is it risky buying a travel trailer that is 8 years old

dodge guy wrote:
I think it's riskier buying a new trailer! I would rather have half my money in an older trailer that had been gone through for 7 years (provided it was maintained properly), than something new for full price and has problems for the first 3 years (not all do, but is a very real possibility!).

There are pros and cons either way. The down side to a used unit is having to repair and replace things at a higher rate, and the associated down time that entails. I have not really had any repair issues with new RVs, but have read that others have not been as fortunate. While financially you'll be in a better starting place, repairs can start adding up in a hurry, and it is annoying if your TT is out of commission when you need it.

My TV is now 13 years old, so while my TT is relatively new, I won't take the rig on long trips because the TV is the weakest link. In some cases, an older TT may be the weakest link. Breakdowns on the road can ruin a trip in a heartbeat, whether it be the TV or the TT.

I typically buy RVs new and keep them 7-8 years before moving on. I pay cash so I am not getting any type of loan and can usually negotiate a great price.

I typically buy vehicles that are 2-3 years old with low mileage and still have some of the warranty remaining. My last car purchase was a 2013 Hyundai that was only one year old and had just 2,000 miles on it. I bought it for $8K below sticker!

I think it's riskier buying a new trailer! I would rather have half my money in an older trailer that had been gone through for 7 years (provided it was maintained properly), than something new for full price and has problems for the first 3 years (not all do, but is a very real possibility!).

We bought a 15 year old travel trailer this past spring and we're super pleased with it. There's no warranty on it, but the tech spent 3 hours with us showing us everything and how everything was functional. We've used it all summer and everything has been great. I just can't see paying full price for a new RV that we're only going to use in the summers. Even if we need to repair/replace parts, it'll still be cheaper than buying new.

the inspector will go to the rv and if the dealer won,t let him, I wonder what the dealer is hiding??

Thanks so much everyone....Does a independent inspector come to the rv dealer where the trailer is or do you tow it to the inspector? DO rv dealers have any issues with an independent coming in? Thanks again,, you've all been so helpful you can never have too much information!

Jebby14 wrote:
I like my 93 prowler 19e bought it privetly this spring. It has issues yes..... they were all disclosed prior to purchasing it. The couple I bought it from was very helpful. Plan is to use it on the cheap for a few years then upgrade. I don't by new toys the deprecation is a killer.

Chances are you will get your money back when you sell as well.

Have it seal teched. That is where it is pressurized & checked for leaks. It will always find some potential areas but many would not have allowed water in anyway. Make sure there are no spongy areas especially close to cabinetry or inside cabinet floors. Look for any signs o f bulging on sidewalls outside. Check for cracks in frame underneath. If the roof is walkable, walk on top and check for soft spots. There is not much else you can do. Try to negotiate a warranty with the dealer. Ask him if you can talk to the previous owner if you promise not to discuss how much they were paid for it.

rbtglove wrote:
Just sold a 2008 TT to the first looker who never had an RV before. He brought two friends who had TTs and they went over everything very carefully - He paid what I was asking without even trying to get a better price. Condition not age, is everything in buying a used RV. I bought several and never regreted any of the deals.

I agree it's condition not age.

I like my 93 prowler 19e bought it privetly this spring. It has issues yes..... they were all disclosed prior to purchasing it. The couple I bought it from was very helpful. Plan is to use it on the cheap for a few years then upgrade. I don't by new toys the deprecation is a killer.

Just sold a 2008 TT to the first looker who never had an RV before. He brought two friends who had TTs and they went over everything very carefully - He paid what I was asking without even trying to get a better price. Condition not age, is everything in buying a used RV. I bought several and never regreted any of the deals.