Re: [A/S] Reasonable price for 1979 31' International?

[MISSARPAUL@xxxxxxx]

I bought a 1979 sovereign international three years ago. The previous owner 
was using it as a seasonal vacation home and had not moved it in the three 
years they owned it. They assured me everything worked but had trouble with the 
refrigerator, they said someone kept unplugging their power cord. Tires were 
three years old, batteries were replaced two years earlier.
The trailer was settled into the ground 4-5 inches and was way off level! I 
thought the price was good and we purchased. 
The new tires and batteries were shot! The refrigerator was bad, due to the 
trailer being off level, luckily I had a fellow camper tell me about burping 
the refrigerator when he saw me looking at it on the picnic table. Tires and 
batteries although only three years old were replaced and refrigerator is still 
working three years later.
We ripped out the carpet the first weekend and found three small rotten areas 
which I patched and then used penetrating epoxy on the entire floor.
We replaced the carpet and drapes the following spring. Our biggest problem 
was scrubbing the walls down. We tried everything and scrubbed down four times 
before we made progress.
Overall the basic trailer was in good condition and all the drawers and 
tambours were in good shape. We replaced the toilet, hot water heater and installed 
a fantastic fan.
This winter I replaced the wall at the end of the tub, since the vinyl paper 
was loose at the top, I replaced with a piece of acrylic plastic the same 
thickness as the paneling. This led to removing the bath tub and finding a large 
area of rotten wood. This was an area the couldn't be seen with the tub in 
place. The area by the hot water tank, pump and toilet was solid and I assumed 
that was the area of most concern.
While tub was out we painted the tub, sink and walls around the tub.
I starting polishing in the fall and will complete as soon as weather breaks.
This vintage had the tail end problem of the early seventies reinforced when 
built as far as I can tell.
I think you will be happy with this model and I wish we had the rear bedroom!
Good Luck
Paul
Troy MI 
1979 rear bath sovereign