Used- what to check?

[Dkevdog]

My wife seems bound and determined for us to pay the extra cash out for a new fifth wheel... ... ... ... ... . I still think used is a great way to go. She is concerned about "someone elses" wear and tear and abuse. Not to mention, she is a clean freak and worried about someone elses mattresses and appliances, etc.



I love the new too, but I know come three or five years from now when it comes time to trade up or sell, I'm gonna take a harder hit for it.



So aside from the (duh) obvious things, like making sure all appliances work, checking for body damage, tires, roof, etc. What other things are there to look at that will really tell the story of abuse or non abuse? The 5er I've found is a 2000 prowler, so it's not too terribly old. It also has a balance of the factory warranty left on it.



Kev

 

[DRR-24V]

Look up on the roof, under the cupboards, etc. for any sign of water damage. One this new should have no problems unless abused. Feel around all the top vents for anything that feels

spongy. Water damage will not always discolor the roof.

 

[Doc Tinker]

I'd pitch the mattress too



If you can find a new trailer that will fit your needs for many years, I'd say go for it. You can get a long term loan and interest is rather low. Thsi will make your payments quite low. Also, the interest can be deducted as a second home.



If you want a short term trailer, used is the way to go.



Besides what Don said...



Look for damage in the back, underneath. Some trailers will drag when pulling into driveways, etc and cause damage to the grey and black water tanks.



The older the trailer the harder it will be to find parts that are direct replacement parts.



I've found that older trailers are more difficult to work on too. Partly because of food stuff and dustballs that collect inside the cabinets and corners.



If the carpet is nasty, it isn't really very easy to replace. Most trailer builders install the carpet before the cabinets, so the carpet is under everything. You can cut around the cabinets though.



It's my understanding that the newer trailers have vinyl flooring under the carpet. If the trailer you buy is built that way, you can just cut out the carpet and keep the vinyl.



Have the guy you're buying from hook up the water and make sure it doesn't have any plumbing leaks. Some leaks can be a bugger to fix because the piping is usually located in out of the way places.



I'll come back and post more opinions as I think of them



Doc

 

[Doc Tinker]

I guess I missed the age of the trailer you're looking at. Most of what I suggested won't be a problem with that trailer. Heck, a trailer that new probably doesn't need a new mattress



Doc

 

[Dkevdog]

Hey Doc-

I was more wondering if I should Worry about looking for signs of strss and metal fatigue. What and where to look for?? Granted this is only a 2000 model year, so chances are slim to none, but we have also looked at older trailers that seemed to show signs of being pulled off road.

Kev

 

[Forrest]

Throw a creeper in the back of the truck for those close inspections on the 'serious' ones. Open every hatch & try to look at the wall to floor interface for gaps. If it's been beat up, it'll show there too. You can feel a loose hub/bering if you grab the top of the tire with both hands & yank in & out hard & fast.