pjgwin
California
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Joined: 05/12/2008
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Well I'm considering upgrading to new fifth wheel that has been stored about 1 mile as crow flies from the beach in Florence,Oregon (sand dune area).
Any thoughts as to the toll this takes on the exterior (gelcoat glass, vinyl roof, etc). I believe this area gets about 90" of rain/yr and it can be really windy.
I guess it may abrade the exterior and rust may be a factor, and water may find it's way in due to high winds.
Does anyone have experience in areas like this? Anything specific I should check? Does wax hide abraison if it has occured? The tralier has been stored at the side of house for about 3 yrs.
Thanks again.
Paul
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2oldman
WA
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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Look at the frame. Any metal will corrode in salt air. Sometimes profusely.
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was_butnotnow
Fulltime: Emery, SD
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Yes take a good look at the frame. I had our new 5er for only one winter in south TX 30 miles from the bay and there was still salt air and the frame rusted badly and had to be sandblasted and repainted.
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Expect rust and moss. Rain is no problem unless you have a leak, and that needs to be found and fixed.
Wax won't hide abrasion.
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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My FIL bought one from northern Oregon coast and the frame looked bad. never seen so much rust. we had to replace some of the floor also. If I were to do it again, I would go over that TT with a fine tooth comb.
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dave14117
Redmond, Wa
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Joined: 05/03/2004
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If you've spent time on the Northwest coast, although it's a spectacular place, you may have noticed everything's wet, rusted, decayed, or covered with algae. I wouldn't think a trailer would be exempt from the tough weather there.
Thanks,
Dave
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othertonka
Stockton, CA
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Joined: 11/15/2003
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I would pass. There are to many others for sale out there without having to deal with a unit that has been stored for 3 years close to a salty enviorment. 3 years is a long time being stored, the tires will be rotted, the brakes will be rusted, the wheel bearings will probably be bad, the roof will probably have leaks due to no maintenance, the inside will have mold and mildew due to not being aired out or heated once in a while. I could go on but long time storage brings along more problems. I would rather have a well maintained and a unit that has been used every year then one that has sat for 3. Just my opinion and offered as such
Othertonka
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Betsy II
BC
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Check underneath, look carefully at the framing with a bright light.
Also, if it has aluminum wheels, there is a chance the aluminum will be oxidizing (rust, pitted). I have seen new units, with aluminum wheels, sitting on the lot of a dealer near the ocean and the wheels were pitted due to the salty air. The so-called clearcoat on the wheels is nowhere near as good as that on an automobile.
The brake drums, or disks, may also be rusting.
The unit may be OK, but you should be able to get it for less compared to the same unit, with same history, only inland a few hundred miles.
my $0.02 worth...
...good luck...
Roy
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pjgwin
California
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Thanks for the tips.
Well I did look at this unit and took a careful inspection. The owners kept it at their house on the coast for 3 yrs and used it several times per year.
Here are my findings.
-2004 Teton
-Faces the west - front was pretty dull - not much shine
-North side - fairly shiny
-South side - less shiny, some calking cracks, decals cracked (sun) and on some decals the color was worn off on the horizontal molding which I suspect was because the rain runs down and impinges on it. I think this side and the front takes a beating with 90" rain per year, daily winds at 15 mph, and storm winds at 50 - 100 mph.
- Moderate corrosion on the frige cooling system (my 8 yr old fridge has none visible.
-Corrosion on frame was low/moderate - no pitting on aluminum wheels.
The clincher was the underbelly membrane below the storage was holding water (at least a few gallons) which I suspect is somehow from the high winds and rain. This was the show stopper for me because the damage could be minimal or could be immense.
To me the exterior didn't look like a unit that I'd expect for 4 yrs old. I know the sun damages decals etc. but I'd expect a 4 yr old unit to not have cracked decals
The search continues.
Thanks
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