Want To Purchase New Trailer; What Do I Need To Know?

TurtleBax · 01-05-2012, 05:35 PM

Hello Everyone,

I'm seriously considering a Sunline purchase in the near future, If it turns out to be as nice as advertised.

The trailer is currently winterized.

What do I need to know/ask the dealer/check out before I buy? I did find the checklist that is here on the website.

If the trailer is winterized, is it possible to check out the systems to know if they work. I don't think I can check the water/toilet/sink, etc. Will other systems be testable? (sorry for all the questions. Can you tell I'm Newbie?

)

I would buy the trailer and leave it at the dealership to be stored thru the winter, as I currently have no Tug to bring it home with me after purchase.

I'm concerned as I live some hours from the dealership and buying in the winter. I have never owned a camper before and don't know any camper friends that I could take with me.

Any comments / suggestions would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,
TurtleBax

kanyonkitty · 01-05-2012, 06:19 PM

Depending on where the trailer is located, you might find a member of SOC that could maybe help you out and meet you at the dealership to take a look at it for you.

It should be winterized, but if they want to sell it, it's not a huge expense to dewinterize it so they can prove to you that all systems work as they should, and then it could be re-winterized. Also tell them that you want it plugged in so that you can check all the electrical systems including water heater, refrigerator, air conditioner, furnace, water heater, water pump.

Open every cabinet, look in every nook & cranny looking for any signs of leakage. Look for stains on the carpet (especially where the walls meet the floors), Look to see if any of the vinyl floor is discolored, this indicates water damage. Try to put your weight all around the perimeter of the floor to check for soft spots. Use your nose, yes your nose, mold indicates water damage, so sniff all around the rig to see if it smells moldy anywhere.

Take a ladder or have them provide one so you can get up and check out the roof and all caulking.

If it is a slide room model, make sure you extend the slide and really check the floor where the walls meet.

I'm sure some of the other members will be along to give you some more tips on what to look for.

OH, check the date code on the tires, you don't want out dated tires.

Good Luck,

Kitty

TurtleBax · 01-05-2012, 06:47 PM

Hi KanyonKitty.

Thanks so much for the quick reply with all the GREAT suggestions. I will try them all. At least I won't feel as if I'm flying totally blind.

I live in VA, the dealer is in PA so it's a bit of a hike for me (4hrs 1 way). That's why I needed good suggestions, as I won't want to make the trip to many times.

I'm going to the RV show at the Chantilly Expo in a few weeks also.

Best Regards,

TurtleBax

OhhWell · 01-06-2012, 05:36 AM

I'll second what Kitty said. It's not that big of a deal to de-winterize it and then winterize it again as long as you are seriously consuidering it and they are serious about selling it.

- What year / Model is it?

TurtleBax · 01-06-2012, 03:48 PM

Hi OhhWell,

That's good information to know.

The trailer is a 2006 Sunline T-1950.

Thanks,

TurtleBax

LanCoPA · 01-08-2012, 04:06 PM

We have a 2004 T-1950 and really like it. Our only complaint would be not having a walkaround bed. But we deal with it, can't have everything in a cute little trailer of this size! I don't have advice for your dealings with the dealership, but would recommend the trailer.

TurtleBax · 01-10-2012, 05:12 PM

Thanks for the vote on the T-1950. A larger walk around bed would be nice, But I think small and cute Win out.

Thanks.

TurtleBax

DianeScraps · 01-11-2012, 10:13 PM

Which PA dealer is it at? I'm in PA and I know several others are too . . . doesn't take much of an excuse to go look at a Sunline for many of us

TurtleBax · 01-12-2012, 07:26 PM

Hi DianeScraps,

The dealership is Fretz in Souderton, PA.

I called about the trailer, which I'm told has sold.
Apparently they don't take the posting off thier site until the trailer actually rolls off the property.

It looked like a nice little trailer.

I'll keep looking.

Thanks,
TurtleBax

DianeScraps · 01-12-2012, 08:38 PM

Oh that is sad.

I do drive through Souderton at least once a week and would have been happy to do a preliminary look over for you.

Diane

TurtleBax · 01-15-2012, 04:41 PM

Hi Diane,

It is sad, but I'm sure I'll find something.

Thanks for the offer to have looked it over. If something else pops of at Fretz, I'll let you know.

Best Regards,
TurtleBax