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autumnweston's avatar
autumnweston
Explorer
Apr 15, 2013

Just bought a used 1983 Alfa Leisure Model K fifth wheel

I just moved to Montana from Boise, ID and have no clue about r.v's. What are some tips and tricks I need to know?

8 Replies

  • Did you end up getting that old unit?

    There is a lot to deal with on an old unit.
    How handy are you? How big is your tool collection?
    That list I gave you initially is only part of what I had to do with my 1987 Okanagan and It looked to be in good shape when I looked at it.

    Roof,
    Floor,
    Suspension,
    Wheels,
    Plumbing,
    Heating,
    Propane,
    Batteries,
    wiring
  • 1. Tell you wife it will be at least $1000.00 to get it in shape.
    2. Get a box of your favorite beverage.

    5. Ask for another $500.00
    6. Get another box of your favorite beverage and put it in the now working fridge.

    14. Get another box of your favorite beverage.
    15. Ask for another $1000.00

    20. Find out if you have enough money to buy more beer.
    21. Go camping
    Quote from Wet Coast...

    I love it!!!
  • Damn that's an old fiver. I hope you got it for practically free. As mentioned by the OP, buy lots of fav beverage.
  • Welcome to the forum. Are you going to be pulling the 5th wheel or leave it in a camp ground? If you're going to use it to travel, what tow vehicle will you use for towing?

    I would check the roof first, take care of any leaks or possible leaks. After that is under control you can start on the other things.
  • .............The #1 MOST Important item to check\repair on ANY trailer is the ....ROOF !!! A leaking roof can literally ruin the trailer and all structures and items inside the trailer . Until you have a water proof seal on the Roof your trailer is going to suffer damage every time it rains . , jf
  • Congrats on the project. I thought I was doing well with a 1987 Okanagan 5th wheel I got at Christmas. I just went through all this!

    1. Tell you wife it will be at least $1000.00 to get it in shape.
    2. Get a box of your favorite beverage.
    3. Check the model numbers of the appliances. See what resources/parts are still out there.
    4. First thing I did was run all the appliances. Ended up lubing the furnace motor as best I could as it’s discontinued.
    5. Ask for another $500.00
    6. Get another box of your favorite beverage and put it in the now working fridge.
    7. Pull the springs off and replace the bushings and hanger bolts.
    8. Pull the brake drums off and inspect all the brakes. Inspect bearings while you are at it. Replace seals and anything else that looks bad.
    9. Inspect the tires for cracks. Check the manufacturers date and look for trailer tires on sale.
    10. Load test the battery or replace depending on date
    11. Fire up the water system.
    12. Check how manky the water tank is. That’s an old tank. They start stinking. Shop around for a new water tank if the bleach treatment doesn’t work.
    13. Flush the toilet to see if it sprays all over the floor.
    14. Get another box of your favorite beverage.
    15. Ask for another $1000.00
    16. Go to EBay and search for 1156 LED lamps and order enough for the unit.
    17. Check the roof for cracks at the seams or roof rack standoffs. Goop as necessary.
    18. Check for squishy bits. Floor, back corners, etc.
    19. Fill with supplies, the wife and the dog.
    20. Find out if you have enough money to buy more beer.
    21. Go camping

    Good luck!