New to the site and need some advice.

[Trooper11]

Hello all. We are currently looking into purchasing an older Eco. I believe it is a 72. I'm not certain of the weight and I'm trying to find some of that information. I believe it would be a 10 foot box (3 foot tongue). I'm assuming this is the knockoff of a 13' Boler. The headliner will need to come down as it is currently sagging and an AC unit will have tone mounted eventually. What would be a reasonable offer price on this model that needs some work? Any trouble spots we should be looking for? What is the average weight on one of these? How much expertise will we need to replace the headliner and install a window unit type AC? Thank you allspice much for the advice in advance.

[Carol H]

Is this the trailer you are looking at?

[Trooper11]

No, this is one that isn't listed. Just a friend of a friend. I know they stated less than 1500lbs, however my max capacity is 1500lbs so I was looking for a more precise number.

[Carol H]

The Real World Trailer Weights are listed HERE

These are trailers weighed at meets and are loaded with peoples belongings and food. As you will see few come in at under 1500lbs - only 2 13' Bolers on the list but one is under 1500 and the other is 1800lbs. A lot has to do with how many propane tanks and battery and awnings etc are on the trailer as to its weight. If it has AC then it will be on the heavier side..

if you do a google search using the terms "www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com" & Eco you will find some past sale info to give you a better price idea.

[Roy in TO]

If they are friends you could offer to pay the $10 or so it might cost to get it weighed and know for sure. That is a lot less than fixing your tow vehicle. Almost all of that era are heavier than the specs or labels say.

[Trooper11]

Was it typical to have a furnace? More than likely we will not be hauling with propane. We were thinking of modifying the inside to cut weight. In all of our previous campers we never cooked inside. Typically it was used to store camping equipment and a place to sleep. We have a 1970 Apache eagle and everything we camp with is in there so we don't carry too much. I wonder how much we could eliminate within the camper.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Trooper11

Was it typical to have a furnace? More than likely we will not be hauling with propane. We were thinking of modifying the inside to cut weight. In all of our previous campers we never cooked inside. Typically it was used to store camping equipment and a place to sleep. We have a 1970 Apache eagle and everything we camp with is in there so we don't carry too much. I wonder how much we could eliminate within the camper.

Keep in mind the more you take out of it, the less the resale value due to fewer folks wanting it. For example I would not buy a trailer that I had to go outside to boil some water for my morning coffee.

[Donna D.]

Hello, I'd like to welcome you to FiberglassRV. If I may ask... who am I speaking with? "M" seems so impersonal and you'll find we're a kind, friendly and helpful bunch.

Ditto to getting it weighed. And, removing the furnace, stove and propane wouldn't reduce the weight as much as you'd think... maybe 200 lbs if you're lucky. Besides, you'll just replace that with a different stove, etc. so you can cook outside. Sorta like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Remember, it's not just the towing weight limit, but the tow vehicle's gross combination weight rating as well. That includes occupants, gear and everything else.

Good luck!

[Carol H]

Cant say on the Eco but on most trailers the furnace is optional so you are probable 50/50 on whether one was original or not to the trailer.

[Trooper11]

I understand on the cutting weight versus resale for future owners. We just need something hardside while travelling with three dogs. Our Apache has ample room but between setup and trying to quietly contain 3 dogs while travelling up to the shower house in a tent camper, we have tried to consider other options. My vehicle does flat tow rating. It seemed odd to me, but according to the owners manual, it simply says 1500 lbs.

[Carol H]

As Roy suggested having your friend weight it before you buy it is probable your best bet.

[Trooper11]

What about the removal of the headliner? The original is sagging in some sections and seems sticky? We have no idea why.

[Donna D.]

The ensolite can be cleaned and/or painted and reglued. Lots of people have done it. Yes it can be removed, but adding it back in is not the easiest thing in the world and may be more money than you care to spend right off the bat.

If you end up buying, let us know and we can give you more info to clean/glue.

[Trooper11]

I apologize, my name is Megan. If I can get a weight we'll try. It's an acquaintance of our neighbor, so I don't know how willing they would be letting us drive it to a weigh scale.

[Trooper11]

So the stickyness is a somewhat normal occurrence and can be remedied by cleaning?

[Donna D.]

Yep, it can be cleaned. Ya figure the trailer is 40 years old... wonder if/when the last time the walls were washed....

[Trooper11]

Well we could have decorated with photos and wouldn't have needed tape, that's for sure. We thought heat and old age had caused damage that made the headliner super sticky and the damage was irreversible.

[Donna D.]

Here's one topic, with pics: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ean-43009.html

[Trooper11]

Thanks for the link! My question is, is the ensolite supposed to be like a squishy foam?

[Donna D.]

Yes, it's a closed cell foam that's covered with a tough vinyl. It provides insulation properties which really helps with condensation. Helps to keep you warm when you need it, cool when you need it and noise abatement.

BTW, I just noticed the Sonic Scrubber link is dead, but they're still available or something similar. Sure saves on the arms!