archer379
ngc
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Joined: 06/19/2009
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my wife and i are looking to upgrade from our tent trailer to a regular travel trailer. We are looking used in the 2005 age. Just wondering what things we should watch out for.
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midnightsadie
ohio
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Joined: 01/07/2008
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soft spots in the floor,water marks on the cieling and side walls , old tires,
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Jimehc
Taylorsville, Kentucky
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Joined: 07/01/2010
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Cold A/C and working microwave when plugged into shore power -
Everything else should work when unit is unplugged from shore power and running on battery power
Water pressure while using the water pump, all facets work and have good flow
Sewer dump valves work and caps are in place..
A cold refrig - heat and hot water work.. Or at least check to see if you hear any of them kick on while using propane..
Just check to make sure everything works and if you don't know how it works - ask the seller to show you..
Water damage or water leaks are your biggest issue...
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jf504mp
Indiana
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Joined: 01/06/2007
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Make sure your tow vehicle is up to handling what ever your looking at!
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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TPO roof rather than rubber.
bumpy
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Engineer_Boo
Monument, Colorado
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Joined: 07/08/2010
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I'd recommend looking at used trailers at dealerships instead of buying one from a private owner. Good dealerships go over the trailers from top-to-bottom to ensure everything is running good.
I recently got a one-year old trailer that was a repo and I don't think the previous owner used it more than a couple times....mint condition. Yet I saved $8,000 on the price versus buying a new one. Check with your local dealerships. (You might not have to buy one that's five years old.)
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pbohart
Portland, Oregon
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Joined: 10/24/2005
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Does the RV have aluminum or fiberglass walls?
If it is fiberglass - look down/across each of the walls and end-cap and look for any signs that the fiberglass is wavy, bubbly, or blistering. These are signs that there is delamination occurring. The glues/materials that were heavily used from about 2004-2007 seem to be the most prone to delam.
Most common places you will see this:
* On the front of the TT (endcap) where the fiberglass bends down from the roof.
* Underneath clearance lights
* Below windows
* Along the bottom of the walls of the TT
If you see any of this - walk away!
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Diesel
2006 Fleetwood Prowler 260BH
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Wisconsin1
Wisconsin
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Joined: 07/28/2010
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Here is a short check list that we used for looking at a trailer.
-check out this site to see if their price is right: http://www.nadaguides.com
-Check to make sure all mechanicals work: fridge, heater, AC, sinks run/drain, toilet flushes, no leaking plumbing, water heater works
-Any signs of water damage, stains or soft spots
-Any broken items, doors, windows etc
-How are the tires
-Awning functional
-Slide out works smoothly
-Look on below the trailer for any rodent damage
Couple years ago we purchased a popup from a private party and last year we purchased a 24' camper from a private party and last month we just purchased a 38' from a dealer to keep at our seasonal site. But for each camper i basically went through each camper thoroughly. Bring a flash light and check everything out. Check out local dealers and sites like craigslist and see what all you possibilities are.
Just a side thought, I sold our 24' on craigslist in less than 24 hours. We priced it to the site above and put it like $500 above that for wiggle room. They offered $200 less than what we were asking and we took it. We still made $200 bucks than what we paid for it less than a year ago. Well I just noticed it posted on craigslist for $1400 more than what they paid for. What a con but they aren’t going to get that much if the people follow the NADA guide. Good luck finding a new trailer! 
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LIKE2BUILD
Mt. Zion, IL
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Joined: 09/30/2004
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Walk away if you see any silicone caulk on seams or around windows. This means the previous owner had a leak and thought that would 'fix it good'. Butyl caulk around these areas is the proper stuff and is okay if you find any.
Like others have said, look for any place where there is discoloration. It may be a one time leak that was identified and fixed. If not, there could be major problems lurking underneath.
KJ
'02 Jayco Qwest 324G
'04 Chevy 2500HD CrewCab |6.0L|2X4|4.10:1 | Eaton Posi-Trac
Curt MagnumV receiver
Eaz-Lift Hitch with Reese Dual Cam
2000 Crownline 205BR
'96 Polaris SLT780 PWC
'94 Polaris SLT750 PWC
3 Wonderful Sons (12, 6, & 4)
1 forgiving wife!!!
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pbohart
Portland, Oregon
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Joined: 10/24/2005
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LIKE2BUILD wrote:Walk away if you see any silicone caulk on seams or around windows. This means the previous owner had a leak and thought that would 'fix it good'.
KJ
That's funny - when I bought my TT (used) it had silicone caulk around the window/wall seams...and sure enough....it had a leak 
The leak had nothing to do with leaky seams - it was a problem with the slide seals. But as you suggest it was the previous owner trying a quick and easy fix.
Now I have the fun chore of removing a bunch of Silicone caulk so I can seal the seams correctly
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