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BlissRamblyn's avatar
BlissRamblyn
Explorer
Jul 13, 2017

1983 Real-lite - Quality Camper or not? Frame material

I'm looking at a 1983 Real-lite. Original owner, stored indoors. Everything works. $1100. Are these a well constructed camper? I have heard there are build issues with some of them but cannot find any related information online.
  • I had an "86" Real-Lite, it had water problems when I bought it the roof was leaking because of neglect I repaired it and kept it over 20 years, It's a 34 yo camper there are going to be problems

    I hated to sell it it was the biggest one they made at the time (1200) I really miss the dry bath and the side entrance

    To answer the question it is a wood frame camper
  • Troutguy wrote:
    midnightsadie wrote:
    x2 look around the ceiling for water marks. if none and you like it buy it. its 34yrs old theres gonna be some problems ,BUT a 2017 of the lot has problems. first thing new tires ,tires rot no matter where there stored.


    TIRES? Truck campers don't have them.......trucks do! You may want to restrict your comments to the relevant forum.........;)


    Some did, way back when....

    You could get a big camper with a tag axle underneath.
  • midnightsadie wrote:
    x2 look around the ceiling for water marks. if none and you like it buy it. its 34yrs old theres gonna be some problems ,BUT a 2017 of the lot has problems. first thing new tires ,tires rot no matter where there stored.


    TIRES? Truck campers don't have them.......trucks do! You may want to restrict your comments to the relevant forum.........;)
  • Stated before in your other thread that Real Lites had issues. Water intrusion issues to be exact. I also said that I've posted on here in various threads what to look for and where.

    Could be an 1100 buck 500 hour rebuild job or could be ok. I lean toward the rebuild. 34 years is ancient and you live in an area of extreme weather (I live in Michigan as well) so if the unit was outside and the OE didn't stay up on seals and caulk, it's most likely a leaker and rotter. They have wood frames btw.

    Always best to store any TC inside during long periods of non use. I do.

    You may find it's even worse that the Palomino and unlike the Palomino, there is more camper, thus more rebuild.
  • Inspect closely. If good buy it...$1,100 isn't much..22 nights camping and you are more than whole.
  • x2 look around the ceiling for water marks. if none and you like it buy it. its 34yrs old theres gonna be some problems ,BUT a 2017 of the lot has problems. first thing new tires ,tires rot no matter where there stored.
  • donn0128 wrote:
    Build quality on a 34 year old camper? Worry about leaks. The rest is not worth worrying over


    Someone brought it up on this forum. Just trying to figure out if there are any issues that will pop up before I buy it.

    And Id like to determine the frame material.
  • Build quality on a 34 year old camper? Worry about leaks. The rest is not worth worrying over