Posted 2012-03-14 1:15 PM (#142082) Subject: Evaluating used trailer/weekender
Member
Posts: 21
Location: WA State
So, I have found a used weekender that fits my budget, is a brand I know/trust and seems to have the basics of what I am looking for. It is like an 8 hour drive, each way, from my house. Frankly, I know very little about RV type stuff and so the "weekender" part - I wouldn't have the first clue how to inspect it. So, I fear I make the trek and still don't really have the qualifications to decide on it.
Would you contact an RV place closer to the trailer for sale and see if they do pre-purchase checks?
This trailer is of course a gooseneck, which is new to me. Would you have same said RV place set up the gooseneck hitch on the truck to ensure proper fitting before heading back home with it?
Anything I should know about crossing state lines with a newly purchased trailer? Obviously, I would need to license it in my home state and pay related fees - but anything else?
Thanks, you guys have been so helpful in this process so far.
Posted 2012-03-14 2:00 PM (#142083 - in reply to #142082) Subject: RE: Evaluating used trailer/weekender
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560 Location: Mena, AR
I'd suggest you take a friend with you that has some experience with LQ and
hooking up a goose neck. Find out what kind of plug it has so it will match your truck. Make sure your brake controller is working. Take a multi-meter with you just in case. If you can't find someone to go with you, make a check-list. Turn everything on and make sure it works, check tire pressure, get up on the roof and look, look under the trailer, lift the mats, check under the cabinets for leaks, etc. Check all the inside/outside plugs and make sure they work. Look at the ceiling in the LQ space for leaks. Since it's 8 hours away, you might consider staying in a RV park overnight, so you can try it out. Then if you have questions/problems you'll be close by to ask questions of the seller.
Be sure and have a bill-of-sale, and check with your state registration office to make sure you get everything you need from the seller to register it. As long as the tags are current you won't have any problems crossing state lines with it.
Your idea to have it checked out by an RV place is a good one.
Good Luck!
Posted 2012-03-14 2:00 PM (#142084 - in reply to #142082) Subject: RE: Evaluating used trailer/weekender
Veteran
Posts: 149 Location: Harrisburg, OR
Most trailer and RV dealerships will do a PDI (pre-delivery inspection) for you for a nominal fee. During that they will go thru the entire trailer to make sure everything is in working order. I would suggest a horse trailer dealer if possible as they will most likely know what potential problem areas to look at. If you already have your gooseneck ball installed the seller should be able to help you hook up with no problems. Biggest things to make sure of are that your turnover ball (if applicable) is locked in and that the coupler is closed on the ball. If the plates are no longer valid you can have the seller run down and get you a 10 day trip permit from DMV. If you're purchasing from an individual make sure it has a clear title. Feel free to call me with any questions.
Posted 2012-03-14 2:01 PM (#142085 - in reply to #142082) Subject: RE: Evaluating used trailer/weekender
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
You didn't mention what it has it in it, but make sure everything works, do NOT take their word for it. Have them turn the fridge on propane & electric, turn the hot water heater on see if it heats the water, run the cooktop, run water to make sure the water pump works, check the battery(s), if it has an electric or hydraulic hitch, check it, run the AC, etc
Posted 2012-03-15 7:23 AM (#142136 - in reply to #142082) Subject: RE: Evaluating used trailer/weekender
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I found out the hard way. I bought my weekender from a friend and she said "everything worked". I did test out most of the items, but didn't check the fan in the GN or that both sides of the cowboy shower worked. The first time I went camping I found out the fan didn't work and only the hot side of the cowboy shower worked... They were easy fixes, but they still cost some money and effort.
Posted 2012-03-15 5:02 PM (#142164 - in reply to #142082) Subject: RE: Evaluating used trailer/weekender
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
Yeah- nothing like being "out there" and finding out when you are undressed and ready to shower that either the hot or the cold doesn't work! Oh- I would have been cussing up a storm!!
Evaluating used trailer/weekender
