Problems with 1992 Trailers

[Jejo69]

Hello All,
We are newbies to the AS community and are looking to buy our 2nd trailer. We recently sold our 69 Ambassador that turned out to be more of a project than we currently have time to handle. Kind of a bummer, because it was in good condition other than the standard issues that everyone mentions with axles and subfloor. Anyhow we have found a 1992 AS that I am going to look at tomorrow, if it is still available, and I am wondering if there are any key items that need to be checked. I understand a lot of the problems with older models, but could use some advice for inspecting the later models. I have done a search and end up with a lot of results for the Motorhomes. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[HowieE]

A trailer of that age the first thing I would look at are the axles.

Looking across to the other side of the trailer look at the trailing arm from the axles to the spindle. That are should have a slight downward angle towards the rear of the trailer. If the arm is level or a slight upward angle the axles are looking to be replaced.

While there are no definitive problems with that year that I know of I would take an ice pick along and poke through the rug just inside the door. If there is floor damage that is one of the first spots to look. Might poke around the toilet also.

Good Luck

[Crusty]

The flooring is OSB - not plywood. It turns into punk if it gets very wet as it just might from the POS plastic plumbing fittings leaking in the polybutylene fresh water system. The protective plastic on top of the carpet in the tool boxes will completely hide water saturated carpet and pad, probably until it's too late.

[Jejo69]

Thanks for the feedback...

Sounds like similar items to older trailers, the protected carpet is an item I would have not thought about. Are there any frames issues with axle supports or sagging in the rear. I would guess the sagging goes away with the center bath?

[ts8501]

The water inlets fail on these trailers at about this age. Nothing really bad, if you catch it in advance, or better yet, replace before it happens. Follow this link here.

We do love our '90. We feel the 90's era trailers were a better build than some of the newer models.

[Jejo69]

Thanks for the waterline advice, based on everyone joining in, I would say it is a must check item. I have floor repair experience, I don't need anymore.