Community Forums

Handyhiker · 08-19-2015, 02:57 AM

I am pretty new to the trailer world, I have owned one before but it was a short time because it did not fit our needs. I am currently looking at a 2003 Carriage Cameo LXI F30RKS. It checks all the right boxes for what we are looking for. I have crawled all over and under this thing and have found no issues that make me scared. There are a few small items I am sure would be present with any used RV.
I am just asking what thoughts are with the brand and model. If there are any spots I need to go back and really take a close look at.
Thanks for any input or ideas.

MNRon · 08-19-2015, 09:27 AM

I'm not directly familiar with that unit, but have a very favorable impression of older Carriage 5ers from comments I've read and people that own them in campgrounds I've talked to. As long as it looks good and you don't find soft spots on roof or floor from water I'd expect it to be a very good trailer. Make sure you have sufficient payload for the weight on your TV.

wingnut60 · 08-20-2015, 07:00 AM

Ditto on MNRon's suggestions...
Joe

mcumbie · 08-20-2015, 07:05 AM

We had a 2008 Carriage Cameo 35SB3 for years and loved it...towed great, performed perfectly. Agree with MNRon's opinion concerning looking for any water damage indications and you will need to check all caulking to see if it needs to be redone...which is normal for any rig to need periodic maintenance like this.

Franka548 · 08-20-2015, 07:20 AM

As the others have said, check the roof carefully, for tears or bad spots in the rubber roof, also for water stains on the ceiling. Another place that often leaks is around the windows. Water leaks that have been left unattended will cause a lot of structural damage. After checking for water damage, the next thing to look for is make sure all the systems work. Unless the tires have been changed in the last year, figure on the price of a set of tires. This isn't a deal breaker, but it is a significant cost to consider.
Frank

Handyhiker · 08-21-2015, 03:05 AM

I have looked at just about every inch and see no water damage. I have been on the roof and the caulk is cracked but not real bad. The roof itself looked okay. There is no delamination anywhere. The dealer I am buying from is going over the whole camper to check it out. They are checking all appliances and the water and propane systems. They guarantee all will work at delivery. The only thing they will not guarantee is the washer and dryer. The tires are not trailer tires, they are light truck tires but do have the right load range. I will be changing those soon to a heavy duty trailer tire as I don't want any problems.
Thanks for all the feedback and ideas. I don't know if I am aloud to do this, but I would like to say a quick comment on the dealer I am buying from. General RV in North Canton Ohio has been great to deal with. My sales man Alan is awesome. I have no connection to this dealer other than buying from them. I have been to all the dealers in the area and these folks are by far the best. JMHO

mcumbie · 08-21-2015, 07:34 AM

if you can work it in the deal, I would try to get them to do all of the re-caulking....it is just a time consuming task and peace of mind to have it done right away

Half Dimes · 08-21-2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handyhiker

... The tires are not trailer tires, they are light truck tires but do have the right load range. I will be changing those soon to a heavy duty trailer tire as I don't want any problems. ...

Everyone has an opinion about LT tires vs ST (trailer) tires. Do your homework carefully before making any decisions. If the existing tires are the correct load range for your rig, the date stamp is less than five years old, and they show no signs of damage, you may be good to go.