Prospective TT Buyer w/ Questions

[SirLancelot]

I'm a current popup trailer owner/user and my family and I camp an average of 4 weeks per year. This year may even get closer to 5. We've had an '89 Coleman popup that I restored extensively a few years back and get plenty of use out of. Our kids keep growing however, and with the addition of a 2nd dog now (Lab Retriever and now a German Shepherd), a TT seems like more and more of a good next-step for our family. We squeeze into the popup still, but it's obviously not a long-term solution unless we start housing one or more kids in a tent nearby, which my wife isn't in favor of (and neither am I, frankly).

A couple of friends have early 90's Mallard 23-foot bunkhouse models that I really like and that seem like a great first TT for us, particularly as I can't afford the 26-foot Springdale bunkhouse I saw at an RV show last year that I completely fell in love with. I've seen several older bunkhouse-style trailers similar to my friends' on Craigslist in the range of $4-5K with some less, some more.

My questions start with this:
1) What should I pay attention to with a trailer that's about 20 years old? I could trouble-shoot a popup trailer all day long now, but although a TT has similarities, it's obviously a larger beast with different potential pitfalls.
2) Is a trailer 20 year old trailer going to pose a significant weight disadvantage over a newer 10 year old model for my '97 Suburban K1500 (5.3L 350 motor)?
3) In terms of rain/water damage, what should I look for as primary indications of damage? I don't know how easy it is to get on the roof to inspect roof seams, gaskets around AC units and vents, etc., and don't know how easy it would be to spot areas of damage inside with soft spots or whatnot.
4) Any similar brands w/ bunks that could easily/comfortably sleep 5-6 (dad, mom, 3 kids, and 2 dogs)? So far I'm keeping my eyes out on Mallard, Nash, Terry, Layton, and a couple of others I'm forgetting at the moment. We don't need luxury, but don't want to have to refurb something almost from the ground up again either.

Thanks!

[SirLancelot]

Also, in terms of mechanical maintenance, I'm not too worried/concerned as I enjoy that stuff. Lather my hands up in bearing grease and hand me a few wrenches and I'm a happy guy. Same goes for plumbing and to a much much lesser extent, electrical. The hidden or foundational construction issues are the ones that would give me anxiety...

Are roofs as simple to inspect as making sure the seams are sealed thoroughly? Do they all have 1 piece roofs, or are there panels of corrugated metal with sealed seams layering the roof of some older models?

[SirLancelot]

Thank you all for the responses. I'm fairly handy and even though I've repaired the leaks in the roof of our popup and replaced the ceiling and roofing material, I have absolutely no desire to do it on a larger scale of a TT. The water damage potential is by far my largest concern.

There's a Mallard quad bunk model on Seattle Craigslist for $3300 that I showed my wife today (online, not in - person). It *looks* like a great trailer in pictures, but I can't help but wonder if a price like that is intended to quickly unload a huge liability?

I'll definitely pay attention to the 1st impression odors when checking a trailer out, and as someone above mentioned will inspect screws, staples, hinges, and other hidden metal fittings for signs of rust. Walls and floors, too.

In terms of appliances, I'm wondering how fixer-friendly they are? With my popup I've found that with some Google knowledge, a fantastic online forum community full of people who have already been where I'm going, and some persistence, basically EVERYTHING is serviceable. So far I haven't had to replace much of anything beyond roofing materials but have been able to fix/repair/improve anything that needed it. I'd like to think a TT would be similar? Please don't tell me I'm wrong with that hope?

Along the older trailers (early 90's models are what I'm targeting due to price) are there certain brands that are more problem prone than others? I've been fortunate with my Coleman popup, but learned that some are made well while other brands use very cheap materials or have notoriously poor construction. With TT's, I really have no idea yet...

[fallsrider]

We bought our '95 Sunnybrook 26 DB last Labor Day. I spent some time inspecting it at the seller's house. It became obvious to me that this trailer was well cared for, as I found no damage at all, and only minor things to be repaired that I could fix. After camping in it for several nights since then, I've determined that we had a dose of good luck mixed in with my inspection diligence. I've replaced the circuit board on the water heater, and the reignitor on the fridge. Neither of these are serious issues. Water damage would be. I've yet to find a single spot where I thing water has gotten in.

Regarding what to look out for, water leaks/damage is by far the biggest concern. The appliances are probably second, as they can be expensive to repair or replace. The roof is also very expensive to replace. Lots of other things can be repaired or replaced by you if you are decently handy. I'm very handy, but I had some things to learn about TTs. One very recent example was this weekend. When we bought the trailer, the fridge vent cover up on the roof had a long crack on the front edge. To buy some time when we bought it, I taped over the crack with some window seal tape I happened to have. I noticed last weekend that the tape had torn open along the crack. I bought a new Camco plastic cover from a local mobile repair guy, and took it with me to our local CG where we stayed this weekend. On Friday, I climbed up on the roof and replaced it. It was easy, and it cost me $21 to buy the new one. A dealer would have charged a LOT more.

We tow our trailer with an '05 Suburban. It tows it well, but I wouldn't want any more trailer. The GVWR on the TT is 7,000, and the tow rating on the Suburban is 7,700. That's close enough for me. I still need to get it weighed to determine how I'm doing on payload. That's more of a concern. Our fresh water tank is right up against the front wall under the bed, so how much water we carry greatly affects tongue weight.

I would definitely add Sunnybrook to your list of brands to consider. Ours is a bunkhouse model, and it also has the fold-down sofa and dinette that folds down. It could sleep several people if necessary.

[campigloo]

Ditto on the water tests from happybooker1. Notice what it smells like when you first walk in, a musty smell is probably mold. I also would be leery of one that has sat up for a long period of time. You might also check the date stamp on the tires before going too far. If you buy it, inspecting/repacking the bearings and checking the brakes could save problems on the road. Turn on and check all of the appliances. There are lots of older trailers that have good life left in them. Happy shopping!!

[SirLancelot]

happybooker1 wrote:
I can tell you one thing about inspecting for water damage / rot. Thump, knock, tap, step on, push on, etc. EVERY SQUARE INCH of the walls, ceiling, and floor you can reach or touch. Outside AND inside.

Water damage on the floor will result in soft spots or unevenness. Wall damage will be "crunchy" sounding or the wall will have an unnatural "give" to it. Outside wall rot will be bubbly, wavy, or uneven. Look for interior stains, rusty staples/screws, or lineoleum pulling up/bubbling. Look for ceiling stains or soft spots, especially near vents & the AC.

Look inside every cabinet, storage area, and under the dinette benches. Go over every seam you can see to check for non-cracked sealant. Pay attention to walls under windows and around doors.

Don't listen to ANY excuse about signs of water damage you might find. RUN, don't walk, away!

Thanks! Info like that is very helpful. One friend with the Mallard has been flirting with upgrading himself. We're camping with him in 3 weeks, so hopefully I can eyeball his a bit and test the waters about maybe buying his. I'm really active on a popup forum, but hopefully this one will become my online trailer home soon!

[westend]

There is always the potential for hidden, water caused damage in a trailer or the possibility of a new, active leak. The only way I know to accurately tell if there is a water leak problem is to perform a pressurized leak test. The pressure test will turn up even a pinhole in the sealants or structure.

[happybooker1]

I can tell you one thing about inspecting for water damage / rot. Thump, knock, tap, step on, push on, etc. EVERY SQUARE INCH of the walls, ceiling, and floor you can reach or touch. Outside AND inside.

Water damage on the floor will result in soft spots or unevenness. Wall damage will be "crunchy" sounding or the wall will have an unnatural "give" to it. Outside wall rot will be bubbly, wavy, or uneven. Look for interior stains, rusty staples/screws, or lineoleum pulling up/bubbling. Look for ceiling stains or soft spots, especially near vents & the AC.

Look inside every cabinet, storage area, and under the dinette benches. Go over every seam you can see to check for non-cracked sealant. Pay attention to walls under windows and around doors.

Don't listen to ANY excuse about signs of water damage you might find. RUN, don't walk, away!