luvdoggiez
Sunny Amador county California
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Joined: 03/02/2006
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There are many of us that have bought rigs by companies that are still in business. The possibility exists that they might go out too. So those of us with fleetwood or keystone rigs could be in the same boat as Alfa or Alpinelite owners with very little warrantee. So, if the unit you are looking for is solid (after you do a thorough inspection) and it is a good deal, then it might very well be worth consideration. Good luck! Regardless, enjoy the unit! Happy camping! - Eric-
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1999 Ford F-250 CC 7.3 PSD W/Superchips in tow safe mode
2006 Cougar 295EFS
Reese 16K Sliding 5th
2 Kipor 2000P generators
Magellan Explorist 210
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dbbls
Missouri
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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Manufactures do not "manufacture" any parts that go into making a trailer. They are all "off the shelf" parts bought from some supplier. A manufacture being out of business is no problem.
1999 F250 Superduty, V10 with Banks Power Pack
2004 Colorado 29RL 5th wheel with 3600 watt Onan
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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The Subject reads if the `dealer' has gone out of business. I think you meant if the `manufacturer' has gone out of business which is entirely different.
Regardless, I'm not sure about buying a 10 year old unit. RV's generally are not well made and one that old may have a lot of miles on it.
Before you do, go to www.rvknowhow.com and read the Kieva's suggestions for how to select an RV.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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WTTCS
freedom , U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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I think it depends on your point of view. Why would you buy used if you are worried about the fiver? 1999 is 9 years old, what could the mfg possibly offer to you that would make you fell warmer? Nothing wrong with rvs that are no longer being made.
Basically all rvs are made of the same material, parts, inventory etc, the only difference being how they were put together. Do not fear SOBS or ORPHANS, sometimes they are the best built and the company went bust competing in the cheap labor field.
1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5
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emtee
West Virginia
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Joined: 05/24/2007
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Check out any trailer completely and even take a friend along who knows about RV's and their workings. AND for goodness sake don't listen to anyone who tells you not to buy an RV just because it's ten years old. I bought one well over ten years and have done NOTHING to it but general cleaning and maintaining for over five years now. There are plenty of ten year old units that have much life left in them. And, as you are well aware... they are, or can be a steal.
Mark and Lucy T.
2004 Chevy 2500HD Gasser
2008 Jayco Eagle 27.5 Super Lite
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loveshack1
Whitewater, Wi
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Joined: 02/08/2005
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in regards to your question of "where do I buy parts", remember that all RV manufacturers use the same basic equipment from a multitude of manufacturers. The big difference is in the quality of the build. If a 1999 unit is solid and stable and not all beat up when you look at it, it will probably last a good long time with some maintenance on your part.
What I like to do when I look at used RV's is to grab the sides of the entry door frame and rock the unit - with or without stabilizers down. If it moves excessively, you probably don't want it. It either has poor construction / materials, or it has issues.
When you inspect the cabinetry and fixtures, remember that they can be replaced / refinished, but don't tell that to the seller - keep it under your hat.
Our '94 carri-lite has been in our driveway for 4 years and we have done some work to it, but................it's paid for!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I can afford to make upgrades such as replacing the flooring, refrigerator, tires and wheels.
Good luck in your search.
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
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cwit
new york
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Joined: 07/20/2008
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For those worried about a 10 year old camper , most campers are just being paid off by then. Show me a 10 year old camper in good shape a the right price I'll buy it, I love fixing up the old.
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alpenliter
Olympia WA
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Joined: 04/10/2005
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I think that both the Alfa and the Alpenlite you are looking at are better constructed than most of the new units being built today. As long as they have not been neglected, age doesn't matter.
2004 F-450 CC, DRW 6.0 Classy Chassis
1997 33' Alpenlite St. Andrews
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jcrawford
Virginia
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Joined: 05/21/2007
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I own a 2002 AutoMate purchased last year. It's one of the best purchases I've ever made. I can assure you that a "used" higher quality trailer will please you more than any moderately price "new" trailer. I enjoy working &/or upgrading my 5th wheel & have done so often & willingly...that said, there is nothing worst than when I have an issue with my "new" Ford truck. I can't work on it...& everything the dealer touches is magically not covered under the warranty. Then there's that good size payment this is always due...regardless.
Check out the PO'd buyers of new trailers on this forum...
Most individuals selling private trailer are honest....most RV dealers are not.
I researched for two years...settled on either a small Teton or a small AutoMate. Made an offer on a Teton at a local dealer, which was declined. Then made an offer on an 30' AutoMate in Texas...which the owner accepted. Now it's one of the few AutoMates on the east coast...lol. I believe AutoMate's owner retired in 2005, closing the factory doors...it was a Mom & Pop company.
Bottom line... No dealer or factory support should not sway you from buying a well made trailer.
* This post was
edited 08/12/08 05:13pm by jcrawford *
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PhilM
Cameron park,Ca
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Joined: 05/19/2005
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Check with your local repair shop that you may have work on the unit. If they have no issues working on it, I dont think it really matters how old or brand name. Like mentioned before, most parts interchange between MFG's.
If it were going to save me some major cash and inccour some repairs here and there by going with an older unit or one that is no longer in production, sign me up.
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