching myself that I got myself one!!! I am one VERY lucky lady

!!!!!!!

dno · « **Reply #20 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:18:04 PM »

Well done, good buying. I'm sure JT would help you with the info your seeking.

Matto · « **Reply #21 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:26:58 PM »

Congratulations Tammy!

That's wonderful news - I'm glad it all worked out for you. The issues you've listed are, in my opinion, VERY minor - you've got yourself a cracking trailer for an absolute steal. Well done!

OK - the paint. All I'd do is grab some of the Kill-Rust paint that's in a similar colour, and touch up with that. You can get it in spray-cans from Bunnings, and it's really tough. It's made to go on over rusted metal, with no prep whatsoever, after all.

With the dust cover zip, I'd do exactly what you're thinking of. Clean it up as much as possible with warm water, and then use a silicon-based lubricant. The issue with that is that the lubricant might attract dust and make it stick to the cleaned zip easier. Hopefully someone else will have a better answer for you - that's all I'd do though.

Flyscreen mesh - if they're small holes I'd just find some black thread and stitch them closed. You could probably patch them with some tape, but I'd just close them up with thread.

As Dno hass already mentioned, I'm sure JT will be along shortly with the proper remedies for the little problems. He might even be able to sell you a can of the secret "new camper smell" that they install on all their new trailers in the factory. It certainly sounds like you've got a great camper at a bargain-basement price - I hope your family gets many years of enjoyment from it. Welcome to the Trackabout family!

Congrats again!
Matto

Monty94 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:34:46 PM »

Congratulations that's great news!

Nothing better than getting it home and setting it up in the backyard for the first time. Many good times to be had in the future camping.

Oh and don't forget

lol

Happy camping!

Johnny Trackabout · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2011, 05:59:54 AM »

Quote from: cossonfamily on June 09, 2011, 09:03:53 PM

Good news !!!!!!

I am the proud owner of a 2004 Trackabout Safari - grinning from ear to ear!

I think it is in good nick. It does have a couple issues though, but they are only small. There is stone chips that I would like to touch up. Does JT put a special undercoat to prevent rust? because although there is stone chips there isn't any rust in those areas. How is it best to treat the stone chips? Do we sand back, then spray with matching paint? Or is there more to it?

The zip on the dust cover seems to be splitting. It is covered in red dust. If I give it a good scrub with soapy detergent then some sort of lubricant, will that fix the problem. There is a cple tiny holes in the door screen. How is it best to treat them?

Otherwise I am so GLAD that I made the trip! Trackabouts are an awesome trailer and I am still pinching myself that I got myself one!!! I am one VERY lucky lady !!!!!!!

Great to see the journey was worth the effort Tammy. Here are a few suggestions
* The Drawbar and Chassis are made of duragal which should not rust. Simply give a light sand to the stone chiped areas and you can cold galv spray followed by going to Bunnings and you can buy Hammertome Charcoal in a spray can....think the brand is White Knight or septone. Respray the drawbar and should look as good as new

The Torneau cover zip can easily be restiched or replaced or we can sell you a new cover. It may be possible that the zip has given way from excess storage under the cover. Send me some pic's and I will advise you on what best suits. Try a citrus based cleaner on the cover, this stuff usually gets rid of most stubborn stains. Clean the zips with a tooth brush and soapy water, try not to use any lubricants as this will help aid dust sticking to the zips.

Send me some pic's on the holes in the door screen, it may be possible to restich or simply put a patch over the holes....to replace the screen in the door is very expensive and might have to medicate and get you drunk before I give you the price to do this....so hopefully a patch will do the job.....send me some details and I'll get a patch kit in the mail asap.

Hope this helps and feel free to give me a call on any of the above or any other questions you may have......now go out and enjoy your new Trackabout

Cheers
JT

duggie · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2011, 06:21:33 AM »

Hello cossonfamily,
Congratulations Tammy and welcome to the Trackabout family. You sure did get a great bargin with what you paid for what your getting, well done. Now get out and enjoy the bloody thing.

GO THE TRACKABOUT, cheers duggie

News:

Author Topic: Potential new (2nd hand) 2004 Trackabout purchase (Read 10062 times)