Forum Discussion

7gremlins's avatar
7gremlins
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015

Buying a travel trailer with a bit of Delamination

Hi! I am new to RVing, though we had a pop up several years ago so I have some experience. We have to be out of our house by the end of August and I have about $7,000 to purchase a travel trailer. We are going to spend the year seeing this great country and 'roadschooling'.

I am looking for a travel trailer with four bunks and came across a nice looking 2005 Outback. It has some delamination on the front, but no water damage on the inside.

My options are quite limited, and even more so since I drive a suburban 1500 and need a lighter weight camper. I cannot get something perfect for the money I have to spend, yet do not want a travel trailer that will fall apart.

I just need a secure and comfortable home for my kids and me, but if this delamination is going to spread and cause the unit to be structurally unsafe and undrivable it will be useless to me.

Thanks for any advice!
  • If you are buying used, don't be in a rush. Better to rent for a couple of weeks into Sept. then rush into buying a potential problem that may be difficult to get fixed while on the road.
  • I think it would be hard for anyone here to tell you that "it'll be ok" in regards to that specific delaminating trailer. The rule of thumb is, if there's delamination, there's likely hidden water damage, so proceed at your own risk. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't.... Most people will likely walk away from it, or you can ask for a steep discount based on that condition and the unknown condition of what it may be hiding.

    In that regards, our used hybrid camper has some delamination on the back left wall, by the outside shower. The delamination was caused by a roof leak that was fixed by Jayco with the previous owner (so new roof, new back wall, but didn't replace the sidewall). In any case, it's been almost 3 years since that repair was made and our delamination has not gotten any worse, and is only visible in some lighting. Our camper is water tight, and we continue to enjoy it. We didn't set out to buy a delaminated trailer, but rolled the dice with it and have no regrets. We were aware of the roof damage and repairs made, but did not see the delamination until we already brought it home for a couple weeks. The dealer was willing to buy it back when we raised concern, but ultimately we decided to keep it. However, all that said, there's no guarantee in your case so you're just rolling the dice too....Good luck!
  • I would have a mobile repairman give a quote for a complete repair. This could turn into disaster for you. I saw several trailers while traving yesterday that the fronts were completely rippled.
  • Why spend what limited funds you have on a trailer with a known problem.

    Delamination NEVER gets better