Community Forums

7mileisland · 11-03-2009, 12:31 PM

Hello, everyone, I am new to the forum. I have owned an rv in the past and I am thinking of purchasing a 1980 Elkhart Travel Trailer. For the most part it is in good condition, but I am having trouble finding any information on this type of trailer. They were more popular as a 5th wheel manufacturer, and this seemed to put them out of business. (the 5th wheel business, not manufacuring trailers in general!) I know that Elkhart, Ind. seems to be the rv capital of the world, but that is all I could find out. This rv is in good shape, everything works, but the black waste water tank has been removed. My husband thinks I am crazy, because he said the trailer will be hard to haul, but I think it would be fun to restore. Fun for me...work for him. Has anyone any experience with these? Thank you.

TXiceman · 11-03-2009, 07:17 PM

Glad to have you here on iRV2. I have never heard of a brand named Elkhart. If you have never owned an RV, restoring a older can be a real challenge. As you start to open up things, problems have a way of growing. Visit the Vintage RV section here on iRV2 and see some of the projects people have undertaken.

Ken

7mileisland · 11-03-2009, 07:20 PM

Thank you, I will do that. 7mileisland

diandtom · 11-03-2009, 07:54 PM

My uncle bought a Elkhart fifth wheel in 1978 and he kept it until 2005. He had over 200 K miles on it. It was towed by fiver different trucks. He was 88 years old when he sold it and it always gave him good service. He use to spend the winter down in Florida and the summer in the mountains of Virginia. He told me once the only thing he had to replace was the fridge and tires. Welcome to IRV2 .
Tom

7mileisland · 11-05-2009, 07:19 AM

Thank you for the message regarding Elkhart. I my husband, Tom and I are getting closer to making the decision to buy. He wants a fifth wheel, and I want the travel trailer. We shall see who prevails!!

diandtom · 11-08-2009, 09:09 AM

I would rather have a fifth wheel anyday than a travel trailer. I had one once. Much harder to hook up and not a lot of storage, but it depends on what you want it for. I got a friend that will not have anything else but a travel trailer. He only goes short distances and does not want the hitch in the bed of his truck.
Tom