Re: [VAC] Buyer's Hints?

[Lashway <rlashway@xxxxxxxxxx>]

You can find possible two major  frame type problems.  Rear End Sag and  
Frame Separation.  They are two distinct problems.  Rear end sag is the 
result of the frame bending due to excessive weight on rear end of 
trailer.  Frame separation is when the body of trailer is separated from 
the frame, normally due to the rusting out of the bolts that hold them to 
gether at the rear trailer.  Opening up the back and replacing these 
bolts and then covering the holes   aluminum  covers created the 
"elephant ear" appearance.

Check the rear end for sag by grabbing  bumper and pulling up.  If the 
bumper moves and the body stays put the chances are you have  frame sag.  
I suspect, but never have seen frame separation, that this might give you 
similar movement but probably not as severe.  Of course you can first 
look and see if a gap exists between the body and the bumper housing.  If 
a space exists be alert,  then grab and pull.  If you find either of 
these I would pass on the rig unless they are giving it away as you are 
perhaps looking at couple thousand dollars in repairs.  Be especially  
leary of the  rigs  longer then 25ft with rear baths made  between 1970 
and 1977.

Roy