Looking at a Flagstaff...

[john q publik]

Hello, new travel trailer shoppers here in NJ looking for any and all info we can get our hands on before making our first travel trailer purchase. We are looking at a 2005 Forest River FLAGSTAFF 26BHSS. Seems like it would be a decent fit for us. Anything anyone can tell us about these would be of great assistance in our research.


Thanks in advance for your help.

[capucine]

The most important thing to check I think is delamination of the panels. If you look carefully for deformation in the fiberglass panels that can spell for major expenditures. If you see this problem stay away from this trailer. There are many others points to check on a used trailer but this one is the problem that will say to you: dont buy it! delamination is very expensive to fix and only new replacement panels is the cure that will cost more than the price you paid for the transaction.

[capucine]

jOHN: ANOTHER THING i FORGOT TO MENTION IS THE TIRES. CHECK THE WEARING PATTERN ON THAT TRAILER. SOMETIMES THERE IS SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE AXLES TRACKING PROBLEMS. IF THERE IS SOME CUPPING ON THE SIDE I WOULD BE CAUTIOUS AND IF THIS TRAILER HAS BRAND NEW TIRES IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE SELLER IS TRYING TO HIDE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES. DONT FORGET TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE ROOF WITH A STEP LADDER. CHECK THE MENBRANE . GOOD LUCK AND LET US KAOW WHAT YOU DECIDED.

[tom50mg]

Hi John,we purchased our 06 F/R 8528 BHSS,similar to yours this past July,I had the dealer install new tires and replace a couple decals with the purchase,we put about 6,000 miles on it,over three trips,we are very happy with the 5er and would recommend it.I pull it with a 08 F-150 Super Crew,5.4 L,with a super slider hitch.I also added an extra leaf to the rear springs to level it out a bit more.

[wayne anthony]

With the problems I had (maybe still have) with a new trailer, you might be alot better off getting the used one. I know I would never buy a new one again (at my age won't get another one, period). Maybe when I sell mine in another couple of years, the new buyer might think he getting a good trailer. Wayne

[john q publik]

Thanks for the info guys. Being as this will be our first travel trailer, I would like to make as informed a decision as I can.

capucine...how and where specifically do I examine for this delamination, inside, outside, joints, etc.?? And I will check the tires when we go back to look at it again, though being a mechanic I am no stranger to cupped tire wear and its causes.

Tom50mg...it sounds like yours is a fifth wheel? If so, how would that compare to what to look for on this tow behind unit??

Not trying to be smart, just new at travel trailers and want to learn as much as I can about what to check out prior to laying out the cash.

Thanks

[capucine]

Delamination shows like bubbles on the fiberglass and large sections that are bulging. Check around the baggage doors and the front . Delamination also shows around the windows area. On the inside check the floor for soft spots. Since these floors are using the same concept than the walls delamination occurs also there because of a leak that occured in a wall section. Let us know what you decided.

[john q publik]

OK. thanks for that. We're gonna go take another look at it this weekend and look it over as thoroughly as possible. It is at a RV dealer who is the largest in the area, so who knows. One other question on it....the slide out contains the kitchen. I was wondering if there are any issues I need to be concerned about regarding what would necessarily be the flexible pluming to and from the sink, and stove/oven?

[Hud33]

We just purchased a 2004 Flagstaff 26BHSS. Ours had been well maintained by a flight mechanic. Main things to check for are delamination, seams caulking maintainance (not old and cracking), roof solid with no soft spots, and any evidence of water damage on the inside.

The 26BHSS is a great floorplan with plenty of room for a family and still light enough to tow with an SUV.