- How tough is it to do leak repairs on the fiberglass style bodies?
Depends on where the leak and what is causing it -usually roof related but sometimes on corners, windows, and slide-outs. Tracking down source can be problematic. All my campers have had rubber roofs and its fairly easy to seal up. Some roofs are fiberglass and fiberglass patch repairs easy to do as long as you are patient. Biggest and worst case issue with campers is delamination of the composite side panels-usually caused by moisture that gets into the wall...figuring out where the leak is that did this is the hard part. Leaks could be something as simple as needing caulk on a window frame or a front cap that leaks from a poorly fitting seam or in wall plumbing. I personally think the worst leaks are the ones that are unseen and visible external damage has not yet occurred. A leaking pex fitting or drain can ruin your day. Delamination is a very bad sign and can total an RV...some have fixed it with drilling holes applying epoxy and lots of pressure to the delaminated areas on the panels.
- What's the best method to determine if the chassis is straight? Take multiple measurements I guess is the best way and then look for obvious such as unusual/uneven wheel wear and handling when towing. Measure center cap distance between axle tires on each side and distances from front of camper frame to each wheel center and be concerned if distances don't match opposite sides. Check to ensure "squat" on suspension is equal. Look at interior walls for wrinkling or something as simple as cracks in the shower surround which may indicate stress to the rv structure. Crawl under trailer and inspect. A badly rusted frame indicates the foundation that supports the camper may not be sound and may give way at some time in the future. Check for broken welds, cracks, or impact damage...if found look elsewhere. Also, if a window was left open when towing, you may have structural damage to that window area. Ensure all windows open/close easily. My camper has a tweaked wall panel cuz wife forget to close window before we towed camper.
What's the best method to determine if the axles are good? Jack up tire and spin axles-they should spin freely and with no grinding or weird feelings., grip tires at 9 and 3pm and wiggle back and forth, do same for 12/6pm grips, test drive and immediately stop and measure temps at each axle with IR gauge or back of palm. Heat is probably best indicator of bad or poorly lubricated axles. Also as always check for unusual tire wear.
- Any good tests on furnace and fridge other than if they come on and work? Have seller plug in fridge overnight and then check how cold it is. Shut off electricity and see if automatically switches over to natural gas without an error light on the fridge panel. I got stuck once with a bad camper fridge and that was expensive to replace. Long term test is essential but a pain....fridge may work and come on but what is thermostat doesn't work and food gets too cold and freezes or stays too warm? Lots of variables and some larger fridges in a 5th wheel can cost up to 2 grand!
- What about checking holding tanks? Fill em up completely. Check under camper for unusual sagging, leaks, an don't forget to check that the level gauges work. Make sure tank drain valves don't leak-ugly/messy/stinky when you remove the drain cap to be grated with black or grey water that leaked past a "closed" blade valve. Check for damage to all plumbing....most Colorado campers who boondock camp have lift kits so our plumbing doesn't scrape when we are towing off-road.
Seemed like Arctic Fox, Ceder Creek and Montana are good campers. What about Keystone? Seems you can get a whole variety of Keystone campers. Only camper I had was a brand new Lance 861 that was loaded out. Good camper and I still had a few issues with it.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/directory/keystone-rv Not quite as problematic as Forest River products but still plenty of complaints on them. I would rate Keystone higher than most Forest River products..btw, Montana made by Keystone. I wouldn't hesitate buying a used Keystone.
Don't forget to test the hot water heater too!
Good luck. What did you think of the craigslist link to that particular 5th wheel I posted.
Biggest problem I think with new trailer construction for most models is that employees are paid by the unit and not by the hour. This often forces them to cut corners and rush a build so they can get paid more.
