HELP, finally bought a trailer!
Hello, sorry, got a number of questions! I finally found a trailer at a good price and it's in good condition. I haven't owned a trailer in 35 years, and all I knew back then was how to tow it and then turn on the a/c lol. Can anyone recommend what I should do to check it out? I don't know much!
I bought it from an estate and the Executor doesn't know anything about it, so, I am in the dark. I mean, I don't know if anything works. We assume (hope) that it does. I knew the late owner and it worked when he died. I think he only used it once and died! He paid WAY more than I paid.
I don't even know what I have! It's a 1997 Fleetwood Mallard but I don't know the length. By the entrance door is a decal that says 24J. Is that 24'? What does J mean? It must be 24 footer, as I just measured the living area part and it's about 21'4". Do you measure from rear bumper to the hitch? I don't see length on the title anywhere, nor do I see it on the placard that provides the VIN and such. GAWR all axles is 2695 lbs.
It's been sitting outside for 2 years after he died and they settled the estate. Prior to that, I dunno but it's in real good shape and doesn't leak; it's very clean. It has a bedroom in the rear. I dunno what size bed, queen? Or maybe smaller, whatever that is.
The date of manufacture says Oct 1996. Is calling it a 1997 correct?
For instance, I want to see if the a/c works; this is #1 for me, it's hot here! Can I just plug into an electrical outlet and test? The trailer has a cord on the side and the placard says...
THIS CONNECTION IS
FOR 110/125 VOLT AC,
60 HZ.
30 AMPERE SUPPLY
The end of the cord looks like what I would call a 30 amp gizmo. The former owner put a yellow adapter on it and the end looks like a normal 3-prong grounded plug in any house. So, can I plug into my house and test? What about plugging into my small portable generator, no problem?
I ask these dumb questions because a young friend, just this past week, is no longer with us as got electrocuted doing some kind of 'routine' repair job at home. Tragic.
I see brakes on the rear wheels (2 axles). I have idea if they are functional or shot or what. Any suggestion on that? I have a 2008 Nissan Titan (1/2 ton) and I know I need a larger truck but for short hauls, it seems to be okay. I bought a 7-way to 4-way adaptor and the lights did work but, no brakes unless the 7-way is used?
Is there any resource for a newbie to learn about using a travel trailer? I need to check out the heater and stove, frig, etc.
Thanks for helping the ignoramus!
EDIT: Just thought of something... the a/c... just try it or do I need to check anything? Does freon/coolant last forever or do you have to top them off? I have a window unit in my house playroom and it has same freon as was in there 40+ years ago. My house a/c has a small leak and must be topped off every year.
I bought it from an estate and the Executor doesn't know anything about it, so, I am in the dark. I mean, I don't know if anything works. We assume (hope) that it does. I knew the late owner and it worked when he died. I think he only used it once and died! He paid WAY more than I paid.
I don't even know what I have! It's a 1997 Fleetwood Mallard but I don't know the length. By the entrance door is a decal that says 24J. Is that 24'? What does J mean? It must be 24 footer, as I just measured the living area part and it's about 21'4". Do you measure from rear bumper to the hitch? I don't see length on the title anywhere, nor do I see it on the placard that provides the VIN and such. GAWR all axles is 2695 lbs.
It's been sitting outside for 2 years after he died and they settled the estate. Prior to that, I dunno but it's in real good shape and doesn't leak; it's very clean. It has a bedroom in the rear. I dunno what size bed, queen? Or maybe smaller, whatever that is.
The date of manufacture says Oct 1996. Is calling it a 1997 correct?
For instance, I want to see if the a/c works; this is #1 for me, it's hot here! Can I just plug into an electrical outlet and test? The trailer has a cord on the side and the placard says...
THIS CONNECTION IS
FOR 110/125 VOLT AC,
60 HZ.
30 AMPERE SUPPLY
The end of the cord looks like what I would call a 30 amp gizmo. The former owner put a yellow adapter on it and the end looks like a normal 3-prong grounded plug in any house. So, can I plug into my house and test? What about plugging into my small portable generator, no problem?
I ask these dumb questions because a young friend, just this past week, is no longer with us as got electrocuted doing some kind of 'routine' repair job at home. Tragic.
I see brakes on the rear wheels (2 axles). I have idea if they are functional or shot or what. Any suggestion on that? I have a 2008 Nissan Titan (1/2 ton) and I know I need a larger truck but for short hauls, it seems to be okay. I bought a 7-way to 4-way adaptor and the lights did work but, no brakes unless the 7-way is used?
Is there any resource for a newbie to learn about using a travel trailer? I need to check out the heater and stove, frig, etc.
Thanks for helping the ignoramus!
EDIT: Just thought of something... the a/c... just try it or do I need to check anything? Does freon/coolant last forever or do you have to top them off? I have a window unit in my house playroom and it has same freon as was in there 40+ years ago. My house a/c has a small leak and must be topped off every year.
