Surf Side: Purchase Advice please!

[Rachie D.]

We have been looking for a small trailer for awhile and finally found one that we think fits our family of 4. It is a '78 Surf Side and sounds as though it has been very well maintained. We have the checklist (thanks doc center!) but wonder if there is any other advice for us and/or things to look for during the initial walk through? Any re-occuring problems or things you wished you had noticed before you bought?
Thanks! Rachie D.

[Donna D.]

Rachie, welcome to FiberglassRV. While I can't give you any direct advice regarding the Surf Side, I can say when it comes to buying any molded trailer... let your head be your guide, not your heart. Yeah, it's tough when you've been looking for a while and excitement is inevitable... but... use your head.

So, check the floor for rot. Look to make sure the body is sitting evenly on the frame... check for more than surface rust. And use your nose. Mold? Go slow, be methodical.

If you should buy it, please post pictures.

Good luck on the hunt!

[Cam A]

The wood that the door hinge and window mounting screws bed into is often no longer solid. Not that hard to repair, and pretty much inevitable in a trailer of this vintage.

[Rachie D.]

We had a look at the 78 Surfside. It's in ok condition; the door does have sag and the windows and seams have been caulked, which I have read you really shouldn't do. I am going to do some research today on cost of fixing door and replacing windows.

There wasn't any water damage noticable, but some surface rust on bottom frame. Not sure if this is a concern? No smells or signs of mold. The interior is fairly good shape - a few door latches broken, but fixable.

The guy was nice, but didn't really know his way around his own trailer! He says they would just take it to KOA and plug it in, so he didn't have the battery hooked up, water in it etc. We couldn't really test everything which was shame. I think they have been using it as a glorified tent!

We have given him $100 to hold it for us and are hoping to find someone in Vancouver area (it's in Ladner) who can come and take a look at it, run a bit of an inspection. Any suggestions?

Rachel

[Donna D.]

Can't help with the inspection, but will tell you that replacing the windows is $$$$. Lots of help here and in the archives to "fix" issues with the originals. And you do know about the Buyers Check List in the Document Center, right?

I've often said, a trailer that's not perfect can be used as a hardsided tent until you make it perfect for you. BUT, you don't want to pay a "perfect" price for a not-so-perfect trailer....

[Rachie D.]

Thanks - we found someone who is going to check it out for us. It's a same window are so expensive because I think this baby may need new windows and door. Although that makes it a good negotiating point...Thanks!