GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
Can't comprehend the damage, but at a buy it now of $13,500 before fees, if damage does not impact movement of the trailer or dryness or function of the interior- wondering if this might be a decent buy?
Salvage 2015 PALOMINO FOREST RIVER
- Thread starter GON
- Start date
Pass. The pics clearly show damage to the roof and shower skylight. Maybe at half that price, if you wanted to camp, it’d be worth it.
GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
RH,
Just trying to learn about fifth wheel campers and came across this one. I didn't find the damage you identified; thanks for point it out.
Just trying to learn about fifth wheel campers and came across this one. I didn't find the damage you identified; thanks for point it out.
Hail damage??
More photos of the roof would be nice, but it looks like backing under an overhead obstruction that was almost exactly the height of the roof at the rear. If so, the wedge shape of the roof would have caused downward compression, right where there happens to be a slide. I note the rocker panel trim popped off at the left rear side - could be coincidental, or the wall could have bowed enough to cause that. Could be salvageable, could be a complete write off. I wouldn't risk it, personally.
That one pic with the sun suspiciously blaring at the camera almost looks like the roof is torn up at the outside edge. It almost looks like a low clearance collision. On top of the fact that it appears to have been sitting in the weather with no attempt at keeping rain out.
the interiors are very intolerant of moisture. think of the cheapest garbage you can buy for a house them make it a couple notches cheaper...
I would stay well away from that one, i agree it appears to be a collision or something fell on it.
I don't think Palomino is a very high end unit either... unless its worth over 50 i wouldn't mess with it.
I would stay well away from that one, i agree it appears to be a collision or something fell on it.
I don't think Palomino is a very high end unit either... unless its worth over 50 i wouldn't mess with it.
Quote of the day
dnewton3
Staff member
An absolute, unequivocal "HARD PASS".
These types of RVs have thin aluminum-tube housing frame structures, vacuum bonded laminated walls, and thin (most often EDPM or TPO) roof skins.
It appears to me that something dropped on the roof; perhaps a large limb fell on the unit when parked at a campground? The event likely caused damage to the roof, the internal wall structure and the outer wall skin.
The costs to repair the roof and structural damage will far exceed any ability to make a profit fby lipping it. That doesn't include any other damage unforeseen in the photos. IMO, without seeing it in person, I would consider this RV a salvage job only; there may be value in the appliances, etc. The chassis may be able to be stripped and converted to a home-made flat-bed trailer with some extra effort and materials.
In short ... RUN AWAY !!!!
These types of RVs have thin aluminum-tube housing frame structures, vacuum bonded laminated walls, and thin (most often EDPM or TPO) roof skins.
It appears to me that something dropped on the roof; perhaps a large limb fell on the unit when parked at a campground? The event likely caused damage to the roof, the internal wall structure and the outer wall skin.
The costs to repair the roof and structural damage will far exceed any ability to make a profit fby lipping it. That doesn't include any other damage unforeseen in the photos. IMO, without seeing it in person, I would consider this RV a salvage job only; there may be value in the appliances, etc. The chassis may be able to be stripped and converted to a home-made flat-bed trailer with some extra effort and materials.
In short ... RUN AWAY !!!!
Having said all that. If I was looking for a hunting cabin for some land and I wasnt going to move it and I could get it for about 5k and I had a ton of eternabond tape and a new skylight and a vent cover and some spare time, I might maybe consider it. As a flip ? absolutely not. in todays market a 2015 with that decor is gonna be a tough sell no matter what the condition.
Bingo. If they bothered to put the other slides out, that one would be out too.
Even if there is no water leak visible inside the unit, doesn't mean water is not leaking into the sidewall.
RV roofs are expensive to replace.
The unit is 8 years old with serious damage.
Walk away.
Its structural damage also from the picture-so you are right. Having a couple of different travel trailers over the last 15 year or so-it doesn't take much damage to a roof-or fiberglass RV to total it. Aluminium travel trailers can be worked on if the damage isn't too bad.
GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
Gents,
Thanks so very much for taking the time to comment and provide insight. Super helpful- BITOG is definitely a master mind group.
I am scheduled to retire no later than this time next year. I have been asked to delay retirement two additional years until AUG 2026. If that happens, my Wife will move to Denver to be with our Daughter and Grandsons, unless we find our retirement house. I will need a place to live, so simply was toying with the idea of a fifth wheel trailer. It a fantasy thought, also thinking of trips with the Grandsons in a camper.
I know not a thing about campers/ trailers. I saw this camper and missed the damages that the BITOG minds quickly found. I also am not familar with brand qualities, but read all campers are of poor quality, just some worse than others. I have a Featherlite horse trailer I use for moving, it is of a decent quality. My other two cargo trailers are of minimal quality.
Thanks so very much for taking the time to comment and provide insight. Super helpful- BITOG is definitely a master mind group.
I am scheduled to retire no later than this time next year. I have been asked to delay retirement two additional years until AUG 2026. If that happens, my Wife will move to Denver to be with our Daughter and Grandsons, unless we find our retirement house. I will need a place to live, so simply was toying with the idea of a fifth wheel trailer. It a fantasy thought, also thinking of trips with the Grandsons in a camper.
I know not a thing about campers/ trailers. I saw this camper and missed the damages that the BITOG minds quickly found. I also am not familar with brand qualities, but read all campers are of poor quality, just some worse than others. I have a Featherlite horse trailer I use for moving, it is of a decent quality. My other two cargo trailers are of minimal quality.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
I can smell the photos. Run.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
I realize my post didn't offer much, (it was true) but I have owned a Class A, 5th wheel and my current trailer. All of those over a span of 20 years. Depending on your ultimate goal at the price they want for that pile you could find a one a little older but in very nice condition. As you know from living out here in the PACNORWEST trailers hold their value here... I paid 24,900 for my 32 footer back in 12 and could easily get 10 to 14,000 for it now. Price a new one out next time you in Tacoma...I couldn't believe it. Stay away from anything really made after 2018. As far as I can tell they have had a bunch of problems.
The main problem is quality control of the assembly. The refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners, etc., are usually OK. But loose fittings on plumbing lines or electrical connections are the issues.
I bought a new Forest River Grey Wolf 26DJSE travel trailer a couple of years ago. There were metal shavings underneath the vanity in the bathroom. And wallpaper that has a few bubbles underneath it. There were a few loose plumbing connections as well. However-after a year and a half and 5,000 miles with probably three months of camping the trailer has proven to be solid otherwise. The chassis and running gear have had zero issues.
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