used travel trailer help/advice please

[jesszac610]

hello,
everyone here seems to know so much about camping and I gotta admit me and my family know very little. We are thinking of purchasing a 1994 Salem 19ft trailer, knowing that they no longer make them, Cobra industries out of business is kinda making me nervous. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions for us newbies? Thank you so much!

 

[kmccain]

Lets see, where do we begin!

First and foremost, do you have a vehicle that can safely tow the camper? The older TT's were pretty heavy.

I would make sure there is or have never been any leaks. If you have leaks, you have major problems. Our second used TT sweat like crazy. This moisture has to go somewhere. We discovered it went into the walls and rotted the frame. That was the main reason we went with an aluminum framed unit, not to mention that they are lighter.

Hope this helps!

Good Luck!

 

[terri01p]

I wouldn't mess with it , unless your getting a steal of a deal and your a pretty good fixer upper. At that age it is bound to start having problems here and there, no matter how good the make is, just basic wear and tear over alot of years.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

The fact that the original manufacturer is out of business wouldnt worry me, most of the systems in a TT are made by vendors. Most are still in business and have parts available.
I would caution about buying a used unit as a first trailer. Ownership is a learning process and someone who isnt familiar with TT could end up buying a lot of trouble.
At the very least have the unit inspected by someone knowledgable that you trust, if it turns out to be a good deal make sure you have enough truck to pull it. Check for yourself at your dealer to find out how much you can tow and keep in mind just because they say you can pull 7000 # doesnt mean it wont be a white knuckle ride. IMHO most 1/2 ton trucks cant safely tow the max that they are rated for.

Scott

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Many people don't realize the true expense of an RV. In addition to the trailer itself, you have to be sure the tow vehicle is properly equipped. I can't emphasize enough the importance of a good quality and properly installed hitch system. Then there's also electric brakes, wiring, and any modifications to the vehicle if it isn't already tow-ready. This can amount to a lot of cash just to prepare for that first trip. Give yourself plenty of leeway when determining the weight you can safely tow with your vehicle, and beware of advice from the copilots - try to get advice from people who actually tow an RV, not a passenger. I have found that there are alot of people willing to give advice, yet they have never actually towed the trailer. While well meaning, the advice often is dangerous.

 

[jesszac610]

Thank you so much for taking the time with your replies!!!! Still thinking things over, but feeling much better now!!!!!

 

[djblu883]

my first time having a travel trailer has taught me alot..I bought one 10 years old...and it takes constant maintence and even then I now have MAJOR problems with mine...looks like I'm going to have to get another one after the first of the year...and I'm going new this time...my rv repeir guys said runnnnnnn as fast as I can away from my beloved TT I have now...I travel for work in it so I'm in it about 350 or so days a year.....wish i could carry my house...would sure be more comfy...have the ac/heat checked out, roof...look for wall /water damage/ water heater, TUB...mine is now cracked beyond repair and the guy says its just too old to go tot he expense of fixing waaaaaaaaa....oh and the fridge...also think about the size of your family and storage areas you have for each member....it will make a difference on a long vacation...I had my DD and DGD in mine for 10 days...what a difference storage makes...

 

[cakesnkids]

Ok, so I am probablythe WORST person to ask this right now. OUR used fifth wheel we bought last year was a "great deal", like almost 3 years old, hardly ever used, kept spotless, kept put under a shed whole 9 yards.
I hope to get it back from the repair shop next week for the FOUR THOUSAND dollar repair job that noonoe could tell it was gonna need from a leak before we bought it.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Ok, so I am probablythe WORST person to ask this right now. OUR used fifth wheel we bought last year was a "great deal", like almost 3 years old, hardly ever used, kept spotless, kept put under a shed whole 9 yards.
I hope to get it back from the repair shop next week for the FOUR THOUSAND dollar repair job that noonoe could tell it was gonna need from a leak before we bought it.

Actually, you are probably one of the best to ask right now.

 

[Patsy1969]

I have a good story. we bought our 19 ft. 1977 dutchcraft tt last May from the second owner on ebay. We have had no problems with it except we had to replace the toilet. It is in great shape. It is heavier then the new ones but we have no problems towing it with a 1997 suburban. We did not want to spend alot of money on something we might not like to do but we love it! My dh camped and traveled alot with his family growing up so he did have some knowledge of what to look for. We towed it last February to FW and had it at a campground in NJ for a month over the summer. It will be making a return trip to FW this February too and we cannot wait. patsy

 

[tim5055]

hello,
everyone here seems to know so much about camping and I gotta admit me and my family know very little. We are thinking of purchasing a 1994 Salem 19ft trailer, knowing that they no longer make them, Cobra industries out of business is kinda making me nervous. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions for us newbies? Thank you so much!

While my web site is really directed to pop up campers, there are a couple of pages you may want to checkout:

Towing and Hitch Information

Frequently Asked Questions

As ahs been pointed out, most of the "parts" of all RVs are not made by the RV manufacturers, but are in fact supplied by other vendors. Many things are the same on my pop up and larger RVs

 

[stillh2o]

If you buy a used RV start with looking for water leaks. Remember the tires need to be replaces every 5 Years even if they look good.