Any advice for buying a used trailer?

[Chasingopenspaces]

After years of shopping, have a lead on trailer that I might buy. The only other camper I have bought from a private party was relatively low dollar value, so haven’t really thought it through much before. I believe there is a vin number or something like that for trailers, right? is there some equivalent of a Carfax or some thing like that? He has a title so just planning on having him sign that over and getting a copy of his DL to make sure it’s legit.

Any other things to keep in mind?

 

[Todd780]

Are you able to have it inspected?
Have seals, electric, propane and water lines, appliances etc looked over?
Check for previous water damage...
There are VIN numbers. Not sure if there is a carfax type thing for trailers though.

 

[Treefarmer1]

VINs are good to confirm for ownership but won't give you much information beyond that. Pay particular attention to leaks over 100% of the trailer. They can come from anywhere and will leave discoloration wherever they occurred. Make sure the water system is pressurized so you can run all the faucets and check for leaks in the lines. Crawl on top to thoroughly inspect the roof and underneath to check the condition of the suspension. If the tires aren't new, you can check for uneven wear which will give you a better idea of the condition of the suspension and alignment. Look over every stress joint in the frame to see if you can find any stress cracks. Of course, make sure the heat, hot water, and all appliances are in good working order. Check any electrical connections and wires you can find to make sure there weren't any shorts and to be sure the wires are in good shape (especially where they pass through a hole with sharp edges). If you do all of that, you'll save yourself the bigger problems. Just about everything else in cosmetics or requires taking the trailer apart to get a better look. The owners may also have detailed maintenance records you can review. As mentioned above, the idea of having an inspector or shop that you trust do a detailed review is a good precaution to take.

 

[Chasingopenspaces]

Sounds like a solid overview, thanks all

 

[vintageracer]

Buy HIGH END used.

Not LOW END new.

You will spend the same or Mo Money buying High End Used than what you can spend buying a Low End trailer new. You get a much better trailer buying High End Used that will last much longer and have much better resale value when you are done.

Low End New means Cheap and damn near worthless when it comes for you to sell!

 

[Buddha.]

Make sure all appliances work. That includes furnace, water heater, air conditioning, fridge, stove etc. Make sure there’s water in the water tank pressurize everything with the onboard water pump if there’s a water system make sure there’s no leaks. Make sure the water pump doesn’t continue to cycle after pressurized which would indicate a leak. Check lights. Check electric trailer brakes if equipped. Get on the roof and check for damage. Get underneath check for damage.
Look for swelled up/ stained wood, rusty screws inside which would indicate water damage. Use your nose, does it smell like mold, mouse piss? Look for little black sesame seeds(mouse poop).

 

[Treefarmer1]

Buy HIGH END used.

Not LOW END new.

You will spend the same or Mo Money buying High End Used than what you can spend buying a Low End trailer new. You get a much better trailer buying High End Used that will last much longer and have much better resale value when you are done.

Low End New means Cheap and damn near worthless when it comes for you to sell!

Good point. First owners of high end trailers also tend to take very good care of their expensive toys.

 

[Chasingopenspaces]

Yep totally agree. Would not be buying a used Elkhart camper, they only have a few good years anyways. Had been checking out used Bigfoots but just got a line on a Boreas so hoping that works out. Camper seems to be in good shape, tested everything except the propane appliances (bottle was empty). Going to bring my own and hopefully pick up the camper after that