I am trying to figure out the best and cheapest way to get a used trailer ready to fulltime. Here is my situation: Military overseas returning in December. In the process of buying a 2002 Holiday Rambler Alumascape 31CKS from a private individual, but stored at Conibear RV in Lakeland, Fl. I had it inspected with the following results:
1) Water heater will not light. May need cleaning or some parts = need to go further.
2) LP gas pressure is low = adjustment needed.
3) Batteries are bad = need to be replaced.
4) Awning springs need tightened and knobs replaced.
5) Carpet needs cleaning.
6) Roof needs to be resealed.
7) Outside needs washed.
8) Wheel bearings need to be packed.
9) Misc drawer glides.
10) Shower needs caulking.
11) Wheel bearings need repacking.
Note: Tires are original (6 years or so old) and will need replacing.
Although nothing serious or major, the estimate is close to $1,200 plus batteries and tires. Being my first trailer, I am not sure what labor rates are in other States. It is $68/hr at this dealership. Is that about the average?
I checked www.rvservicereviews.com, and Conibear RV wasn’t listed. There were two others in Lakeland, but the reviews were for Class A’s. Plus, if I have the work done somewhere else, I will have to find/hire someone to tow it there.
Of course, I could wait until I return, but I wouldn’t have a place to stay, and this would delay using the trailer.
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions, and I would like to hear from others (sent PM) who bought a used RV on how they got it ready to use.
1) Water heater will not light. May need cleaning or some parts = need to go further. This repair needs a pro RV gas person, and the battery needs to be in place before the the water heater, cabin heater and refrigerator LP system will be usable.
2) LP gas pressure is low = adjustment needed. Make sure you have gas to start with!
3) Batteries are bad = need to be replaced. Lots of places to get batteries. The really good batteries cost more at the outset but last longest. Deep Cycle of same or greater power is the way to go. Many trailers come with "fake" deep cycle batteries, the type for marine use. They are better that auto starting batteries but not as good as true deep cycle batteries, I never camp without electricity and I have this type because I needed one quick.
Take a picture of the battery wiring before you start, and label the connections, wrong polarity can cause expensive repairs. I use key tags or masking tape to label wires. But of course if all the positives are red and all the negatives are black you are set!
4) Awning springs need tightened and knobs replaced.Do this later yourself if you are handy
5) Carpet needs cleaning. DIY
6) Roof needs to be resealed. LOOK INTO THIS THING FIRST. My main concern would be with the need to reseal the roof. If it is an EPDM (rubber like) roof it should have a 10 or 12 year life expectation. And if there is a leak there could be some internal water damage. Since you had someone do an inspection make sure so you don't buy someone else's water incursion/mould problem. On the other hand, if the reseal recommendation is for a non-leaking roof, you are in good shape.
I'd focus on that, then the other stuff. Once you are comfortable with the integrity of the rig against water, the other stuff gets easier.
7) Outside needs washed. I bet!
8) Wheel bearings need to be packed.DIY if you are handy, or have it done by someone with mechanical skills while the wheels are off for tires.
9) Misc drawer glides. DIY
10) Shower needs caulking.DIY
Note: Tires are original (6 years or so old) and will need replacing. You may want to get a quote on tires and bearing service from the same person, do it in such a way that they know they get both jobs if the price is fair. Sometimes services vary a lot in price. You can probably get best tire price by bringing the wheels to the tire place and preordering the tires which will require a deposit. They will need size and Load Range from the old tires. Load Range is a letter value and if there is a greater load range available for the same size tire it is normally wise to get it. High capacity tires often need better valves too, they can cost $4 or $8 each depending on type.
If you need more info PM me, my in-laws spend the winter in Lakeland, at a different RV park. They might be able to put you in touch with reasonably priced services.
Good luck, and thank you for serving our country!
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ispy wrote: I hope you are getting a great deal, cause it sounds like too much work for me! There are lots of great used trailers out there.
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Be sure any problems with the roof didn't start any other damage (rot etc.).
The repair list is fairly routine as long as your purchase price reflects the condition. One thing I do w/ used (even new) stuff is factor in a "tip of the iceberg" effect- there will always be things which pop up that you didn't notice. Expect more than the list in other words. Probably best to do your first few weeks of camping in an area with parts/service available.
Just want to clarify a couple of things. One is the roof reseal. What they really meant was rechaulking where needed. Some cracking of the caulking was seen on the roof. No signs of water leaks or damage.
Refrigerator was tested on 110, and working.
My impression is that the owners, who are the original owners, weren't big on upkeep and maintenance. It was used for a few months each winter in Florida (they live in Georgia).
As someone suggested, I expect to find other problems once I start using it. However, the price that I am paying is several thousands below low NADA value. So, unless something very major comes up, I am still ahead.
I know that there are different opinions, but overall Holiday Rambler Alumascape seem to have a good reputation, and this one hasn't been used much, and towed very little.
NADA values were hardly worth the page written on before gas hit $4 a gallon. I wouldn't go by that as a determining factor for a good deal. Search the net for your exact trailer and see what others are asking to be sure, if you havent already. Good luck with it!
I have a friend that is selling a trailer and NADA values it at $12,500, it's been for sale for 2 months and not one call.
My other friend sold a very simular trailer and sold it for $7500, the going price in our area.
The trailer is worth what ever you and the seller feel is a fair price.
No matter what you buy used you'll be spending money on it.
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