1991 Born Free President 19ft (Low Miles) - taking offers (Franklin, TN)

leftey

New member
Note-This is my craigslist post verbatim, I am also just wondering everyone's thoughts if this is priced appropriately, and I am here to answer any questions, thnx

Awesomely rare 19ft self contained camper van. It has been a show stopper whenever I drive it out , truck drivers honk, people at gas stations ask to buy it, ect. It was originally won in a game show, I am not sure how many are even out there and I have never found a single other one for sale; a truly unique RV that can park in normal parking spots. Tons of cabinet space, amazing insulation, great potential for a partial or full gut for a dream van
42k original miles on a Ford e350 gas engine

Display pic was from 2021 after a power wash, it was stunning. I then drove it down from MI to TN and lived out of it for a few months. It has been relatively idle for a bit over a year now, and now has some dirt and grime on it. A couple hours work will get it back to that clean cosmetic state. There's a few other issues I will list, I am just currently focusing on a big house project and can't give it the love it needs

Issues it currently has-
Cracked windshield
Tail light and headlight out
Fridge is untested for gas, but it would not start with electric hookup
Heater seems to run a bit dirty, not sure what level of cleaning it needs to be done or just needs to run for a while to get the dust pumped out
Fuses are out on some of the outlets, some still working
Brakes are fair, I had them over heat on me when I was driving down in the summer weather after about 4 hours straight, otherwise no problems; but should be looked at before a long trip
Window lining needs to be refastened on big window over the convertible couch
One of the two fuel tanks has old fuel in the tank that needs to be drained, it wont go far on that tank before sputtering out, there was some fuel pump work done early 2021 so I am not 100% sure if there's any other issue, there shouldn't be but can't guarantee it. The other fuel tank got me cross country, however.
The gas gauge does not always read, it usually will after about 20 mins of straight driving, but initially shows empty
It has been at my lot without any electricity to charge up the battery, so all the meters and everything aren't reading but fully functioning


So it is a bit of a project but there is a lot of flexibility and potential with this van, and it is currently starting, running and handling just as it should.
There is no AC unit, I have a small space heater and an AC floor unit that I use whenever I've stayed in it, I can include it if wanted, but it does take up a lot of space .I also have a couple boxes of a nice linoleum vinyl plank that I was planning on replacing the carpet with, I can include those as well.

As is condition, might consider a partial trade for a smaller travel trailer (under 4k lbs in good condition) if you can deliver to my lot where the van is located about 15 miles outside of Franklin. I would greatly prefer local pickup, Michigan title in hand

 

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Last edited:

rawtoxic

Well-known member
One of the forum rules is you cannot comment on price of listings but since you specifically ask for feedback here is my .02

I think this would be worth what you're asking if it were cleaned up and the to do list was done. As it sits I think $10k-$11k range would be more fair that project list is a bit daunting plus it's a 1991 that's been sitting a lot there will be more wrong. It looks like the window trim / seal needs work in the one photo.

I am looking for something similar to build out - very passively I also have a huge real estate project going and a perfectly usable Tiger. But dream of better pastures. I would probably not want a 1991 because its old, after market parts aren't as available. I am looking to do a 4x4 van or ambo build with side door entry but right now I'm favoring a Starflyte as my starting shell. I will say a 1991 rare Born Free does have some cool factor which on your side.
 

leftey

New member
Yeah I think that's all fair. I did mention the window trim in the list of stuff.

I've gotten a reasonable amount of interest so far, but I do probably just need to at least get a couple minor things fixed to get it road worthy
 

leftey

New member
Taking best offers but not going below 5 figures, but would consider a small partial trade for the right thing (outdoor/hunting/survival equip, kayak,bicycle, certain music gear).

edit-more interior pics here
 

Mickey Bitsko

Adventurer
Taking best offers but not going below 5 figures, but would consider a small partial trade for the right thing (outdoor/hunting/survival equip, kayak,bicycle, certain music gear).

edit-more interior pics here
Yes, you will take less than 5 figures,
If its been sitting unused for any length of time all the rubber inside and out would not be trustworthy, probably the water heater is rusted out, there's a lot of unknowns for a potential buyer.
Everything worked when it was parked I'm sure.
 

vintageracer

To Infinity and Beyond!
You asked so here is my observation.

I saw your ad on CL in Nashville as I live here an look around all the time for van such as yours.

I would like to be Born Free however not at your original asking price of $16,500 for a 1991 model needing a LOT of work.

My first reaction when seeing your ad was another example of a vastly overpriced van that somebody paid way too much for and were looking for a savior to get them out of their bad situation.

Right or wrong that was my assessment.

Like so many other RV's in for sale ads today the seller asks for the Moon and as such the unit sits unsold as any potential buyer says to themselves "No way in Hell are they going to take my offer so why try"!

The result is these potential buyers move on without ever making any effort to contact the seller. THEN many weeks or sometimes months later after the seller finally adjusts their price over and over again to finally reach some sort of reality all those that were originally interested and potential real buyers have moved on to something else.

It's pretty easy to determine if your item is overpriced. If you live in an affluent urban area which you do and your item has not sold in 2 weeks or less then it's a pretty good bet that your item is most likely overpriced. There are still lot's of people with lot's of money to spend on items they want where they "Feel" they are getting a good deal or good value.

IF your original asking price had been $10K or less given the work needed I would have been an immediate buyer. Most likely so would have been many others.

Why $10K or less? All the work the van needs you have listed above and no matter how nice the van is it's still a 1991 model with all the quirks and limitations of vehicles built at that time.

I went ahead and bought another 1995 4 Door Ford Bronco Centurion that needs a BUNCH OF WORK without even bothering to call you about your Born Free because of your inflated asking price. I am comfortable doing all the work I can see the 4 Door Bronco I purchased needs and MORE IMPORTANTLY I am also willing to accept all the work the Bronco may need that I CANNOT SEE all because of the price I paid which I thought was a bargain including the shipping.

There is always work to be done on any old vehicle that is not readily apparent when purchasing that vehicle and it's that hidden needed work can also be potentially be very expensive!

Seller's many not care but buyer's sure as Hell do!

Neat Van. When you are under $10K let me know!

Have a Merry Christmas!
 
Last edited:
I would recommend you put those "couple hours work" to get it back to that "clean cosmetic state". Surely you can fix the tail light, test the fridge, and so on. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you think it's worth, the only thing that matters is what someone else is willing to pay for it.
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
The result is these potential buyers move on without ever making any effort to contact the seller. THEN many weeks or sometimes months later after the seller finally adjusts their price over and over again to finally reach some sort of reality all those that were originally interested and potential real buyers have moved on to something else.

Spot On
 

AbleGuy

Officious Intermeddler
I would recommend you put those "couple hours work" to get it back to that "clean cosmetic state". Surely you can fix the tail light, test the fridge, and so on.

It’s difficult to know what to say constructively to a seller who is not motivated to clean up a rig properly to get it ready for sale (if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all seems to be a less than useful rule of this forum ?).

At the very least it might be helpful to remember that, a guideline many intelligent, experienced buyers often follow is, if a house, or vehicle, etc. seems poorly maintained in appearance, it also seems likely it’s mechanicals are going to be poorly maintained. That might tend to scare off many potential buyers.
 

leftey

New member
There's a lot of assumptions ITT, I am not able to fix up the van properly because I do not have electricity/water or any way to really work on it on my lot while I have been dealing with getting permitting for my house, it has swallowed up my time and a bigger priority. I did not overpay for the van , not looking for a savior, I simply know what it's worth for me personally to let it go of vs the rewards of fixing it up.

I can fix up the interior and just airbnb it and not even worry about mechanical and make good money because of my market and how I am going to be setting up my lot for a 'glamping' type experience.

I have had a lot of interest on it as well, people waiting for me to get back to the area to drive it ect.. I know what I have, some of the criticism is warranted, just a lot of assumptions

take care forum
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
There's a lot of assumptions ITT, I am not able to fix up the van properly because I do not have electricity/water or any way to really work on it on my lot while I have been dealing with getting permitting for my house, it has swallowed up my time and a bigger priority. I did not overpay for the van , not looking for a savior, I simply know what it's worth for me personally to let it go of vs the rewards of fixing it up.

I can fix up the interior and just airbnb it and not even worry about mechanical and make good money because of my market and how I am going to be setting up my lot for a 'glamping' type experience.

I have had a lot of interest on it as well, people waiting for me to get back to the area to drive it ect.. I know what I have, some of the criticism is warranted, just a lot of assumptions

take care forum

You asked…. People Answered…. You didn’t like the result…

Soooooo ??‍♂️
 

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