Buying a Hardtop Tent Trailer. Need advice

[nounou23]

We are looking to buy a Hardtop Tent Trailer.

We know we want a 8ft and in good condition. We prefer to buy used because it's cheaper...

Anyone have any tip on buying them? I've been looking online but not much information.

I found a a 2002 Coleman Yuma and I'm going to see it tonight.. Supposed to be in like new condition and it's a very good price..

Any comments? Advice? thanks :)

[Cough]

Check the seams - this is what leaks first.

Make sure the wheel bearings are good - jack it up and spin the wheels.

Although tent trailers are light, dont get one that is too heavy for your car.

Crank it up and down yourself (dont let the seller do it only) and check nothing binds.

Test out the stabilzing jacks all work OK and lock/pin in position

Make sure you can easily lift the tow bar end since hitch weight should be 100lbs max and you will need to lift it occasionally.

Check out mattresses are clean, undamaged

Check out electrics all work ok (lights, turn lights etc)

Ask seller to put it fully down and up - should take no more than five minutes and I am serious about this time. Picture yourself in a rainstorm because that will be the first time you set it up.

Dont worry too much about sink and stove - you probably wont use those much.

[Bullseye]

Great info, thanks. I'll be looking for a used one as well in the next year or two.

I can also add that you have to consider total gross weight, not just trailer weight, when assessing suitability for your vehicle to tow.

[Spud72]

Cough's got most of it.

Only other things to add would be to check it throughly for mildew and tears/holes. Also check the battery and propane tanks (assuming they come with it).

Coleman are a great name for tent trailers. They make a really good product.

[Bullseye]

Any other brands known for good quality?

[dlander]

I have a popup tent trailer that I bought used.

Things I ran into:
1) If buying used from a dealer ask for a short warranty in case something is DOA. In my case the carbon monoxide detector was DOA and I got a new one for free.
2) Always check the awning. There are very flimsy and are often broken. In my case it was broken, and I had the salesperson include a written committment to fix it.
3) For safety tires need to be replaced roughly every 5 years even if there is still a lot of tread. I had to replace the tires at my expense right after buying because I only looked at tread level. Dates are stamped on the tires.
4) You may need brakes installed on the trailer, if they are not there already. An 8 foot trailer being pulled by a F250 or Toyota Tundra is OK without brakes, but if you have a sedan, then this is something to check.

Make sure you will actually use the thing. I pay over $100 extra/year on my auto policy for this trailer so you want to get some value for that.

Flagstaff and Rockwood are good brands, although I think all tent trailers are made kind of cheaply. I am biased towards these for 2 reasons.
1) I own one and am happy with it.
2) Flagstaff/Rockwood are owned by Forest River, which is part of the Berkshire Hathaway empire of which I am a shareholder.

BTW, Like cars, pricing is better in the USA.