Hello from Seattle -- with a question

[Mark VK]

Hi, I'm Mark and I'm looking for the right camper for me, my wife, and my 10-year-old daughter.

We have a Subaru Outback we plan to use as our TV and we are pretty set on a 13-foot camper to minimize concerns about tow weight. When we go camping we are more of the "live outdoors, sleep indoors" type.

My question concerns the things I should expect to replace on a good condition 30-year old camper. For example, there is a good looking Boler Deluxe up in Canada that has been pretty much stored for the last ten years. I know to look for frame rust/cracks and door issues, but what about propane hoses, plumbing, etc.? I understand that no two cases are the same, but how much repair/replacement should I assume?

OK, I lied and I have one more question. The newer trailers seem to have drop-down stabilizer jacks. How far back in time are these standard equipment? I looked at an older Scamp trailer that didn't have them.

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I move ahead.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

[Donna D.]

Hi Mark, to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here

There are lots of kind and helpful folks here on the forums. They love to share knowledge and information (and pictures )

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to help answer your questions.

[Roy in TO]

Welcome Mark,
Most helpful will be the Buyers Checklist in the Document Center
Fiberglass RV - Document Center
We don't know how handy you are yet, but most feel the pro-pane is best left up the the pro's.
Stabilizers are readily available and an easy add on for any welder.

[Frederick L. Simson]

I cannot speak to the Boler brand specifically, but I own a 35 year old Fiber Stream and a 42 year old Compact Jr. My trailers both have leaf spring suspension while the 13' Bolers have rubber torsion suspension. Any 30+ year old trailer that still has its original suspension components will need to have them inspected closely, and carry a 85-90% probability of needing these components replaced within the near future. 13' Bolers did not originally have brakes, which are pretty important to have when your tow vehicle's capacity limit is close to the trailer's loaded (not dry) weight. Many people are upgrading their 13' trailers to have brakes when they replace worn out axles (or springs in my case).

[Mark VK]

Thanks for the input. I'm starting to mentally add $1,000 to trailers that don't have upgraded axles/brakes. It seems to be a consensus that brakes are a real safety benefit.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Mark VK

I'm starting to mentally add $1,000 to trailers that don't have upgraded axles/brakes.

You are learning quickly Mark. I predict you will have it down faster than most while making fewer errors, with less regrets.