SimonWBurgess
Member
- Feb 19, 2013
- 27
I was you, 6 months ago.
I bought mine off CL and spent exactly the same amount of money. I picked up a 2002 Jayco Qwest 12A, where the owner did not know what he was selling-- found it other places online for over $4,000. Never did see anything at the dealers.
As others have mentioned, I had money in hand and looked at trailers within hours of posting. I used LIST-ALERT.COM and another app on my iPhone to keep me in constant contact with new posts. I put an immense amount of effort into my search.
Again, as others have said: A lot of disappointing trailers. However, knowing myself (bit obsessive and compulsive) I made a checklist so I did not sell my self on a unworthy trailer out of frustration and desire. It worked like a charm: when I started down the checklist I would end up talking myself out of junky ones. That is until I found the one I ended up buying, which I spotted from a block away a knew it was a great deal. Patience paid off.
Here's the checklist I would roll through when inspecting a trailer. I'd imagine others here would have things to add to it and or there's a list buried in this web site someplace.
- Title
- Lift Cables
- Canvas condition (tears, stressed)
- Water Damage (roof leaks, look under mattresses for water stains and inside cabinets)
- Window Zippers
- Look under for rotten wood
- Fold out bed and tent support poles (bent, kinked)
- Bed Rails (slide good, well aligned)
- Check electrical items (lights, outlets, ect)
- Jack Operation, hitch, etc.
- Trailer Wheels, tire condition, tread
- Battery (deep cycle)
- Options (need: heater, dinette, inside/outside stove-- want: fridge, fold-up sink/stove counter)
Keep in mind, even though I found a screaming deal, I've still dropped a couple hundred bucks into a leveler, new battery, various mods (blame this forum), $40 for registration, $18 for a new title, ect, ect and so forth. If your budget truly is $1,500, shop for a $1,300 or $1,400 trailer.
I hope this helps; best of luck!
