I am negotiating the purchase of a 2007 Forest River Surveyor 5th wheel but I found out that there is no end ladder and the previous owner said he has never been on the roof. On my previous Prowler Lynx I had my roof cleaned and reconditioned annually. My question is could his roof be maintenance free and if not what should I check for?. He has also told me that the wheel bearings and brakes haven't been checked in 5 years. The interior is spotless bit I'm getting a bad feeling about the overall outside maintenance. Should I be worried?
I don't own this model but my FR owners manual says to UV treat the roof every 6 months. I would be a bit worried. Have you checked inside everywhere there is an opening in the roof for water intrusion? Soft spots, bubbles or ripples. Even down the walls.
We don't have a ladder on our camper either but still get up there to check the seals and roof.
I know its different but we bought a Popup from a couple. The interior was beautiful. The outside looked great as well. Then once we got it home and really checked it out found out the roof leaked (could see lite ripples but we weren't looking at the interior roof as much as the interior itself). Not only did the roof leak but it allowed water run down the back wall which was cover w/ panel and rot the floor. The floor was so bad that I could push my hand thru the rot. And again we didn't find this because it was under the sofa and covered by camping goods. Long story short check every inch even under the camper.
__________________
2014 Rockwood Roo 233S
2013 Toyota Tundra 5.8L V8 Crewmax
2 girls and 2 dogs
Hi Parish Camper:
Thanks for your interest and comments. The interior of his rig was immaculate but the exterior maintenance had been neglected, i.e. roof never cleaned or maintained, bearings and brakes never checked, water tank in bad shape, etc., etc. We have decided to take no further interest in the purchase. Thanks again, Mike