I am looking to buy a camping trailer. Lookin in the 21-27 foot range, want it to sleep 4-6 adults. Since this is my first trailer and I am not 100% sure how often I am going to use it I don't want to spend that much (3-5K). This means that I will be buying something a little older, which I dont care about. Is there anything that you guys can tell me to watch out for? What things should/shouldn't I care about? Thanks in advance for all the input.

 

i was in the same boat as you....my wife and i wanted something, but really didnt know if we would use it. storage was also a factor. so we opted for a pop up. we got the biggest one viking makes. closed the total length is 19ft with the tongue. the box is 12ft, but when opened, it is 24ft and it sleeps 8. has 2 king beds and the couch and table fold down. it also has a slide out for the table. it is plenty of room for us and 2.5 yearold and now 2 month old. they are a lil cheaper then a full travel trailer and it fits in my garage. only weights 3klbs loaded. we are actually going to gatlinburg, tn in early nov. it has an ac, heater, fridge, porta potty, awning, water heater, outdoor shower, sink, stove, and out door grill. even comes with 2 5gal propane takes and battery. just something to think about....later

 

in that price range you are going to be getting something older, much older. Also remember if you finance one, you can right off as a second home. In that size range 27 ft, you are going to be pushing your F150 assuming that is what you have...older TT's were not as weight conscience as the new ones are.

I would look at Jayco's...I am in our second one after having a 27BH with no slide. We ended up getting a PSD and now a 31.55er.

I like the idea of a PU...a friend of ours has one and i couldn't beleive the amount of space in that thing. I was impressed to say the least. And he doesn't spend 70 per month like I do to store it.

I think you in to spend a little more money. If that is the case, you really want to look at something with a slide in it to give you more room.

My .02

This is what we have now.

 

Things to watch out for.....

Go around and push on all the corners, both insiade and out. If they are soft... walk away.

Thats about all I can think of off the top of my head that a newbie might not know. Everything else is just like a mobile home/house/trailer.

 

That's what we did. We bought a 70' or 80's TT for $4,000 just to see if we'd use it. We used the heck out of that thing. Now we have a 2006 5er and of course don't use it as much. hahahah But it's nice to have, for sure.

The biggest thing to watch out for would be water damage. People tend to not do the annual maintenance (sealing the roof and seams).

 

I'm in the same situation as you. I've been looking for a while and to be honest 3 - 5K isn't going to get you much in the way of a TT. What I have found is that older motorhomes are much more affordable and there is ALOT more out there in that price range. Check your local Craigslist.

 

Lots of them here too.....

http://www.rvtrader.com/rvsearchform.php

 

I would just like to start with something older/cheaper and just pay cash for it. I really don't want to get into financing. I am going to see an 89 27 ft Fleetwood tomorrow. Looks like its in good shape, new A/C unit which is a plus. I really want to make sure this is something we are gonna use before I drop a larger amount of money on one.
As for the slide outs and more room. I think that 27' is going to give us lots of space. There is only my wife and I most of the time, but I do have a Nascar race with the boys planned and stuff like that. Thanks for the input.

 

I am Canadian and it seems like importing it will be a hassle ... Thanks though.

 

under "country" in the search form.... select Canada. It will only show you trailera and RVs or what ever you search for in canada.

I just did a quick search in canda showing listing lowest to highest and.... it might be worth paying the import fee's or what ever if thats the going prices up there!

 

It's not the import fee or taxes that concern me, to import I have to prove that the trailer has had all of its recalls completed. What I read says I have to get with the manufacturer and they have to agree to write me a letter on company letterhead saying that the trailer is good for import.

 

Like pss-mag said and watch for soft spots on the floor especially around the door way. Dark stains on the floor could mean mold and mildew. Make sure all lights,electrical sockets work. Hook the water line up and check for leak and check drains. Check the tires for dry rot. My girlfriend is picky about kitchen area, how much counter space there is for when cooking and doing dishes. www.nada.com has book value on campers