I really wanted to touch on this topic after seeing a scam run rampant currently. There was a 1972 Roadrunner trailer currently listed for sale all over on Craiglist. It’s a gorgeous trailer and it’s listed for $1,800. It’s a SCAM. The same trailer sold a couple weeks ago on eBay for $8,200. So please, please be careful. Scammers lure you in with photos they have stolen from other listings of sold trailers and low prices.
Here is the response e-mail that someone received when they inquired about the camper.
“Hi,
My name is Louise McFall, and I’m emailing you regarding the camper that I have for sale. It is in perfect condition, with no need for any additional repairs. Flawless exterior/interior condition, no scratches and no dents. It has never been involved in an accident.It has a clear title with no loans or liens on it.Sleeps 6, full kitchen.I’m selling the camper because my 22’s years old son died 3 months ago in a car accident. A drunk driver hit him and his fiancé. They were with her car on their way to his little brother’s birthday. It was his camper and it brings me bad memories and that’s the reason I want to sell it as soon as possible. The price that I’m asking is $1.800
Just let me know if you are interested and where are you located.
Thank you,
Louise”
Now, I’m not saying Craigslist is bad. I myself have purchased trailers through Craigslist but I beg you NOT TO DO WHAT I DID! I didn’t take my own advice and I bought trailers without seeing them in person. Yes, I spoke to the seller and they e-mailed more photos, etc.., etc., However, you can imagine how easy it would be for me to be sitting here today writing you how I sent money to buy a trailer and there never was a trailer! Wouldn’t that be awful? I was fortunate in that my (stupid) leap of faith resulted in dealing with an actual real seller. But it could of turned out quite differently. I myself will not buy another trailer without being able to see it in person. The risk is just too great. Well, let me re-phrase part of that…if I did it would be only through someone I knew.
So please folks be very aware that scams such as this exist. I do not want to see any of you get scammed! If you see an ad that looks too good to be true it probably is and if you can’t see it in person or at least find someone in the state where it is for sale willing to go check it out for you, then it’s best to pass on it.
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yep – this person somehow hacked in to my personal email to sell this trailer. i was skeptical at first so asked for how they got my address and for more info. when i got response it was clear it was a scam and i totally threatened them to delete my email address or they would be reported to authorities. wish i would have seen this note ahead of time.
I almost went through with this SAME transaction until I read your blog. Thank you for saving me from a HUGE misfortune!!!
Sofia, I’m so glad it saved you from that because unfortunately this indeed happens to folks and it’s scary stuff! I wouldn’t want to see anyone get ripped off by these sort of scams. So I’m very happy that you read it before going through with a transaction.
Here is one of the 3 emails I received regarding the camper! I can not believe someone could actually say these things!
Hi,
My name is Louise McFall, and I’m emailing you regarding the camper that I have for sale. It is in perfect condition, with no need for any additional repairs. Flawless exterior/interior condition, no scratches and no dents. It has never been involved in an accident.It has a clear title with no loans or liens on it.Sleeps 6, full kitchen.I’m selling the camper because my 22’s years old son died 3 months ago in a car accident. A drunk driver hit him and his fiancé. They were with her car on their way to his little brother’s birthday. It was his camper and it brings me bad memories and that’s the reason I want to sell it as soon as possible. The price that I’m asking is $1.800
Just let me know if you are interested and where are you located.
Thank you,
Louise
Thanks. There”s a sweet 60’s trailer that has been listed for over a week for $500 on craigslist in a Midwest state. My logic says it should have been gone the same day. A man with a foreign accent called me back today. Still has it, he says. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” comes to mind. I asked for interior pictures. He said he has two or three, and will take more “at the end of next week”. Not too anxious to sell? Busy with the holiday?
He says he has the title, so I asked him to include a picture of it, thinking I could compare it to his answers to my questions (how long he’s owned it, etc.) What I don’t understand is what their game is, what they can gain? I would go to see it before I bought it. I would pay him with cash – no bank account or PayPal info swapped. What is their goal? To steal my email address? What can he do with my email address aside from sell it to spammers?
Hi Sandy and All,
We are going to see a trailer on Sunday which sounds suspiciously like this one. Same accent, 500 bucks, 60s trailer, Midwest. Did you go see it? The story he told me matched what the photo looked like. Can only think that it is not the real title? Hmmm.
Please respond if anyone has gone to see a trailer like this and what happened…
Thank you!
SAme $ 1,800 ad & two pics still running in the CHATTANOOGA, TENN listing , entered June 19th . I inquired two days ago… thought strange < FOr Sale by DEALER & no reply over weekend. BUMMER I was hoping to go & photo the interior here in Chattanooga.. !!!
THANKS for the heads up ..
Although this wasn’t for a vintage trailer, I received a similar scam e-mail:
“Hello,
This is a 2001 Coleman Bayside, with clear title. The overall condition of the camper is excellent no need any additional repairs. Flawless exterior/interior condition, no scratches and no dents . The interior is also in perfect shape. This camper has been very well maintained and never smoke inside. You will not have any problems with registration,the price of the camper is $2550.
The camper is in Pittsburgh, PA in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. I can’t conclude this transaction personally because my work involves a lot of traveling, the camper is already at the shipping company and will be delivered from there very fast, shipping cost is included in price.
So if you are interested i will give you further details how we can conclude this transaction safe and secure for both of us.
Here you have more pics: claspics.com/uveegrn/h34pxzsn i hope you will like it.
P.S. Please do not reply if you don’t have the money or If you need a loan.
Thank you,
Have a nice day!”
I’ve since learned to spot the scammers, including the one you wrote about. It was posted here in Missouri as well. I just now found your website today and have been enjoying all the wonderful posts and pictures! Love these oldies!
Similar ad here in Wisconsin. They sent what read like a form letter about a divorce situation and wanting to sell the camper fast. The camper is said to be at a shipping company in Boston. Shipping would be included with free return shipping if I don’t like it. That was just too sketchy.
Hello,
I’m looking for a vintage trailer without the interior – if need be. I would like to make it into the cutest food trailer ever! If anyone knows of a shell or even if it needs demo, I can do that too.
Thank you! Love your blog!
I just received two emails just like that. Exact same format and everything for two completely different vehicles. I was really wanting a very reliable cheap vehicle with me being a college student and all and I get back to back emails like this. It makes you wonder if it’s the same person trying to rip you off. It looks like it has expanded to more than just trailers too!!
Dear Trailer Owners,
I recently purchased a 1972 lil hobo 18ft travel trailer. Does anyone know much about them? The company name says from Elkhart, Indiana.
I love the trailer and I am using it as a writers cabin.
I just bought a 1971 Lil Hobo. I have not found any info on them. I am going to the RV Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, IN this week, hoping to find out something.
Hi let me know what you find out about the lil hobo. I love mine. I have a manuel with mine. What size is yours? Any pictures?