Looking to buy this 2007 Niagara pop up

[rickschromehd]

I'm planning on looking at this Pop up this weekend if the guy still has it for sale; http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/rvs/1053984895.html, it seems like a killer deal, don't know why he is asking this price , do ya'll think the market is soft, he did tell me on the phone it was a repo but has a clear title. What should I look for when inspecting this unit , I know there are a list of items. Also, if I bought this I have a 2006 Toyota Tundra crew cab 4x4, will this pull ok without stabilizer bars, I would have to tow it from Cincinnati to Louisville,

[chip]

NADA values the unit between $13K and almost $16K.  Sounds like a good price, condition notwithstanding.  Looks pretty clean in the pix.

Make sure that the recall on the lift system has been accomplished.  If there are stickers by the lift control plug, and by the shore power mouse hole that advise not to use the lift with the trailer connected to 110V, chances are good that the recall was done.  I would still ask for proof.  Not sure how the recall work would be handled for a second- or third owner, although it is a safety issue.  (Recall involves replacement of electric drive motor for the lift system, and the installation of the aforementioned stickers.)

Work the lift.  Run the A/C.  Fire up the furnace. Etc.

Check the tires, looking for dry rot, evidenced by cracking on the sidewalls.  (Ironically, this can mean the camper sat a lot, and didn't see much use.  Which will be obvious by the lack of wear on other parts of the camper.)

There should be either a stove or an "RVQ" grill for outside use.  Not a deal-breaker if it's not there, but the seller doesn't make mention of it.

If your Tundra is not equipped with a controller for the electric brakes, you will need to have one installed.  Having brakes is a good thing.  Get a proportional controller (Tekonsha makes the best.)  

You will likely know whether you need stabilizers after your first tow.  

Hope that helps.

[rickschromehd]

thanks Chip,I bought the Prodigy Brake Control by Tekonsha  today along with the wiring harness for the tundra. Does the power lift have a backup , to where I could manually lift the pop up by hand.

[chip]

thanks Chip,I bought the Prodigy Brake Control by Tekonsha  today along with the wiring harness for the tundra. Does the power lift have a backup , to where I could manually lift the pop up by hand.

There is a manual over ride, should it become necessary-the crank handle for the stabilizers works the lift mechanism through an access hole at the rear of the camper.  Hopefully you won't need it.

[jmaddox]

All good advice so far...Also, remember to feel for soft spots as you walk the floor- although with a model this new, it would shock me to have any kind of floor rot.  Make sure the canvas is in good shape as well.

[CajunCamper]

I agree with everything posted. Crawl under the unit and check both the lift cables and pulleys as well as the condition of the floor and frame looking for rust, rot and any evidence that the unit could have been in a flood. Check any wires and connections for evidence of rust, this could also mean the unit has been in a flood.

Lots of units took on water in the south during the past few hurricanes. Maybe try to get a copy of the original bill of sale to see where the unit may have come from.

CajunCamper

[4Campers]

Hopefully when you see it the guy will have it closed. Smell for mold/mildew when opening, which would be the first indication that it may have been in a flood. The pics do look nice, so maybe he's just in a jam for $$. Frame structure and the lift system are your critical parts to check, then the canvas then the appliances, A/C, furnace, etc. Good Luck

[DT Sante Fe]

All good advice so far...Also, remember to feel for soft spots as you walk the floor- although with a model this new, it would shock me to have any kind of floor rot. Make sure the canvas is in good shape as well.

Also check for soft spots in the ceiling. Someone recently posted about a Niagara leaking from the center seam or end caps. They noticed by finding soft spots in the ceiling. I recently upgraded to a new to me 2005 Niagara, we love it. Much more room than our first pup.

[tlhdoc]

Good luck with the camper.  Chip pretty well nailed down what you need to do.  Take your time and don't let them rush you.  Look everywhere to make sure it is a good unit.  Happy Camping!

[rickschromehd]

thanks for all the great input!!!