sydylo2
Illinois
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Hello, we have decided to buy an older travel trailer as our first travel trailer, to make sure we get the use out of it we are hoping, before purchasing a newer model.
I am looking at a couple of TT on craigslist, and am hoping to go look at a 1978 27 foot Terry camper. Being travel trailer virgins, what specific things should we look for? I can post the posting from Criagslist if anyone is interested, he gives alot of information.
Thanks for you help, it is much appreciated.
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powderman426
ohio
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When buying an old unit, one on the first things to consider is the tires. Even though they may look good, if they are aged, they should be replaced. The next thing is to look really good for any signs of water damage. The damage you see will be multiplied many times over when you get to the underlying problem.
Ron & Charlotte
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sydylo2
Illinois
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when checking for water damage, I imagine you would check the floors for soft spots, leaks on the roof? Anything else?
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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Buying that old can save you money, but is risky.
You will need to be very handy with tools because no doubt you will have lots of 'projects."
The number one biggie is leaks, leaks, leaks. Look very closely for present and past evidence of any leaks. There can be a lot of damage that you don't see from the outside...rot, mold, etc in the floor, walls and roof..so be careful.
Unless they have been serviced or replaced, appliances like the furnace, air conditioner, water pump, frig, electrical, brakes, etc. many need attention. You are talking about something over 30 years old.
It will no doubt need tires also.
Good luck with it.
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JFG
TN
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Condition of Brakes, tires, batteries.
Make sure all appliances work... don't just take owners word on it... hook up to shore power and check ac's... everything... then unhook, and try everything.
Look for signs of leaks...
Look at condition of the roof.
Check all plumbing.... water pump, faucets.. gray and black tank controls.
Look at exterior for signs ... delamination...
Fred
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sydylo2
Illinois
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Thanks, here is what the gentleman posted:
Self contained bumper pull travel trailer. Electric tongue jack, New Interstate Battery and case 2 last year, two 20 lb LP tanks with gauge on regulator, everything works, good grey and black waste tanks, 47 gallon fresh water tank, good water pump, propane radiant furnace and cooking stove, 120 volt and 12 volt interior lights, flip down flat screen tv with dvd/cd player and am/fm radio, full bath with huge extra deep bath tub, plenty of storage throughout camper, camper very open with a center divider to divide living room from dining/kitchen area, dining set folds out to twin bed, one couch folds into a twin bed couch across from it folds out to a full size bed, both layed out together make for a king size bed, cabinet in front of camper folds down to a bed, front of camper also has a fold out table in living room, 2 roof vents, no leaks. I have a bigger fridge than it came with to go in just needs put in.
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DutchmenSport
Between Anderson, Pendleton, & Lapel, Indiana
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Considering the trailer is 33 years old, you need to check everything. A trailer with that age will some some issues. It's a matter of how big are the issues are how much are you willing to pay for the initial investment, and then how much are you will to pay to fix, or just live with something broken. (if you can find replacement parts). Still, older Terry's are still in use, at least I've seen a few of them here in central Indiana.
I suppose the thing you really need to ask is, when was the last time the trailer was actually towed ... (on the road) ... and when was the last time it was actually used for camping.
If it's been several years, and it's just been sitting, you're going to have issues with tires, and bearing. Things that run on propane may have spiders and bug in the gas jets if they've not been used in several years.
The older trailers had a much better frame structure (in my opinion) than todays's modern trailers. But they were also a heavier trailer. So, rust on the frame will be there. The thing to look for is rust that has eaten all the way through, or almost all the way through anything. If the frame is still solid, then any mechanical problem inside the trailer is really not a big issue.
There again, it depends upon the original purchase price. It's 33 years old, it's NOT new. You can't expect it to be new. Technology has advanced in Campers by leap-years over the last 33 years. Still, for the right price, depending upon the condition and your determination to fix or live with an existing flaws, you could end up with a very fun camper.
Also, look for water damage, warped wood. The older trailers used real wood and paneling. If it had water damage, the leak may be fixed, no problem. But the reaming damage may be more than you want to bargain for. Look for water damage and if you see any, determine if it's already been fixed, or still a problem.
My suggestions.
Good luck!
DutchmenSport
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Artum Snowbird
Campbell River, B.C., Canada
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After the DOT on the tires the last four digits are 4 numbers. The first two are the week, the last two are the year that the tires were made.1197 would be the eleventh week of 1997.
Propane tanks are the same, they have a date on them. New, they last ten years.
You have everything to gain by insisting on running every appliance, and filling the tanks to check for leaks.
Try to look at it after a pouring rain. Run your hand all along the inside edges to see if you can detect dampness anywhere. Especially up in cupboards, around windows, and all around doors. Floors in front of doors are amongst the worst places.
Sounds like the owner is proud of it. That's a good sign!!!
Mike and Carole
2007 Snowbird 9'6" Super Slide
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2000 F350 7.3 SC 4X4
previously 8'10" Snowbird Camper
2006 Triple E Regency 27 foot SXL SOLD!
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ChefP
Western NC
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Probably has the older plumbing lines - polybutylene or PB - that are prone to failure, cracking and leaking. You'll most likely want or need to consider replacing it.
Dave & Jami
1988 Terry Resort 18D, our first TT!
1984 Chaparral 172
2005 Durango Hemi Ltd.
Home is where you park it!
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tktplz
Lake Bistineau, Louisiana
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I'm still pretty new to this too but from what I've gleaned so far. LEAKS look for leaks or past leaks. They leave rotted wood if they weren't taken care of quickly.
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