What should I look for/check out/be wary of when looking at used trailers?

[Dan_69GTX]

I'm thinking about getting a travel trailer - not a 5th wheel. I've never owned a travel trailer.



What should I look for/check out/be wary of when looking at used trailers?



I want a bumper pull so I can use the truck or the van for pulling it. I'd like to get one that is about 28'.



Thanks!

Dan

 

[B.G. Smith]

A good start is to look inside at all the wall surfaces for signs of water leaks. If it is fiberglass outside, tap on the surface around the edges to check for rotted wood underneath, if it's aluminum siding, check all the outside corners for cracks, bad caulking loose screws and movement of the siding. Check the roof for seam caulking etc. Look under the wheel wells for damage from disentegrating tires(been there, done that). Inspect the floor inside for soft places. Make sure the AC will cool the unit and that the refrigerator, hot water heater and furnace operate properly. Have fun. bg

 

[Dieselnerd]

What BG said plus if you can, get the wheels off the ground and pull the breakaway switch. The brakes on the wheels should lock up within 1/4 turn or less. Make sure each wheel brake works. While you have the wheels off the ground check for any grinding in the bearings (don't be confused by the brake magnets rubbing on the inside of the hubs, this is normal) try wobbling the wheels to see there is not excessive play in the bearings, a little play is OK. Look at the surface of the tires as they rotate. Goodyears especially may show "blisters". This is the tread getting ready to fly off as you go down the road. Any tire no matter how good it looks should be replaced if it is over 7 years old.

 

[jwduke]

Listen for loose/squeaky floors, could be a problem with water damage in the floor. Good luck!!!

 

[Buffalo]

Another "What BG Said"!!!



I bought a used '83 Wilderness, years ago, which had water damage affecting the wood frame, in the walls. The wood doesn't dry out and starts to rot & expand. Actually pulled away the corners in the front of the trailer. I was driving down the freeway near Vail, CO. & looked at the side mirror to see the aluminum siding inflating like a sail while I was driving.



Had to duct tape the sides, completely, drive home & get it fixed. Looked like the "Beverly Hillbillies" going down the road with the duct tape holding my trailer together. By the way, it was expensive to fix & I had to do it twice. Needless to say, I got rid of that trailer.



Moral of the story, "Look For Leaks".



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Tony T.]

I would not only visual look for water damaged places, but feel (lay hands on) espiecally in the corners. The floors as said above feel with your foot for soft places. The shower or tub feel for any softness or being brittle like feeling. Also in the last couple of days I came across a thread about a recall on Samsung Microwave Ovens installed in year models Jan 1999 to Sept 2003 year models. There was a list of different model ovens affected which has a good potienal to catch fire due to the touch pad being defective. I checked my model number and sure enough its a one of the recall models and I never received any kind of recall notice in the mail. I bought the TT new in Sept 2000.



Heres the link www.nhtsa.dot.gov



To bad your not in Texas I got a super clean awning kept when not in use 2000 year model 28ft bumper pull I would sell you.



Tony

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Thanks for all your advice! I've looked at several and have "failed" them for various reasons.



I found one about 3 hrs from here - 2002 Jayco Quest 294-j - 30ft 5100lb dry. IF it was described accurately, questions answered honestly and pics didn't lie, I'll drag it home. Hopefully that will be the case since I don't want to waste a whole day for nothing.



Dan