I bought a Fifth-Wheel

[Bjcombs1989]

My wife and I have been looking at trailers for about two months now and finally decided to purchase one that came up on a local Buy/Sell/Trade site.

We got a 1994 Wilderness Fifth Wheel with an existing Gooseneck Conversion. I'll be towing it with my 07 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD (Duramax and Allison) once I get the gooseneck installed.

I live in Central Texas, so freezes only happen about twice a year. I plan on updating the interior of the trailer as it is very outdated, but it is at least in good condition.

So, my question is, as a first time trailer buyer, what recommendations (either replies or recommended threads) do the well-seasoned travelers have for me?


Pictures:

[amxpress]

Welcome to the "fivers" gang.
Good advise so far. I wouldn't check the wheel bearings, I'd replace them along with grease seals. Be sure to check not only the brakes, but the wiring to the magnets.
Enjoy your trailer.

[md_procouple]

It seems that everyone has given you enough to "check" and correct, So all we can say is Congrats, Have fun, and Happy Camping !!!

[Lwiddis]

I disagree with MFL. I would start with insuring the roof is waterproof. Then I'd move on to other items.

[ford_truck_guy]

Like stated, a weekend in either your or a friends driveway will go along way in learning the do's and dont's of camping... We had good friends buy their first camper and they toed it to our house and stayed in the driveway for the weekend...

Don't forget to shock the tires when checking the undercarriage... If the date codes are older than 5-6 years, you may want to think about replacing them before towing any distance.. Especially if the trailer has been sitting for a while, the sidewalks will go weak.

Check ALL the caulking and sealant around all openings and the edge of the roof and vents...

Joe

[starcraft69]

Welcome to the board. Other than what MFL suggest i would add have fun.

[Bjcombs1989]

MFL wrote:
Welcome to the forum!!

Thank you for the welcome

MFL wrote:
A driveway campout works good for this

Sounds like a great way to go about it

MFL wrote:
check bearings, brakes, and springs

Didn't even think about this, another major thing on the To-Do list

[MFL]

Welcome to the forum!!

Congrats on the new to you FW! You will need to check to see that everything is in good working order, before actually going camping. A driveway campout works good for this. If water system, all appliances, are working good, move on to checking roof caulk, then underside, check bearings, brakes, and springs.

Nice pics, truck/trailer look great! Hope you enjoy many fun times!

Jerry