I'm looking at purchasing a 1996 Silverado small Living Quarters. The current owner says he has always kept it undercover and well maintained with very little use. It hasn't been used in 5 years. I am traveling 4 hours to vies, purchase and pick it up. I am concerned about the condition of the tires and bearings, as well as purchasing an older trailer. Do others on the forum have experience with the quality of the Silverados? Would the tires be compromised after 5 years of not being moved?
Posted 2014-09-07 7:41 PM (#160676 - in reply to #160675) Subject: RE: 1996 Silverado LQ
Regular
Posts: 97 Location: mancelona michigan
All of that would depend upon how old everythig was when it was put up for storage.If the tires were 10 yrs old to start with,no, I probably would only pull it to the closest tire store! bearings that sat for 5 yrs after being used for 10? I would want to pull at least one hub and see what is or isnt there. Ive never heard of a silverado trailer,but then there are a lot of horse trailers I;v never seen!
Posted 2014-09-07 10:07 PM (#160682 - in reply to #160675) Subject: RE: 1996 Silverado LQ
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I recommend changing the tires, repacking or replacing the wheel bearings, and having the brakes inspected and operationally checked.
The tops of the bearings can rust when they are not moved for a length of time. When they are finally turned, the rust can score the races. Once these items are updated, the mechanicals of the trailer will last for years. Most LQ interior items can be replaced or repaired as necessary.
The age of the trailer isn't as important as its condition and construction materials. There are many older trailers currently satisfying their owners. Any used trailer purchase should involve a physical inspection of all its components and construction details.
Posted 2014-09-08 12:21 PM (#160685 - in reply to #160675) Subject: RE: 1996 Silverado LQ
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Oregon
Thank you Gard. I truly appreciate your thorough explanation. I am going to share it with the seller with an explanation these things need to be done before I would purchase the trailer.
Posted 2014-09-08 9:13 PM (#160694 - in reply to #160675) Subject: RE: 1996 Silverado LQ
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Oregon
Yes, they were manufactured in Springfield, OR, as were the Silverlites. Silverlites were definitely quality trailers. I don't know as much about the Silverados. I had a larger 06 Silverlite LQ. It definitely held up to the elements. It never needed the floor acid washed.......no corrosion. Looked like new when I sold it earlier this year. It was just too big for my needs now. I'm downsizing, but it's difficult to find the quality I enjoyed with the Silverlite.
Posted 2014-09-08 11:51 PM (#160695 - in reply to #160675) Subject: RE: 1996 Silverado LQ
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
Yes, the Silverado trailers are a QUALITY trailer. I have several friends that have them and they are all heavy duty and quality built. I would definitely buy one.
Posted 2014-09-09 7:01 PM (#160708 - in reply to #160675) Subject: RE: 1996 Silverado LQ
Veteran
Posts: 149 Location: Harrisburg, OR
Silveraod and Silverlite are very similar. Both were quality built trailers. The founders of Silverlite were ex-Silverlite employees. Hence all the similarities. I second everything in Gard's post.
1996 Silverado LQ
