First travel trailer

travelandy wrote:
I'm wondering if there's anything special we should be looking for beyond the usual checks for leakage, water damage or soft spots.

Especially with a trailer of this vintage you'd want to pay particular attention to the running gear - tires, brakes, and bearings - meaning the current owner should be able to provide proof as to when these were last attended to. If he/she can't then you'll want to factor that into your negotiations. Learn beforehand how to read the manufacturing date code on the tire side walls as any manufactured much before 2010 or perhaps 2009 are in need of replacement regardless of how "good" they may look ... bearings and brakes should be done at least every couple of years. I'd also want to know the expiry date of the propane tanks and would probably plan on replacing all the rubber lp hoses and the regulator. Good luck with it! :B

Thanks for the info, Soundguy. A couple of items there that I hadn't thought about. As a buyer of old motorcycles, I am only too aware of the hazards of old tires and am well versed in checking the production date. One of them claims to have new tires and rims. That makes me think it may have sat in a park somewhere for awhile, although that's just speculation on my part. I think I'll go see the closer on first and if it looks good, I may just go with it. The only other interesting unit to show up is a 21 ft. Trail-Lite Bantam (1999)which is a hybrid. Equipped as the other two, but I have concerns over another trailer with fabric to worry about. Never had a problem but, with my luck ...

Thanks,

Andy

In 1998 the industry switched from Quest (grey) waterlines to Pex (white)and it was a good move as the Pex last longer and don't crack like the Quest did. The problem lies in that the quest is no longer made or available and doesn't match up in size to Pex. My advice is to stay to a newer than 1999 to save this grief, (I know because I had a couple of older trailers). I hope this helps.

Qest and Pex can be easily connected using these fittings:
http://keithspecialty.com/plum.Qest%20fittings.htm

This is just my opinion so take it for what its worth but: Having had the "bunkhouse" type of travel trailer with the canvas sleeping area we would not have another one. We had problems here in Florida with water leaking in at the pressure points where the mattress meets the corners of the canvas but the biggest reason is that there is no air circulation there when sleeping with the windows closed up and the A/C on. Of course we camp in Florida so it is hot here in the summer.

Sounds like VentureVan is talking about a hybrid travel trailer where you are sleeping under canvas. To be a "hybrid" it has to have a combination of hardside and canvas. There is also the expandable, which may be just the rear hard slide with a bunk house or other for additional beds. We had a HTT and loved it for 7+ years, but seems you either love it or hate it. It does require a bit more set up and break down, plus it absolutely must be opened up when you get home unless it is 100% dry when you close up. Some years ago I would have said a hybrid was the way to go...we live in West TN. Now, a few years older and with replacement parts on DH, I would say that wouldn't be ideal for you. I think you would be happier with a gently used (or new) hardside TT that comfortably accommodates the number of folks that regularly camp with you, if any. Strongly suggest you avoid, if possible, having to make up a dinette or sofa every night if possible...gets old in a hurry. Good luck and happy camping.

Yes I was talking about the hybrids. We just purchased a new K-Z Sportsmen 14RB. We don't like taking down the dinette either but it has a sofa in addition to the dinette so we will leave the dinette made up when we are camping. It is only me and my wife so that will work fine for us. The max weight with cargo of the trailer is only 2800 lbs. which is a big reason we bought it. I have towed a heavier trailer in the past and now I want to travel as light as possible.