Bought a fifth wheel that has sat most of its life

[MetalGrand]

Hello, I bought a 2001 Terry EXL 305G from the original owner that has used it to live in seasonally. I inspected everything and its really clean and maintained.

It literally was bought in 2000 and towed to his land and sat there for about 16 years, then he put new tires on it and moved it to his new house in 2016 and has sat since I bought it and towed it home.

What is everything I need to look at since it has extremely low towing miles on it?


Thanks

[MFL]

Lots of opinions on tires, especially on these forums. Towmax is a name you often hear, some like them, some call them blowmax. I have no experience with them. If you want my opinion, I'd run them for the couple short trips, look them over closely, before the May trip. If piece of mind is more important than $$$, I'd just replace asap with Provider STs, or GoodYear Endurance, which are designed to run cooler, stay together at higher speeds, like when towing 70 mph, with a nice new Ram.

Hope you enjoy your new to you rig!

Jerry

[richclover]

MetalGrand wrote:

MFL wrote:
The outer face of the tread is not as important as the condition of the tire between the tread. However, a tire sitting on the ground for 2-3 years, without moving, can be an issue. Tire quality can also make a difference, as there are many cheap trailer tires, that don't last long, even when they are used on a regular basis. I'd watch them closely, if just using for shorter trips. If heading out on a cross country trip, I would consider replacement.

Jerry

I plan on doing two very short trips (around 60 miles round trip) in the next 1-2 months and then a 260 mile (round trip) in May. Would you trust these tires to do the job? They are ST235/85R16 Towmax STR's.

You could install a TPMS.

[MetalGrand]

MFL wrote:
The outer face of the tread is not as important as the condition of the tire between the tread. However, a tire sitting on the ground for 2-3 years, without moving, can be an issue. Tire quality can also make a difference, as there are many cheap trailer tires, that don't last long, even when they are used on a regular basis. I'd watch them closely, if just using for shorter trips. If heading out on a cross country trip, I would consider replacement.

Jerry

I plan on doing two very short trips (around 60 miles round trip) in the next 1-2 months and then a 260 mile (round trip) in May. Would you trust these tires to do the job? They are ST235/85R16 Towmax STR's.

[edbehnke]

kinda of late but look for water damage in the front cap...make sure caulking is good.
other than that, tires, bearings and axle.

check hitch to see that it is welded together.

[MFL]

The outer face of the tread is not as important as the condition of the tire between the tread. However, a tire sitting on the ground for 2-3 years, without moving, can be an issue. Tire quality can also make a difference, as there are many cheap trailer tires, that don't last long, even when they are used on a regular basis. I'd watch them closely, if just using for shorter trips. If heading out on a cross country trip, I would consider replacement.

Jerry

[MetalGrand]

Thanks for the responses.

He redid the roof in 2016 and it looks in great shape for being in the AZ sun.

I plan on repacking the bearings this weekend, any tips for that?

Also, I did notice that he had the tires sitting on gravel, and now the side that was on the ground look like this, is that okay?

[filrupmark]

Check the roof and caulking.

[Veebyes]

The dreaded mound in the holding tank from lack of movement. Well...the right kind of movement after the movement.

[ScottG]

Since he just put new tires on it, I would repack the bearings making sure to watch for any rust or pitting and make sure the brakes move easily. Other than that, you're good to go.

[agesilaus]

I'd look at the suspension too, see if it has wet bolts or shocks.

[midnightsadie]

tires also if they,ve been in the sun. sounds like a great rv, just needs gone over. good find.

[Big_Katuna]

Inspect for leaks and water damage. Brown streaks are a giveaway..

[colliehauler]

Wheel bearings and seals along with brakes.