SailorSteve wrote:
Hi All,
Sorry if this is a double post (I hit enter too soon on the previous version).
I need your advice and experience. I'm in the market for a new TT and I don't want a typical 'throw away' unit. The last two units I had (Trail Lite and Aerolite) both rotted out from minor leaks that we're absorbed by the luan and foam floors. Aaagghhh! I had rot almost as I hate wasting money.
So, we want a midrange to upper midrange unit. Weight is not a huge consideration. Want a want is something that will last, if I maintain it well. While layout is important, it's what's under the lipstick that counts. It's the construction design, material, and assembly quality.
Is there a high quality midrange unit that will last?? Or should I save up for something like an Evergreen Everlite (fully composite) Arctic Fox, Outdoor RV Creek Side?? By the way, I like these 'Western' deigned travel trailers. They seem robust.
Please give me some feedback on a TT that long lasting, high quality, with good engineering. What's the best long term VALUE.
Thanks very much in advance. Regards, Steve
Look for the build types that are still around and very old. Most are stick and tin build. In fact I never see any older laminated builds for the reasons you sited. Models with laminated floors and roofs are models I'd avoid the most.
I also would avoid stick and tin models made of structure or particle wood as they will wick any water up and fall apart.
They all can leak from bad caulk but laminated builds are very hard to repair and are very expensive perhaps not worth the expense considering the worth of the trailer. Even though newer models don't use wood laun, the bigger problem is the glue not holding the components together. It can fail from defect, heat, water, etc.
Stick and tin materials are fairly inexpensive and much easier to repair. They also usually have stronger floors and roofs.
