Buying a Winterized Trailer

[zron73]

Hi, looking to buy my first trailer. One I have my eye on is winterized. What are the drawbacks in purchasing a winterized trailer? My first thought is I won’t be able to test the water systems (pumps, pipes, etc.). Is there anything else I’m missing?
Ron

[Tvov]

Yes, it is best to have a fully functioned trailer to test everything. Having said that...

We bought our trailer new in late October, and it had been winterized by the dealer. We took it home and were unable to test most systems until spring. Everything worked great! Still does.

So, it can work out just fine.

[sch911]

The dealer will need to de-winterize it so that you can do the PDI. Then they will have to re-winterize it for delivery. Dont settle for anything less....

[troubledwaters]

Let the dealer store it for you for the winter and check it out in the spring. Final payment due upon acceptable PDI and testing systems.

[NMDriver]

colliehauler wrote:
You can pressure up the system with rv antifreeze.

X2 Or air. Air will not check if the pump works but will give you indication of a leak in the water system.

[jfkmk]

Bobbo wrote:
That is all I can think of. You can always insist they dewinterize the trailer so you can test all the water systems. Be sure they fill the water heater so you can be sure it heats. If they want to make a sale, that is not a time consuming task for them.

I agree with Bobbo. They may be a bit reluctant to dewinterize if they don't know how to do it themselves, but I'd want to make sure all systems work unless I got a discount for the unknown.

[colliehauler]

You can pressure up the system with rv antifreeze.

[westend]

#1nobby wrote:
I bought a "winterized" trailer that had also been vandalized...propane tanks and battery...GONE.

I couldn't test anything. I did the best inspection possible and got it for $3,500 less than asking.

No big surprises, really, except the water pump was pooched and the cold water, steel braided water line to the kitchen tap was blown.

That cost me a complete tap set as that line was made of unobtainium.

Tap set $250
Pump $180
Battery set up $350
Propane tanks $80

I think I came out ok.

Good negotiation on your part but I don't think I could get used to those Canadian prices.
IIRC, I have less than what you have into plumbing for the whole installation in my 22' trailer and I've been doing it long enough not to cut corners (steel braided supplies, full flow ball valves on every branch, enough brackets, etc).

If the OP's future purchase is a new trailer, I'd take it winterized and fill up the system early next year. He could even carry water and antifreeze if wanting to do the first trip, now. To me it's a non-issue as I can winterize in less than an hour for $6.

[_1nobby]

I bought a "winterized" trailer that had also been vandalized...propane tanks and battery...GONE.

I couldn't test anything. I did the best inspection possible and got it for $3,500 less than asking.

No big surprises, really, except the water pump was pooched and the cold water, steel braided water line to the kitchen tap was blown.

That cost me a complete tap set as that line was made of unobtainium.

Tap set $250
Pump $180
Battery set up $350
Propane tanks $80

I think I came out ok.

[ScottG]

Iwould either put water in it and then winterize again or just dump a few gallons of antifreeze in it and check everything out.

[Bobbo]

That is all I can think of. You can always insist they dewinterize the trailer so you can test all the water systems. Be sure they fill the water heater so you can be sure it heats. If they want to make a sale, that is not a time consuming task for them.

[Lwiddis]

Pitching...as in setting up? I would not buy a used TT without testing all systems.

[2oldman]

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