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Tootmag · 03-24-2019, 03:09 PM

I'm looking to buy a used 2018 Vilano 370gb from a small dealer. It has all the options we want, but there was damage to the skirting on the left side and the slide trim molding is bent at the bottom below floor level. On the same side it looks like the axel must have bottomed out which wore a hole in the fabric on the frame. I also noticed the electric wires were cut near the wheel that control the brakes. I operated all the slides and they worked fine, however the skirting will need to be replaced and the slide molding fixed or replaced. I looked under the rig and didn't see any structure damage, but if the axel bottomed out enough for the tires to hit the frame it had to be a pretty big hole. Should I run from this unit? I was told by an inspector that he would not be able to tell if the frame was damaged by looking.

inlineskater · 03-24-2019, 03:35 PM

Run, there are more rigs to buy out there.

momdoc · 03-24-2019, 08:53 PM

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. With out a good private inspection...RUN and look elsewhere.

Enjoy the adventure!

chunker · 03-25-2019, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tootmag

I'm looking to buy a used 2018 Vilano 370gb from a small dealer. It has all the options we want, but there was damage to the skirting on the left side and the slide trim molding is bent at the bottom below floor level. On the same side it looks like the axel must have bottomed out which wore a hole in the fabric on the frame. I also noticed the electric wires were cut near the wheel that control the brakes. I operated all the slides and they worked fine, however the skirting will need to be replaced and the slide molding fixed or replaced. I looked under the rig and didn't see any structure damage, but if the axel bottomed out enough for the tires to hit the frame it had to be a pretty big hole. Should I run from this unit? I was told by an inspector that he would not be able to tell if the frame was damaged by looking.

Sounds to me like there was a tire blow out. When that happens the tire shrapnel will take out the fabric and/or plywood above and any wires and plumbing in it's way. My guess is the tires don't match either. That said also check the underside of the slides. I inspected several last summer and about 25% had torn undersurface on NEW trailers. In my opinion the cabinets were also poorly constructed and finished and flimsy. Vanleigh is touted, by themselves, as a higher build but not the case. Just a run of the mill builder with Lippert frames, typical RV appliances built in a filthy factory. Get it cheap enough and maybe it's worth it. YMMV.

bddadles · 03-25-2019, 07:18 AM

I agree that it was probably a blown tire. They tear up things badly. I have had it myself. Look it over well and have them fix the damage.

egwilly · 03-25-2019, 07:29 AM

I always recommend you hiring a inspector to go over the unit. If the dealers says he did that already, and won't let you.....then walk. You dodged a bullet.

Blown tire is the likely cause like others mentioned.

If good otherwise, have it repaired before delivery.

The right way is the best way. Shortcuts lead to problems.

Dropthejacks · 03-25-2019, 09:23 AM

I agree, that's blow out damage. Don't know of anyone who ever totaled an RV because of a blowout, so it should be easily repairable.

Kerr2b · 03-25-2019, 09:27 AM

I think my air pressure in my Jack's are not working when I first started the engine the air pressure warnings go on then as I'm driving one says jack down

buc1908 · 03-25-2019, 11:24 AM

If the price is rely good and the damage is not to bad and if you like the floor plan I say go and buy it.

FFandPM · 03-31-2019, 10:26 AM

I had a blow out with similar damage. One thing that also happened was the tread wrapped around the other axle and pulled it way out of alignment. This wore the spare and the other tire out within 50 miles. So beware of what has been mentioned as well as this.