looking for our first trailer

Hi and welcome! We were hybriders before changing to our new TT this past May. Hybrids may be slightly less $$ than hardside TT, but we sold our immaculate 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS for $9500, so my opinion is that your price range is good, but you should be able to find something in the 2005ish + range. Suggest you go to NADA and check into their RV section. IIRC, they don't go as far back as 2001, but you should be able to at least get a feel. List only the year, make and model only.....in this case DO NOT add any so-called options such as A/C, electric tongue jack, micro, etc. It will ask for condition such as good, fair, poor. Now you should have an idea what you should be paying. My cousin and husband just sold their very good condition KZ 2405 for $9000, less the commission to the dealer. Believe theirs was an '03 or '04. It was a rear slide with a side slide for the sofa. Time for some online research.

Have never owned a Jayco, but have heard many people that have had issues with the low clearance getting in and out of driveways, etc. Consider that re where you'll be storing your TT. No help on the stress crack, but it's something you for sure need to investigate. If you've not looked closely at the roof, you need to, especially if it's been stored outside.

Also re pricing, everything is higher in CA, so that may account for any discrepancies in what NADA suggests....actually, they may have a spot to enter a zip code to take the area into consideration....can't remember. The new tires and brakes is a positive as when tires reach the 4 - 5 year old range, they need to be replaced regardless of how good they may look. Trailer tires are different than auto tires.

Have you checked all your weight limits on your tow vehicle and what this trailer weighs? There are all sorts of figures on weights, base, dry, loaded, GVWR, etc. If in doubt as to what a trailer weighs and you're seriously considering one, take it to a truck stop scale. You can do a search here for how to weigh a TT as you're going to need probably 3 weights to know all you need to know.

MHO, if you're going through a dealer, you should not be paying for a PDI - Pre Delivery Inspection, which includes how things work and that they really are in working condition. $700 is a ridiculous figure since most everything you need to know should be covered and tested in about an hour. Pretty steep hourly rate!

Sorry you didn't get a response sooner....some days are just like that and many folks are already into the Thanksgiving scurry. Hope you can use some of this information. Others with more detailed help will surely chime in soon. Shopping for a TT is unique with all you need to know, but remember one thing for sure....do not take a salesman's word for anything. Their job is to get you to sign, then it's your problem. Make a list of wants, don't care, and don't want and do your best to stick to it. Check everything for yourself and especially the weights.

BTW, since I know it'll be asked, what is your tow vehicle and does it have factory tow or added later, engine size and transmission info. One of the members of the hybrid forum has a saying, "I could tow it with my lawn tractor but it doesn't mean I should". Good luck and come back with how your shopping is going.

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Welcome to the boards. Personally, I would rather have a well cared for older model vs one that has not. The biggest issue with any RV regardless, of type, is water leaks and the resulting damage. No matter what unit you decide on, inspect it well.
Not being able to view your photo makes it difficult to comment. What I will say is if there is enough clearance when going over humps and into dips, then it should not be an issue.
As for the $700 fee, negotiate an "out the door" amount that includes everything including hitch, PDQ, etc.
The crack to me would indicate unusual stress either the frame flexing or perhaps some type damage in that area. Again, inspect it well.

OK, just looked at the photo. I think that is going to be normal for that make and model. From the looks of it you cannot raise because of the level of the holding tanks. The outlet appears even with the bottom of the tanks

Folks -

I hate to be pushy, but our post has gotten 35 views and no one can share an opinion with us?

Please help us out .

Thanks.

Sorry folks. The picture link didn't work. Let me try again...



https://www.dropbox.com/s/wz6zczy0dsbiqqq/septic.jpg