PeterWilderness

Kamloops - BC - Canada

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Joined: 08/09/2004

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Hi all,
We are looking at buying a used tent trailer for our kids and grandkids. We're thinking maybe something no older than 5 years old.
Any thoughts or advice as to what to watch for, and perhaps, what brands to avoid. Asking a lot, I know, but if any of you have the time, it would really help.
Thanks,
Peter
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ArcticDodge

Sammamish, WA

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Joined: 05/02/2005

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I'll presume someone will tow the pup with something. What might that something be? 94 Subaru? 02 Chevy 1500 truck? 2010 CRV? They make some pretty large and heavy pups the last few years.
2009 Komfort 256TS
2001 Dodge Ram 3500 QC 4x4 Cummins DRW
2005 Dodge Durango Limited AWD HEMI
2001 Sebring Convertible
1995 Miata M-Edition
2005 DRZ400
1 Wife 2 Boys UW & Bellevue College
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Only 23 years to retirement!!!!
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fla-gypsy

North Florida

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Joined: 04/19/2005

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Just look for leaks around the corners and under the bunk end mattresses and be sure the lift systems along with all the other systems and appliances work correctly. Look the running gear over and especially the tires.
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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PeterWilderness

Kamloops - BC - Canada

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Joined: 08/09/2004

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ArcticDodge wrote: I'll presume someone will tow the pup with something. What might that something be? 94 Subaru? 02 Chevy 1500 truck? 2010 CRV? They make some pretty large and heavy pups the last few years.
GMC pickup, 1500 and other kids will likely pull it with a GMC Envoy. Looking for something that is not too large, but enough to sleep max 2 adults and 4 kids.
Thanks.
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PeterWilderness

Kamloops - BC - Canada

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Joined: 08/09/2004

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fla-gypsy wrote: Just look for leaks around the corners and under the bunk end mattresses and be sure the lift systems along with all the other systems and appliances work correctly. Look the running gear over and especially the tires.
Thanks fla-gypsy.
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skipnchar

Topeka or somewhere else

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Joined: 12/17/2003

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When purchasing ANY used RV the most important thing is it's CURRENT condition. I did exactly what you're talking about, purchased a small light weight PUP for friends and family to use when camping with us and some other times. I found a Jayco Eagle that was about 6 years old when I purchased it and it's been a way to keep myself busy on many weekends trying to keep it in condition to be used. I shopped based on price NOT based on condition and I"ve been very unhappy with the overall quality of the unit but that's MY fault and the fault of the previous owners. In spite of that it has brought many happy hours to our group.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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PeterWilderness

Kamloops - BC - Canada

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Joined: 08/09/2004

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skipnchar wrote: When purchasing ANY used RV the most important thing is it's CURRENT condition. I did exactly what you're talking about, purchased a small light weight PUP for friends and family to use when camping with us and some other times. I found a Jayco Eagle that was about 6 years old when I purchased it and it's been a way to keep myself busy on many weekends trying to keep it in condition to be used. I shopped based on price NOT based on condition and I"ve been very unhappy with the overall quality of the unit but that's MY fault and the fault of the previous owners. In spite of that it has brought many happy hours to our group.
Good luck / Skip
Thanks Skip. I understand what you're saying and am currently trying to decide if I should go new or used. Whether new or used I'm also trying to find some reliable reviews regarding various brands. I do expect the regular attention required to maintain a tent trailer, but certainly don't want a lemon or someone's used headache.
Peter
Tango 224RB
2011 Dodge Ram Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab
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Downwindtracker2

BC

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Tent trailers are pretty simple,the only thing that's pain is doing cables on the lift with the new style, even on the old ones that was easy.
But the roof that's where the grief comes. Avoid ones with a seam. Or any water marking on the paneling behind the curtains. The problem is the new ones have plastic so you can't tell. Check the axel,you will see the bend at the wheels,most people overload them. I know we did. Flip the sink box down,make sure it's a hose all the way to the outside drain. It may not drain ,but at least it won't flood your drawer.
My grown kids are now traveling to those same spots we got that old trailer into.
Adventure before dementia
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PeterWilderness

Kamloops - BC - Canada

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Joined: 08/09/2004

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Downwindtracker2 wrote: Tent trailers are pretty simple,the only thing that's pain is doing cables on the lift with the new style, even on the old ones that was easy.
But the roof that's where the grief comes. Avoid ones with a seam. Or any water marking on the paneling behind the curtains. The problem is the new ones have plastic so you can't tell. Check the axel,you will see the bend at the wheels,most people overload them. I know we did. Flip the sink box down,make sure it's a hose all the way to the outside drain. It may not drain ,but at least it won't flood your drawer.
My grown kids are now traveling to those same spots we got that old trailer into.
Thanks for the tips DWT2 
Peter
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Downwindtracker2

BC

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The standard 8' box floorplan has a dinette across the back,it's bit more roomy for two. Really nice to have are electric brakes and 13" tires. those 12" ers don't take too kindly to forestry mains. I aways packed two spares ,and used both of them once. BTW we will be trading our '08 Starcraft 2107 10 1/2' in this Saturday at O'Connor Chillwack.It sits high,a good thing,on real springs instead of rubber that hammers out on gravel. They didn't think they would ask much for it @5K$,has every option except air.
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