When we originally started looking for a quality 4 season 5er for full timing, I thought we needed to stay 2008 or newer for us to be happy, but we've seen some older models that are very nice too - just a little dated looking in certain areas, mostly cabinet styles and colors. But for the difference in price, I can do a lot of customization of my own to make it what we want and still have a great deal, or so I think.My question really is - how old is too old if we want reliability? It's a 5er so there's no engine and drive train to worry about, but they still have a lot of expensive things that can go bad or break down - A/C, Furnace, Water Heater, power slides, power awnings, refrigerator to name a few. I am thinking 5-6 years old is about as old as we should go for another 5 years of likely reliability. Is that reasonable? Can I likely go older? Should I stay even newer than 2008?We're looking at nicer units like DRV, Carriage, Heartland, etc if that makes any difference. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it does make a difference because all the stuff I'm worried about going bad or breaking down is 3rd party components from places like Dometic.Thanks!

You will get answers all over the place. Our experience was the most major breakdowns and items needing replacement: Microwave, refrigerator,bathtub, window treatments, upholstery, along with a lot of small items happened during our 7th year of full timing with the rig. We call it the 7 year "itch." Only two months to go!!

I see a lot more campers older than 2008 out on the roads, don't know about full timing, than I do new models. Economy is partially responsible for that I guess.

I'm torn on this one-I have a trailer that I bought sight unseen used-9 years old-and it's a solid rock-and I believe it was used a ton! I've bought new and used-both have there advantages. Now ideally you'll find something that's older and was stored in a climate controlled barn and hardly used at all-but the seller of that unit will not be the rushed liquidator that my trailer came from! The major components are what you should be most worried about and some A/Cs last 5 years and some 20-so it can be a toss up-I've become more concerned with fit and finish-frame rust-any chance the tires might be brand new-things like that. No warrantee on old-used either, but after the first year many things are not covered anyhow. One more thing-there is a gigantic difference in build quality-even amongst some of the higher end builders-find a good unit and it will last a very long time!I think that you just need to shop hard-super criticize the units you like-and BUY!OH-HEY-WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

SuperDutyFiver wrote:I'm torn on this one-I have a trailer that I bought sight unseen used-9 years old-and it's a solid rock-and I believe it was used a ton! I've bought new and used-both have there advantages. Now ideally you'll find something that's older and was stored in a climate controlled barn and hardly used at all-but the seller of that unit will not be the rushed liquidator that my trailer came from! The major components are what you should be most worried about and some A/Cs last 5 years and some 20-so it can be a toss up-I've become more concerned with fit and finish-frame rust-any chance the tires might be brand new-things like that. No warrantee on old-used either, but after the first year many things are not covered anyhow. One more thing-there is a gigantic difference in build quality-even amongst some of the higher end builders-find a good unit and it will last a very long time!I think that you just need to shop hard-super criticize the units you like-and BUY!OH-HEY-WELCOME TO THE FORUM!That says a lot for Carriage quality for that era and even up until they went out. Lifestyle is carrying on the same build design that Carriage used for years. I love our Cameo....just walk around in it and then walk around in the "others". No comparison. Phillip

I traded 2007 last year because it was too old. Guess that's my threshold.

How old is too old? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

colliehauler
Explorer III
Nov 20, 2013
I sold my 99 last year at my seasonal site. Everything worked and still does. Was sold to another seasonal. If you maintain them I don't see a problem with them lasting 20 years. Another seasonal sold a 1984 and bought a new trailer last year, he had to replace the frig 2 years earlier.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
I purchased sig. 5er brand new in 07'...We've taken very good care of it, and it's been solid as a rock....All appliances work, dual pane windows still with zero issues...I think if one has purchased a half way decently built unit, maintains it and keeps it looking good, that the unit should last a while...At this time with it still looking almost brand new inside and out and with everything working well, we plan on keeping it...
Sea_Six
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
I just bought a 2001 Jayco Designer that had been well used but equally well maintained. I had very little to fix when I got it... both kitchen and tub faucets needed replacing, and that's about it.

How well it was maintained is much more important than an RV's age.
travelrider73
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
Atom Ant wrote:
I traded 2007 last year because it was too old. Guess that's my threshold.

Atom Ant, do you feel like your Tow vehicle is big enough for your Redwood? That's about the size and quality 5er we're considering. Do you ever wish you had a bigger truck?
Atom_Ant
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
I traded 2007 last year because it was too old. Guess that's my threshold.
pcm1959
Explorer II
Nov 20, 2013
SuperDutyFiver wrote:
I'm torn on this one-I have a trailer that I bought sight unseen used-9 years old-and it's a solid rock-and I believe it was used a ton! I've bought new and used-both have there advantages.

Now ideally you'll find something that's older and was stored in a climate controlled barn and hardly used at all-but the seller of that unit will not be the rushed liquidator that my trailer came from! The major components are what you should be most worried about and some A/Cs last 5 years and some 20-so it can be a toss up-I've become more concerned with fit and finish-frame rust-any chance the tires might be brand new-things like that. No warrantee on old-used either, but after the first year many things are not covered anyhow. One more thing-there is a gigantic difference in build quality-even amongst some of the higher end builders-find a good unit and it will last a very long time!

I think that you just need to shop hard-super criticize the units you like-and BUY!

OH-HEY-WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

That says a lot for Carriage quality for that era and even up until they went out. Lifestyle is carrying on the same build design that Carriage used for years. I love our Cameo....just walk around in it and then walk around in the "others". No comparison. Phillip
SuperDutyFiver
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
I'm torn on this one-I have a trailer that I bought sight unseen used-9 years old-and it's a solid rock-and I believe it was used a ton! I've bought new and used-both have there advantages.

Now ideally you'll find something that's older and was stored in a climate controlled barn and hardly used at all-but the seller of that unit will not be the rushed liquidator that my trailer came from! The major components are what you should be most worried about and some A/Cs last 5 years and some 20-so it can be a toss up-I've become more concerned with fit and finish-frame rust-any chance the tires might be brand new-things like that. No warrantee on old-used either, but after the first year many things are not covered anyhow. One more thing-there is a gigantic difference in build quality-even amongst some of the higher end builders-find a good unit and it will last a very long time!

I think that you just need to shop hard-super criticize the units you like-and BUY!

OH-HEY-WELCOME TO THE FORUM!
robsouth
Explorer II
Nov 19, 2013
I see a lot more campers older than 2008 out on the roads, don't know about full timing, than I do new models. Economy is partially responsible for that I guess.
Dog_Folks
Explorer II
Nov 19, 2013
You will get answers all over the place.

Our experience was the most major breakdowns and items needing replacement: Microwave, refrigerator,bathtub, window treatments, upholstery, along with a lot of small items happened during our 7th year of full timing with the rig.

We call it the 7 year "itch." Only two months to go!!

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How old is too old?

29 Replies

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