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Open Roads Forum  >  Travel Trailers

 > Best used travel trailer to live in for a couple of years?

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youmustb123

florida

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Posted: 01/19/12 09:50pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Hi Folks. First time here. Due to work or lack thereof, I will/may need to buy a used travel trailer to live in for a couple of years. This is central Florida, so extreme weather is not an issue. I am big, 6'3" and about 285 lbs. I don't have much money to spend either. I have a good, level, cheap, secure place to put it, so that is taken care of. This concrete pad has electric, water and sewer hook ups.If you had to do this and only had up to 10k, what would you get?

My experience in camping is an old Coleman pop up from the 70's that Dad got when I was a kid. We loved it, as kids....not anything to live in.

skipnchar

Topeka or somewhere else

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Posted: 01/19/12 09:53pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

When you're shopping the used market and working from a set budget then price will probably be a big factor in what you choose but of course it will be tempered by what is available. Finding a source for a LOT of RVs to choose from would be to your benefit. Take a look at RV Trader web site and look for the features you need.
Good luck / Skip


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LewMichele&Paws

At a gas station in Cowlitz County WA

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Posted: 01/19/12 10:01pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

A some time ago friends bought an old 24 ft or so Nomad trailer. I think it was 14 years old when they bought it. Anyway, it had been stored under cover in Northern California, in excellent shape, and the owners had not used it in years. Though a cheaper, no frills model it was a full time home to this couple for 3 years. They got it by word of mouth. Look and ask around.


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youmustb123

florida

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Posted: 01/19/12 10:08pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Thanks for the link. Lots of info there. I am very handy with many things (cars/motorcycles/etc) but have next to no knowledge in this subject matter and apologize in advance for my silly questions. I'm being laid off in 2 months and am trying to plan accordingly...Thanks Again and keep those ideas and experiences coming.

ReverendCharles

on the road

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Posted: 01/19/12 11:01pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

You should be able to find a late model tt for $10000.00. I would check Craigslist and move fast if a cheap deal comes up. Be careful of fraud and don’t take cash when you go to look at it. Make low offers and do research on prices using Google. I found a new 2011 tt with minor transport damaged, never used for $8000. After the repairs are complete I will save $5000 and it has a clear title. There are deals out there you just have to do your homework. Charles

Poppy & Nana

Upstate New York

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Posted: 01/20/12 05:20am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

when looking - look for signs of water damage....soft spots in the floor, discoloration of any kind on floor, walls and ceiling, mold musty smells. Check ALL appliances to make sure they work. And being of larger stature, (may sound silly but) stand in the shower and sit on the thrown....make sure you have room to move!

You don't say if you are alone or with family....with family I'd look for something with a slide - to give more room!

Ask all the questions you want and if people don't answer or if the answer sounds "fishy"....post here....this is a great bunch of people and always willing to help!
I would personally look for a higher end TT rather than an entry (cheaper) model......since you planning on living in it for a few years, I think it would have a tendency to hold up better!

If you have questions....ask....the only dumb question is the one not asked!

Good luck in your search and sorry about the loss of your job!


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mlts22

Austin, Texas

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Posted: 01/20/12 12:36pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I'd also go the FEMA trailer route. Bring someone who knows their stuff and can inspect not just for traces of leaks, but other things that can be potential problems, such as issues with the refrigerator, furnace, plumbing, water heater, etc.

Only two downsides of FEMA trailers is that they usually have very little in the way of storage, and that they don't have slide-outs, but if finances are tight, you have to get what you can afford...

93Cobra2771

East Tennessee

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Posted: 01/20/12 07:25am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Craigslist is your friend. We found our TT listed at 12,500 and I haggled him down to 10k. Roomy enough for a family of four.

Be aware that an RV "Queen" bed isn't as long as a residential queen. Some people rig extensions on their bed base to use a regular queen mattress, or slide the mattress out from the wall a bit and use dinette cushions at the head of the bed.

For 10k, you should be able to find a fairly nice, fairly new unit (according to size and brand, of course).


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eric james

Sioux Falls, SD

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Posted: 01/20/12 07:47am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Since you're not going to travel in it, look for park models (that possibly someone has passed away and the family wants to dump it).

If money is really tight, shop for the best shape retired FEMA trailer. They're usually easy to spot on the lots. No graphics, no awnings. Very plain but very cheap. FEMA trailer in Sioux Falls


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Dick_B

Palos Heights, IL USA

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Posted: 01/20/12 06:35am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Tour the area campgrounds to see if any of the park (or other) models are for sale. Sometimes campgrounds want to get rid of the older models.


Dick_B
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