New and shopping

underdog · 09-19-2012, 07:47 AM

Hello, I recently began looking at used travel trailers. I want something light to tow and it's just us and the dog. I also don't want to spend a lot because we can only use it a few times a year for long weekends. Don't really need it until next season but I thought this may be a good time to get a deal. I do have a pole barn to store it.

So the reason I am here. I have come across a 90 T205 Star Ray on a dealer lot. It looks very clean in the photos with an asking price of $2800. He says it did have a water leak but the entire floor was replaced with 3/4 plywood and it has hardwood on top of that.

I had an old Dodge Class C that the owner had rebuilt and it served me well. So I'm not totally opposed to an older unit that has had work. Plus this is a nice handy size/weight for what we want to do. But I'm still reminded this is a 22 yo camper I'm considering. Is there anything else I should look at? What did they frame these with? I don't want to find out later that it has a solid floor but rot in other places.

Thanks for any input. I'm thinking of looking at it in person tommorow.

**Tweety** · 09-19-2012, 10:22 AM

If it's the one in Ohio it looks like a good find! Look for any staining on the roof, or wrinkles in the wallpaper, both would indicate water problems. Look at the roof, and along the edges of the roof to see if there's any cracking in the Dicor. Have the dealer demo all the systems to make sure they work. Include hooking up to water and testing the water heater. Plug it in and make sure the electric works properly. Crawl under it and look at the tanks and frame. There are a number of oldies but goodies out there.

underdog · 09-19-2012, 12:30 PM

Yes, it's around Youngstown, couple hours from me. Thanks for the tips. He said the PO had a friend that built concession trailers and he did the repairs. I would think that if you went to the trouble to replace the floor, you would address the leakage issue. But ya never know.

My old Class C was 2x2 wood framed. Would this be the same or had they gone to metal by 1990?

I agree about the appliances. On my old camper I replaced the water heater, furnace, cooktop ect. I remember the AC and Fridge being the most expensive to replace. My buddy ended up buying it and those two units are still original & working from 1973!

**Tweety** · 09-19-2012, 01:46 PM

Sunlines were always wood frame.

**JohnB** · 09-19-2012, 07:29 PM

Hi underdog,

To add to what Tweety stated, use your nose when looking for water entry. Wet musty wood has a very unique odor that once your have dealt with it.... you will never forget it. If you can smell the hint of it, look deeper. You may not even be able to see it but can smell it.

Good luck and happy hunting.

**Sunline Fan** · 09-19-2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweety

Sunlines were always wood frame.

True, except for the Advancer.

**JohnB** · 09-19-2012, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

True, except for the Advancer.

H'mm , never knew that. Learn something new all the time on Sunline Owners Club

**Sunline Fan** · 09-19-2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

H'mm , never knew that. Learn something new all the time on Sunline Owners Club

Yep, that's they the VINs on those start with 1LC2A2 instead of 1LC2S2 for a regular TT. 2S is 2" stud wood structure, while 2A is 2" aluminum structure. The older ones that were 1LC2S1 were 1" thick stud walls, which were on the '80s trailers that were about 7.5' wide.

Then there's the Que with 3" stud with 1LC2S3. The only one like that.

But...they have still had their fair share of water damage problems with the floor.

underdog · 09-20-2012, 06:06 AM

Thanks again, really glad I found this site! Great info here. I was checking out the pdf sales brochure for the 90s.

We are heading out this afternoon to check it out. I'm taking the truck with my hitch and cash in hand, hoping to make a deal if it passes inspection. If all goes well I should be draging it home.

Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm in the auto repair bussiness and have a few old hobby cars. Been on many a wild goose chase before. This camper feels like the one I'm looking for. I have an 05 Dakota with the V8 & tow pack. I've pulled cars, on my trailer, with a combined weight of about 5000lbs, so pulling this little guy should be a breeze.

I will be sure to report back however it goes.

**Tweety** · 09-20-2012, 06:22 AM

Good luck...fingers crossed

Poppy & Nana · 09-20-2012, 06:28 AM

good luck and safe travels..........

underdog · 09-21-2012, 07:34 AM

Got it! I'll post details and photos in the welcome section.

**Tweety** · 09-21-2012, 10:26 AM

You get the award for fastest purchase! Start shopping 9/19 and purchase 9/20! We look forward to the photos!

underdog · 09-21-2012, 10:29 AM

Actually I have been scouring Craigslist for a couple weeks. This was the first one I actually went to look at. Pics in Introduction Section thread.