Forum Discussion

Sinnettc's avatar
Sinnettc
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014

Lightly used TT - what to check before purchase?

Friend has a 2010 (Monaco?) Trail-lite, Trail Cruiser M-23QBC that's been used all of 4 times that we're considering buying. She got it in her divorce but has nothing to tow it with. Could be a great opportunity for us to get it at a great price. Presumably we can tow it the 1/2 mile to our house (or hers), hook it up to power and do a systems check, etc. I'd appreciate advice on what to check/test in a pre-purchase inspection.

Initial walk through to see floor plan and decide if it was something we're interested in went well but I'm new to TT and this is different beast than my 22 foot fiberglass sailboat. The only thing I have to worry about there is keeping the water out and the battery charged so the anchor light will work all night. TT has way more systems to go haywire, especially if it's been sitting for a year or so as I think is the case here.

One thing I am a bit concerned about is that the hi-rise spout for the kitchen faucet was laying on the cutting board and there was water in the section where it attaches. That suggests to me that the water tank wasn't drained and maybe freezing water forced it off. We had a rare (for our area) cold spell in December and I'm sure any water aboard would have frozen. Alternatively her ex, who apparently didn't do any maintenance on the TT when they were married, has a key and for some bizarre reason he decided to take the faucet apart. Given other weird things he's done since they split it's a definite possibility.

Anyway, thanks for any advice you can provide.

Chris

9 Replies

  • pasusan's avatar
    pasusan
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2014
    I take my kitchen faucet apart as part of winterization. The head screws off of the hose (as it is a spray nozzle) and I have found that water tends to stay in the head of it - so I take it off. Mine is now laying in the sink. Maybe this helps...
  • tbred's avatar
    tbred
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2014
    Don't forget to make sure there is water in the hwh before testing it on elec/gas, otherwise you could burn out the heating element.
  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2014
    Chris,
    The only real problem I found was at the four corners of the roof and I think most of that was from lack of maintenance by the PO. The roof on ours is rounded front to back and the moldings cause ponding at the corners. After R and R of the molding, new lap sealant and butyl caulk, no more leaks.
    We have been happy with ours.
  • Sinnettc's avatar
    Sinnettc
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2014
    All good information which I'll take to the next step.

    Needing the battery for emergency braking hadn't occurred to me; the boat trailer gets fully submerged (at the end of 30' of straps) so it has surge brakes.

    Thanks!

    >Kip
    >2007 Trail-Lite 23QB

    Kip,

    I see you have an older version of the TT we're looking at. Any quirks specific to the brand/model I should know about?

    Aside from the fact that Monaco closed its doors a few years ago, that is . . . we drive by their factory whenever we go to the lake for a sail. Not much happening there, though their sign is still up and the lights appear to be on.
  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Jan 23, 2014
    Try to check in all 4 corners, top to bottom, for leaking. That's where mine was. Use a moisture meter to check under the vinyl flooring and on the underside, especially if there is a black woven plastic (Darco). We also went from the sailing world to the RV world.
    Good luck.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2014
    Could also be that if the faucet was OEM, it just came apart - as ours did one morning....turned the water on only to have the whole faucet just sort of explode. So the fix for that is to make a trip to Lowe's or HD and invest in a better quality - most anything is better than the OEM - and replace....standard size.

    Agree to go over it with a fine-tooth comb for not only SIGNS of water but any musty, moldy odor.

    Hope this works out for you, sounds like a nice deal if everything is in good shape. BTW, check the tires for manufactute date. It will be a 4-digit code right alongside the rim....something like 2310, meaning they were manufacturedd the 23rd week of 2010. Tires need to be changed every 4 - 5 years regardless of how great they may appear. If those haven't already been replaced, expect that you'll be in the neighborhood of $500 give or take in short order, so suggest you look for that.
  • DukeAJuke's avatar
    DukeAJuke
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2014
    The water systems in most RVs are fairly simple and easy to repair and replace. The one component I would look at carefully if it hasn't been winterized or drained is the hot water heater. The pump is inexpensive to replace, but the water heater can cost you upward of $250.00. Also check the roof for damage. Leaks are the number one enemy of TTs.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2014
    I'd guess that the faucet spout was removed for a reason, not forced off from freezing. Yes, the plumbing would be on my checklist, valves, pump, faucets and also the drain side-valves, pipes, seals, etc.

    The biggest thing to check for, IMO, is water intrusion through the roof or walls. Many a good TT has been ruined from water getting into the ceiling and walls. Look over everything, including back of cabinet areas, under any beds, in the corners, and check also from the exterior. Examine the floor, too.

    Besides the propane appliances, an inspection of the electric and check for operation of everything would be on my list. especially the battery, it's connections, and the converter.

    Running gear needs to be looked at for alignment and wear. It's best, when dealing with the unknown, to pull the wheels and brake drums, service the bearings, and inspect/adjust the brakes. Check the emergency braking system before even the 1/2 mile trip home. I'd bring along a good battery because the one that's in there is probably dead. You'll need some sort of battery for the break-away system.

    The rest is mostly observation and practical stuff--frame integrity, cabinet door operation and latches, sticking drawers, entry door, window operations, etc.

    Good luck with the new rig. Even if you find a few things not working, TT's are an easy thing to work on, don't let any of them deter you from a good buy and enjoying the RV lifestyle.

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