Looking at Used Fleetwood Mallard 280RLS

[kd460]

Not new to camping/travel trailers. I am replacing a unit that I recently sold. It was an ultra light and am currently wanting to stay away from ultra lights as we do not tow like we used to.

I am in the market for used. Wanting to stay under 10k so I do not have to finance anything.

Most of our camping consists of leaving the trailer on private property about 2 hours away, so once it's parked for the summer it stays there. We may tow it to other locations once or twice a season, but usually only tow a couple of hours to that destination.

So I guess it's safe to say total towing time per year will be about 8 hours. Otherwise, camper sits in the same location, gets used once or twice per month in the camping season, then towed to an outside storage facility less than a mile away for the winter.

Curious if anyone has input on this make/model. It is a 2004 Fleetwood Mallard 280RLS. We have looked at it once, and my next step (if the dealer cooperates), is I will ask that they pull it in the warm service bay the night before, (winter is still in effect here), and I arrive early in the morning for a more complete inspection, especially the roof.

My basic inspection came out "good". Not super clean, just "good". Minor issues on the surface (it was 10 degrees out when we looked at it). I could not get up on the roof due to snow and no ladder, but, interior looked cared for but used (to be expected), and exterior looked about the same. A couple of minor cosmetic issues, but the metal seams, junctions and transitions along with windows, hatch's, inside the storage areas, inside the cupboards, bathroom, ceiling, walls, electrical, plumbing, floor, etc. looked good, solid and functioned well. The slide performed flawless even in the cold weather and without any heat. Basically the things you good look at in a half hour inspection in the freezing cold looked fine. Except for the roof. Again, could not assess the roof. I am not going to dwell on the minor issues, as I expect them with a used trailer (light surface rust on the frame, slight wear to the vinyl floor, a few cheesy looking towel rods, etc.).

It is one of the first units I looked at, and compared to a few others, it is the winner so far. I think the dealer is also motivated to sell as it has been on the lot for awhile and they are getting more trade ins soon due to a recent camper show.

I am in no hurry to purchase, but would like to make a purchase before the weather breaks and the associated "rush" of other camper shoppers that typically happens when the weather breaks.

I have researched "inspecting a used trailer" and have come up with one heck of a checklist. Just posting now to hear of other opinions on what to "watch out for", or any tips for inspection, or any problems with this particular model if anyone else on this forum has a similar model or knowledge to share.

Thanks to all. KD

[TurnThePage]

My trailer is the same vintage and basically same brand and construction, and did indeed have some potential roof leaks from the factory. I caught them before the water did, and it's been a great camper ever since. I would think any old leaks would be very obvious on the interior surfaces. That pressure test might be quite a challenge unless you bring lots of duct tape. Though it doesn't leak, mine is pretty well ventilated right through the main door, the stove vent, and other exterior doors.

[westend]

If I was buying it, I'd bring a blower with me (if the dealer doesn't have one) and do a pressurized leak test. It will turn up even a pinhole leak and takes about 30 mins.-> hour.

[mikakuja]

As long as it has been taken care of and hasn't leaked Fleetwood made ok tralers, certainly not high quality, but decent for what they are... I have looked at many Fleetwood's and unfortunately a very high pecentage of what I looked at in that year range were leakers... Roof transitions and access doors are the biggest leak points on them.
If the one you are looking at is solid and dry, and shows no signs of past leaks I would go for it. Make sure you have all of the sealant checked and re-done where ever nessasary ASAP to ensure it stays that way.

Fleetwood also tends to use weird Fleetwood specific construction and some of the accessories they used in that time frame are odd sized and hard to find if you need to find replacements (things like the outside shower, some of the vents,etc)
That is my 2 cents worth.

[kd460]

Yes, I am going to ask them to pull it into the shop on say a Friday night, then I show up on Saturday morning to give the roof a once over along with checking the function of the a/c, and furnace. I also want to check the lights outside and inside, appliances, etc.

I really did not think about asking for a warranty. I assumed used purchases are "as is", but it don't hurt ask. Thanks. KD

[CavemanCharlie]

Sounds like you have done your research on what to look for. I think before you buy ask the dealer if he has a heated shop to put it in so you can look at the roof and check the systems. AC, Fridge, ETC.

If not make sure you get a good warranty. It can be hard to purchase in the winter because it is hard to check the systems when it's so cold.