Water damage - steer clear?

[OutOfTheTent]

I have been wanting a hybrid forever, but it rained just before we took our pup down this past week. Since it stays with friends near the campground, they will have to open it to let it dry, so now I don’t want to have to deal with that anymore. I’m very interested in a 17’ travel trailer I saw on Facebook marketplace, but it has a salvage title due to water damage. The dealer said windows were left open when it rained, but everything works. He said we could get it inspected by the state (PA) and have a regular title issued. Should we consider this one, or give it a hard pass? We like the layout, size, and price.

[DougW]

Water can get into all sorts of places in an RV and cause rot, mold, and mildew. If it has been wet I would not buy it.

[GravelRider]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheTent

I have been wanting a hybrid forever, but it rained just before we took our pup down this past week. Since it stays with friends near the campground, they will have to open it to let it dry, so now I don’t want to have to deal with that anymore. I’m very interested in a 17’ travel trailer I saw on Facebook marketplace, but it has a salvage title due to water damage. The dealer said windows were left open when it rained, but everything works. He said we could get it inspected by the state (PA) and have a regular title issued. Should we consider this one, or give it a hard pass? We like the layout, size, and price.

As far as I know, in PA (where I live as well) you can only convert from a salvage to a reconstructed title. Maybe RVs are different, but I doubt it. This being said, an R title basically behaves like any other title, except that you may have trouble insuring it, and resale value is affected. You'll also need to do work to get it to an R title. http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/dv...d_Vehicles.pdf In order for a vehicle to have a salvage title, it means enough damage needed to have been done to total the vehicle (in other words, cost to fix is more than it's worth).

I'd never dream of buying a salvage vehicle due to water damage. And there's even less of a chance of me believing a salesman about what actually happened.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheTent

I have been wanting a hybrid forever, but it rained just before we took our pup down this past week. Since it stays with friends near the campground, they will have to open it to let it dry, so now I don’t want to have to deal with that anymore. I’m very interested in a 17’ travel trailer I saw on Facebook marketplace, but it has a salvage title due to water damage. The dealer said windows were left open when it rained, but everything works. He said we could get it inspected by the state (PA) and have a regular title issued. Should we consider this one, or give it a hard pass? We like the layout, size, and price.

Unless you're handy and like taking on projects, I would also stay clear.
What year, make and model number of hybrid is it? I'm betting that, if it's a hybrid, there's more water damage around the bunk ends.

[OutOfTheTent]

It’s not a hybrid. You’ve all told me what I thought was most likely. Thanks for helping to stop me from making that mistake.