'80 Yellowstone: Purchase or not?

[suitzer]

Hi, group,
I am a newbie (to towables & iRV2); haven't purchased my first travel trailer yet; well, kind of, but that's a long & sordid story. But I digress. I recently looked at '80 Yellowstone travel trailer (27') & was thinking of purchasing. Just wanted a little advice/feedback from someone who knows more than I do about these little jewels.

It seems to be in very good condition; just a few minor things: metal roof needs to be recoated (no leaks), a little rust around the sides of the roof vents, light needs to be reattached, a little rust on the axle housing (I guess that's what you call it & to be expected), wheel well trim cracked, etc. I was just a little scared of the weight (plan to tow it w/ 84 Suburban C-10 [1/2 ton]), & the unusual-looking rims. Can you guys tell me the good AND the bad about Yellowstones? I was also wondering how hard it is to find parts for them (or install parts)?

Thank you so much for any info you can provide.

Kitt

[Ray,IN]

First things first
Years ago I once owned a Yellowstone truck camper, not that it means much, however I do know it was very heavy for its size. I suspect the travel trailer is built the same way.
I suggest taking it to a truck scales and obtain the actual weight before making a decision.
Yellowstone RV's have been out of business for many years, so the few specialty parts will be difficult to locate. The upside is, IMO they are a well-built product. The appliances have nothing to do with Yellowstone, they are purchased and installed.
With a trailer this age, water damage is a huge issue. If you don't know what to look for, consider hiring an independent RV technician to inspect it before you let loose of your money.
This interactive towing calculator will be of immeasurable help with properly and safely matching your tow vehicle to a trailer.

[suitzer]

I've learned a little about travel trailers & I did a bit of research on Yellowstone. I knew that they were heavy & that was 1 of my concerns. Owner said there were no leaks & I saw no evidence of such. Roof will need to be recoated. Parts were my other concern but I thought, Well, other people use vintage campers; they must be able to figure something out. The solid construction was a big pro; my plan is to full-time in camper. Thanks for your advice.

[suitzer]

Also, title says <6000 lbs.

[Ray,IN]

Disregard what weight the title quotes, you need real-world weight. Don't forget to consider the weight of your clothes, kitchen stuff, and personal effects you will be hauling in the trailer, and your tow vehicle.