I am making a purchase THIS MONTH (so excited) of a used 5th wheel for full-timing. I have a very limited budget of under $5000 cash.
I am seeing some decent used trailers in the classified, but wondering about the construction quality of some. I'd like to know how to find out what kind of framing and construction methods were used before I drive all the way out to a neighboring town to look. (Some owners do not know the first thing about the trailer they've listed because it belonged to a deceased parent or such).
I see a lot of 1985-ish 30' Fleetwood Prowlers out there. Anyone have experience with or knowledge about these? Is there a good guide online? A google search did not yield good results for trailers that old.
Thank you!
Beverly
Bill and Linda said
09:16 AM Apr 26, 2011
Believe it or not, we owned a Prowler back in the very early1980’s.Can’t remember the exact year of construction but I am sure it was a very late 1970’s build.Quality – well they were not all that great by today’s standards.However, the fact there are many still around says something I suppose. It was a basic wood frame structure with corrugated aluminum sides.All were pretty much the same as I recall regardless of size.They must have made thousands of them.It was then just a basic, but not too bad for its day, “travel trailer” for the low to mid-line market.(It wasn’t an Airstream, that’s for sure. {Grin})
These were good weekend campers.Our served us (with two kids) well and we towed it all over the southeast with a GMC “Jimmy” and a 350 V-8.Obviously the appliances, especial the refridge and hot water heater by this time would have been replaced – or should be considered if you are going to full-time.However, I have seen some 30 year old gear still going strong.Even the roof mounted AC units.But I would just be careful if this is to be your “home” as Linda Payne puts it.
I would have someone who really knew what they are doing discuss with you what your travel vs. “sitting” plans were and then take a very close look at any unit.Leaks, both in the walls or the holding tanks, could be an issue.Brakes could be fine, or completely rusted.These would likely be the very old magnet type brakes if they hadn’t been replaced.They can be fixed, but should be carefully checked.The fresh water system wasn’t up to even 50 psi. Even with a regulator it took a bit to get all the water mopped up; bad water pump hose and no check valve installed during manufacture.
There was little “real” insulation and when I lived in ours for a while when changing jobs it was pretty drafty as far as holding heat.Most heating was pretty much brute force.This was 1980.They were “campers” in the old school definition and little regard was made for cold weather operations.Ours didn’t even have enclosed holding tanks.
This is just our perspective.We loved our “Prowler,” but I would have to carefully consider things before I full-timed in one for long.
If you are considering a unit of this age, that has no slides, and is modest in size, I sure would consider an Airstream.Units from the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s can be found for real bargains and are still quality trailers.$5,000 is just a bit low to find one of these better rigs, but if you can work up in dollars just a little bit you could possibly get a much better rig that’s built like a tank in comparison.‘Just a thought for your consideration.
Our 2 cents
Safe travels
Bill
2fortheroad said
12:20 PM Apr 29, 2011
Bill is right on, the Prowlers were probably as good as any out there. But they were primarily built for camping and not full-timing. I also agree that it would be to your advantage to have a professional check the unit out. If it is structurally sound you can always make the interior fit your needs.
-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 12:24:54 PM
-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 12:47:02 PM
PangeaPlanet said
02:09 PM Apr 29, 2011
Thanks for the input, you guys! I would like something with decent insulation, so it's good to think about camper-quality vs home-quality RVs.
MNdrifters said
03:43 PM Apr 29, 2011
We just bought a Prowler Lynx TT at the end of last season. Got a great deal on it and I think that a testement to its quality is that it is still on the road. It was in imaculate shape for its age. It is an 87 model. The previous owner took very good care of it. I think we are the second owners of it and I have a soft spot for these older trailers. This will be a temporary trailer for us though. We plan to get a fifth wheel in about two years when we start fulltiming. Our last camper was totalled last summer during a hail storm.
Having said all that, we plan to take it to Glacier and Bamff this summer so we will see what kind of insulation and heater it has. We will be boondocking in it also, so it will be fun and a challenge. The fresh water tank takes up half the space under the sofa so it shouldn't freeze but it looks small. So I am guessing the black and grey water tanks aren't very big also. The fridge has been replaced and also the AC. I also replaced what looked like the original tires.
My wife and I have said that if we had to start fulltiming tomarrow with just that Prowler, we would do it.
Bill and Linda said
04:15 PM Apr 29, 2011
MNdrifters wrote: Having said all that, we plan to take it to Glacier and Bamff this summer so we will see what kind of insulation and heater it has. We will be boondocking in it also, so it will be fun and a challenge.
Based on last year, I wouldn't worry too much about a heater in Bamff and Glacier in the summer. Maybe a 12 volt fan or two might be a good idea. :)
Try to make it up to the Ice Fields Hiway if you get as far as Bamff. It is a fablous drive and there are actually Glaciers there.
Have a great trip.
Bill
MNdrifters said
11:03 AM Apr 30, 2011
We will be in that area for two weeks so we hope to do as much as possible.
PangeaPlanet said
08:48 AM May 1, 2011
With the talk about older towables not being insulated to the degree desirable for full-timing, plus a conversation with a friend, I'm beginning to wonder about just going for the all-in-one package and getting a motorcoach for what I would have spent on an older 5th wheel and truck. Any thoughts on construction quality and liveability comparisons for coaches made in the 80's/early 90's?
Beverly
Bill and Linda said
11:59 AM May 1, 2011
PangeaPlanet wrote:
With the talk about older towables not being insulated to the degree desirable for full-timing, plus a conversation with a friend, I'm beginning to wonder about just going for the all-in-one package and getting a motorcoach for what I would have spent on an older 5th wheel and truck. Any thoughts on construction quality and liveability comparisons for coaches made in the 80's/early 90's?
I would suggest that getting a motor home/coach of that vintage is more problematic than the trailer or 5th wheel.The construction of motor homes in the ‘80’s especially will not be too far different from the trailers.Just take a look at the old “bread truck” Winnebago’s. Into the ‘90’s perhaps it improves somewhat.But purchasing a 20 year old plus engine, frame and the like, it would seem to me, would be compounding the problems of a 20+ year old RV.Many of those may have sat a long time and the mechanics of them (i.e. the vehicle part) may be more of an issue than otherwise might make a good choice.
Others may have better opinions of the concept, but I think it would be wrong to say that such a purchase of a 20+ year old RV, especially a “motor home” type, without a thorough review by a qualified individual could be setting yourself up for additional problems and costs; especially if you’re not the type who can do repairs and restoration yourself.
(In the “age range” and “price point” you suggest, I reintegrate my Airstream suggestion from long experience with those units from the 80’s and early 90’s as potential “full time-able” rigs.They actually were made to live in back then. At least as compaired to other RV's.)
Just my perspective
Bill
53 Merc said
07:42 AM May 2, 2011
PangeaPlanet wrote:
With the talk about older towables not being insulated to the degree desirable for full-timing, plus a conversation with a friend, I'm beginning to wonder about just going for the all-in-one package and getting a motorcoach for what I would have spent on an older 5th wheel and truck. Any thoughts on construction quality and liveability comparisons for coaches made in the 80's/early 90's?
Beverly
Livability is going to depend on your requirements and expectations. Solely what you are willing to do or tolerate. Construction will be based on the style and cost when new. Some of the older units were of first rate quality. One of those is going to be pricey (fi available).
As far as a 20+ year old motorhome, consider all the repair that may be required. Tires, hoses, brakes, bearings, engine conditions, carburetors, belts, universal joints, brake hoses, etc. And, that is what came to mind in about 20 seconds. I am sure the list can and will be expanded exponetially. All these items are based on reasonable maintenance during the other owner's expectations. If it is going to be in your budget, the last owner will not have used the motorhome for the last __ years (fill in blank). Sitting unused increases decay and repair requirements.
All I can say is, best of luck in your search and decisions.
Hi!
I am making a purchase THIS MONTH (so excited) of a used 5th wheel for full-timing. I have a very limited budget of under $5000 cash.
I am seeing some decent used trailers in the classified, but wondering about the construction quality of some. I'd like to know how to find out what kind of framing and construction methods were used before I drive all the way out to a neighboring town to look. (Some owners do not know the first thing about the trailer they've listed because it belonged to a deceased parent or such).
I see a lot of 1985-ish 30' Fleetwood Prowlers out there. Anyone have experience with or knowledge about these? Is there a good guide online? A google search did not yield good results for trailers that old.
Thank you!
Beverly
Believe it or not, we owned a Prowler back in the very early1980’s. Can’t remember the exact year of construction but I am sure it was a very late 1970’s build. Quality – well they were not all that great by today’s standards. However, the fact there are many still around says something I suppose. It was a basic wood frame structure with corrugated aluminum sides. All were pretty much the same as I recall regardless of size. They must have made thousands of them. It was then just a basic, but not too bad for its day, “travel trailer” for the low to mid-line market. (It wasn’t an Airstream, that’s for sure. {Grin})
These were good weekend campers. Our served us (with two kids) well and we towed it all over the southeast with a GMC “Jimmy” and a 350 V-8. Obviously the appliances, especial the refridge and hot water heater by this time would have been replaced – or should be considered if you are going to full-time. However, I have seen some 30 year old gear still going strong. Even the roof mounted AC units. But I would just be careful if this is to be your “home” as Linda Payne puts it.
I would have someone who really knew what they are doing discuss with you what your travel vs. “sitting” plans were and then take a very close look at any unit. Leaks, both in the walls or the holding tanks, could be an issue. Brakes could be fine, or completely rusted. These would likely be the very old magnet type brakes if they hadn’t been replaced. They can be fixed, but should be carefully checked. The fresh water system wasn’t up to even 50 psi. Even with a regulator it took a bit to get all the water mopped up; bad water pump hose and no check valve installed during manufacture.
There was little “real” insulation and when I lived in ours for a while when changing jobs it was pretty drafty as far as holding heat. Most heating was pretty much brute force. This was 1980. They were “campers” in the old school definition and little regard was made for cold weather operations. Ours didn’t even have enclosed holding tanks.
This is just our perspective. We loved our “Prowler,” but I would have to carefully consider things before I full-timed in one for long.
If you are considering a unit of this age, that has no slides, and is modest in size, I sure would consider an Airstream. Units from the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s can be found for real bargains and are still quality trailers. $5,000 is just a bit low to find one of these better rigs, but if you can work up in dollars just a little bit you could possibly get a much better rig that’s built like a tank in comparison. ‘Just a thought for your consideration.
Our 2 cents
Safe travels
Bill
Bill is right on, the Prowlers were probably as good as any out there. But they were primarily built for camping and not full-timing. I also agree that it would be to your advantage to have a professional check the unit out. If it is structurally sound you can always make the interior fit your needs.
You can make a home out of about anything. Check out www.cheapliving.com/Survivalist_Truck_Dweller.html and the main thing is that this guy is happy. At least he says he is.
-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 12:24:54 PM
-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 12:47:02 PM
Having said all that, we plan to take it to Glacier and Bamff this summer so we will see what kind of insulation and heater it has. We will be boondocking in it also, so it will be fun and a challenge. The fresh water tank takes up half the space under the sofa so it shouldn't freeze but it looks small. So I am guessing the black and grey water tanks aren't very big also. The fridge has been replaced and also the AC. I also replaced what looked like the original tires.
My wife and I have said that if we had to start fulltiming tomarrow with just that Prowler, we would do it.
Based on last year, I wouldn't worry too much about a heater in Bamff and Glacier in the summer. Maybe a 12 volt fan or two might be a good idea. :)
Try to make it up to the Ice Fields Hiway if you get as far as Bamff. It is a fablous drive and there are actually Glaciers there.
Have a great trip.
Bill
Beverly
I would suggest that getting a motor home/coach of that vintage is more problematic than the trailer or 5th wheel. The construction of motor homes in the ‘80’s especially will not be too far different from the trailers. Just take a look at the old “bread truck” Winnebago’s. Into the ‘90’s perhaps it improves somewhat. But purchasing a 20 year old plus engine, frame and the like, it would seem to me, would be compounding the problems of a 20+ year old RV. Many of those may have sat a long time and the mechanics of them (i.e. the vehicle part) may be more of an issue than otherwise might make a good choice.
Others may have better opinions of the concept, but I think it would be wrong to say that such a purchase of a 20+ year old RV, especially a “motor home” type, without a thorough review by a qualified individual could be setting yourself up for additional problems and costs; especially if you’re not the type who can do repairs and restoration yourself.
(In the “age range” and “price point” you suggest, I reintegrate my Airstream suggestion from long experience with those units from the 80’s and early 90’s as potential “full time-able” rigs. They actually were made to live in back then. At least as compaired to other RV's.)
Just my perspective
Bill
Livability is going to depend on your requirements and expectations. Solely what you are willing to do or tolerate. Construction will be based on the style and cost when new. Some of the older units were of first rate quality. One of those is going to be pricey (fi available).
As far as a 20+ year old motorhome, consider all the repair that may be required. Tires, hoses, brakes, bearings, engine conditions, carburetors, belts, universal joints, brake hoses, etc. And, that is what came to mind in about 20 seconds. I am sure the list can and will be expanded exponetially. All these items are based on reasonable maintenance during the other owner's expectations. If it is going to be in your budget, the last owner will not have used the motorhome for the last __ years (fill in blank). Sitting unused increases decay and repair requirements.
All I can say is, best of luck in your search and decisions.