New to this

[Doo]

The wife and I have been camping for most of our lives, but are new to the 5th wheel world. We just sold our first 5th wheel and have our eyes on a 1997 Excel Knobble Esquire 33 foot triple slide. We have it pretty much bought as soon as it drys up enough to get it out of storage. need to look closed at the slides and rail gears once out of storage and set up. Both of us are old cross country truck drivers which was the opt for owning a 5th wheel as well as the ease of getting around. I have a mechanical background and can fix almost anything I own. Most of my knowledge is repairs to auto, trucks, and farm equipment, but hope I can help with some advice to help others. We are planning on becoming full-timers as soon as we can retire.

[TXiceman]

Glad to have you here on iRV2. As on any RV that is 13 years old, a major concern is water leaks and rot. The wood frames are no more or less prone to leaks.

Check the roof over really well and look for any signs of water stains on the interior. Look at cabinets, behind cabinets, inside lockers and along the roof to wall seams. Also check the floor for any soft spots, especially around the edge. Also check the roof for soft spots. A soft spot usually means problems. Also look for any signs of the wall covering bubbling up. Also check the the exterior walls fro any bubbles and soft spots which are generally delamination. Most delamination is caused by water intrusion.

Ken

[Doo]

I've checked for water damage and soft spots. I have found none and no discolor anywhere in this trailer. This trailer thank goodness has been sheded when not in use all of its life. It has a new roof on it 3 years ago. When the now owner bought it he worked a new roof in the deal. My main concern was the boards that the slide gears are connected to. If I see any rot at this area I am most in likely going to ver away from this trailer, because I don't need this kind of expense right off the bat. I just sold a trailer that I had to work on every time I went camping and I don't want to camp this way again for now. Thanks for the response