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
  • Sondy132001's avatar
    Sondy132001
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    Our TT is a 1982, we got new tires (spare included) and repacked the wheel bearings. Checked the leaf springs etc to make sure she could go on long trips. We'll see how are pre-gaming goes this summer when we head out on the open road ;)
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    The trailers are much more reliable than people give them credit for. If the bearings are packed properly, the brakes are serviced, and there is no major rust, and the tires are in good condition there shouldn't be any major issues. I wouldn't be afraid of towing a 1950s trailer for 3000 miles, if it is maintained properly.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 17, 2015
    IF you pull it 100 miles 6 times you have already made the trip one way......:B

    In other words, IF you take it on 100 mile camping trips and all's well(tows good, good tires, items function etc) then go and enjoy trip to.from CO
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2015
    Depends on the condition of your unit.

    There are five year old units in disrepair that I would not feel comfortable pulling across town...let alone across country.

    Tires, brakes, suspension, coupler, vent covers, spare, hitch, brake a way switch, deep cell battery, and marker/tail lights. .

    As long as all are good I would pull without hesitation
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 17, 2015
    The great thing about a TT is if you know the bearings are in great shape then you know it wont leave you sitting on the side of the road. So if that is the case I would not hesitate to tow long distances.
  • langbone's avatar
    langbone
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    I pull a 98 holiday rambler 28ft all over. I make sure before all trips that the tires and brakes, are ready to go. I repack the bearings every 3 yrs. The only problem I've ever had was a blowout on an imported tire. I've since replaced all 4 tires with load range E Maxxis. I would not hesitate to tow it any where. Just remember, sometimes s--- happens, thats part of RVing Carpe Diem.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    Wishbone51 wrote:
    I took my '00 Komfort from Portland OR to NYC and back a couple years ago. Only issue was a broken leaf spring suspension (rusted through) halfway through. I don't have any real advise other than keep it maintained and it should serve you well.


    I think Wishbone51 nailed it. If you inspect the suspension, inclusive of tires thoroughly, that is going to be the key components to long distance travel, I would think you're good to go.

    What is the age of your tires ?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2015
    As long as the under carriage is all good there is no reason to worry. Things happen but they can happen 20 miles or 2000 miles from home.
  • Wishbone51's avatar
    Wishbone51
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    I took my '00 Komfort from Portland OR to NYC and back a couple years ago. Only issue was a broken leaf spring suspension (rusted through) halfway through. I don't have any real advise other than keep it maintained and it should serve you well.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,030 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025