Forum Discussion

hanklee2016's avatar
hanklee2016
Explorer
Jun 09, 2016

used camper help

my buddy has a 1984 18ft camper that appears in good condition inside and out he would like $600 for. I looked inside and don't see any water damage, no smell, outside appears nice and not rusty.

what should I look for in this?

my other concern is weight. I have a 2009 chevy Silverado single cab short bed with a 6cyl 4.3ltr motor. I have the tow haul button but no hitch on the truck.

My buddy says by looking it up online the camper weighs 2200lbs. he says some time ago he was told 1800lbs.

what do you guys think? I will be pulling it 150-250miles all freeway.

16 Replies

  • B-n-B's avatar
    B-n-B
    Explorer III
    I would be surprised if a 32 year old trailer has had no water leaks. But the only way to tell is to “get in there” and really look in, around and behind stuff. It’s not the end of the world usually as long as a repair was made and rot hasn’t taken hold. However, this really comes back to the previous owner(s) and their commitment to maintenance, service and repair. As mentioned, try all the systems and inspect the tires.
  • Welcome to the forum Hanklee. I don't think your truck will be a problem.

    Tires on the trailer and getting the trailer level when hooked to the truck seem to be your major concern. Are you leaving the trailer on the property or towing it back and forth when you want to use it?

    Reason I ask is the level of repairs needed will vary depending on what you are doing with it. If you are planning to drag it there once and leave it I would look for a spare tire or two and take my time pulling it there on back roads avoiding highway speeds.

    If you are running it back and forth then new tires are a must.
  • You will need to check the propane bottle expiration date, probably out of compliance, as well as regulator and hose deterioration.
  • it has a bathroom with water and he says everything works.

    my main concern is the year, weight (my truck being able to pull it)

    leaks, etc.

    it will be used 2-3 times a year for hunting purposes. I have a buddy heater I can use as he said hes never used the heater so not sure it still works. he said to save on propane tanks they always used a small coleman stove which is fine with me.

    the main things that matter to me are electric, fridge works which I didn't think to check that, leaks, and not having it fall apart going down the highway.

    he says water tank works and no leaks. I will be fine using a cooler for water.

    this will be a weekend hunting camper so showers, etc aren't a concern.
  • TIRES NEED TO BE CHECKED.
    Tread is not an indicator of tire usability.
    If they are over 5 years old they need to be changed.
    You chance major damage from a blowout.
    (Can I get an AMEN)
    Before moving very far > 5 miles I would repack the bearings specially if you plan to go highway speeds

    Inside
    Fridge can be a major expense. Over $1000.00 to replace a typical gas/elec fridge.

    Is the fresh water tank a pressurized tank or a tank with a water pump on it?
    Some of the old metal tanks pressurized developed pin hole leaks requiring replacement.

    Is it a wet bath or dry. Wet bath the bathroom gets wet during showering and a dry has a separate shower pan. People tend to get tired of wet baths quickly specially if they have children.
    Common water damage spots are the floor by the door and the front corners of the trailer. Be specially diligent in these arras
  • Insist that the refrigerator be plugged in so you can see if it works. Even on a new model it takes hours to cool down. Than check the furnace. You can use a heater in place of the furnace if necessary.