Advice on a used TC in the $5,000 - $8,000 range

Thanks Bob. That sounds like a very easy test to perform. I will try that.

I bought an older 2004 TC, but I didn't know much about water damage. The unit I got had been through hurricane Sandy on Long Island. With rot on two corners at the jack supports.

So here is a quick test. Try to tighten one of the lag screws holding the jack. If it turns easily it is probably in rotten wood!

Hope this helps.

Thanks anutami, I did see that one. Looks interesting. I am trying to stay on the lower end of my price range so I have money left for other needs. But if I can't find something at the lower end I will move up the price range. I do like that TC though.

Thanks Jeje, I wish a did know someone more experiences with TC's but I will make do. I have been checking Craigslist and RV Trader for anything from Bakersfield to San Diego. Haven't come across one yet. I may have to lower my expectations on what I can get in my price range. These things are expensive. Thanks again to everyone for the advice, it really helps.

Matt,
We lived in L.A. and vicinity for 50 years. I worked right downtown at 1st and grand for 40 years although living in sundry burbs. We bought our Lance camper from an ad on The Recycler, an L.A. local merchandise buy-sell-trade paper similar to Craigslist. We were very lucky to wrap it all up in one day. Very lucky. We're still using it 14 years later.
Expect to inspect the Recycler in the entire So. Cal. area, and drive a few hours to look at prospectives. Few, very few T.C. owners have the space to keep their campers inside when not in use. No machine sheds in this burg, just freeways. We had so little space at our palace, I had to pay to keep the little Lance at a storage yard.
The good news is weather is not much of a problem so TC weather wear is mostly confined to sun damage. More good news is how many T.C.'s are for sale, mostly the large 9.5-11.5 foot variety in every stage of deterioration and price range. I think you are at the right place at the right time to buy a decent used TC, although spring is the worst time for the buyer and best time to sell. Lance is just over the hill on 14 to Lancaster. Many of the TC dealers had just folded when we left town in 2006. If you can find a dealer, they have plenty of time, so buy an hour of their expertise and take notes on what to look for in a used camper.
If I still lived there I would go with you to pick away at the prospects as you whittle down your list. Alas, we now live on the west slope, Northern Sierra Nevada, thank you, so you are on your own.
Our furthest north camp in a gravel quarry near Coldfoot AK. 11 p.m. and were drinking Margaritas (till the sun goes down, which it didn't on June 18th, 2003)

jefe

It is a dually.

Is your truck a dually or SRW?

Find one in generally good condition and without leaks.

Water damage does all sorts of stuff usually visible as stains, bulges, separations. Also softness or flex in areas that should be rigid. Often, the rig will smell moldy or mildewy even after being aired out.

Do a search on water damage on this forum. Then just go look at campers. You will have it figured out in no time. In an older camper, condition is the most important thing. Some campers are used or abused. Some are maintained, others not.

There are any number of makes, makes or floorplans that might work for you and your family. The trick is to get a camper in decent condition that will last a while, be fun to use, and still have some resale value when you are done with it.

Just start looking. Have fun.

QUOTE:

As for hiring someone to inspect a camper how you you recommend finding a good inspector?

I would think a good place to start would be with large RV dealers.