With
leaks, make sure the floor doesn't have ANY soft spots! Soft spots = rot, which will have to be repaired. And a trailer with past history of
leaks, good chance there could be rot. Most rot occurs from the INSIDE out! A leak in plumbing or window or whatever brings the water in. Then the water seeks a way out. Never trust the seller. Few will tell you of problems or leaks. Some may be naive, others could be untrustworthy. Regardless, it is up to YOU to carefully inspect.
Rotted out rear bumper is not unusual and means having a new one welded on. Not the end of the world.
IMHO, the pricing on vintage FG trailers has gotten ridiculous. I've seen 30 or 40 year old trailers with prices about the same as a brand new trailer. At some point, ordering a new one and waiting a while to get it can be a sound financial move! Realize old trailers typically require work, which you need to be ready to do. I'm replacing the
propane lines on my 1977
Trillium. So far, lets see, I have rewired the outside
lighting, replaced the old power control center and rewired the shore wire, replaced the connector to the tow vehicle, ground down the belly band and fiberglassed it, removed all
windows and vents, replaced rotten wood, and reinstalled everything, replaced all interior
lighting, added a
battery, rebuilt all cushions, replaced and repaired cabinet doors, built shelves in closet, fixed door hinges and door mounting to address door sag, removed old carpet, cleaned off old glue and replaced flooring, repaired and rewired
fridge, cleaned and polished exterior, repaired and rebuilt
awning, wire brushed frame, treated all rust, and repainted, etc. I think you get the idea. And mine was in "good condition"....... Oh yeah, and I am not done.
If you buy an older trailer that needs work, have that family discussion. Who is going to do the work? Paying someone to do the work for you will get very expensive. Do you have the time/tools/aptitude/covered work area to handle it? Don't underestimate the time. I have about 300 hours into my
Trillium so far, its not done, but it is OK for use. In my area, qualified trades people cost $75 to $100 per hour. Lets see, 300 hours times $75 = $22,500. Lets assume a professional would be more efficient, so maybe cut that in half. On the other hand, in my area, even at these prices, its nearly impossible to find trades people. Read some of the restoration threads. I marvel at the work people have done. Amazing! But then consider the time.