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joel
Nomad
Posts: 361
Registered: 2-2-2007
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Thoughts on buying which trailer to leave on Baja lot
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.
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Rainer
Junior Nomad
Posts: 65
Registered: 1-16-2007
Location: Las Cruces, NM
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Mood: Missing Baja
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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
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longlegsinlapaz
Super Nomad
Posts: 1685
Registered: 11-18-2005
Location: La Paz
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Location, location, location!!!
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]
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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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.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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jerry
Super Nomad
Posts: 1354
Registered: 10-10-2003
Location: loreto
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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
jerry and judi
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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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
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wornout
Senior Nomad
Posts: 595
Registered: 10-24-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja California
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Mood: No Bad Days
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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.
This Space Available, E-Mail Me If Interested.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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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.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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joel
Nomad
Posts: 361
Registered: 2-2-2007
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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.
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jerry
Super Nomad
Posts: 1354
Registered: 10-10-2003
Location: loreto
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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 and judi
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jerry
Super Nomad
Posts: 1354
Registered: 10-10-2003
Location: loreto
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i would build a block storage building with no windows and a steel door for storage
jerry and judi
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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Mood: mellow
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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]
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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Baja&Back
Senior Nomad
Posts: 549
Registered: 9-10-2004
Location: Vancouver, Canada / todo de Baja
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Mood: Rarin' to go South!
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#1 quality manufacturer is Jayco.
#2 is Komfort.
We didn't care what #3 was ...
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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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.
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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Joel
You never said where you planned to be?
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Bob and jane
Nomad
Posts: 272
Registered: 3-25-2004
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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.
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joel
Nomad
Posts: 361
Registered: 2-2-2007
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| 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....
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Phil S
Super Nomad
Posts: 1205
Registered: 10-28-2003
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Mood: After 34 years. Still in love w/ my wife
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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.
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Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
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Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
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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
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Aluminum vs. Fiberglass?
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?
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