looking for our first trailer
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Nov-25-2013 09:14 AM
My wife and I are looking for our first trailer. We've done a fair amount of research and find our sweet spot is 2005-2007 24 - 27 foot trailer. The seem to be priced in a range of $9k - $11k. All the dealers either add a delivery lesson for $700 or other just burry the $700 in the cost. Regardless, we've been looking at Fleetwoods and Jaycos. They seem to meet our needs. As you might expect, some are rough and some are new. Bottom line is we've been learning a lot and seeing floor plans that work for us.
Yesterday we came across a 2001 Fleetwood Terry - 25 footer. New tires and brakes. Weight distribution hitch included. 2001 was too old for us, but this trailer seems super clean and is a one owner trailer. The only downer is that the slide out is manual, but the woman that showed it to us operated it quite easily. I suppose without a power slide out it is one less item to break?
Two concerns. The clean out lines or septic and stuff (all the black pac pipes) are much lower than on any other trailer we've seen. See the below picture. They struck us as strange.
Is this a problem. We're not going off roading and I don't think ground clearance is an issue, but it is odd.
The other item is a stress crack in the siding above the rear door. The crack starts at the top left corner of the door and is about 2 inches long It seems to be caulked, but I want to stop the crack (most likely with a small drill hole) and clean it up a bit.
OK, third item. The fabric on the awning is starting to rip. How much does it cost to replace the fabric?
Many thanks in advance.
Aaron and Donna
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Nov-26-2013 07:56 AM
Pets: Lady - Texas Heeler, Dinger - Rhodesian Riidgeback Mix
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2007 Jayco Jayfeather EXP 254
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Nov-26-2013 03:35 AM
aaronanddonna wrote:
Sorry folks. The picture link didn't work. Let me try again...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wz6zczy0dsbiqqq/septic.jpg
If you do have any problems with that piping hanging that low, I would consider separating it into two separate sewer hook ups, one black, one grey and you could eliminate several inches of drop. I usually have to dump the grey tank many times before the black tank anyway. could make a flexible stinky slinky T hookup or use a sewer solution or macerator pump instead.
bumpy
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Nov-25-2013 08:30 PM
2014 OutdoorsRV Wind River 250RDSW
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Nov-25-2013 07:12 PM
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Nov-25-2013 06:36 PM
Wayne
2014 Flagstaff Super Lite 27RLWS Emerald Ed. | Equal-i-zer 1200/12,000 4-point WDH
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Nov-25-2013 01:03 PM
1999 F250 7.3
Medford, Oregon
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Nov-25-2013 12:47 PM
Also watch the unit's weight some of the older ones can be heavy.
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Nov-25-2013 11:30 AM
As for the low dump pipes, that would probably nix it for me, if they are as low as they seem in the picture. Good luck with your quest.
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Nov-25-2013 11:15 AM
Jeff
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Nov-25-2013 11:01 AM
Awning fabric replacement can be a do-it-yourself project, by the way. Not that complicated, and the fabric can be had for three or four hundred dollars.
Also on that subject:
If the rip/tear is near the body of the trailer in the first "wrap" and the rest of it is still in good shape, you can remove the damaged section and reattach what's left. Costs nothing but time!
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Nov-25-2013 10:59 AM
Have never owned a Jayco, but have heard many people that have had issues with the low clearance getting in and out of driveways, etc. Consider that re where you'll be storing your TT. No help on the stress crack, but it's something you for sure need to investigate. If you've not looked closely at the roof, you need to, especially if it's been stored outside.
Also re pricing, everything is higher in CA, so that may account for any discrepancies in what NADA suggests....actually, they may have a spot to enter a zip code to take the area into consideration....can't remember. The new tires and brakes is a positive as when tires reach the 4 - 5 year old range, they need to be replaced regardless of how good they may look. Trailer tires are different than auto tires.
Have you checked all your weight limits on your tow vehicle and what this trailer weighs? There are all sorts of figures on weights, base, dry, loaded, GVWR, etc. If in doubt as to what a trailer weighs and you're seriously considering one, take it to a truck stop scale. You can do a search here for how to weigh a TT as you're going to need probably 3 weights to know all you need to know.
MHO, if you're going through a dealer, you should not be paying for a PDI - Pre Delivery Inspection, which includes how things work and that they really are in working condition. $700 is a ridiculous figure since most everything you need to know should be covered and tested in about an hour. Pretty steep hourly rate!
Sorry you didn't get a response sooner....some days are just like that and many folks are already into the Thanksgiving scurry. Hope you can use some of this information. Others with more detailed help will surely chime in soon. Shopping for a TT is unique with all you need to know, but remember one thing for sure....do not take a salesman's word for anything. Their job is to get you to sign, then it's your problem. Make a list of wants, don't care, and don't want and do your best to stick to it. Check everything for yourself and especially the weights.
BTW, since I know it'll be asked, what is your tow vehicle and does it have factory tow or added later, engine size and transmission info. One of the members of the hybrid forum has a saying, "I could tow it with my lawn tractor but it doesn't mean I should". Good luck and come back with how your shopping is going.
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Nov-25-2013 10:52 AM
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Nov-25-2013 10:44 AM
Not being able to view your photo makes it difficult to comment. What I will say is if there is enough clearance when going over humps and into dips, then it should not be an issue.
As for the $700 fee, negotiate an "out the door" amount that includes everything including hitch, PDQ, etc.
The crack to me would indicate unusual stress either the frame flexing or perhaps some type damage in that area. Again, inspect it well.
OK, just looked at the photo. I think that is going to be normal for that make and model. From the looks of it you cannot raise because of the level of the holding tanks. The outlet appears even with the bottom of the tanks
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Nov-25-2013 10:24 AM
I hate to be pushy, but our post has gotten 35 views and no one can share an opinion with us?
Please help us out .
Thanks.