Buying travel trailer

[gbk]

Hi -i was thinking to buy and used Travel Trailer.
My idea is to buy from private seller.
Cheaper perhaps.

Any suggestions how to go about,and what to look for-and what to consider?

Also-how about legalities -ownership ?

What would be the insurance for a 17-20 footer?
Cheers

[Bushmoose]

The obvious to look for is water leaks. You'll need to bring a flashlight and a small sharp screwdriver of some sort that will allow you to poke n prod in some of the the hidden nooks n crannies. Take your time and don't let the owner distract you as you do your inspection. Bring a buddy with you and he/she can keep the owner busy as you search. Have a good look at the frame also for serious corrosion.
check the interior lights. Are they LED? Water pump? Does it work? Stove? Does it work? A big item is the fridge. Have the owner start it up prior to you getting there to show it works when you do get there.
Shore power cord? Is there one? Look at the outside corners. Any sign of water damage from leaks?
I could write a book on buying a used trailer as I've bought a few and re-built a few over the years. There's good deals out there, but you have to do a meticulous inspection. Don't be oohed and awed by the cute interior curtains n such. Good luck!

[trimmer21]

Hi -i was thinking to buy and used Travel Trailer.
My idea is to buy from private seller.
Cheaper perhaps.

Any suggestions how to go about,and what to look for-and what to consider?

Also-how about legalities -ownership ?

What would be the insurance for a 17-20 footer?
Cheers

Apply the exact same principles you would use in buying an older used car and you should be good. The older the unit,the more problems you can encounter. Oh,yeah,what Bushmoose said and don't forget to check for liens. Good luck.

[jlmorgan]

Also beware of soft spots in the floor, usually right inside entrance door, also age/ weather checking on tires

[Fisherman]

Apply the exact same principles you would use in buying an older used car and you should be good. The older the unit,the more problems you can encounter. Oh,yeah,what Bushmoose said and don't forget to check for liens. Good luck.

I wouldn't completely believe that older may be worse, the quality of any type camping trailers has dropped so much that a trailer a few years old will still be good and have all the repairs already done. I bought new, a 2019 Coleman. Windows not sealed properly, windows not installed level, windows not clamped together with the inner and out frames. All but one pipe union for water, hot and cold were still loose from the factory. After removing faucet aerators, wood chips and sawdust came out of the taps, I'd hate to see what's in the water heater and fresh water tank. 2 of the 120V AC electric outlets didn't work, wires not properly installed. Need I say more. Thor Industries who is the parent company of about half of the different name brand manufacturers didn't give a rats butt. Most are built in the midwest US by unqualified crackheads. I'm sure if you google it, you can find the video to show you how fast they can slam a trailer together from start to finish. Unfortunately I sold my old 1987 Terry, it was still more solid with no leaks or problems.

Oh and Don't ever go to Lazy Acres RV to buy anything, the worst after sales dept, they never call you back, warranty, forgetaboutit.

[trimmer21]

I wouldn't completely believe that older may be worse, the quality of any type camping trailers has dropped so much that a trailer a few years old will still be good and have all the repairs already done. I bought new, a 2019 Coleman. Windows not sealed properly, windows not installed level, windows not clamped together with the inner and out frames. All but one pipe union for water, hot and cold were still loose from the factory. After removing faucet aerators, wood chips and sawdust came out of the taps, I'd hate to see what's in the water heater and fresh water tank. 2 of the 120V AC electric outlets didn't work, wires not properly installed. Need I say more. Thor Industries who is the parent company of about half of the different name brand manufacturers didn't give a rats butt. Most are built in the midwest US by unqualified crackheads. I'm sure if you google it, you can find the video to show you how fast they can slam a trailer together from start to finish. Unfortunately I sold my old 1987 Terry, it was still more solid with no leaks or problems.

Oh and Don't ever go to Lazy Acres RV to buy anything, the worst after sales dept, they never call you back, warranty, forgetaboutit.

I sure hear you on recent model quality. I used to have a 1998 35' Bonair travel model that was built in Canada (Quebec). It was extremely high quality that I regret selling it to this day. No trailers are Canadian built anymore. The American market is complete junk. Honestly,campers are better off with an outfitters tent and portable gear.

[gbk]

Thanx guys with the the feedback,and advices.
WOW-i have now some "MORE"thinking to do............cheers

[blasted_saber]

Plan on doing bearings and brakes on anything except a new trailer, and plan on tires anything older then 5 years. Just keep that in mind when considering costs. Remember you'll have to pay tax on a private sale too.

If the current doesn't have ownership that's a pass in my books.

[Birdbuff]

There’s a lot of good information here. I’d also like to add, have a look at the roof. Check for rips or tears or repairs. Also check for plumbing issues (no one wants a leaky black tank). Make sure all appliances run, including furnace and a/c unit and awning too.

If you’re not a handy person I recommend buying from a reputable dealer that offers any kind of warranty.

Heidi’s and Globetrotter are easy to deal with in my opinion.

[Bushmoose]

I sure hear you on recent model quality. I used to have a 1998 35' Bonair travel model that was built in Canada (Quebec). It was extremely high quality that I regret selling it to this day. No trailers are Canadian built anymore. The American market is complete junk. Honestly,campers are better off with an outfitters tent and portable gear.

I couldn't agree more. They may look cozy, bright and well laid out and offer many options, but most are complete garbage behind that facade. Mass produced and held together with staples.