Forum Discussion

br549redneck's avatar
br549redneck
Explorer
Jun 17, 2015

Using an older travel trailer

I have a 97 Tahoe Lite 21 foot, I generally camp with in 100 miles or so of home. I am wanting to pull it to Colorado this summer a 650 mile trip one way. I do all the regular maintenance on the trailer, brakes, repack bearings and ect. The trailer is in good condition but, I am hesitant in pulling a trailer of this age that far...Should I be worried ( I worry about everything that could go wrong) or is anyone on the forum pulling old trailers around the country? Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thank you
  • OkSixpack's avatar
    OkSixpack
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    I must be getting old, because I wouldn't consider a 1997 model old yet....
    Jim
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jun 17, 2015
    If it is in good condition I would not worry about pulling it anywhere in the country. Maintaining the trailer is the key, If it was a unmaintained trailer that would be different.

    I agree with OKsixpack that 97 is not that old.
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2015
    As long as you keep up with maintenance and the trailer is solid I wouldn't hesitate to tow it long distance.
  • br549redneck's avatar
    br549redneck
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    OK thank you for the responses. And tires are 2 years old under 500 miles on them all the other running gear is in good shape. Bearings repacked last year and new seals, brakes adjusted . Trailer is solid and everything works as it should. I will be pulling it to South Fork Co last part of Aug. :)
  • Oaklevel's avatar
    Oaklevel
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2015
    OkSixpack wrote:
    I must be getting old, because I wouldn't consider a 1997 model old yet....
    Jim


    REALLY ??? :)
    Ya I thought the op was talking about an old TT ........... 1997 is new...... saw a 1940s - 1950s towed from Idaho to the East Coast no issues.


    A 1997 is probably more trailer than a 2016 but if the frame has no rust issues the bearings are repacked & good tires etc. I would say go for it. I have a 1980 and a 1994 trailers I pull all over the Mid Atlantic areas.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2015
    OP what exactly are you worried about?

    I have an older TT and I trust it more than a newer one. Why?

    Because it has American bearings in the axels packed by me so I know it's correct. The Frame is not made of paper thin metal like the new ones. It's low slung so the CG is way in the weeds so it tows like a dream. The axels are heavy duty and not some thin junk like they have now days. It has Maxis tires on it.

    Those are a few of the things I trust more than a newer TT.
  • BubbaChris's avatar
    BubbaChris
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2015
    Sounds like you have a very capable tow vehicle, so I agree with the rest of the folks saying go for it if the TT is well maintained and the tires are good.
  • fallsrider's avatar
    fallsrider
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2015
    I would have no reservation whatsoever about pulling our '95 Sunnybrook cross country. Now my TV, that could be another story!
  • stufarmer's avatar
    stufarmer
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2015
    I didn't see mentioned, but the Electrical System might be worth looking over.

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