I'm needing to purchase a used camper. I have no idea what I'm doing & am hoping y'all can educate me. I have about $4-5k to spend. All I really need is a toilet and two beds. It seems like a leaking roof is a common problem. When I go to look at campers should I turn on a hose and spray it on the roof to see if it leaks? I know what a pop-up is but what's the difference between a camper, travel trailer & rv? Pop-ups seem to be much cheaper but I'm guessing the mesh walls don't hold up very long? Is there a certain wattage that I should get for a generator? I've read that Honda's are the quietest but they sure are expensive. What is the 2nd best one? As you can see I'm pretty clueless and would appreciate any help when it comes to these campers/travel trailers, RV's.
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I've purchased about 6 lease trailers in the past 8yrs. A leaking roof has always been the deal breaker for me. I've never sprayed water but it wouldn't hurt if available I guess. Anytime you go to inspect a RV, take a ladder with you. A leak or possible leak is pretty easy to spot. Get up and personal with the edges and look for any discoloration and soft spots. ALWAYS check the inside corners of the RV, especially inside the cabinets. Push on walls and ceilings and look for ripples. You can push on vent frames and see if screws are loose as well. Everything else has been a pretty easy fix on them things. Ive replaced or fixed all kinds of stuff and nothing has been too difficult other than a leaking roof. You should be able to get a really decent trailer for $5k if you aren't looking for more than two beds (queen and fold out couch). Bunkhouse trailers are usually a bit more because of the demand for them. Holding tanks are something to think about as well. If you absolutely will not need them, then there are hundreds of FEMA trailers out there in your price range to choose from. For $5k you can find a really really clean one and possibly with a slide out which makes the world of difference in comfort IMO. If you are looking for self-contained RV, then for $5k, im guessing you should be looking at about a 2000-2004...24 footer...in that price range. A pop up is like a jeep IMO, they are their own breed. They are compact, convenient when looking for space or storage....but a pain in the butt if ya ask me. I wouldn't suggest one, unless you are looking only to camp in the summers and looking for a big upgrade from a tent. That's just my take on them. Now if you were buying a new pop up, then they do makes some really nice ones with all the whistles. As for generators, I used a Honda for the first time last week. One word WOW. Cant beat it with a stick. Super duper quiet man. IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY, then get one. You will not be disappointed. Hope this helps or at least gives you something to read and kill time
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If you are looking for something to live in, say at a deer lease or something, then you will be much happier with a travel trailer.
If you are looking for something just to use on a weekend every once in a while, then a popup is fine.
As far as checking them out, look at every appliance and make sure they work. The fridges in RV's take quite a while to cool down (and are very expensive to replace, unless you do what most (me included) do and replace with an electric apt refrigerator).
Check out the ceiling and the walls to look for evidence that water has been leaking in. You will be able to tell, because threre will be stains, and in some cases the paneling on the walls/ceilings will buckle/warp a little.
As far as generators go, I would think you would want a 5000watt or bigger to have no worries. I have a 3500watt, and cannot run the A/C and the microwave at the same time.
Godd luck finding a good trailer!
BischLast edited by Bisch; 11-29-2014, 02:46 PM.Comment
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Don't worry about the leaky roof unless it has major water damage inside, on an older trailer they will eventually leak. Especially if it's towed a lot and flexes a bunch. I bought a 85 model 28' bumper pull from a lady for $1500 over 2 years ago. Had new fridge electric instead of gas, and a/c will freeze you out, and 4 new tires. She had it covered with tarp because of 2 small leaks. Talked to a buddy of mine who's traveled a bunch in them for work, I've never owned on before. Once I fixed a few things inside it I took tarp off pulled it up to lake got it set up where I wanted to, and used 2 gallons of Cool Seal clear, on roof, heavy on the seams then just covered entire roof to be safe. Hasn't leaked a drop since, but I haven't moved it either. Now watch since I said something the next rain it will be like a flood inside of it lolComment
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Saw this and thought of ya man. IMO, this is a great deal if trailer is in good shape, which it looks to be. Like I said, I used to buy these things almost once a year,,,,use and then flip. They are asking just about what you would get a Fema trailer for but this is a Jayco. Jayco makes a great trailer IMO and holds their value BIG TIME. Good luck.
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Originally posted by techzan View Post
techzan ,
I have a 1992 Holiday Rambler Alum A Lite ( FULLY SELF CONTAINED ), 30 ft. with a goose neck hitch. In excellent shape with all new interior including carpet and vinyl . New toilet and bathroom fixtures . Everything works on this unit and it has been maintained since it was ours for camping trips . THE ROOF DOES NOT LEAK . The tires are Goodyear and has under 1800 miles on them . New battery , new queensize bed , fully furnished ( except the tv ) ready to move into or hook up for your next camping trip . NO PETS AND NO SMOKING EVER . This unit will fit into your budget and is ready to go .
We are only selling it because we are getting a little old to be going so much and it was only taken out two times this year . Let me know what you think . I'm in Brownwood . PM me for a phone number and more information .
Thanks for your time .Comment
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