Author Topic: Getting my first camper/travel trailer (Read 11516 times)

Austrian Hunter · « **on:** April 28, 2012, 11:09:24 AM »

Hi all,
I need your help. I am getting my first camper/travel trailer a used 2005 Fleetwood RV Prowler 240BH. What do I look for before signing the papers?? This is my first, my first time owning one and going camping in one. Any tips or anything you think I should be cautious of please let me know. Thanks! WHat does 240BH stand for

Fishing Fool · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:01:08 PM »

I nspect the frame very carefully where the spring brackets are attatched.........

et1702 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:08:44 PM »

240BH is the model number. Typically, the first couple numbers are the length of the trailer. BH probably has to do with how the interior is laid out. Check refrig and other mechanical. Fridge in trailers are $1200, plus install. Mine in my 1995 trailer went out just before archery elk season last year.

ET

jeepasaurusrex · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:10:26 PM »

24' Bunk House model.

Austrian Hunter · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:22:11 PM »

Ahhh, thanks Guys! That confirms it. I will look very careful on the frame and also been told to look for water damage. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

Austrian Hunter · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:25:34 PM »

Here is a pic of the exterior. Does anyone know the dealer Russ Dean in Pasco??

rasbo · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:28:43 PM »

Quote from: Austrian Hunter on April 28, 2012, 05:22:11 PM

Ahhh, thanks Guys! That confirms it. I will look very careful on the frame and also been told to look for water damage. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

take somebody that dont want one with you to look at it...look inside the window sills for moisture,check all lights and battery system...Make damn sure everything works,use the pump,look for cracks in the shower floor..turn on the heater and make sure it blows hot air....open and shut the awning.....

JohnVH · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:30:08 PM »

check under, check for soft spots anywhere in the floor, ceilling, walls, etc. Look at the seams on the outside.

smdave · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:38:03 PM »

If you do not have your hitch yet, look for a used one 1st. It will cost you $700.00 at the dealership.

Here is just an example of one.

EAZ-Lift 10,000lb adjustable Trailer Hitch - $225

EAZ-Lift Trailer Hitch

*10,000 lb adjustable "sway control" EAZ-Lift Trailer Hitch
*2" Ball and Sway-Control Ball included
*Reese adjustable 'Friction Sway Control Bar'

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/rvd/2957719809.html

jeepasaurusrex · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:39:42 PM »

I just sold one of those for $150......

smdave · « **Reply #10 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:41:45 PM »

Yes they are almost worth more as scrap on the used market.

I will give you a good deal on mine but I am in the Everett, Marysville area. Sounds like you are on the east side.

Bofire · « **Reply #11 on:** April 28, 2012, 07:32:01 PM »

All good advice, take it camping for a weekend??? ask them. You are gonna need a good hitch and brake anyway. Owners manuals for all the stuff?? trailer, fridge,AC, appliances? How are the tires. LOOK FOR LEAKS
Carl

300rum · « **Reply #12 on:** April 28, 2012, 08:25:47 PM »

I will second the tires. The tread means nothing, year of manufacture is what you are looking for. Those tires could look brand new and be 8-9 years old.

Like someone already said, the fridge is probably the most important thing, those things are expensive!

I always want to know if it has been "lived in". I don't worry about a trailer that was used a few weekends here and there but I would stay away from one used by a contractor who used it to live in or something like that. They really aren't meant for that type of use.

CAMPMEAT · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2012, 09:18:23 PM »

Buy an extended warrenty, split the cost or have them throw it in to seal the deal. I did, and it's well worth the money. Have them explain to you EVERYTHING that is covered under it. It's the only purchase I've ever bought with a vehicle. Trust me, it's well worth it since dealers charge nearly
a $100 an hour for labor.

HntnFsh · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2012, 09:24:58 PM »

Pull the bottom drawers out and anywhere else you can look at and smell the floor that is next to a wall. Sniff around for any musty smells. If it has any I would walk away.

Look at every square inch of metal roof and siding for any electrolisys.If any at all.Even a tiny spot.Walk away.It will spread.

Look around all the windows and doors for a good seal.Inspect everything on the roof for a good seal.If there are any cracks in the sealer around any vents,a.c. etc. Make them reseal the whole thing.

Check any and all walls floors etc for soft spots.Especially in the bathroom and under any sinks. If any. Walk away.

Look the ceiling over closely.Inside every cabinet etc. For water stains. If any.Walk away.

Look at the metal on the sides.Ae there any odd bulges or sags in the siding. If so.Walk away.

When trailers and campers get leaks.They rot and ruin fast.
If I suspected an iota of water damage.You know eaxctly what I would do. WALK,Well maybe RUN away.

batch · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2012, 09:41:20 PM »

Quote from: Austrian Hunter on April 28, 2012, 05:25:34 PM

Here is a pic of the exterior. Does anyone know the dealer Russ Dean in Pasco??

i bought my trailer from them last year and were good to deal with, they even threw in the stabilizer hitch with the trailer

timberghost72 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:08:23 PM »

Quote from: smdave on April 28, 2012, 05:38:03 PM

If you do not have your hitch yet, look for a used one 1st. It will cost you $700.00 at the dealership.

Here is just an example of one.

EAZ-Lift 10,000lb adjustable Trailer Hitch - $225

EAZ-Lift Trailer Hitch

*10,000 lb adjustable "sway control" EAZ-Lift Trailer Hitch
*2" Ball and Sway-Control Ball included
*Reese adjustable 'Friction Sway Control Bar'

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/rvd/2957719809.html

Just sold mine for $175.00

`coulda used the extra 50 bucks

sled · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:57:04 PM »

Quote from: JohnVH on April 28, 2012, 05:30:08 PM

check under, check for soft spots anywhere in the floor, ceilling, walls, etc. Look at the seams on the outside.

check the water barrier underneath! Look for any tears or places moisture or water can get in. If you see anything, water has gotten in. Check the floor, then check again! Under the bed, cabinets,table, and bathroom.

sled · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:59:59 PM »

Quote from: Bofire on April 28, 2012, 07:32:01 PM

All good advice, take it camping for a weekend??? ask them. You are gonna need a good hitch and brake anyway. Owners manuals for all the stuff?? trailer, fridge,AC, appliances? How are the tires. LOOK FOR LEAKS
Carl

legally i think the need to set you up with a hitch and breaks. Dont let them charge you extra

sled · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2012, 07:03:12 PM »

Also look inside the exterior compartments for water stains, damage, and smells.

smdave · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2012, 07:05:55 PM »

Quote from: sled on April 30, 2012, 06:59:59 PM

Quote from: Bofire on April 28, 2012, 07:32:01 PM
All good advice, take it camping for a weekend??? ask them. You are gonna need a good hitch and brake anyway. Owners manuals for all the stuff?? trailer, fridge,AC, appliances? How are the tires. LOOK FOR LEAKS
Carl
legally i think the need to set you up with a hitch and breaks. Don't let them charge you extra

It does not mean they have to supply it for free, You can maybe negotiate it into the deal but the do not have any obligation to just give it to you.

sled · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2012, 07:42:40 PM »

True. When i bought ours i worked it into the deal. I found that if it was brought up to the dealer they were willing to throw it in. Otherwise they tried to put it on the bill

jeepasaurusrex · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2012, 10:18:59 PM »

What are you going to be towing it with? My Dad pulls his with a 08 F250 with no leveling bars etc. I pull our 28' with my F-350 dually with no bars and I can hardly tell its back there.

Caseyd · « **Reply #23 on:** April 30, 2012, 10:28:00 PM »

If I remember right from another thread, he just picked up a new chevy 1500

DBHAWTHORNE · « **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2012, 10:33:10 PM »

We got this used triple bunk model for 7,250 last year and have been very happy with it. We use it at our Forward Operating Locations

jeepasaurusrex · « **Reply #25 on:** April 30, 2012, 10:49:58 PM »

Quote from: Caseyd on April 30, 2012, 10:28:00 PM

If I remember right from another thread, he just picked up a new chevy 1500

Hopefully no long trips are planned. The transmissions in 1/2 tons hate towing. Add a aux transmission cooler to help things out. A load leveling hitch is in his future.

Bofire · « **Reply #26 on:** May 01, 2012, 08:28:10 AM »

the new chevy 1500 tow package is a 6 speed auto good tranny!! same one comes in the Tundras. Load leveler hitch is mandatory. The brake and load leveler is mandatory by state law at a certain weight or length. I will go try to look it up.
Carl

ShaneTyTrey · « **Reply #27 on:** May 01, 2012, 08:42:13 AM »

I just bought a brand new Cougar from Russ Dean this year, they are pretty up front and honest, check out all the things that have been mentioned for sure, and if you stick to your guns you should be able to get 1/2 the warranty or the EZ Sway hitch ($700) thrown in.

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Author Topic: Getting my first camper/travel trailer (Read 11516 times)

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