Pre-purchase advice - 2003 Shamrock 17

[bconrey]

Spent the last couple hours perusing this forum and others like it, and need some advice. I located a 2003 Shamrock 17 and am going to go take a look at it. I need advice on what issues specific to hybrids and/or specific to this particular model I should look for.

We're upgrading from a late-90s Coleman pop-up. Some Coleman campers suffered from roof delamination, something I only learned about after-the-fact. In an attempt to learn from the past, I'd like to tap the collective knowledge of this group to educate me prior to inspecting/purchasing the Shamrock.

I'm capable and comfortable with camper repairs and maintenance. In our current pop-up, I converted to T-105s, installed an electric water pump, got the furnace functioning properly, replaced the converter with a 3-stage, etc. I've never owned a hybrid, though.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[bikendan]

That old of a hybrid, may have screw clamps on the bunk doors, instead of the newer cargo latches.
And it probably has poles,instead of the newer cable supports.

#1 place to inspect, is the bunk doors, its hinge and its seals.
check the canvas attachment points.

[stugilmour]

Welcome.

We experienced roof delamination on our Jayco hybrid. The issue with the Jayco roof design was it was flat rather than curved, and the heavy centrally mounted air conditioner allowed water to pond. In addition the roof panel construction method uses the interior ceiling paneling as a structural member, so when it fails the entire roof panel requires replacement.

Our new Roo 233S has a curved roof, which was something we were looking for in a replacement. The current Jayco hybrids also have a curved roof with structural trusses, so they changed their design.

Not familiar with the model you are looking at, but consider the roof design. Look for any signs of dampness / delamination of the ceiling panels, and any punkiness in the roof membrane substrate.

HTH

Stu

[syogerst]

I had a 2003 Wildwood hybrid. Check to make sure toilet flushes, refrigerator runs, tires, is the awning good (no peeling), no gas leaks, door closes properly. These are all the issues I had to deal with in the eleven years I had that camper. How about zippers and holes in screen?Good luck with your search!