Keystone Outback M-27 RSDS (bought it)

[Harlock]

Looking at buying one of these, in ostensibly very good condition. I like the idea of the rear slide because it makes it much shorter when traveling, and the full big bathroom attached to the master bedroom on the other end. Very roomy with the two pop outs.

Any major issues with leaks in the slides or any other bugs?

I have gone from a travel trailer to a toy hauler to a box trailer and back to motels, and we really miss the home on wheels.

[Harlock]

westend wrote:
Congrats on the new trailer. I don't know why others don't buy used, it is an incredible savings over purchasing new.

Yea depreciation the moment you drive it off the lot hits RVs even harder than cars and trucks.

Depends on where you are in your life - if you can buy new without missing the money then it's a good way to go but for me, if I buy (smartly) used I can pay with cash and own it outright and make the money stretch. Can't do that with new prices with our budget and don't want another vehicle payment.

With the amount I bargained down, I'm using that to make the repairs I knew I would need to do. The big ones (parts cost wise) are a new set of wheel fenders and new awning fabric, new radio and a new set of batteries. At the end it will still be a great deal, especially since I do the work myself. Everything is pretty easy to work on in a TT, not like the cramped spaces of a car!

Funny thing is, I sold both the last TT and the Toy Hauler that replaced it for nearly what I paid for them. It was like getting to use them for free for a few years. (I take care of my stuff) so the same money just keeps going around in a circle. Definitely doesn't work that way when you drive it off the lot new, but you do get that new RV smell to enjoy and a warranty.

Spent Sunday starting to tweak the little stuff and ordering replacement items. Will order the fenders tomorrow. There's a couple of aftermarket places, Icon and Sierra RV parts that carry a wide variety of replacement wheel fenders in both plastic and fiberglass. Sorry for lack of pictures, will post some as I get into it a little more.

[Dog_Folks]

Congratulations. The Outback provides a good value for your dollar.

[westend]

Congrats on the new trailer. I don't know why others don't buy used, it is an incredible savings over purchasing new.

[Harlock]

After a very thorough going over I went ahead and bought it. Drove a very good bargain I thought, after picking it apart and listing all the additional things I found beyond the sale ad disclosures. Nothing major, just lots of little things that come with 10 years of UV on the outside and a few mechanical items that can be fixed by myself.

The major cosmetic thing right now is it needs a new set of fender skirts. I see that there is one major clearing house for them (Icon) and also Sierra RV parts, but I am guessing they are a re-seller for Icon, same stuff.

Not cheap, but I built that assumption into the sale price. The previous ones were torn apart by tire blowouts. I wish they made the skirts in aluminum instead of plastic and fiberglass. I'm not a very good sheet metal guy otherwise I'd consider taking that on.

The thing tows very well. Has the same stabilized hitch that my toy hauler did, with the two chain bars and the sway damper. 2ft less height so better mileage. sailed right up the pass from sea level to 4500 feet where I live with no handling problems.

[Harlock]

Tiger02 wrote:
Probably the biggest issue with the Outbacks from that era are the delamination problems. Check the front cap and back wall for bubbles. Leaks will always be a concern, but I see that as more of a maintenance issue or lack of it with a trailer that is 10 years old now.

You can check out the owner's forum here Outbackers

We went and looked at the trailer today. All of the interior white trim molding had some kind of plastic shrink material on it rather than paint and all of it was delaminating from a decade in the brutal central valley heat.

Otherwise the interior was excellent because it hadn't been used much. But for the same reason it sat uncovered getting all the UV from hell and 100+ degree temps during the summer for the better part of a decade. The outside trim parts have significant fading on them. The roof was re-sealed several years ago but a lot of the sealant around the appliance vents is already dry and cracking so it will need it again soon. Bearings have been greased recently which was good to hear.

It's very workable but I've adjusted my offer price accordingly because of the sun damage. We love the interior layout so we can put the work into fixing it up. Thanks for the link I'll take a look.

-M

[Dog_Folks]

we have full timed in the same model for 9 years now.

The only issue that we did not foresee when buying is the location of the bathroom.

When someone is in there, you cannot leave or enter the master bedroom without disturbing the person in the bath.

Not a big deal but sometimes an annoyance. Other than that we love our unit. It has been in 32 states and served us well.

[Tiger02]

Probably the biggest issue with the Outbacks from that era are the delamination problems. Check the front cap and back wall for bubbles. Leaks will always be a concern, but I see that as more of a maintenance issue or lack of it with a trailer that is 10 years old now.

You can check out the owner's forum here Outbackers