How old is too old on year model?

[TnCamperMama]

We are shopping and on a tight budget. We are looking at bunkhouse type travel trailers. We already know we will be buying used. I know Airstream's last for years,but that is not in my current budget. We plan to buy our bunkhouse and keep it until at least my oldest goes to college in 6 years. How old is too old on a used one? I don't think I want anything below an '07. My budget is 15K {that's my mx and prefer to stay under 10k}. I've been looking on various websites and already have a great local salesman. I'm not committed to a particular brand, but I don't want a hunk of junk either. I know what we want is out there, I've found several that meet all my requirements, in my budget. I can't afford to buy for a few more months, so I'm doing my homework right now.

[The_Dung_Beetle]

There are a few "fairytale" deals waiting to be found, but they are rare.

One of my coworkers just purchased a 1960 Shasta from another coworker for $1,000. I about fainted!! The Shasta had been purchased new by this gals parents, used a handful of times and tucked away in their garage. The parents passed on and the trailer was taken to the adult kids home and tucked into their garage. It had not been used more then 15 times TOTAL. It was always parked in a tight, dry garage. No mice problems, no leaking nothing. They took the trailer right in and had it resealed, and checked out from bumper to bumper. Not a piece missing or a dent on the little beauty. The new owners did sand and varnish the inside and replaced a few other things. The original paint is PERFECT. I consoled myself by knowing the people who bought it understood the grandness of this vintage trailer.

A newer unit with A/C, generators, gas fridge, water heaters etc sits and deteriorates in different ways. There are some plusses to the simplicity of oldies.

Once something starts leaking.. it's never ever good if not caught fast.
.

[deleted-2]

The DW and I were shopping recently for nicer fifth wheel.
Even though our intent was to buy new or close to recent a number of used units by private sellers and dealers were very well cared for.

We've seen quite a few 10-12 year old units that were just beautiful.
Granted the interiors were dated, yet totally functional.

Based on our shopping experience I'd say not much past a 2003 year model.

Good luck with the searching.
Example of what's out there.

[hawkman541]

X2 on what Mark said. I had a 10 year old Carriage, and took very good care of it through the years. All the little stuff had to be done, glued, replaced, or tightened, but in the end, I would take it anywhere.

No major appliances, but had laid up 2k for major repairs, but I did yearly cleaning of coils, contacts, and connectors. Did the bearings and brakes, balanced the tires and all went well.

So look for a well "taken cared of" trailer, and not for what year it is. A fabulous 10 year old is better than a beaten up 3 year old. Good Luck

[JRS___B]

Mark Heisler is right on. I bought a 2008 new at the end of 2007.

I have replaced tires, inverter, and the main A/C unit. Plus any number of small things.

Now I try to keep up on stuff, but the mirror in the one closet door just broke, the rubber around one of the slide-outs is deteriorated and the carpet is getting tired looking. So despite my best efforts, it no longer is as good as new.

So if you do find a unit that is lightly used and practically in showroom condition, don't let the age automatically scare you away.

[Mark_Heisler]

One of the biggest thing with a RV is.
It not how old it is
Has it been taken care of and well maintain.