How can you determine how many previous owners there were for a used trailer?

[Aristolochia]

Newbie concern here...

While going through the manuals and what-not for our trailer that was advertised as only having had "one owner", we found irrefutable evidence that in fact our trailer was sold as a used trailer a few years ago by the same dealer.

Is it common for dealers to lie about the degree to which a trailer has been used?

Is there a trailer/RV equivalent to Carfax? or any way to check a trailer's history?

I'm concerned because in addition to being told that there was only one previous owner, we were told that this trailer had not been in any accidents.

This definitely takes the wind out of our sails.

[Bo&Susan]

I would call my local Vehicle registration and ask how to go about doing a title history search if I was really concerned But there again when it comes down to it 2,3 even 4 previous owners could have taken care of it better than some "1 owner only" . I think I would just enjoy my new Airstream. Susan

[Wayne&Sam]

Susan is right. You bought it based on the fact that you liked it and the condition it was in. So enjoy it.

My experience with RV dealers (of the SOB variety) has been that they are several notches below used car dealers.

And that's coming from me, a retired politician.

I've only dealt with one AS dealer and the Mothership and have no complaints about either.

[dwightdi]

A trailer that is only 4 years old is most likely in pretty good shape as long as it has not been used by full timers as a live- in and been on the road to Alaska, Mexico, and the brakes and tires are completely worn out. My trailer is 45 years old but has only owned by three people that I know of. Condition is the key to evaluating a trailer.

[Shacksman]

What's the proplem, it had 1 owner and 1 before that and 1 before that.

[mwells4654]

I agree with the others - who cares how many owners - just enjoy it while you can.

[centennialman]

Get out and enjoy your new Airstream. You will definitely find thing wrong with it because it was made by humans after all. However, as you learn it's quirks, you will learn how to repair them and know that much more about the unit.

If you are concerned that it may have previously been in an accident, I would find a reputable Airstream dealer or repair facility to look it over.

Congratulations and have fun on the open road!

[SilverHoot]

and as long as it was not in New Orleans at a particular time in it's history.....

[blmitch5]

If it looks good be happy! But if you want to know for sure you can google the vin like I did and two hits came up. One from Colonial selling it used with all the pictures(nice) and carfax. I didn't pay to see the 2 items that poped up be cause they were the two times somebody registered it. It looked like new and it's a 2006! Enjoy I know when I pick her up I will.

[overlander63]

As long as it wasn't used as a rolling meth lab, it really doesn't matter a whole lot. It could have had 4 different "owners" and never left the driveway it was parked in, too. Transferring title from John Smith to Bobbye-Jo Jones may have been a way around a problem for the previous owners. Perhaps John Smith developed Alzheimers, and Ms. Jones transferred it to keep Mr. Smith from doing something stupid with it. Probably not, but you never know, and as long as there's nothing wrong with the trailer, it doesn't really matter, other than curiosity.

[moosetags]

As the others have said, it all depends on condition, not the number of prior owners. I would confront the dealer about lying to you, though.

Brian

[Aristolochia]

Thanks for the tips. I should relax, but I'm a worrier (disaster 'round every corner).

I'm disturbed by the fibbing , but we do think it's in great shape despite traveling at least as far as Tucson from the SF bay area.

My husband did call the salesman to grill him about the false advertising, but of course the sales guy was slippery and somehow evaded confrontation.

I'm mostly mad at myself for not checking the VIN with the DMV prior to pick-up.