How old is too old?

[3girlsfun]

What is the oldest (year) Travel Trailer you would purchase? I just looked at a 1993 Dutchman online. Looks like it is in great shape, etc. The price is just under $4k. I believe it was 33 ft? (Maybe?)

So, how old is too old. I think this is too old, but, it is in pretty good shape, especially for the age....

 

[graciejane]

I definately think it depends on the unit and how well it has been maintained. We purchased an '83 Avion about 6 years ago and it has been a great trailer for us. I know that is not always the case though and we have been very lucky.

 

[rdaniel911]

I would say it would depend on how well cared for it is. Age is not much of a factor if it's been well taken care of.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

Check the roof, side wall joins, and look for delamination on the sides. Inside check ceiling & walls for softspots, water discoloration, and that the appliances all work. (AC, furnace, fridge, stove/oven, converter, batteries, propane tanks, etc). If the tires are older than 5 years from date of manufacture, assume they will need to be replaced within the next year. Have the owner hook it up to his vehicle & check the electric brakes & lighting.

If everything works & is in good shape, go for it, but remember, it is an older unit, so things can still go wrong or go out at anytime.

Under 4k sounds like a good price for a 33'. I have seen pop-ups almost that age for not much less. If you are not that familiar with inspecting one, bring a friend along who can help.

 

[Disneylitch]

We don't have a TT, but a MH. Ours is a 1983 and we have owned it for 11 years. The unit was structurely sound and the inside was original with what I would consider normal wear and tear for the age. The great thing about buying this unit is that we were able to personalize it to meet our needs. We took out the captain chairs and put in a dinette. Also, we replace the sofabed, driver and passenger chairs, countertops, toilet, etc. It's been alot of fun.
If the unit is in good condition, why not go with an older TT. You don't have the mechanics to worry about with it. Just check for leaks and if there have been any, make sure they were repaired properly.

 

[beccaewert]

In june we bought a 1984 Presidential Holiday Rambler 33' motorhome for $750.00....we knew going into it that it needed some work....it was properly taken care of. There were no leaks the roof looked great just needed resealing, it needed new tires$$, needed power steering fixed(there was a leak), and new brakes & brake lines. I know this sounds like alot, but we got it so cheap bc the previous owner didn't want to invest the $ to fix it up right,...so now we have about $3,000.00 all together in it...but its in great condition, just needed the maintenance that the previous owners did not do, they just let it sit there for 10 + years. Now in 9 days were going to take it to the fort So if you have the time, and the knowledge of how to fix anything,...go for it (it involves alot of patience, as well)

Do you research, get on craigslist and see what they sell for in your area, What are dealers selling them for? make sure you see what the value is for it in top shape.....ours in great shape was going for about $7,000-10,000...so we know we got a good deal

 

[2goofycampers]

If it hasn't already been said check the chassis, if the top is great but it won't tow.

 

[5stljayhawks]

One thing about RV they show if they were maintained or not. If you find an RV in barn or covered lean to, I think the 80's are not of the question if you can live with the interior. Will it have all the bell and whistles, sure it will, just for that decade!!!!

 

[Disneylitch]

Sometimes it's better not to have all of the bells and whistles. That's just something else to go wrong.

 

[mikeymouse1]

We bought a 93 Fleetwood Prowler and I spent 2 months rebuilding the roof and replacing the front wood framing but its all good now. We bought it for 2000 and I put about 200 in wood and supply into it. Just check it out very well top to bottom and in and out!

 

[SC DAD of 2]

3GF All good advice here, but may I also suggest RV.NET as a really

good source. Best Wishes!