How many people camping in a 11 or 12 year old camper. Do you think I'm crazy look to purchase one. ?

I have a 2006 that was built in 2005. It’s been in Western WA most of it’s life, and our weather isn’t that extreme. I think it could be fine because I know mine is.Follow a good predelivery checklist.

I bought a '99 S&S back in November. Pretty much lived in it since I bought it. Got a few minor problems, but is a solid camper.You just have to do a good job of checking it over. I looked at LOT'S of campers and will admit it is hard to find an older camper in good shape.

I have a 1994 Skyliner Weakender 850. Everything inside is original and works. Some repairs were needed and some modifications are still needed. I use it all times of the year. 100 degrees down to below freezing. I payed $3000 and have no plans to get rid of it.

Ours is an 03. Aside from some stickers peeling and couple minor things, it's as solid as a new one. Key is finding one that at a minimum was kept covered, or preferably under roof when not in use. Otherwise it would have to have been impeccably kept with respect to the weather or it'll likely be a little rough. The other part of the equation is how much it was used. Weekenders who take care of stuff won't put much wear and tear on in 10 years. Others, not so much.

As with any year RV, it would all depend on how it was maintained, especially the roof and all exterior caulking. Water leaks are the biggest enemy and could lead to extensive concealed damage. Appliances, fridge, water heater etc. Could be good for many years yet or could be on last legs or may have been replaced. Thoroughly check or have someone check the individual unit Ken

11 or 12 year old camper | Good Sam Community

63 Replies

burningman
Explorer II
Feb 18, 2018
jimh425 wrote:
Kayteg1 wrote:
3 wife? Is it legal in WA?

Sure, just one at a time. :D

That’s the REALLY expensive way. You’d be lucky to be living in a camper lol.
jimh406
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2018
Kayteg1 wrote:
3 wife? Is it legal in WA?

Sure, just one at a time. :D
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Feb 17, 2018
3 wife? Is it legal in WA?
burningman
Explorer II
Feb 17, 2018
Charley67 wrote:
Go for an older model in reasonably good shape. Use the thousands you save to take many great trips.

This says it all!! Unless you’ve got a LOT of disposable $$ and you don’t also have a boat... and a wife...and some hot rods... and a wife... and a Hawaii time-share condo... and a wife...
Charley67
Explorer
Feb 17, 2018
Go for an older model in reasonably good shape. Use the thousands you save to take many great trips.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Feb 17, 2018
jaycocreek wrote:
capeman wrote:
LOL I have a 1995 Bigfoot 9.6t..It looks great..no problems has outlived all my friends stick built TC's.... I would not take 10k for it

And I have a 1990 Lance that has never leaked..Point is..Maintenance..It gets confusing on the internet,one guys say's 23 leaks and counting on a Northern Lite and others say Arctic Fox's are known for delamination... But I don't here a bunch of Lance bashing other than the wing issue...

You get what you pay for in advice here but the bottom line is for any RV is,Maintenance...

This might be psychological issue.
When you like the camper, you will put money in it, protect it and several Lance rebuilds you can find on Lance forum proves that.
Same with Avion on this forum, or Reddog's camper.
When you don't like the camper to start with, you tend to neglect the maintenance and than bash the build.
Fiberglass not protected from sun UV will chalk over the time. So if you don't protect it, it will look bad.
Than if you keep it covered, it might last for years.
It is the same with car paint. I like my cars to look good and living in high UV climates I go long way to keep them in shade.
So my 10-15 years old cars still shine and present.
Than I see the same cars park on driveways, where 7 years old clear coat is curling.
ppine
Explorer II
Feb 17, 2018
No you are smart not crazy.
jaycocreek
Explorer II
Feb 16, 2018
capeman wrote:
LOL I have a 1995 Bigfoot 9.6t..It looks great..no problems has outlived all my friends stick built TC's.... I would not take 10k for it

And I have a 1990 Lance that has never leaked..Point is..Maintenance..It gets confusing on the internet,one guys say's 23 leaks and counting on a Northern Lite and others say Arctic Fox's are known for delamination... But I don't here a bunch of Lance bashing other than the wing issue...

You get what you pay for in advice here but the bottom line is for any RV is,Maintenance...
capeman
Explorer
Feb 16, 2018
LOL I have a 1995 Bigfoot 9.6t..It looks great..no problems has outlived all my friends stick built TC's.... I would not take 10k for it
Wagonqueen_Truc
Explorer
Feb 16, 2018
Ahhhh. I got ya. Missed that one. Fiberglass roof was the number reason why I sought an Amerigo in the first place.