Help. First Time Buyer. Why is this so cheap?

regarding the 2005 Coleman Niagra elite, Ive spoken with the owner several times, and I'm supposed to see it today at 2. He said the previous owner replaced the original ABS roof 5years ago with another ABS roof. He also said there are "spider web" superficial cracks in the roof. He thought of maybe sealing them but the were just in the fiberglass so he just left it. He said it was normal cracks that you would see on any that old. I dont know if this is a red flag or not, but im also concerned that it might be just tooo much trailer for us and my vehicle. It has a sway bar, electric brakes, and the owner has a 4Runner as well with the V8, myself V6. He said gross axle weight is 3000 lbs and my truck is tow capped at 5000, but i still wonder how much texas winds will white knuckle me. He said he never had any issues with towing except one time he tried to travel without the sway bar... never again he joked. It also has all the bells and whistles on it, slideouts, water heater, fridge that can run while traveling etc. Im concerned its just too much to break on me. I do like it and will see it today and post back some feedback. And the ABS has me concerned of course, and I cant figure out why they would replace it with another ABS. Its been covered by roof when not in use, and he had it inspected before he purchased it, but the owner had known the inspector shop as well, so who knows.

Nada has it priced in the range hes asking


next post cntd

 

Also, Whichever camper I get , it will be garaged in a separate from the house garage out back, but im not sure this one will fit, Is that the best way store a camper?

 

So far, this one is our favorite without actually seeing it

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/rvs/4231246947.html

Its a 2005 Coachman Clipper 1075 (in nada there wasn't a 1075, but a 107 and 107ST, not sure which this is)

Im going to see this one near the 8th of Jan. And we've started communicating via email through CL.

I don't know anybody that has had a Coachman except some darkside people, Any advice on this one is Very appreciated. Thanks

 

One more question,

How do you go about getting a vehicle inspected? If you dont know anyone or have no buddy's at the dealer and RV shops, who do you take it to and how much do they charge? Is it a normal practice when buying from an owner or a dealer?

And if I cant afford or have no way to get it inspected, is there a way you can go to a local rv park and have them let you just use the connections for like an hour or so? so you can see the shore power working, water heater, toilet, test out all the stuff. How much would they charge you think?

And what is considered "normal etiquette" when dealing with a private owner when requesting a further inspection?

 

The starcraft got sold so thats gone now :-(

 

This is the very first one i looked at. its a 2008 Flagstaff by Forest River model 208

He just called me to tell me he lowered the price to $4800

http://corpuschristi.craigslist.org/rvs/4239629479.html

All seems to work except fridge doesnt cool all the way. It also has a car type battery next to the propane tank that Im confused about

I created a flickr account and uploaded the pics form it as the CL ad had only one. They are rookie pics as this was my first looksie at a camper ever a didnt know what to look for, Im going back thursday eve with the wife too look at it.

I dont know how to do flickr yet but the account name is TroellDiana. Ill try to post a link next

 

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjPQH8A6

2008 Flagstaff by Forest River model 208 $4800 asking

I figured it out! I think lol. I hope it doesnt force you to sign up to see them so someone let me know if its easy to see, Thanks

 

Yeah, My wife has thing for the color and it looks like its top shelf. I look forward to seeing it

 

Do you think $5000 is a good asking price for the 2005 Coachman Clipper Pop-Up Camper -- 1075 model? The pup looks really sharp! And the property its on with the house behind it leads me to believe they dont NEED to sell it.

 

Thanks. What's your pup's loaded weight and length? That would be awesome to know. Could save me an hour and a half one way trip today. Let me know ASAP if you can

 

Situation update. My ParentsIL have a 2001 34ft Keystone Everest with 3 slides 5th wheel that they no longer need or want and are willing to trade it in to get a camper FOR us. Its the most generous offer I have ever received! So that temporarily knocks me off the market until we can figure out the value of the 5th wheel.

The electric slides are stuck out but other than that Its in top shape.

Does anybody know how to get this process started... clearly someone will have to come out and fix the slides, to be able to transport it... We want nothing to do with that part. Ideally a dealer or someone would be responsible for fixing and removing from the property. Whats the best way to figure out the trade in value for one of the Dark Side's?

You guys have SOOOOOooooooo much help, I hope I can return the favor someday, because I would be up a crap creek right about now with a 96 dutchmen with roof issues having paid over value etc. Thank You!!Thank You!!Thank You!!Thank You!!Thank You!!Thank You!!Thank You!!Thank You!!