Apache Royal tent trailers
 

Anyone out there know much about them. I have a chance to buy a 1976 model Apache Royal for $1000 bucks. It is in really good condition, and from the original owner.
I know there are forums on them but was wondering if any of you have first hand experience with them.
Thanks in advance.
Dan

Heres a couple pics of the beasty.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158116667.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158116717.jpg

For $1000 bucks why not, you could always set it up and sell hot dogs at the Grand Canyon.

I think the apaches are like some of the coleman trailers. I know that the colemans suffered from leaks where the panels meet. The apache might be better, im not sure, might be worth doing a hose test on it.

Wow - now that takes me back about 25 years ! We went cross country camping in one that looked almost identical except for the awning.

From what I remember it was well put together and easy to put up / take down.

For a few bucks more you could probably add double seals and some paint. The fabric can be seam-sealed and waterproof sprayed. A small genorator in the bed and luggage in the back seat.
The single axle might be a problem for that much weight, definitly have spares and repack the bearings. Do they still sell those brakes?
If you have(and will have) the storage space, and the time for travel, do it. US campgrounds are near everywhere nice, and you can drop it and go into town.

We had an Apache "pop-up" trailer when I was a kid and it was well-made and kept us dry and comfortable. It looks like it has been taken care of...

Well crappola! We went to see it last night and it was a real beauty. We just got the phone call a few minutes ago that the guy had a change of heart and does not want to sell it at all now.
I kind of had my hopes up and already had my mind swimming with ideas on how to fix it up better.
Ohwell, back to the drawing board.

ANY used trailer:

Wheel bearings
Fresh tires

A must!

Call him again just to chat,
and after a few minutes bring up the anecedote of a friend who has to work so much and is always busy avoiding his pestery wife, and how much vacations are overrated, and your GF wants to go to sleep next to the redwoods that is only minutes away, but you want to make her happy so you could probably offer a few more bucks just for the heck of it...

I used a similar one for about 10 years and sold it to a coworker who has had it for 4 years and has no plan to give it up. It was a Starcraft with solid walls. Buy used and keep it nice and it doesn't lose much money.

He said it was an emotional issue with the sale. Apparently his parents were the original owners of it and they bought it when he was 14. He said after seeing us and a few other people look at it, that that is when it hit him how much he would miss it. I can fully understand that point of view.
I don't think any ammount of money would change his mind. He told us when we first called on it that the money was not the issue.
Yes Craig911 the wheel bearings and fresh tires are a must. I agree.

That is one nice setup then..

Just let him know to give you a call if he ever has a change of heart. Additionally let him know you will treat it well and would continue to use it to provide your kids (if you have them, or in the future) with the same kind of memories he had. Kind of a continue the fuzzy feeling kind of thing.

I have a Jayco trailer and like it. Gets you off the dirt and I put in an air conditioner. Cheap camping with an upgrade from a tent.

What Craig said, wheel bearings, tires and brakes if fitted.