Community Forums

kbird · 10-25-2010, 02:25 PM

My daughter and son-in-law are relocating to our farm in Maryland in hopes of better employment opportunities. We're looking for a TT for them to live in full time, as our single wide mobile home is too small to accommodate my husband and I, daughter, her husband and their 4 dogs.

We are now shopping for a TT, but really don't know much about full time trailer living. Any opinions on a 1998 Holiday Rambler AlumiLite? The current owners are asking $3500 and say it's in really good condition. We can have cold winters here so I want to make sure this trailer is liveable. The lady who is selling the trailer sent me tons of pics and here are a few. Sorry for the pic quality. I want to make sure I get good value for my money, and I hear a lot of good things about Holiday Ramblers. Thanks for your input!!!

graystoke · 10-26-2010, 06:12 PM

What year is this TT? How was it used? If it was lived in consistently for the last 10 years, then it is more likely used "up".......used a couple of times a year and stored indoors when not being used, then that's another thing....have you gone to look at it? Has the furnace or any of the appliances been replaced? Does everything currently work well?
At the very least, I would replace all of the connections and piping on the propane..........................

RVhauler · 10-26-2010, 06:33 PM

Are the windows double pane glass? Is the underside closed in and heated? What capacity furnace(s)? Don't believe the alumlight was classed as an all seasons unit but could be lived in with a few mods. I would not commit to purchasing based on photos alone util had personally checked unit in person or had a "qualified" person check it.

Randy the sly old fox · 10-29-2010, 12:43 AM

Holiday Rambler was one of the first TTs to use an all welded aluminium frame - so dry rot in the framing should not be a problem. I am not sure about the insulation factor and if it was fiberglass or styrofoam. Don't forget the Norcold refer recall - make sure it was taken care of. As far as the price goes - the NADA guide for the 27-29' models (guess) shows a low around 4K and a high of 5k. No matter what you are going to need to skirt it and try to keep the tanks from freezing in the NY winter. There are lots of little things you should do to keep the unit from freezing - like skirting and using the built-in water system (outside water can freeze in the hose) dumping holding tanks only when full - again to keep things from freezing. Even sticking a small electric heater under the TT will do alot to keep things a bit warmer.

wingnut60 · 10-31-2010, 11:58 AM

I had a 1998 19' HR Alumalite--very nice trailer for its time. Never any problems with it, but sure wouldn't live in it in the winter in NY...
Joe

Midniteoyl · 10-31-2010, 06:33 PM

The HR Alumalite is a very good trailer.. Dont go by the NADA values however.. Around here, I havent seen a mid-90's HR for less than $6-7k so $3.5k would seem a good price. Of course, that might mean something is wrong with it, so check everything out very carefully....and always talk them down!

edit: why does that first picture look like a scan of a photo from somebody's wallet? Might be a clue...

bakerkids · 11-01-2010, 07:03 PM

My mom had a 1988 Holiday Alumilite MH for about 15 years. It was a great MH! We felt it was one of the better made ones at the time. Did have an occassional engine problem that was more from letting it sit (due to mother's health problems) than anything. With a TT that's not something for you to consider. Never had any other problems, and it was two women and my 3 kids traveling around. We did winter camping, but didn't live in it at any point.

kbird · 11-02-2010, 08:00 AM

Thanks to everyone for your input!! We ended up buying the trailer. It turned out to be a 1984, XL model. Here's the specs:

110 Volt - 13,500 BTU (Roof Mount)
Furnace (13,000-17,000 BTU)
New 10 cu. ft. Refrigerator
Flushing Toilet/Holding Tank
Microwave Oven
Water Heater 6 Gallon Gas/Elec
AM/FM Cassette
TV Antenna w/Inside Controls
Power Tongue Jacks
Stabilizer Jacks-Crank Down
Awning 25'
Monitor Panel
Anti sway bar
Updated windows

The XL package adds $550 to the value. In fair condition, it’s worth $1800, which is what we’re paying for it. It will only be used as sleeping quarters, and to keep 4 doggies warmer on cold nights!