Looking to buy older 5th wheel

You're not giving much info, but an older FW, that has mostly been parked, will likely need brake/bearing service, and tires. If it has been outside, with little care, and possible roof leaks, just walk away.

Jerry

Chances are that a well used one is a well maintained one.

To many variables. Old and well maintained in the desert vs newer and parked near the ocean. Parked and only used a few months a year or parked and lived in all year. Driven 10K plus each year with no blow-outs or only 2K but with damaging blow outs. Each unit has to be looked at and evaluated for condition. Older and seldom used can be a red flag or a great bargain. No one can tell until they see the unit and go over it carefully.

I'd rather have a frequently used model where the owner maintains it.

One that's sat on blocks for a few years likely needs:
- New tires.
- Repack and possibly new bearings
- Clean and adjust brakes and possibly other work.
- Do the running lights work...things corrode when not used.

Could easily be a couple grand extra in repairs to get her road worthy.

My 1st 5th wheel was a used unit that was parked at a permanent campsite. It was only a year old BUT I had to replace most of the clearance lights as well as the tail lights. The previous owners did not attempt to maintain the operational mechanics of the RV and as a result the lights were all corroded and had to be replaced. The tires were okay and the dealer serviced the brakes and hubs. Not sure what all was done. If this unit had sat for a longer period of time then I'm sure other issues would have come up.

A 5th wheel that has been used AND maintained to operate is a better option in my mind.

If your not sure of what to look for hire a RV mechanic to inspect the unit before purchase. This could save you many headaches and is worth the expense.

Dave

No matter the age best to look for dry rot in every corner, overhang, cabinet and underneath.

Of course a 15-20 year old rig will have 15 or 20 year old issues, everything has a life...

Thank you for the great advice. I really appreciate your collective knowledge. You just saved me a bunch of money!

Most of the advice has been about running gear, but I honestly would be more concerned about caulking. A unit that has been sitting at a permanent site may have had little caulking or roof maintenance as the owners came to visit occasionally. The running gear is a given--it will need maintenance.

lenr wrote:
Most of the advice has been about running gear, but I honestly would be more concerned about caulking. A unit that has been sitting at a permanent site may have had little caulking or roof maintenance as the owners came to visit occasionally. The running gear is a given--it will need maintenance.

^^^ This, I would be more concerned about maintenance of roof and caulking leading to water intrusion then whether it was parked or road use. Some people just don't give a darn, others are diligent about maintaining their investment.

just go over it and decide if you want to put money into it.
roof ok?
caulking ok?
redo tires/brakes/bearings.

then off you go.