How old is too old?

momto4girls · 04-21-2016, 10:46 PM

New to the forum although I've lurked for awhile. I really appreciate all the people willing to share their experience with perspective buyers. My husband and I are considering buying a (first) camper and Trailmanor looks like a great choice for our needs. We located one for sale by owner that is a 2007. (For us to even be able to consider this purchase, it has to be cheap enough that we can pay cash.) I have a friend who has owned several TTs, and she said "you want to buy relatively new and sell before the roof has to be replaced." I didn't ask her for specifics. How long can I expect a TM roof to last? The 2007 we are considering has been stored in a garage when not in use. If I pay cash for the thing, I'm not going to have much money to spare for repairs any time soon. I've got twins starting college in the fall. $$$

bebotx · 04-22-2016, 01:37 AM

My 2005 2720SL is going strong, roof and all, and we expect many more years of happy camping with it. However, we bought it new and have kept it stored inside a covered storage unit when not in service. We had to recaulk the roof AC and center roof seam on the front shell after 10 years, when rain suddenly and obviously started to leak in around the AC during a major storm. That said, it had spent many months outside in all kinds of Texas weather extremes, and had performed well. We see no need to replace our 2005 TM or its roof any time soon and still love it.

It will depend to an extent on how well it was cared for and stored by the previous owner(s). There are many other items to check before buying a used TM or any travel trailer, which have been previously addressed on this forum.

Bottom line, if the 2007 TM has been cared for and stored carefully, I don't think there should be any inherent roof problems of concern. At the very least no more so than any other 9 year old travel trailer. I also own a 40 year old travel trailer in New Zealand that had a roof leak caused by brutal NZ UV exposure to the caulking and have made successful repairs. The signs of the roof leak were obvious on the inside.

I totally understand your desire to pay cash and your concerns about future repair outlays, especially with kids heading to college. Best wishes on your decision to buy a TrailManor!

Regards,
Betty

tentcamper · 04-22-2016, 07:16 AM

Your friend is talking old school. It use to be every camper in the RV industry except airstream and holiday rambler were constructed using wood framing. So a roof leak un-attended and over looked because the camper was in storage, would rot the roof framing.

Starting in the 90 and later more and more manufactures have changed the roof construction to aluminum framing, which is more friendly to roof leaks.

Trailmanor started framing the roof with aluminum square tubing with the 2003 models.

Padgett · 04-22-2016, 09:47 AM

Also she may have been referring to canvas based popups since canvas can rot in just a few years. TrailManors are one of a very few popups that have no canvas and as mentioned after 2003 (and some before) all have an aluminum foam sandwich construction. There is still some wood used inside but it is not structural.

I see no reason my '06 should not outlast me.

ps an '07 should have the lift kit and 15" tires. Ask. Tires are about the only thing where age is important and an '07 should have had the tires replaced at least once.

momto4girls · 04-22-2016, 11:24 AM

Thank you--this has been very helpful. The owner said he replaced the tires 4 years ago and that they seem to be in good shape. I didn't know about the lift kit--I will definitely ask. Thanks again!

**wbmiller3** · 04-22-2016, 12:40 PM

Ours is a 2001 (bought new) and is still going strong. I will say that it's always been stored inside which IMHO is a tremendous life extender.

gonzo628 · 04-22-2016, 03:49 PM

Everyone has their own opinion and their own levels of acceptable risk. That being said, at 4 years old, you should budget to replace tires (if not right away, probably fairly soon). The urgency of that can be adjusted depending on the condition. (Do they look faded? Are they cracked?). ALOT is riding on two relatively small patches of rubber. Ensuring you, your family and other motorists are safe is about as important as it gets.

bebotx · 04-22-2016, 04:06 PM

Definitely get new tires. My 2005 is getting its third set next week. The last set were over 5 years old and I was not at all surprised when one failed 2 weeks ago. As an older and small woman who hauls the TM by myself 90% of the time, I can't emphasize enough how important those tires are. With trailer tires it's not about tread wear nearly so much as age. Tires have their born-on dates stamped on them. There's a ton of tire info on this forum which is invaluable!

Betty

momto4girls · 04-22-2016, 10:43 PM

New tires I can do. Definitely want safe tires.

ChefLamont · 04-23-2016, 06:45 AM

Even big 5th wheels and other non-pop ups have membrane roofs that need repair and replacement over time. While that is sound "general" advice from your friend, as said, that is much less of a concern with how the TM is constructed.

I too dont own one yet but will be (hopefully) shopping soon. If you have not already, check out the check lists here in the forum. They will give you a very comprehensive list of things to consider and check. I have been around campers all my life yet learned quite a bit from the lists (and the forum in general). I have found with them, you can very quickly and easily become more knowledgeable about TM trailers that 90% of the sales people out there that may have one on a lot.

Good luck in your search.