BajaNomad

Thoughts on buying which trailer to leave on Baja lot

joel - 8-31-2007 at 08:56 PM

I'm looking to buy a 30-foot or bigger trailer to put on a lot. It's going to be towed one-way only -- and by a professional -- so I'm mostly concerned with durability and value. I'm looking to spend about $12,000 to $16,000. I've looked around a bit, but it's hard to know which brands are good and which aren't.... Any thoughts and advice appreciated.

Rainer - 9-1-2007 at 06:33 AM

I'm assuming that you're talking about an RV, not a cargo trailer. In that price range and size, I would look at www.keystonerv.com - they have a nice line-up in the lower to mid-price range and decent quality. Good luck, Rainer

Location, location, location!!!

longlegsinlapaz - 9-1-2007 at 07:22 AM

Joel, to me, it'd depend on where you're going to put it....if your property is isolated or if you have immediate full-time neighbors. If you plan to live in it full-time, then go for it; if you plan for it to sit empty for periods of time, then I personally wouldn't even consider it. I believe that under all but the best situation, that puppy would be striped, broken into and/or vandalized pretty quickly.*** On the other hand, if you have immediate neighbors that you totally trust to watch out for that kind of financial investment in your absence, then go for it! Have you checked what the importation cost would be on that size/value a trailer if you were to attempt to legally import it?

edit: *** If not hauled off!!

[Edited on 9-1-2007 by longlegsinlapaz]

Russ - 9-1-2007 at 07:26 AM

Here's a start. I googled used RV
---http://adcache.rvtraderonline.com/3/2/7/89959727.htm
Lots of thing to think about concerning layout and ventilation.
Want adds in any paper a good source too.

jerry - 9-1-2007 at 07:46 AM

baja has termites so in the long run it might be worth getting aluminim or steel construction
a slide or 2 will give you a lot more livable but it increases the price a lot
i would buy used and get a lot more bang for your buck figure out exactly where you want to locat it on your lot and then buy it to match the layout most convenent for the
most travel trailers have 2 doors that might come in handy
5thwheels tow better on long trips
dont be afraid to tow it down its not as bad as you think i have driven 2 big moterhomes down just take your time

Bob and Susan - 9-1-2007 at 08:13 AM

we fought getting a travel trailer for a long time...but
now we like it...it's an instant home

we purchased a 26 footer for $10,000
it was used 3 times and 3 years old
it's too small for a permanate residence

i'd go to a 40 foot for sure if your not building and...
then i'd cover it with something (re:roof)

the sun is brutal here on stuff left out
no smog to "filter" the rays

we looked around alot and most trailers are made the same...junky
the appliances and sinks and tubs are simular...junky
the weight factor requires the manufacturer to cut corners everywhere

the water tanks are mostly 40 gallons and that goes VERY fast
plan a system to refill the tanks

batteries are also important so you don't have to run a generator all the time
you need at least 4 to last a week
the ac to dc converter uses 700-800 watts of power if you plan on having solar panels

i have a contact that could haul your trailer down on a flatbed for around $1500-$2000 from TJ...
you just need to cross the border with it
u2 me if you need that info

get an fm3 and a temp import permit ($50) to keep your trailer in mexico without problems
as long as it has wheels no formal importing is required

wornout - 9-1-2007 at 08:15 AM

If you are going to plant the trailer in Baja, I would get the biggest travel trailer with as many slides as I could. I would do this over a 5th wheeler as the main reason for a 5'er is the ability to maneuver when traveling. If you are not going to be hauling it, go for the space option. The reason I say this is I have a 5'er for a guest house and wished it had been a travel trailer and all one level.

capt. mike - 9-1-2007 at 09:47 AM

buy a cheap big one. baja will eat it alive over time. mega depreciation.

my 35 footer is big enough for 2 comfortably, was used old but clean and all functions worked. we spent about $5K then another $3K for solar set up and new tires and sway hitch. been in baja since 2001, has paid for itself in fun tickets returned easily.
and i can sell it whenever i am ready to take the plunge on real property - i get asked all the time if i'd sell it.
having gone thru the hassle of taking it down on its one way perpetuity trip is worth, well at least $2K if you look at Bob's quote - which is a huge good deal BTW.

i can't imagine trailering more than once. What a pain in the arse.

joel - 9-1-2007 at 01:18 PM

Thanks for all the input.

We're definitely planning to put a palapa roof over the trailer and an outdoor eating area. It will only be used as a vacation home but will be in an area that is safe. We'll hook it up to a septic system of some sort and some water tanks.

I'm thinking of a minimum of 30 feet with at least one big slide, preferably more than 30 feet and two slides. This baby is unlikely to ever be sold to anyone outside of town, much less go back up Hwy 1.

A few questions:

-How important is a sway hitch and what do they cost?

-Other than Keystone, are there any brands that people recommend (or recommend staying away from)?

-Are there any other "options" that are important to get other than solar, which I assume I'll have to do myself.

jerry - 9-1-2007 at 02:29 PM

im using a eazy lift 1000lb on a 28 ft with a superslide on a 1500 silverado 4by4 works great but im at the top of my towing capasity
here in oregon its $325,00 installed plus sway controll bars are about $69.00 and very nessary of corse that it after you have a reciver on your towing rig all ways have at least 12% tounge weight on your hitch
have a good one

jerry - 9-1-2007 at 02:31 PM

i would build a block storage building with no windows and a steel door for storage

comitan - 9-1-2007 at 02:51 PM

Joel

I know this is not what you want but it is available here in La Paz, 2006 Trailvision TV 28RLS 1 slide $12,500 612 154 7773 . I would guess that they would deliver in the southern Baja.

[Edited on 9-1-2007 by comitan]

Baja&Back - 9-1-2007 at 04:14 PM

#1 quality manufacturer is Jayco.
#2 is Komfort.
We didn't care what #3 was ...

Pescador - 9-1-2007 at 05:30 PM

If you are going to put a proper roof over it part of your battle is done since most new trailers have a rubber roof and they don't do particularly well in Baja. You will probably want to do the same thing with siding or building in around the bottom. If you have electricity then some things get easier, but the thing I fought the most was the propane fridges, so if you have electricity you might want to replace the fridge with elec. Mexican septics are easy to build and a covered palapa / porch area is where you do a lot of living and it adds to the overall space of the unit. If you are going solar, then be sure to put up way more panels than your estimate to cover all the things you find out that you can not do without. When selecting a trailer try to get one that looks well built and sturdy, be sure to open the cabinet doors, look inside, there are some real differences in how these things are put together. I think everyone looks for different things and in your price range you should have lots of options and be able to find a nice unit. Carpet is a real pain, both in the dirt and water if you should get any leaks. Jalouise windows are a real pain and let in a lot of dirt but they seem to be more a thing of the past, but ventilation is really important during the warmer months.

rts551 - 9-1-2007 at 06:17 PM

Joel

You never said where you planned to be?

Bob and jane - 9-2-2007 at 07:25 AM

We live in a 34 foot Jayco fifth wheel for 8 to 9 months a year in Baja. It is plenty big. Remember, you are in Baja to be OUTSIDE. The trailer is just for sleeping and cooking and getting out of the wind. We have 3 slide outs. Not only do they open up the space, but when they are closed, it is nearly impossible to burglarize. Even if access was gained, it is impossible to open a cupboard or move about. Biggest problem is the plumbing. We built an outdoor bathroom attached to our bodega. We have city water and sewer, which made it easier. It is a very simple structure with a shower curtain door and clear plexiglass ceiling. If you have no services, you could put a pila on top for a gravity flow shower and put a porta-potti in there. We love our propane fridge--when the power goes off, we still have cold beer. The windows aren't designed for air circulation, which is a problem when it gets hot. The air conditioner struggles to make it luke warm in the hot months. And we still haven't gotten around to putting a roof over the trailer (because we still haven't agreed on what the BIG plan is....)and it is holding up very well after 7 years. We leave it on the lot year round. We are hoping to build a small home this year, but the trailer has been more than adequate all these years.

joel - 9-2-2007 at 07:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
You never said where you planned to be?


We have a couple of lots in Abre, but we're planning on a trailer in San Juanico....

Phil S - 9-3-2007 at 06:44 AM

Some years ago, my brother & I bought two Alfa Gold tow trailers. One a 28' and the other a 31'. Heavy duty trailers, with great interior designs. Both have been sold, and both have survived well. Our cousin kept a 33' Airstream down there for years. Easy to tow w/the correct rig. Be sure to check the brake pads before turning it over to a towing company. I'd put new pads on, as we did when we purchased our Alfa's. I even installed larger axles to get larger brake capacity. Was never sorry as I descended down Santa Rosalia mountain. And hiring a tow company makes good sense. Consider solar panels to keep the batteries charged. Worked great for us, and we t.v.'ed every evening. We found a Mexican rancher where we stored our trailers when we returned to the states. He only wanted $100.00 per trailer per year, and parked them next to his home. Worked great for over seven years.

Bajafun777 - 9-3-2007 at 10:39 AM

Joel, I have a 37' Leisure By Design and it has 3 slides, wood framing inside so cooler in heat, and I have two air conditioners attached on top. I feel good about taking it to Baja in Oct. of 2008. It will travel in and not be coming out just like you are doing. It is a 2003 model and before going in I will replace the tires, redo the brakes, redo the roof on top, service the air conditioners and let the good times roll. I had an old timer that has been doing trailer life most of his life tell me I should have gotten a Park Model trailer as in your price range, wider that a travel trailer, does not move like travel trailer when people walk or children jump up and down. Never thought about it until he told me this but it made some good sense. He said he bought his Park Model from La Meza R.V. in San Diego and they arranged it to be towed and put into place in Baja for him. I did see his setup and he had footing on concrete that he set the Park Model on to stabilize it. Definately a thought and he was in a trailer park as he said he and the park model trailer will not be coming out of Mexico, go figure----------------- P.S. I bought my 5th wheeler in Yuma off the Foothills turnoff of Interstate 8, this area has many and I mean many lot sales from private people that no longer wish to do traveling by trailer. Good trailers and some are only two years old and look brand new inside. Your prices will be 1/3 to 1/2 that of going to a trailer sales agency. You also get to personally meet the owner of the trailer and they will show you everything about the trailer. You can get insurance on it from online for Mexico and will cover any problems you may encounter. My runs about $500 a year but my trailer cost is covered in case something bad happens to it. Later, bajafun777

Aluminum vs. Fiberglass?

Hook - 9-4-2007 at 03:05 AM

What is the prevailing opinion on the best material for the outer skin if the unit is going to be subjected to the sun of Mexico?

Bob and Susan - 9-4-2007 at 05:44 AM

fiberglass is smoother and cleaner looking

our "ribbed" metal siding collects up ALOT of dust...
and if i didn't wash it once and a while would look dirty

there's still alot of those OLD 1950's aluminum airstreams around
and they STILL look the same

really...they are ALL made "junky"
just get the BIGGEST unit you can afford if you are going to live in it:light:

and...have a good time:spingrin:

capt. mike - 9-4-2007 at 06:14 AM

to bajafun777:


park model is a good idea. has to be expensive to take down, 10' wide right? so takes a semi and a flag lead?
and must it be imported with an FM3 req'd? they won't think of it as a TT right?

you can pick up park models here in AZ real cheap at snow bird parks all over the east valley. One dies and the other needs to go to a "home".

oldjack - 9-4-2007 at 09:41 AM

Spend a little time and spread the word that you are looking for a TT... EVERY spring there is a large number of units being sold by folks whose homes are completed or they have given up for one reason or another...there are "good deals" all the time be patient... put up a note on the mercado's bulletin board... tell your prospective vecinos.. tell your local bartender.... visit a couple of RV Parks... get the word out and be patient.... two years ago I spent about three weeks running around Los Barriles and nearby points looking at used units... finally had to tow the one I bought ... maybe 1,000 yards/meters... tore out carpet put in Pergo.. big refrigerator and apartment sized stove... 32' Holiday Rambler in great shape $1700 plus my upgrades...

Roberto - 9-7-2007 at 08:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike
to bajafun777:


park model is a good idea. has to be expensive to take down, 10' wide right? so takes a semi and a flag lead?
and must it be imported with an FM3 req'd? they won't think of it as a TT right?

you can pick up park models here in AZ real cheap at snow bird parks all over the east valley. One dies and the other needs to go to a "home".


FM3 requirement is independent of size or whatever. If you leave it down, you need one.

Pescador - 9-8-2007 at 08:04 AM

We have a couple from Canada who bought a park model in Yuma and hauled it down to San Lucas Cove. It is an older tipout instead of a slide but it was a really nice unit. Since there is no electricity in the cove, they had to change all the wiring to12 volt but that went pretty easy, and works well with solar. He also had to add a 12 volt pressure pump, but that works well also. So they ended up with a really nice place for a few dollars.