Should I Buy An Older Travel Trailer?

[davidshq]

I'm looking at purchasing a travel trailer and have noticed that they seem to run pretty inexpensive on Craigslist. I'm wondering if this is worth looking into?

I've mentioned elsewhere that I'd like to have an office area in my travel trailer and I was thinking that if I bought a travel trailer used (for cheap) I could then spend some money on remodeling the interior...

For example, I'm seeing a 1989 Corsair TT for $2k and a 2005 Gulf Stream Streamlite for $1.7k.

I also know that "things aren't built to last they used to be" - is this true with TT's? If so, are there some classics that will last forever (okay, not quite that long...)?

Thanks,
Dave

[rbpru]

Buying a trailer for refurbishing is at best a labor of love. You do it because you like doing such things.

It may or may not be true that they built them better back then. But they also have been aging all the while. It is no different than buying that a “vintage” truck. I will take my 2010 F-150 E-boost over my 1972 F-150 any day.

The DW and I found several good 6 to 8 year old TTs. They were used but not abused so to speak. The biggest issue was they weighed too much.

We settled on a three year old Dutchmen.

[toedtoes]

I bought a 1985 TT in 2010. Here is what I learned:

DO NOT take the seller's word for anything. If they won't let you hook up the water, leave. If they won't let you light the water heater pilot light, leave. If they won't let you plug into electrical, leave. Test all the appliances. Have them turn on the fridge the day before you visit so you can see it gets cold.

Water damage can be a big deal, but it can also be an easy fix. There was some staining and soft spots in my TT - they were only found at the corners of a couple windows and one ceiling vent. Yes, those windows and the vent leaked, but it was extremely easy to clean them up and re-caulk them and there were no more leaks. The damage done by prior leaking was minimal and did not affect the integrity of the TT.

Be smart. Check everything. Trust nothing.

[RVcircus]

Be careful when looking at used TT's, but don't discount the potential. Go over every inch looking for any damage (especially signs of water) and use anything you find to beat down the price.

If you're handy anything can be repaired or upgraded, so the choice is yours to decide what you're interested in taking on. We went with a used TT that we knew needed major repairs and don't regret it at all.

[profdant139]

OP, I think the bottom line is that if you are handy with tools, a used trailer could work just fine for you, if you inspect it carefully. If you are not handy, steer clear of anything not under warranty.

[jerem0621]

Nice fiver!!!!!!!!

OP.. You can score a nice deal on an older RV. Just be prepared.. for a pristine..no issues trailer you are going to pay somewhat of a premium... even older.

Our 95 (that I wish I never sold) had some minor issues... and you can expect the same.

Remember, its not the year... its the condition... 100%... If you don't mind buying a rig with a few issues and you are handy you can score a real deal!

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[poncho62]

Bought my 99 for 3 grand...It had leaked some, but I am pretty handy, so it doesnt leak now....Put on new tires, new mattress and redid the flooring. Have about $4500 invested. It works for us.

[dadmomh]

If you can find one that has been stored undercover 24/7, as both of ours have, you will have probably eliminated one problem. But before you do anything, you should certainly have any trailer you're interested in checked by a reputable RV dealer/repair shop. It may need to be cleaned, sealed and recaulked even if stored under cover. Even if you feel comfortable doing the work yourself - which will save you a bundle - have it professionally checked. Roof maintenance seems to be at the bottom of the to-do list for lots of folks and that's where the trouble starts. When shopping, not only LOOK for any signs of water, but smell for any signs of mold or mildew. If you find either, run! Good luck.

[Ron3rd]

Many from that era will have extensive water damage making them worthless.

[Earl_E]

Every trailer except one has been used. We have never had a major problem with any of them. You do have to do a major check of them to know that everything works right and has been taken care of. As others have said, leaks are the big enemy and I would run from any that show any former leaks as it's almost impossible to assess the damage. You will have to replace the tires. Don't trust them just because they look good--they deteriorate badly after a few years. There is some real junk out there but some nice ones, too. You may want to look at some of the more premiums brands as they are usually built better than the entry level ones.

[agwill]

No reason to replace my 1987 it is better built than many of the pretty new ones. I live in it 6 months every winter in Florida. Replaced refer with regular small house one. I have even put in ac lights with the dc ones. Replaced toilet and water heater also over the years. I have towed from Maine to Florida to Arizona and back. I picked it up used for $5000 in 2001 it owes me nothing. I am in Florida right now cheap living.

[ScottG]

TT's leak as often as anything else (and just about all RV's eventually leak).
Find one that hasn't leaked, there are lots of them out there (like mine) and it's not worth having to do a bunch of repairs when you can just buy something better.
Also as a rule newer TT's (built in the last 10~15 years) are built a bit better than the old ones because of newer sealants and roof materials.

[midnightsadie]

better look for ANY sign of leakage ,if it has a water mark?? run. tt are not built very well.