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Riverdog · 09-13-2007, 06:55 AM

I have tentatively purchased a 1997 Sandpiper by Forest River model T25FLS. I say tentatively because the current owner has 2 things to fix before we "seal the deal". I went on to NADAGuides.com and could not find this model. I am sure it is the model as I found the model number on a label inside a cabinet door. I tried KBB but can't find an RV link. Anyone have any ideas??

Riverdog · 09-13-2007, 06:55 AM

I have tentatively purchased a 1997 Sandpiper by Forest River model T25FLS. I say tentatively because the current owner has 2 things to fix before we "seal the deal". I went on to NADAGuides.com and could not find this model. I am sure it is the model as I found the model number on a label inside a cabinet door. I tried KBB but can't find an RV link. Anyone have any ideas??

Paul Heuvelhorst · 09-13-2007, 09:31 AM

Are you sure it is a 25FLS? NADAGuides lists a 27FLS, but no 25.

Is this a travel trailer or a 5th wheel? The FLS designation seems to indicate a travel trailer. Also, be aware that Forest River manufactures the Sandpiper in Indiana and California. If you are looking at a Calif. model, look under Forest River, rather than Sandpiper. They do list a 25RLS, but not a 25FLS.

If you are correct about the model number, I suggest you look at several of the 1997 models that are close to the size of the unit you are negotiating for, plug in the accessories that are options and come up with approximate pricing that is in your ballpark.

Riverdog · 09-13-2007, 09:44 AM

Thanks Paul - yes it is a 25FLS. I found the label in the door & upon measuring the unit it is 25' box with 27' overall (including tongue). My thoughts were the same & I did price it on the 27FLS basis & then just assumed a reduction for a shorter model.

Rick

paz · 09-13-2007, 01:50 PM

Trailer lengths usually include the whole thing - tongue, box, and rear bumper. By your measurements, it would sound like it's a 27 footer.

Riverdog · 09-13-2007, 02:02 PM

I don't think all the manufacturers are consistent in doing that. For example I looked at the Sandpipers by Forest River that has a 26 for a model # but they say it is 29' long. The one I'm looking at is an oddball because I do find the actual T25FLS as a model # in the unit itself.

Paul Heuvelhorst · 09-13-2007, 09:15 PM

Riverdog,
I agree with Paz... trailer lengths include the entire length of the trailer from the tip of the tongue to the rear bumper (excluding the spare tire).

However, the model number doesn't always indicate the length of the trailer. Note the model number of my Thor Tahoe trailer... it is 28' long. When we bought it my wife liked the interior floorplan and liked the idea of the shorter 23' trailer... until I told her on the way home that it was 28'. She still likes it, though!

paz · 09-14-2007, 05:08 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Paul Heuvelhorst:
Riverdog,
...the model number doesn't always indicate the length of the trailer.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good point! That may solve the riddle of the length not matching the "25" in the model number. Unfortunately, the reason the 25FLS model isn't listed by NADA remains a mystery. BTW, the NADA guide states the 1997 Sandpiper 27FLS is 28' long. Also, the Forest River (California) Sandpiper listing doesn't go back to 1997.

Paul Heuvelhorst · 09-14-2007, 02:59 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by paz:
...the Forest River (California) Sandpiper listing doesn't go back to 1997. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
... which leads me to believe the 1997 Sandpiper Riverdog is considering was built at the Indiana plant.