Advice for semi-newbie on used TTs
Hi everyone, I camped a lot growing up, and my husband and I camped (tent and pop-up) when we were younger with fewer children. Our children are older now (teens, pre-teen) and we want to start cam...
Forum Discussion
If your planning on buying used, take a look at your local CraigsList ads. Dealers in my area also carry used TT's. Quality varies, but Lance is a good brand with bunkhouse models, although usually, they don't have ducted A/C. Check prices on NADA - just Google it.
Things to think about used TTs include how long has it been sitting? Does it need new tires? Don't think so? How old are they? Do the wheel bearings need service? Do all the outside lights work including brake and turn signals? Deploy the awning - is is full of mildew or nice and clean? Does it/did it have a roof leak? Does all the appliances work - water heater, A/C, furnace - don't take a sellers word for it. If it has slides, do they work? Get up on top and inspect the roof and the caulking - the caulk may need to be redone. The roof should be in good shape - ask if it will support the weight of an adult. Check inside for mold/mildew and pet/cigarette oder. Look inside drawers and cabinets. Can your husband do these types of repairs, or do you have a dealer close by for service? Try not to get something more than a few years old.
As far as towing is concerned, what the TV can tow is not as important as how much available payload it has. Since you have a big family, you will be taking a lot of stuff - and payload is always used up before you reach towing capacity. A consideration in making a TV choice is that this may not be your last TT. You may want to go bigger in the future. People have often advised on here to look at used 3/4 ton vans for big families pulling TTs. Hopefully, with a large family, your not even considering a 1500 series TV.
Things to think about used TTs include how long has it been sitting? Does it need new tires? Don't think so? How old are they? Do the wheel bearings need service? Do all the outside lights work including brake and turn signals? Deploy the awning - is is full of mildew or nice and clean? Does it/did it have a roof leak? Does all the appliances work - water heater, A/C, furnace - don't take a sellers word for it. If it has slides, do they work? Get up on top and inspect the roof and the caulking - the caulk may need to be redone. The roof should be in good shape - ask if it will support the weight of an adult. Check inside for mold/mildew and pet/cigarette oder. Look inside drawers and cabinets. Can your husband do these types of repairs, or do you have a dealer close by for service? Try not to get something more than a few years old.
As far as towing is concerned, what the TV can tow is not as important as how much available payload it has. Since you have a big family, you will be taking a lot of stuff - and payload is always used up before you reach towing capacity. A consideration in making a TV choice is that this may not be your last TT. You may want to go bigger in the future. People have often advised on here to look at used 3/4 ton vans for big families pulling TTs. Hopefully, with a large family, your not even considering a 1500 series TV.
