Newbie Needs Help

[word]

Hey all...just now getting into the Travel Trailer market and wanted some recommendations. Looking to get a used trailer and have absolutely no idea if any make or model is better than the other. I'm on a tight budget, so when I say used...I mean used. From what I can gather from pictures, the ones I'm interested in have potential, albeit in need of some elbow grease. Anyway...does anyone have any thoughts on the following

1988 Nomad by Skyline 24 ft
1979 Skyline Laton 22 Ft
1987 Coachmen 28Ft
1992 Sunline...not sure on the length yet
1979 Wilderness 24Ft

Anything and everything would be appreciated. As well as any thoughts on what to look for in these older travels.

Thanks all....appreciate the help

[Glen_Gray]

Our first TT was a 1978 29 ft raised rear bedroom Wilderness. We gave it up only because we couldn't keep ahead of the leaks in the roof. But it was a great unit and easy to tow. We still have many fond memories of iit.

[beemerphile1]

I wouldn't care what name is on the side. The only important consideration with RVs of that age is condition.

[clubhouse]

I'm certainly not advocating buying new, but you do need need to be prepared to put money into a travel trailer, especially one that is 15, 20 or 30 years old. I don't mean total restoration either, just make sure you budget is prepared for some repairs. It would not take a huge problem either where the repair cost is comparable to to the value of the proposed trailers.

[Doug33]

Aside from the condition issues (which are obviously important), how will the TT be used, by whom, and with what vehicle will it be towed? Regardless of condition, you should still be searching out a TT that fits your needs, and the models you mentioned seemed to be all over the map. I realize the cost restricts your selection, but that doesn't mean you want to buy something that doesn't fulfill your goal.

[word]

Thanks for all the info guys. Much appreciated. We are heading out to take a look at few this weekend....we'll see how it goes

[fla-gypsy]

Sunline for sure of that group but actual condition is the #1 consideration.

[westend]

word wrote:
Appreciate the insight. Any of the above Models have a better reputation than the other...in your opinion?

Thanks again.

Sunline, again. I think there's still a Sunline Forum, also, so if you end up with a Sunline, there will be a depository of info available.

RV.net Forum member UPbuilder restored an older Sunline, one he found parked in the woods. It turned out to be a great looking rig.

You could check out his restoration thread or the one in my signature (Cowboy/Hilton) to see what can be done with a vintage travel trailer.

[WoodGlue]

DutchmenSport wrote:
In my opinion, if any of them are still on the road, they must all be good.

As stated above ... water leaks. If there's evidence of a water leak, PASS!

X2 on this!

WoodGlue

[scbwr]

We owned a 2003 Sun line until this past summer and they were very well built. But it really boils down to water damage and even a Sunline would be vulnerable at that age. So, everything else aside, you choice has to start with a trailer free of water damage.....and even if you don't see any, have it inspected by a rv repair shop.

[judelaurenzo25g]

A buddy of mine just purchased a 2001 27ft Fleetwood wilderness with a slide for $1500. He took a gamble we were not sure if anything worked. it was full of trash and had no way of testing anything. In a way he was glad he didn't. The owner would have probably tried to jack up the price a little bit he had a take it or leave it attitude. It had been sitting in a tow yard for 3 yrs and was dirty! We got it back to his place we threw in a couple 6v costco batteries and it came to life. Everything worked perfect. Only thing it was missing was the LP Fridge. It had a regular compressor fridge. Long story short my buddy is very happy with his purchase. He had to invest a lot of time in cleaning, installed a new floor and blinds but thats about it.

There are some diamonds out there if your patient and have knowledge of appliances structure and roofs. My suggestion to you would be read a lot on the forum. The people on here are very knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful.

[word]

In my opinion, if any of them are still on the road, they must all be good.





Good point

[DutchmenSport]

In my opinion, if any of them are still on the road, they must all be good.

As stated above ... water leaks. If there's evidence of a water leak, PASS!

[Lynnmor]

The Sunline is the best of those mentioned.

[word]

Appreciate the insight. Any of the above Models have a better reputation than the other...in your opinion?

Thanks again.