Forum Discussion

higgy's avatar
higgy
Explorer
Apr 02, 2014

First time travel trailer buyer

I'm looking for a smaller travel trailer or preferably hybrid trailer. I go dirt biking almost every weekend and think that a travel trailer would make it a lot easier with s little one. It does not need to be a toy hauler cause I have a truck and quality for price seems to be better with travel trailers. I drive a 3/4 ton cummins with over load springs and 4.10 gears. I am used to towing 30 ft+ toy hauler for a family friend and mostly tow 4x4s on a flat bed trailer. I am looking at a couple vintage trailers under 20 ft are weight distribution hitches needed for this small. Also the trailer I'm going to look at the owner says he does not know if the appliances work. Can I just bring a 5 gallon propane tank with me and hook it up and check? Also is the electrical ran off a 12 volt battery like the pop up campers? I know running the fridge on propane takes along time to cool but is there a way to tell if it's working quickly. I did a drive by of it today here are the pics should I keep looking or go and invest more time checking it out. It is a 1970 highlander









  • Speedogomer's avatar
    Speedogomer
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    I really wouldn't pay for more than $500 for a trailer in that shape. My cousin recently upgraded and his selling his 96 pop up, ask $800. No leaks, appliances all work, no problems at all.

    Granted it's in Pennsylvania and not an option for you, but for me it just means there's deals out there. Unless that Highlander is dirt cheap, I'd keep looking.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    Water leaks are a big problem. A small leak can cause a lot of damage if not repaired.

    Also, check the tires, they may be too old and will need replaced.

    I don't know of a way to check a refrigerator without letting it run and cool down. Maybe someone else can tell you how to check it quickly.
  • wmoses's avatar
    wmoses
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    Just a thought but if you buy a fixer-upper there would be not much time for dirt biking on the weekends. ;) This trailer looks like a big effort fixer-upper. You would not want to get it then put off fixing it up because it is onerous. Something to think about.
  • higgy's avatar
    higgy
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    It's been raining pretty good the last couple of days so that should help me are the stains on the plywood underneath normal I felt around and the wood was dry just discolored, but it's also 40+ years old
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2014
    IF YOU SEE any signs of water leaks run, look for water stains on the roof and under the windows .

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