RV Advice Q&A Sales

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Below are E-mail questions and answers to RV Advice that are related to purchasing and selling motorhomes, 5th wheels, and travel trailers. You can send your question(s) using the form at the bottom of any of our Q&A pages. We answer ALL correctly submitted email that comes in to us, even what other RV web sites forward to us.

Have Fun!

March 12, 2008 Dora of Illinois writes regarding warning signs to look for in purchase of smaller used RVs

Can you please advise on what warning signs to look for, mechanically, regarding the smaller used RV's - of all types.

I hope to purchase something in the near future but need good help and advice!

Dear Dora,

Mechanically, I can't think of anything specifically to look for but I would suggest a good general mechanical inspection before purchasing.

I would probably be more concerned structurally (cab overhead, roof, signs of water leaks, etc.).

March 12, 2008 Linda of Redondo Beach, California writes regarding double versus triple axle toy haulers

We are considering buying a 38 foot toy hauler that has the separate 12 foot garage. The Forest River unit only has the double axle wheel system. I have see some trailers this length with triple axle. What is the difference and am I at risk with only the double?

We plan to load the garage with 6 motorcycles, nothing too heavy.

Dear Linda,

Check the weight of the trailer, look at the axle weight rating and see if the two axles gives you enough load carrying capacities to take your stuff. Remember to include stuff in the living quarters as well as water, LP gas, etc.

The three axle trailers are more stable on the road.

February 28, 2008 Duane of Jackson, Michigan writes regarding purchasing new travel trailer and whether to purchase slide out awning cover

I am in the process of purchasing a new travel trailer with a slide out.

Can you tell me what are the pros versus the cons of purchasing an awning to cover/protect the slide out. Would you recommend getting the awning?

Dear Duane,

I would recommend getting the awning to protect the seals when the room is being opened and closed.

Without the awning you can build up a lot of debris on the roof as well as water puddling.

February 23, 2008 Mark of Palatka, Florida writes regarding front diesel 1998 Newmar Kountry Star

I am interested in a 1998 Newmar Kountry Star with a front engine diesel. I know they have started manufacturing front engine diesel again recently but do you know if there was any positive or negative feed back on the earlier model?

Dear Mark,

They are pretty reliable units. Some people thought they were a little underpowered but there are plenty of upgrades available.

Besides that, you have the hump of the engine cover and a little more engine noise then you have with a rear engine diesel.

February 15, 2008 Paul of Ozark, Missouri writes regarding purchase of either Georgetown, Damon or Gulfstream RV

We are going to purchase an RV and our price range includes:

• 2008 Georgetown
• 2008 Damon Challenger
• 2008 Gulfstream Independence 8359

All have the same stuff on from what I can tell. Which one has the best record and would overall be the best unit for us?

We are planning on living in it for 18 months then going to a "when we have the time to travel unit".

Any thoughts?

Dear Paul,

I think you will find Gulf Stream to be your best support with years of experience in manufacturing without changing names, owners, etc.

Gulf Stream is a long standing company on solid ground.

December 17, 2007 Perry of Windsor, Illinois writes regarding why some motor homes have single axles and other two

I'm thinking of purchasing a used motor home. Why do some models have single axle and others have dual axles?

Which one would be for a stabler ride and handling?

Dear Perry,

Length and weight. They add the tag axle so they can stretch the rear overhang and carry more weight in the rear. So it's not a question of single or dual axle but it's weight distribution and overhang on the rear axle. Depends a lot on size of the coach.

December 11, 2007 Patrick of Chicago, Illinois writes regarding measurement on travel trailer

How do you measure a travel trailer? I went to buy one. The ad said 34 feet long. I measured it, the box was 29.5 feet long. This guy added in the front hitch. What's right?

Dear Patrick,

The guy is right, that's standard practice on travel trailers.

November 12, 2007 Colleen of Fort Myers, Florida writes regarding Fourwinds Hurricane versus Fleetwood Terra LX versus Holiday Rambler Admiral

We are looking at three different options for a class A RV. We would like to know if you can give us advice between a Fourwinds Hurricane,Fleetwood Terra LX and a Holiday Rambler Admiral. Help we don't know what to do.

Dear Colleen,

My advice would be keep looking at the Fleetwood or Holiday.

October 21, 2007 John of Plympton, Massachusetts writes regarding possible purchase of 1997 Thor Windsport

I am looking at 1997 Class A Thor Windsport powered by 1997 Ford with a 460.

Any known problems with this model?

Dear John,

Nothing out of the ordinary. Just do a good inspection for rot, water leaks, etc. Make sure the slide out works, etc. It's all about "condition".

October 15, 2007 George of Hermiston, Oregon writes regarding purchase of used travel trailer or fifth wheel to live in after selling house

I'm looking at buying a used trailer or 5th wheel to live in once my house sells. Knowing nothing about RVs, other then using a checklist what should I definitely be looking for?

Could you give me an example (i.e.:brand name, model#), so I could visually see what type of trailer would fit my need of living in it year round?

I plan to go to a local RV dealer and ask the same questions so I can gain as much knowledge about RV's as I can.

Do I want the TuffShell construction which is smooth or do I want the ribbed siding? Hopefully you can point me in a possible direction as to what I should be looking for.

Dear George,

I say take in a couple of regional RV shows, see all the different models, hear all the different sales pitches and talk with a few RV owners to get an ideal of what's what and where to start.

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