Buying a used TT that's been sitting?

crittersitter wrote:
Hi, gang. My DH and I are still searching for our first second hand economy travel trailer. We may be looking at a 1992 Dutchman Classic this coming weekend. It looks to be in very nice, clean condition and has been kept under cover the last several years. I spoke with the owner today and my concerns are it has been sitting for 3-4 years. Two tires are flat and the owner said he would replace those but I would want all new tires naturally. As far as leaks, he knows of none but then again it has sit under cover. It will need to have the roof coated and caulking all round checked and redone. In addition, I am wondering about wheel bearings and brakes. Is it worth considering? I could probably get it for $2500 without the new tires. What might I expect to run in to cost wise to have it road ready in your opinions? Thanks!

I'm not trying to throw a wet blanket on your parade, but I would think that a 20 year old camper is going to be a "project". As projects go, plan on replacing a LOT of stuff before you are done. Things like, furnace, A/C if it has one, water pump, refrigerator, etc. And then figure too, that there is a better than even chance there is rot, rust or other damage. Interior fabrics and foams may need to be replaced due to musty/moldy issues.
Squirrels and mice/rats love to eat electrical wire insulation, so after 20 years, ever inch of wiring needs to be checked. A electrical short circuit can be dangerous.

And as you have already noted, all running gear needs to be brought up to snuff. If it has torsion axles, the rubbers in them is shot at this stage in time. If it leaf suspension, it may still be servicable. If it were mine as a project, I would simply replace all the brakes with new, complete assemblies. And I would not want the seller to replace the tires, because he is certainly going to just put something cheap on there. I'd rather choose my own tires.

So what it really comes down to, IMO, is do you want a project, and how cheap can you get it for. Figure you are going to have "some money" and a lot of sweat equity in it. Again, I am not trying to be negative, because honestly, these projects can be fun, and you can make it "yours". But you do need to enter into the world of older stuff with eyes wide open.

I would check and make sure it has pink stuff (antifreeze) in the water lines. New tires for sure. Walk on the roof and look for soft spots (carefully). Look around inside for ANY sigs of water leaks/soft floors/stains. Get it plugged in and check if all appliances work correctly, especially fridge and a/c

Plan on a short delivery trip and servicing all axles and brakes fully.

As far as price, I don't know much about that model...

I'm glad you mentioned winterized! I was just sitting here thinking about that. If it wasn't how knows about the pipes! And if it is now how can I check things? Hmmmm.

Brakes
Tires
Bearings

Pretty much what you need to get it road worthy.

on the inside, Ours sat for almost 3 years with no use before we picked it up...the owner only used it maybe 2 times. What I have found, is the water pump was dried out and gives me fits....

Was the trailer winderized??