Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: BlackFlagForge on 06/14/12 11:42am

Hello all just found this goldmine of Avion TC info.
Im looking to purchase this:
[image]

Some items are missing, heater/fridge and the bathroom is not hooked up but if the price is right I hope to bring it home to work on.

Looking for any info that you can give from the pics provided waiting on more this evening. Thanks all!

Posted By: 67avion on 06/14/12 01:05pm

Welcome aboard! If you've read through this string of a discussion you should have gotten a real good idea of the issues you may face with the Avion. You also should have gotten a real good idea that this may be one of the best and most durable TCs ever built. Its a classic that may never be replicated. I hope you make the plunge.

I have a refrigerator and stove that I removed from my 67 Avion that are available. Let me know if you are interested.

Posted By: BlackFlagForge on 06/14/12 01:30pm

67avion wrote:

I have a refrigerator and stove that I removed from my 67 Avion that are available. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks for the welcome and I just might! I'm going to take a look tomorrow if able. I have looked at a LOT of TC and was just let down by the condition of an Amerigo with the back end snap-n-nap thing was falling apart.. I wish I had that extra space in an Avion for my Rhodesian Ridgeback to have a place to crash but I think the dinette will have to server!

Posted By: 67avion on 06/14/12 01:58pm

The biggest issue by far is plywood rot in the wings. You'll see water stains or other signs of leaks if that's the case. Note especially where the overhang meets the side of the camper. Also, near the backdoor and under the toilet. Though the rot is not a deal breaker, it definitely sets the price at a different point.

Posted By: BlackFlagForge on 06/14/12 02:29pm

They think it has a slight leak around the side window so I know there will be that to deal with but the question is how far does it go and how many unknown areas will I find?

Posted By: 69cayo on 06/14/12 04:28pm

It seems to be missing the fiberglass enclosure that covers the black tank/plumbing.
From what I can see the body looks to be in great shape, no dents !

I agree with 67avion, if you find some leaks/rot start knocking the price down and keep in mind there's probably more you can't see.

The body being in good shape is a big +.

Dennis

Posted By: garryk6 on 06/14/12 04:44pm

Congrats on finding another C-10.

I went to the city dump yesterday and finally weighed the truck and camper. I still had a bunch of stuff from Home Depot in it from our trip to the mainland, but figured it would be close to what I'd have in it with water and kids clothes.

It was heavier than I figured...
Truck and Camper 10,120lbs
Truck no camper 7,480lbs

Both weights with the 19.5's, headache rack and 2/3 tank of fuel.

Glad I got the 19.5's now! [emoticon]

Garry in Kodiak, AK

Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper

Posted By: 67avion on 06/14/12 06:44pm

BlackFlag wrote:

They think it has a slight leak around the side window so I know there will be that to deal with but the question is how far does it go and how many unknown areas will I find?

I'm afraid with an almost 50 year old camper there is no such thing as a "slight leak". Assume that the rains of the past two decades have made their way into the camper. That's the bad news. The good news is that the Avion is relatively simple to repair. You take out all of the kitchen/closet area and you will see, precisely, where there is damage. Ditto with the other side of the coach. And ditto with the bathroom and floor. Its not rocket science. And the structure of the coach is so well put together that wood damage seldom causes other issues.

But, having said that, it does affect the price of the camper. Medium damage $1500-$2000. Extensive damage $500. No damage, the sky is the limit. I've heard of them trading for $10,000+ when in "perfect" condition.

What do they rest of you think the prices are running nowadays for an un-restored C-10 or C-11?

Posted By: Avion C-11 on 06/14/12 07:16pm

BlackFlagForge wrote:

Hello all just found this goldmine of Avion TC info.
Im looking to purchase this:
[image]

Good luck with the purchase. I hope you join the club!

I would go into this and expect that it will need all the wood fixed in the wings and floor. In my experience most of the ones I have seen need some work in there if not a total redo. I wouldn't let that be a deterrent and if it turns out it's good to go then that's even better.

I would think about how much time and money you want to have into this thing when its done. If you are going to take it from a totally non working camper to a useful, water tight and functional machine it could take you a year or more. If you replace all the "stuff" with new "stuff" you may end up with 5-10 grand in the thing. I know you could do it for less but my point is just think about what you want it to be when it is done and what it will take to get there.

From my buying experience, I wish I had spent more time looking for a camper with skins that had good anodizing, no dents or damage. Unlike a steel bodied car, the dents in these things just can be banged out unless you are lucky. You will need to patch or replace the skins where there is damage or holes you do not want. The anodizing doesn't come off "easily" and if it's faded and chalky it does not look great no matter what you do to it.

So, pay attention to what it needs to be working right and assume you will have to replace all the "stuff" even if you think you might be able to fix some of it. Make sure the outside has the potential to look as you might like it in the end. Enjoy the process and once you have bought it commit to finishing and fixing it and go with the flow. You will have a very cool camper when it's done!

Happy Camping!

Avioncamper.wordpress.com

Posted By: Avion C-11 on 06/14/12 07:24pm

67avion wrote:

BlackFlag wrote:

They think it has a slight leak around the side window so I know there will be that to deal with but the question is how far does it go and how many unknown areas will I find?

I bought mine about a year ago for $2000 and even thought it looked pretty good on initial inspection it needed everything. However, it was the best one I could find in that price range when I was looking. I think if your time horizon is long enough you should be able to find one with a decent shell but needing total resto for $1000. $1500 with working or easily fixable fridge and other appliances. $3000 for well used but fully functional. And sky is the limit on a fully restored one. There was a painted and clear coat C-10 going for 15k at one point.

Chris

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