Hello all you Classic owners,

I am thinking of trading my 2208 T for a 2805C. Seems like a nice outfit. Would like more room as two women and two big dogs take up a lot of space. Gets really tight in the 22. Any thoughts about the size...like getting in to tight spaces parking. Just any thing you can share will help. I love my Hi-Lo and would love to take a longer trip this winter. Like to boondocks. How would the big C be for doing that? Is the frame work aluminum or wood? Any special issues with the C's that I should look for when I check out a trailer? Thanks for any and all suggestions. Happy camping. Mary Lou

Besides the layout, you'll be getting a little wider and heavier trailer. Boondocking should be no difference. That year model should be the aluminum frame. Use the below checklist to do your prebuy inspection.

These are the major things to check for.

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of thinking about buying and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

Check the exterior door area for sag. The cutout for the door can make the wall sag. You will need a tow vehicle capable of towing the added weight.

Thanks for the info Ruben and Sam. Will give the big C a thorough look over. My tv is a 2012 one ton Dodge 4 wheel diesel dually. I have a horse farm so trucks main job is pulling big lq horse trailer and hauling hay. I love reading all the post on the forum. So much good info. Thanks again. Mary Lou

Hi Mary Lou,

Another consideration is that the Classic you are thinking of has the Expand-a-Room, which your current trailer does not. In my trailer, the tip out blocks access to the rear of the trailer while traveling. This may not be an issue on the Classic due to the wider width (6" I think) and the layout of the 2805C but is something to consider.

__________________
Greg
2004 4x4 Chevy Tahoe
Former owner of a 2407T

The width our 2509 Classic is 8 feet 3 inches. In 2009 we purchased our Classic new, and it was considered to be in the wide body category. Since that time, we have noticed that some states will post signs in certain historical districts and next to certain historical roads not allowing our width camper to travel in those districts and on those roads. That really never bothered us as there were bypasses available around those districts. The only other thing I can think of is that with the tip out deployed and sofa set up as a bed, the bed blocks the easy use of the kitchen sink. No problem, just convert the bed back to a sofa for use during the day. I note you are considering a 2805 Classic. You might question the owner thoroughly regarding what maintenance he or she has done on the Classic. Specially, have they done any resealing of the windows and routine roof caulking.

Dee
Summerville, SC