Re: [VAC] Buyer's Hints?

[John and Julie Anderson <janderson@xxxxxxxx>]

Others in the past have expressed concerns about rodent infestation, indicated by
accumulations of droppings, chewed insulation, etc.  This could contibute to
latent problems with wiring or other systems.  In addition, there is the
health/sanitation aspect associated with rodents.  One person commented about the
potential for the presence of rodent-borne Hantavirus, primarily if the trailer
has been in the Southwest USA or in Mexico.  Although it is possible to thoroughly
clean and remove /replace materials that  have been contaminated by rodents, the
process of doing so is risky because of the possibility of inhaling dust that
contains the virus. Vacuuming contributes to the problem because it sucks up the
material and captures it, but the filter is not perfect so the exhaust from the
vacuum serves to circulate the virus, along with a cloud of microscopic particles,
into the breathing air.

Trailers that have been stored in barns, etc., for periods of time could have this
problem, I would think. Although you can't reasonably disassemble a trailer to
look for problems, if it were me I would take a good flashlight, and examine all
accessible spaces--remove mattresses, pull out drawers, check under appliances,
open every removable panel or cover to get at these spaces. If there is any
removable panel on the underbelly (such as a fuse access plate, probably secured
with 4 screws or so) pull it off and shine your good light up in there  to see
what you can see. Of course look for all sorts of prolems while you are doing
this, not just rodent signs. And then, evaluate what you see. Most trailers have
probably had a mouse once or twice.

But Hantavirus is not a trivial concern.