Trailers to avoid

[Jabba]

Seeing the post on M/H's to avoid, how about trailer models to avoid or beware of? I'm learning the Jalousie windows are something to be approached very carefully. Any input or horror stories. We newbies appreciate a heads-up before walking into something we could regret or avoid.

Thanks,

Jason

[JW84345]

Avoid broken windows (on the older rigs)
Big dents, gashes, rips, tears in the skin
rusted frames
soft rotted floors

Unless you're really looking for a project.

Jim

[dmreilly10000]

If it smells bad inside, avoid it. It may be possible to replace the carpet and cushions to get rid of it - but maybe not. My first SOB trailer had a funny smell that I never did get rid of.

[InsideOut]

Inoperable appliances...
Broken/leaking waterlines...

These things could be VERY expensive to repair to original condition.

Shari

[53flyingcloud]

Jason,
Something else to look for is signs of rust on the A frame. I'm not real sure how one goes abt finding it. But, let me relate this incident. While at the factory, I saw this unit pull in from (xx), with what started out to be just a stove/heater replacement. Before they were finis, not only did they replace that.. but, the owner replaced the steel pan holding the black water tanks, repaired the rear bumper area, etc. The thing that stood out was when the RV tech peeled opened the belly skin just where the A frame enters. The frame was almost rusted thru~!! IMHO, it wouldn't have taken much before that would've broken..I thought my bill was high but, I know his had to top mine~!
I'm sure this has to be an isolated incident..
ciao

[sbernasconi9]

Hello. I am looking at a unit that has Jalousies installed. What have your heard in reference to these? Are they tough to get parts for? Do they have other sorts of problems? Let me know what you have found out. I would like to have an idea of any problems they might create before buying. Thanks to anyone who can give input on this. steve

[Jabba]

The little that I have found out is they are supposed to have a seal between each pane. The wall/ribs adjacent to them need to be checked for fractures(look for a bow in the wall or movement) and check the floor against the wall for rot. Let me know if you find anything out too!

Jason

[overlander64]

RE: Jalousie Windows

My Overlander has a set of stacked Jalousie windows next to its entrance door. The actual opening dimensions are not that much different than similar 1965 coaches that had the larger single pane windows. My coach has been towed many thousands of miles with no structural issues related to these jalousie windows. I have known my trailer since it was purchased new as a special order by friends of my family, and it has never had seals on the horizontal edges of its jalousies.

The jalousie windows, as is true with the other Hehr windows, will leak if the mechanisms are not maintained and the whisker seals updated as necessary. The only time that mine pose any problem with water infiltration has been during thunderstorms with rain driven by high winds. The one down-side that I am aware of is that the operator mechanisms are more difficult to find than those for similar vintage Hehr single-pane windows. With regular lubrication, my original operators are still going strong. To my knowledge, there aren't any particular structural issues created by the presence of jalousie windows on a coach.

Kevin

[Silver Bullet]

Are pains still available for the earlier models? Oscar

[overlander64]

RE: Replacement Window Panes

So long as the frames are not damaged, pre-1965 window panes are not difficult to replace. The glass is flat and is most generally replaced with tempered sheet glass or as I have done with the front window in my '64 Overlander - - Lexan.

The problem windows are the Owens Corning windows found on 1965 through 1968 units - - those are curved safety glass and can be very difficult if not impossible to find replacement units. Those with whom I am acquainted with such rigs have utilized Lexan when it became necessary to replace a glass pane due to damage or breakage.

Kevin

[Jabba]

I'm not arguing the fact that some Jalousie windows don't have seals, if they don't, what's the window seal for sold by Inland RV for? I'm confused...

I got feedback from the "other" list regarding structural problems with Jalousie windows, there have been some problems, probably related to amount of use and road conditions, so on so forth, just suggesting to keep an eye out, just in case...

Jason

[overlander64]

RE: Jalousie Window Seals

I suspect that the seals offered by Inland are the result of owners requesting solutions to a leakage problem. In examining my original jalousies on the '64 Overlander, the glass has a machined edge that is exposed to weather - - my assumption is that when replaced with a new pane cut from stock with a square edge there may be a greater chance for wicking to take place - - or possibly if the replacement panes are not precisely sized there may be a greater chance for leakage to develop.

Kevin