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[Hobo Bob]

As many before me I ponder size, age, price, what's right for me. Most recently my thinking goes to early 70s 23 footers. I like the layout, the dual axle, and prices close to my projected budget.
My question is this, I see so many you tube videos of restoration showing serious structural problems, rusted compromised frames for example, can frame condition be appraised with out tearing trailer apart? Are 70s trailers all likely to be rusted frame?
I may want to do some interior customizations but have no desire to complete rebuild of unit.
Also are there surveyors as in boats that can inspect trailers?
Thanks for any help, Bob

[ALANSD]

sure, post where the trailer is located and ask for help. someone will offer to look at it for you.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

You are dealing with a vehicle that is 40+ years old. That's a long time for anything that runs over the road. If it was used in snow country (salt on the roads) or stored for years at the sea shore .... it probably has issues. If a window got knocked out for ten years and the rain came in, it's probably got issues. There is no way to generalize about a vehicle (any vehicle not just an RV) that is this old. Each one is unique. Each one needs to be approached with care.

Bob

[ALANSD]

you nrver know, my 66 sat out in a field for 19 years, snd though it was dirty as heck it was very restorable, and came back to life without too much pain and trouble. a true survivor, albeit with a few leaks and some floor rot.of course

[Hobo Bob]

So is it possible to asses frame condition with the belly pan and floor intact?
I like the floor plan of the early 70s 23 footers with rear bath and have seen some very sweet restorations with stainless baths and such. I wonder if a 2006 23 footer would be more reliable? Prices are close.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Hobo Bob

So is it possible to asses frame condition with the belly pan and floor intact?
I like the floor plan of the early 70s 23 footers with rear bath and have seen some very sweet restorations with stainless baths and such. I wonder if a 2006 23 footer would be more reliable? Prices are close.

Hi

You can poke at the part of the floor you can get at (soft = rotted). You can also play with a moisture meter. In some cases you will spot a problem. In others, the rot will be dry and / or out of the way when you check things.

Frame wise, same thing. You can look at the frame in various places where it pokes out. Based on what you can see, you can guess about the rest. If the rust is in only in the "wrong" place, you'll miss it.

Inspection will simply improve your odds. There is no 100% perfect check. It will steer you away from trailers that you are *sure* have problems. The trailers that are left after inspection sorts things out still *might* have issues. Plan your efforts (and finances) as if there will be (correctable) problems. If they don't pop up, keep the money in the bank and finish ahead of time.

Bob

[OTRA15]

If you go to the Portal tab at the top left, when the new page opens, on the right edge, there is a system for finding an inspector in your state.

Good luck,

Peter