Forum Discussion

Illini_Camper's avatar
Apr 06, 2018

Advice on a 2005 TT that hasn't been moved in 13 yrs

We're looking at buying a 2005 Four Winds Express 29Q-GS. Going to see it on Sunday hopefully. From the pictures it looks really nice. My concern is that it sounds like the dealer delivered it to the campground when it was new and they haven't moved it since. I'm a little concerned about the wheels, bearings, brakes, etc. if it's been sitting that long. I'm not all that mechanical so looking for advice on those things and any steps I should take to make sure it's sound before buying. Thanks!
  • I had mine in a seasonal site for its first year. The area was all trees. The roof took a breathing! I was up there almost every weekend cleaning it and removing sticks and branches. After that it was almost exclisively kept in indoor storage for the winters. I clean the roof once or twice a year. And check and reseal he caulking. If it’s never been touched I would be worried more about water and rodent damage. The brakes and bearings may be ok. Bearings will need to be cleaned and repacked at minimum and brakes inspected. Tires will for sure needle to be replaced. Hey may be ok to get you to the closest tire store.

    Look look look, and inspect everything closely!
  • Consider hiring a mobile RV Tech to inspect the TT. Or, do you have a friend who RV's that could help you check out the unit?
    A small leak can cause a lot of damage.
  • You should be concerned with the BRAKES/BEARINGS. Would need to tear into them and inspect.....easier to just replace with new

    Tires....forget about them. They WILL need to be replaced

    After that you would have a trailer that could be moved.....that would allow you to check it frame was twisted from improper support for past 13 yrs

    Was roof/side wall chalking maintained or is it the same old original dried up chalking.
    Any internal signs of water staining?
    Any signs of external 'delamination'?

    Do the appliances work?

    ETC ETC ETC
  • My bet is it's going to be a "restoration project" once you start digging below the surface. Fine if you're wanting a project. Maybe not so fine if you actually want something you can travel with and use in the near term.
  • If you buy it have a pro move it directly to a RV tire/brake shop. IMO none of the items you listed will be working. “Looks really nice” and water tight?
  • Wheels and bearing would be the least of my worries.

    Sitting that long, what's the roof material like. Has it been under full sun all those years?

    Next concern, how many rodents built homes in the underbelly?