1996 travel trailer - advice please

[TurboDog]

I have found a 1996 KIT Sportmaster model 303T travel trailer and would appreciate any advice you guys can give me on what to look for and what you think about the price from what I have seen. The 303T is about 30 ft long with a huge slide out for the sofa and dining table. It has a queen bed up front, nice size kitchen with two bar stools, slide out with table, chairs and sofa, bunk beds in rear and full bath, also a huge awning. I would say it is in Exc condition. It is clean inside and out and is a non-smoker too! It does not come with the stabilizer hitch/bars.
They are asking $10,500. Is it a good deal? Is it a good brand? What have I missed? It appears to be what I have been looking for. Thanks in advance.

 

[HBarlow]

I owned a small Kit travel trailer for a couple years about 13 years ago. I also toured the Kit factory in Idaho. Kit is an old brand that has endured the ups and downs of the RV market for 40 to 50 years. They will probably be in business for years to come.



The Kit is a traditional stick-built (wood framed) travel trailer, better than entry-level but not a high quality trailer. I had no problems with the one I owned. It was a good unit.



I don't have an opinion on the price. It may be a little high but condition and the way the unit was used and maintained have to be considered. I recommend going to the various pricing websites such as NADA and others and reviewing RVTraderOn-Line for comparable units.



Here's my personal, unsolicited opinion: Kits are a good stick-built trailer. They'll give you good service. But if you want a high quality trailer that will outlast you, buy a good used Airstream or Avion. I've owned several Airstreams and now an Avion. Either of these quality trailers will outlast the typical owner. They are built with aluminum frames that won't rot, quality windows, doors, etc. Unless you wreck one they will last almost forever. With careful shopping you can find an Airstream or Avion from the '80s era for a price similar to the Kit and it will hold it's value better. Airstreams and Avions are more aerodynamic, better balanced, tow better, require less power and fuel to pull, are better insulated and more comfortable in all weather, etc.



If you buy the Kit plan on immediately replacing the tires regardless of tread unless the DOT code proves the tires are less than five years old. Also plan on replacing the brake backing plates and repacking the wheel bearings. Unless the trailer has been parked, the brakes will be ready for replacement.



My advice is worth what you paid for it. Feel free to ignore it.



Harvey

 

[The patriot]

Seems a little high to me. I'm no expert though.

There is a site that gives prices on used RV's. I cant remember the name of it now. Maybe Kelly blue book has it on their site?

Eric

 

[DPelletier]

I have had two Kit trailers, a 1973 Kit 15' and a 1995 Kit Companion 23JT. The '73 was the only trailer out of the 24 or so that we looked at that had never leaked. I kept it for about 4 years and it was great (for an old stick framed trailer). I've had the 23JT for about 4 years now. In my opinion Kit makes a very high quality trailer that is one of the best built out there. Mine has a truss style, full walk on roof, heavy duty frame and straight axles for more clearance. There is no question that some of the very elite units like Avion or Airstream are even better, but be prepared to spend some serious $'s! I can't comment directly on the price because our markets are totally different, but I am currently trying to sell my fully loaded (micro, air, skylights, etc) and good condition (new tires, brakes, etc. ) 24' bunk model for $13,500. 00 canadian ($9,000. 00 US) This is a fair price for such a trailer here anyway.



Dave



p. s. Most of our camping is boondocking off pavement. I take care of the trailer, but it hasn't been babied. No leaks, no structural problems.

 

[TowPro]

I went to NADA guides, clicked on RV and checked out KIT.



NADA only goes back to 86 so thats all I could see. Anyway I picked a 30', added a 14' slide and clicked on Value.



Low $4030

Average $4910.



Now that is for one 10 years newer then what you are looking at.

Originally posted by TurboDog

I have found a 1996 KIT Sportmaster model 303T travel trailer



They are asking $10,500. Is it a good deal? Is it a good brand? What have I missed? It appears to be what I have been looking for. Thanks in advance.

 

[DPelletier]

Towprow, I'm confused. Do you mean that the guide only goes UP to 1986? The trailer he is looking at is a 1996.

Your price for a 1986 is for 10 years older than what he's looking at not for one 10 years newer. Am I missing something?!? A '96 is worth a heck of a lot more than a '86.

Dave

 

[TDavidson]

TurboDog



I have a 1995 Kits Sportsmaster 26 foot 5th wheel. I've had it for two years and have been very satisified with the unit. I have not had a single problem. At the time I purchased it the book price was about $9,500 to 10,500. The price you were quoted seems to be in the neighborhood for a Kits trailer of that size and year.

 

[TowPro]

Got me, I have delexia of the brain today. I thought I read 76.



Here is the link to Kit at NADA guides

Sorry

Originally posted by DPelletier

Towprow, I'm confused. Do you mean that the guide only goes UP to 1986? The trailer he is looking at is a 1996.

Your price for a 1986 is for 10 years older than what he's looking at not for one 10 years newer. Am I missing something?!? A '96 is worth a heck of a lot more than a '86.

Dave

 

[TurboDog]

Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I went to the NADA and looks like the price is close to where it should be. The trailer is extremely clean, and I think the slide a 16 ft.
Looks to be in very good condition and has new tires too. I did notice the straight axles and the frame looks very stout. I also have found a 2001 30 ft mobile scout that has a 16 ft slide. It is also in very good shape. It was lived in for short while, but hasn't been used for camping trips. They are asking $13,500 for it. What about it VS the KIT sportmaster? Thanks again.

 

[RCapehart]

The Mobile Scout is the same as a SunnyBrook. Depending what part of the country it is made the name is different. I have a 2000 26' SunnyBrook TT. They have an all aluminium super structure. They are an extremely well made trailer. Go to sunnybrookrv.com and check them out. I did not look at the nada.com web page but the price sounds pretty good if it is in good shape.



Ron