I have to do the same thing...I forgot about the outside kitchen sink when I winterized last year. It froze and damaged the faucet

 

Any advice on buying a used travel trailer? or what to look for? Would prefer one with slides and sleep 4-6 people if possible.

Thanks

 

There's lot's to this from my view...there are almost unlimited options with TT's and really it boils down to personal preference on a lot of the amenities. Definitely decide how much space you need and then go bigger. There's always a need for more space IMHO. Slides make the interior a lot bigger vs no slides and that's one thing I wish we had in our camper. Next time.

Aside from that, take a really good inspection of the roof. Excessive dirt/staining are indicative of poor maintenance. Seams around the entire roof and any seam or connection to AC units, vents, etc are something to look for. Dry rot, cracking of sealant, etc. Next, I'd look at the corners both inside and outside. If there's a leak at the corner, likely you'll find soft walls inside. From there, go to the windows and feel the areas around the windows down to the floor and the area of the floor under the windows. Any water intrusion will cause these areas to be soft as well. If all of those areas pass inspection, go to the plumbing areas and make sure no water has been leaking around there. The nice thing about water intrusion on the campers is that the wood will be soft and you can tell pretty easily. I'd probably request from the seller that the AC not be running when you get there. It'll be hot inside, but you'll also be able to smell any nasty smells that are there easier (at least I think I can). After that, it's on to the mechanical systems. You'll want to plug everything in, make sure it all works, propane feeds properly to the heat, stove, fridge, etc. Then on to the undercarriage. Tire condition, rust if any, tanks look ok and aren't cracked or sagging, all connections serviceable. Hook water up to it, fill the fresh water tank, turn everything on with both city pressure and water pump, check for leaks. Check the tongue area for rusting, cracked welds, etc.

From there, it's whatever you want to nitpick for general condition. I think after you look at a couple, you'll be able to tell really quick whether or not it's been maintained. IMHO, it's like buying a car or boat, you'll be able to tell pretty quick if the seller has taken care of it or not. If you're handy, and the price is right, cosmetic issues can be modified or fixed to your liking after purchase.

Good luck, and let us know what happens!!

 

Floors, floors, floors! Check every corner and behind every panel you can get off for soft spots. Then go onto checking, asking if the plumbing works, if all the electrical including converter work, then over all structural condition, how are the walls, the seats, the sides outside, linoleum, cabinets and their doors, etc. Then check the trailer part, tires, rust on frame (rot on frame?), trailering lights all there and work, no broken springs or bent axles, ball coupler is in good shape and not bent up or cracked, ask and make sure brakes (if it has them) on the trailer work.

Keep a general eye out for anything that looks odd, repainted, welded up, patched up, etc.

 

"As most car trailers ride a lot lower than the TT's, do you find you have less sway issues with the CT than the TT?"

Yes and no. The trailer is 24', 10' shorter than the camper so it tows differently. Car position in the trailer is key all trial and error, car too far forward and it increases hitch weight, too far back the trailer gets tail heavy. I do have wd on the hitch, it is not as tight as the PP but it helps.

My first trip with the car hauler sold me on the PP. I now have the car trailer dialed in with the current wd hitch and it tows fine. The camper definitely needs the PP more.

Heading home tomorrow, down the Delmarva, over the bay bridge tunnel and across NC.

 

I have yet to tow with the complete car and equipment in the trailer. I also have a 24' V nose, had E track installed front to rear so moving the car and locking it down for proper weight distribution is not going to be a problem, just finding that right balance is going to be fun. I've registered for Ponies in the Smokies event in March 2019. A little ride on the Dragon's Tail and then a car show, so a trip from Flat south FLA to the mountains towing with the EX will be fun. I hope to have all my distribution issues worked out by then. :-)

 

Did somebody mention check for soft spots? It can't be over emphasized! You do not want a leaker unless it's super super cheap and you want a major project. Feel and push EVERYWHERE on the walls, ceilings, and floors. Also follow your nose. If it smells musty, there is a reason for that.

 

We are almost to the point to switch out our faucets. I am actually shocked I have not done it sooner with how much use ours get.

 

I find that I can balance the trailer visually, when I see the nose dive I back up till the load is level. I have it marked now so loading is easier, I use Mac's straps to tie the car down. With the Chevelle it is easy, if I had a full sized car I would definitely have a tongue weight problem.

We are home and the Ex towed great today, We had a few rain storms but no issues with the truck or trailer.

 

I replaced my front Dometic A/C unit today. I dealt with Triad RV Repair in Lexington, NC. I am so pleased with the service. He worked with me on diagnostics, ordered the unit and let me know when it was in and got it replaced.

 

 

Nice to hear that there are still people out there that will do what needs to be done. Here is hoping for smooth driving for the rest of your trip, even with the windows down.

 

Getting the camper ready for a long tow this week from NC to CO. Decided to check the wheels on the trailer and found that one of the wheel hubs on the camper was very loose so I decided to check and repack all bearing last minute very glad I checked them also had a small amount of grease in the bearings. I should have known that a new camper would not have been assembled correctly.

 

Took a ride down to my friend's repair shop in the big city today. Swapped him an 18 pack for the use of his tire machine and balancer. Mounted and balanced four new Goodyear Endurance tires on new Sendel T03 aluminum wheels for the camper. Going to swap the set of china bombs onto my dump trailer .