Help with buying

[Handyhiker]

Hi all!!, I am new around here. I have a few questions if I may. I am going to look at a early to mid 70s pull behind camper this weekend. I know it will need some work. I am okay with that. Can you please tell me what major things I should look at. The big thing I can think of is spongy walls,floor or ceiling. How hard are water lines to replace on an older unit? I have to believe they are going to be bad. If it makes a differance, it is an AVENGER brand camper. It is around the 22' length. SUPPOSEDLY it has almost new tires, the furnace works and the fridge works on electric but don't know if it works on gas.
Any help woud be appreciated!! I have never owned a camper before so this will be a first.

[ahicks]

Get past the "spongy" or otherwise water damaged thing, and I suppose badly rusted/corroded frames and axles, and everything else is easy from there.

Your major expensive things would be next. Refer, heater, A/C, maybe awning? You would want to see those working. If the refer works on elec. it shouldn't take much to get the gas side going (assuming somebody hasn't removed the gas/elec. for a compressor type refer).

Holding tank integrity would be next on the list? Water lines not always fun, but not bad if you have any plumbing experience at all.

[Handyhiker]

Plumbing I can do. If not a buddy of mine is a commercial plumber. As for the tanks, I almost expect them to be bad. If all goes right, I will be getting this camper for around $200. That being said, I still don't want a pile of junk.

[Handyhiker]

Well in a few hours I find out if I am going to be the proud owner of a "new to me" vintage "old" travel trailer or not. I did find out that the reason the previous owner is getting rid of it is because he now ownes a motorhome. I really hope that means that there is not much wrong with this trailer and he just decided to up grade.
So if I bring it home, please be paitent with me as I am sure I will ask a lot of questions. I am sure some will be dumb, but like I said, this will be my first TT.

[CLIFFTALL]

Good luck and bring her home.

Cliff

[ahicks]

No pressure! If you see a lot of water damage, come home empty. Getting into a project like that not a good way to get into RVing. There is a LOT of work making a trailer like that serviceable again. That said, best of luck, hope your trip is worthwhile! -Al

[Handyhiker]

Well, I brought it home!! To me it is in great shape.
The good.
New tires
1 year old hot water tank
1 year old fresh water tank
Newer toilet
Newer laminate wood grain floor
All glass and doors in good condition
Under penning in good shape
Newer plumbing both fresh and drain
Small flat screen TV mounted on wall
1 year old AC unit


The Bad;
All original appliances
Outside light mounted with 1 screw, wrong light
Drawer latches broken
Seat cushions born up from age
AC unit mounted in back wall and done poorly
Really needs a good cleaning
No 12 volt battery
Awning not in good condition
A small amount of water damage in the bathroom, my guess from the shower
Needs just some general TLC

All in all, I am very happy with the purchase!!

[Handyhiker]

Forgot to mention one other good point, came with 2 propane tanks, 1 full and 1 empty. Also came with a soft propane tank cover. Also has a new 7 pin connector and light cord.

[bicklebok]

Congratulations!

[winniman]

congrats handy. I still use my 78 Aristocrat as a bunkie at the cottage. Before towing it too far make sure to take off the wheels and check the wheel bearings. Repack or replace as needed.

[Handyhiker]

Originally Posted by winniman

congrats handy. I still use my 78 Aristocrat as a bunkie at the cottage. Before towing it too far make sure to take off the wheels and check the wheel bearings. Repack or replace as needed.

As soon as the weather warms up a bit. This is VERY high on the list.

[Handyhiker]

Actually, wheel bearings and brakes are both on the list.