2008 Passport 195RB

[goofyisinphilly]

We are going to look at a 2008 Passport 195 RB tomorrow morning at a dealership. We've researched as much as we can. It's just the 2 of us and 2 small dogs. We a Chevy 1500 crew cab pickup. Never having owned a camper/travel trailer before, what do we need to consider that could have been over looked?

 

[bama_ed]

Well,

I don't have a travel trailer (it's a popup) but given the short turnaround time you have for responses I'll throw in my two cents.

In a travel trailer, one big thing is to look for any signs of a water leak. It could be a stain up on the ceiling or deterioration around a window seal. The floor might have a place that feels soft/spongy. The external panels, depending on the material they're made of, may bubble up or not feel/look smooth. The roof seals should be crack-free (on the outside where the external wall meets the flat roof panel there is always the possibility of water leaking in through cracks.

All appliances/mechanicals should be checked to ensure they work. Fridge, ac, heater/furnace, water pump, water heater, stove burners, etc.

Do an internet search on how to read the codes on tires to determine their age. A 2008 may still be riding on its original tires. Any tire more than 4-5 years old would need to be replaced (looks like this trailer is a double axle so 4 tires plus a spare makes 5). Get a radial tire specifically made for trailers. It's not the miles on a tire so much as the age.

Something that size probably has electric brakes. Does your tow vehicle have a proper brake controller and is it wired to have the trailer plug receptacle if it doesn't already have one?

Of course one basic thing you've probably already done is check the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) which is the max weight the trailer can be (empty weight plus max amount of "stuff") is well less than the max towing capacity of your vehicle.

This would be a start. Good luck tomorrow.

Bama Ed

 

[TinCanTee]

Hi Goofy congrats on your new camper! I'm not sure if you're asking for advice on checking out the camper before purchase or asking for a list of supplies to get going. Clarify your question and maybe some people can help you out. BTW, this is a great DISNEY forum, but there are some forums dedicated to camping that would have check lists, supply lists, etc. specific to general camping. Oh...post some pics of your new camper

 

[goofyisinphilly]

We're going to look at this camper in the morning. We've checked all the info we can before arriving. The tires are not original but we don't know what kind they are yet. The GWV is well within range as that was my top question when looking at anything. I guess we'll see what happens tomorrow.

 

[2goofycampers]

Be sure to look underneath and make sure everything is ok.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Ask if they will throw the hitch in with the price of the trailer.

 

[TinCanTee]

Ask if they will throw the hitch in with the price of the trailer.

x2. I got a WD hitch thrown in with a hybrid camper I bought. First three things to look for: water damage, water damage, and water damage.

 

[KristinU]

Best of luck! Everyone hit the big stuff. Water damage, re-built stuff, spongy or swollen floors or walls. Look for delamination on the outside of the camper as well.

As long as you're asking for the hitch to be thrown in, ask if they're parting with a brake controller as well. If they're getting a new towable, they may not be parting with either of these, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Keep us posted!

 

[goofyisinphilly]

Well, it's all but done. We checked and rechecked. Haggled and debated. Got an electric tongue jack thrown in for free. I batted my eyelashes from a $50 giftcard to a $100 giftcard. Reminded them about the 3 free campground nights...and got the financing arranged. We have lessons and pick up on Tuesday. The insurance is arranged and I'm down to 2 storage facilities to choose from. Then the passenger window of my husbands truck promptly came off the track. lol Such is life.

We will take our maiden voyage 2 weekends from now. It will also be a test to see if I can handle the whole rig alone. DH won't always be along for show trips and I'm a capable woman...let's hope.

 

[TinCanTee]

You're gonna do great! Have fun in your new camper.

 

[North of Mouse]

Well, it's all but done. We checked and rechecked. Haggled and debated. Got an electric tongue jack thrown in for free. I batted my eyelashes from a $50 giftcard to a $100 giftcard. Reminded them about the 3 free campground nights...and got the financing arranged. We have lessons and pick up on Tuesday. The insurance is arranged and I'm down to 2 storage facilities to choose from. Then the passenger window of my husbands truck promptly came off the track. lol Such is life.

We will take our maiden voyage 2 weekends from now. It will also be a test to see if I can handle the whole rig alone. DH won't always be along for show trips and I'm a capable woman...let's hope.

Well congratulations on your 'new to you' trailer!

You mention 'show' trips - do you 'show' your dogs?

Hope you have many safe enjoyable trips and one day make it down to the Fort!

 

[goofyisinphilly]

Well congratulations on your 'new to you' trailer!

You mention 'show' trips - do you 'show' your dogs?

Hope you have many safe enjoyable trips and one day make it down to the Fort!

Ha! That's awesome. Nope. I dye and sell yarn and wool. My company Gerschubie Fiber Arts is named after my dogs. Schubert and Gershwin. They are named after my 'real' job. I'm a piano teacher. There are sheep and wool festivals all over the country. Many are at fairgrounds with camping hookups. It's easier to take a camper than to drive 50 miles to a hotel morning and night.