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Author Topic: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper  (Read 5999 times)

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Offline martyn

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What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« on: January 28, 2012, 09:12:38 PM »
I'm hoping to look at a second hand camper trailer tomorrow. Very wary of buying second hand because I am no engineer but can anybody offer advice on what are the obvious things I should look for and what questions I should ask? Any advice appreciated  :cheers:
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Offline GU Rich

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2012, 09:25:12 PM »
Marty be sure to check all the zips on the tent, I'm sure most other things sound obvious but this is something that is annoyong if there palying up.

Cheers
Rich

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Offline Blinky Bill

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2012, 09:47:10 PM »
I know it sounds obvious however, any chance of taking along someone who knows what to look for?

Phone a mate & offer him a case of beer. I'd be regarding it as an investment and money well spent.

Good luck - Wayne
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Offline Jardry

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2012, 10:43:52 PM »
Marty,

Just make sure you've done your homework and researched what you want in your camper trailer.

The only other bit of advice I can give you, being a non-technical person, is buy a camper trailer which was manufactured by a reputable manufacturer.

I'm sure that if you look through the threads in this forum you'll be able to decide what manufacturers make quality and which make quantity.

At the end of the day it will always be a compromise based on what you are willing to spend.

Good luck with your search and let us know when you've found just what your looking for!!
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Offline Wandering Tassie

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2012, 04:44:28 AM »
The things I would be looking for,
Canvas for any tears or mould
zips
fly screens
inside trailer for water leeks and general condition
good look at chassis, see if it is straight or any cracks or old cracks welded up
crawl under and just a general look, oil leeking from shocks, cracks, rust.
If it has a kitchen, make sure all works, gas etc.
Minor thinks can be fixed, just need to allow for in the cost, but I would stay away from anything that has poor canvas, twists or cracks in the chassis and any rust(chassis or body).
Hope this gives you a starting point.

Trevor
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Offline martyn

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2012, 06:59:25 AM »
Thanks guys that's all useful advice. Blinky Bill I wish I did know somebody who'd have more of a clue than me but unfortunately not  :(

Does this one look ok at first glance http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/buy/details.aspx?R=11540094?

Have any of you heard of heavysew? A search brought up a couple of owners who seem happy.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2012, 08:00:17 AM by martyn »
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Offline Campa

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2012, 07:13:20 AM »
The camper doesn't look to bad on first glance. Good price too!


It's been raining in Maleny, hopefully it will be set-up so you can check for leaks.


« Last Edit: January 29, 2012, 07:15:55 AM by bnk08 »
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Offline GU Rich

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2012, 07:26:35 AM »
Looks pretty good for the price! A good platform, kitchen with storage, jerry holders and gas bottle holders.

Good luck with your decision!
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Offline GU_Thomo

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2012, 08:41:26 AM »
To me that looks pretty good value for the $$.
They are a fairly simple camper. As long as the canvas is in good condition and the chasis and suspension are solid, straight and rust free you should be fine.
If you buy it get the wheel bearings checked before you take it on a trip.

Cheers
Parry
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Offline wholehog

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2012, 09:02:41 AM »
Im no expert... but dosent 7 leaf rebound springs make for a fairly heafty suspension in a "light off-road camper"
 :cheers: Wayne
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Offline hargs

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2012, 09:10:46 AM »
great price.............could then spend a bit on it over time if you need to or wanted.!!! :angel: :angel:
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Offline Blinky Bill

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2012, 08:10:32 AM »
So have you got it yet?  ;D

As others have said it looks pretty good and the price is reasonable.

My thoughts would be along the lines of 'at that price how wrong could I go'?

I'm not trying to pressure you (thanks to my Missus I know all about that feeling), but just keep in mind that the word may be out now. So if you're serious ............. . Well you know.  ???

Cheers & beers - Wayne

PS - If you do get it I'm sure there's a few interested in a follow up report (no pressure)  ;D
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Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water.
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Offline mcbadger2

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2012, 09:11:21 AM »
If it comes with annexe walls also check the condition of these. If they are folded up for a while and stored even slightly damp than mould is on the cards.

Mark
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Offline martyn

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2012, 09:24:05 AM »
No I haven't got it yet, it was pouring yesterday so I wasn't willing to risk the Bruce Highway getting cut off again. I will head up there this week if I get the chance, I'm pretty fatalistic as we are still saving and shouldn't really be buying it yet (patience is a problem on this purchase ;D ) but hopefully it pans out! I have found out one of my friends has a bit more of a clue than I do on these things so I'll drag him along to check it out if I can. I will report back if I do  8)
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Offline GU Rich

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #14 on: January 30, 2012, 09:36:13 AM »
Thanks for the update Marty, It seems at this time of year some good campers pop up from time to time. I'm guessing after the holiday period that people either upgrade or try something different.

Cheer
Rich
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Offline noel_w

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #15 on: January 30, 2012, 09:39:19 AM »
Just my thought on this one, it seems from the ad that it "may" be a fairly hefty trailer and "may" have had a few additions to it which means it "may" have some extra weight from when it was made. The ad says it doesn't have brakes installed which may be a worthwhile addition if you do go this way. It doesn't take much to add up some weight when you throw camping gear in and I for one am glad I have brakes on my CT. Don't get me wrong there are heaps of CT's out there unbraked and I'm sure they would have no issues as long as they don't exceed their GVM. Other than that it looks the goods for the price.
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Offline Blinky Bill

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #16 on: January 30, 2012, 10:55:59 AM »
Quote from: martyn on January 30, 2012, 09:24:05 AM
No I haven't got it yet, it was pouring yesterday so I wasn't willing to risk the Bruce Highway getting cut off again. I will head up there this week if I get the chance, I'm pretty fatalistic as we are still saving and shouldn't really be buying it yet (patience is a problem on this purchase ;D ) but hopefully it pans out! I have found out one of my friends has a bit more of a clue than I do on these things so I'll drag him along to check it out if I can. I will report back if I do  8)

I know the feeling mate. I'm the same way. 'If it's meant to be, then it's meant to be' if you catch my drift. On the other hand the navigator feels differently she calls it being proactive. Whereas I think she's just pushy, especially with me!   >:(

Great news on your mate. I friend in need is a friend indeed. And you are the friend.  ;D

Report back? You mean "I'll post pics". Now don't you!  :D

Good luck - Wayne

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Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water.
W. C. Fields (1880 - 1946)

Offline martyn

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #17 on: January 30, 2012, 01:11:30 PM »
I always complain to my wife that she is too impatient but now I see all this time she was just being proactive ;) Yes I will post pics if I manage to snare it.

Noel that's a good point regarding brakes, I had planned on investigating brakes eventually anyway but I might need to do it sooner rather than later. How does one go about getting a trailer weighed?
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Offline Dreama

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #18 on: January 30, 2012, 01:36:30 PM »
Hi Martyn,
My two bobs worth for what it is worth.
We spent over 12 months lookin for a 2nd hand ct.
The thing I noticed in those photos was there appeared to be red dust on the front of the tent.
This could be because the cover is not doing its job, maybe zips are buggered, my concern is that if dust can get in so can moisture.

Anyway goodluck  :cheers:
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Offline martyn

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Re: What to look for when inspecting a second hand camper
« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2012, 02:05:38 PM »
Well it was not to be, I saw the trailer was on e-bay too and I planned to bid but somebody beat me to it with a buy it now. :'( Back to the waiting game and maybe try save a bit more money, got to try be patient :angel:

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