Maintenance & Restoration

Jennifer 8 · 10-09-2020, 10:52 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am considering buying a 2013 Parkliner fiberglass camper. The current owner said it has a small drip on the gray water tank underneath. Is that hard to fix? Could that have caused water damage in places that can't be seen? Is the gray water tank outside the fiberglass?

We have to drive 500 miles to get it, so I want to know ahead of time what is involved in the repair.

Thanks you so much!
Jennifer

Sid · 10-09-2020, 11:34 AM

Jennifer,
I have never had a leak from our tank. The only one I can recall hearing about was from a unit that had been in a accident that required a replacement tank.
A word of advice, before you make the trip make sure this unit is accident free.
Sid

Sid · 10-09-2020, 11:42 AM

Pm also sent

Jennifer 8 · 10-09-2020, 11:58 AM

Thanks so much for sharing this information. Excellent idea to ask about accidents. Since I am lucky enough to be communicating with a Parkliner owner, do you think a Toyota minivan with a 3500 tow capacity could pull the camper? Thanks!

Jack L · 10-09-2020, 07:17 PM

Is the tank leaking or is one of the fittings leaking? If the tank is damaged or cracked it would be a more difficult repair. A fitting leak MIGHT be very simple.

gordon2 · 10-09-2020, 07:37 PM

IDK anything about Parkliners except for the company history, which if you dont know.. is worth knowing about.

I expect a 3500 lb tow rating will be OK, but I would ask the seller to get a certified scales weight ticket (one way or another before the final sale). Assuming its unloaded, with a tug rated at 3500 lbs I would want to see a trailer weight of no more than about 2600.. maybe 2700 lbs if I were a solo traveler without too much gear.

If the leak is under the floor then it should not be a big problem. Maybe no more than a few hundred dollars to repair. But any leaks that are inside and might have damaged the interior would be a bigger concern. Anytime a seller discloses something like a leak I assume it is one of two possibilities. .. 1., its a major problem that he or she is trying to minimize, or 2... its a minor problem and the seller is being overly cautious. #1 is bad.. # 2 is good!

tractors1 · 10-09-2020, 11:31 PM

Have the owner send pics of the leak as it drips. If just a fitting, easy fix. If a hole in the tank, still not a hard fix - might need a patch.

Huck · 10-10-2020, 05:27 AM

Parkliner has only a black water tank. I guess if it doesn't have a toilet, it might be considered gray water.

Jennifer 8 · 10-10-2020, 08:55 AM

Good call on the accident question. Once I asked, he said he thinks someone before him backed it into something damaging the tank. Thanks!

Sid · 10-10-2020, 09:24 AM

Jennifer
If it is the unit I think it is then my advice is to keep looking.
Sid

Sid · 10-10-2020, 09:30 AM

Another PM sent

Wayne Collins · 10-10-2020, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer 8

Thanks so much for sharing this information. Excellent idea to ask about accidents. Since I am lucky enough to be communicating with a Parkliner owner, do you think a Toyota minivan with a 3500 tow capacity could pull the camper? Thanks!

Yes, the Sienna should be OK.
You will need a high rise ball mount to bring the high ball to the right height.
Also a brake control and 7 pin connector.
Extension mirrors on the van are good to have too.

Bill Berry · 10-10-2020, 10:00 AM

Identifying the source of the leak will be important. We had a similar, very slow, leak after a small bump in the rear. It was in the fitting between the on-board water tanks. Chandler told me that this was not uncommon in units with two water tanks as assembly of the second tank was very awkward. We had the starboard tank removed which resolved the leak.

If the leak is in the black/gray water tank (Huck is right, there is only one) you have a larger problem as that tank was custom made for Parkliner and replacements are not available although I'm sure a clever mechanic could fit something in there. I don't have a clue about patching the current tank. Would it be possible to collect some of the dripping fluid and have it tested? That could indicate whether the leak is from the damaged tank or simply from the fresh water system.

Our 2012 Nissan Frontier tow vehicle is rated for 5000 pounds and has plenty of capacity. It does slow down a bit on lengthy uphill pulls, however. If you want to use your Toyota Minivan you should make sure that you have extra cooling for the transmission and possibly a larger-than-standard radiator as well.

Best regards,
Bill

Jennifer 8 · 10-10-2020, 10:21 AM

Hi Bill,

Thanks so much for all the very helpful information. I really appreciate it.

Best wishes.

Jennifer 8 · 10-10-2020, 10:39 AM

Thanks Wayne!

Wayne Collins · 10-10-2020, 10:57 AM

How about a newer Parkliner with no leaks?
And it's just across the river from the S.W. corner of Wisconsin?
Give us a call at 563 258 3085

Huck · 10-10-2020, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Collins

2106 Parkliner
How about a newer Parkliner with no leaks?
And it's just across the river from the S.W. corner of Wisconsin?
Give us a call at 563 258 3085

Does it come with a flux capacitor?

Wayne Collins · 10-10-2020, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

Does it come with a flux capacitor?

What's a "FLUX CAPACITOR? And why would you want one?
I know that flux is what you use when soldering.
and that a capacitor is like and electronic battery.

Huck · 10-10-2020, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Collins

What's a "FLUX CAPACITOR? And why would you want one?
I know that flux is what you use when soldering.
and that a capacitor is like and electronic battery.

Since it's a 2106 Parkliner, I figured it needed a "Back to the Future" flux capacitor to get back here from the future!