First fifth wheel purchase

[RussOnTheRoad]

I'm the more cautious type so I tend to agree to have an inspection by a qualified individual. Not all inspectors are equal--you need to inspect the inspector as it were and not put blind faith in just anybody. You might have a look at https://rvinspection.com to see what you think. (I have no affilliation.) There is such a thing as a certified inspector.

I had an inpection done before I bought my RV and the inspector missed some things. I thought that because I was taking the rig to an RV shop I'd get a good inspection by someone who was qualified. I was wrong. You can't count on that.

With broken ceiling vents I'd be very concerned about wood rot in the roof. Any water staining in the ceiling might be reason enough to move along.

When it comes to trucks, be sure the truck you purchase can both handle the pin weight (payload) of the RV and has the towing capacity.

[rskeans]

Lots of excellent advice on this thread. One comment on the 6.4. It is prone to major problems primarily with the High Pressure fuel pump. Almost anything with the 6.4 requires the Cab to be pulled off. Try to steer away from the 6.4 and if in the same model year look to the Chevy or Ram. The Ford 6.7 from 2011 on is also a major improvement. Not that in the 2008 year those trucks were stellar, but less risk than the 6.4.

[cootersotg]

Regarding the trailer, since it has been sitting for awhile look for signs of mice, such as mice droppings.

Those little buggers will chew anything and do tons of damage that sometimes is difficult to track down and fix.

[WyoBowhunter]

Alright. A lot has happened in the last week. We found a great deal on a brand new gmc 2500 6.0 gas. We also went out today to check the trailer for water damage and try out the electrical. We were going to try out the plumbing but we are expecting snow. In short it is a 2000 hitchhiker 2 28.5RL. Looking over the trailer there is no signs of water damage but did find a little sign of mouse droppings. Here are some pictures.

[FaithBowls]

Ya that's about 10 times cheaper than I paid for my fifth and truck. And even with a new high end rig there are problems and repairs. A $5000 fifth wheel? You better have every inch checked carefully. Slides, suspension, plumbing, appliances, electrics.

[tuffr2]

What if you go back to your original plan and forget about this trailer.

How would that scenario look? Better or worse than this 5th wheel.

On the negative side the trailer is 16 years old. On the positive side it was a quality builder that built solid units in 2000. If it checks out and still looks good, heck, it is worth $5,000.

A 2500 gas truck will tow this trailer just fine. But what about your next trailer in 2 - 3 years?

[WyoBowhunter]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

What if you go back to your original plan and forget about this trailer.

How would that scenario look? Better or worse than this 5th wheel.

On the negative side the trailer is 16 years old. On the positive side it was a quality builder that built solid units in 2000. If it checks out and still looks good, heck, it is worth $5,000.

A 2500 gas truck will tow this trailer just fine. But what about your next trailer in 2 - 3 years?

I was worried it wasn't worth $5k. We are having someone come look at it with us next week to make sure everything checks out. My wife wants to glamp this one and the way she is attached to our house I don't see us selling it within five years.

[IronCobra]

Remember, you're probably going to need new tires ASAP. Also, check to make sure everything works, like your AC, Water heater, furnace, and refrigerator. Check all your wall outlets and make sure there are no cracks or signs of distress on the front near the hitch and overhang. Look underneath for suspension issues and check all your exterior lights. Better yet. Have them spray water on the top while your inside to check for leaks. $5 for a 16yr old RV isn't much but it won't take much in repairs to turn it quickly into a $15k project.

[WyoBowhunter]

Originally Posted by IronCobra

Remember, you're probably going to need new tires ASAP. Also, check to make sure everything works, like your AC, Water heater, furnace, and refrigerator. Check all your wall outlets and make sure there are no cracks or signs of distress on the front near the hitch and overhang. Look underneath for suspension issues and check all your exterior lights. Better yet. Have them spray water on the top while your inside to check for leaks. $5 for a 16yr old RV isn't much but it won't take much in repairs to turn it quickly into a $15k project.

Thanks! Spraying water on top is a good idea. The batteries were dead when we went on Saturday so the trailer is plugged in now. It's really sad because the owner doesn't know anything about it. It was bought for the grandson who decided he didn't want it after they bought it. We are taking my wife's grandpa to help us check it out. They have owned many rvs and fixed many. I am hopeful to do the final walk through on Friday as it is finally supposed to stop snowing. That should help us in seeing if there is any leaks.

This is one thing I am concerned with. I believe it's the hydraulics for the slide area.

[FaithBowls]

All I see is wood rot, rust and leaks. Not worth $5 if it's in poor shape.

[WyoBowhunter]

Originally Posted by FaithBowls

All I see is wood rot, rust and leaks. Not worth $5 if it's in poor shape.

Did you see rot in the pictures or just due to the age? Sadly we aren't able to buy a brand new one. I wish we could but there is no way we could.

[IronCobra]

Would you mind taking and posting about 10 various pictures of the outside and inside so we can give you a more informed assessment? Close up on tires, window frames, lights, under bathroom cabinets, in upper cabinets, and edges around carpet.

[WyoBowhunter]

Originally Posted by IronCobra

Would you mind taking and posting about 10 various pictures of the outside and inside so we can give you a more informed assessment? Close up on tires, window frames, lights, under bathroom cabinets, in upper cabinets, and edges around carpet.

Yes I can do that. I have been meaning to do that.

[WyoBowhunter]

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