Ultra-lite trailer modifications

[monica4patience]

We love the layout of our new Passport Bunkhouse. It is an ultra-light trailer for traveling. We, however, do not travel with it. We have a seasonal site. It is stored on-site in the winter...so no traveling. We do not foresee traveling with this unit...or traveling with a trailer in the next 5-8 years.

Most of the modifications that we want to do will add weight to the trailer. Thicker plywood for benches; slide-out drawers in cupboards, under benches, under couch; decent toilet; non-plastic faucets, etc. Should we be concerned with re-sale value of a no-longer light weight trailer? Our last two trailer upgrades were trade-ins to the dealer. We've gotten very good money each time.

So, to repeat: any concern with modifications that add weight to a non-traveling trailer, in terms of re-sale?

[TLB]

Originally Posted by monica4patience

Should we be concerned with re-sale value of a no-longer light weight trailer?

You will be making upgrades to make it better, don't worry.

[monica4patience]

Originally Posted by TLB

You will be making upgrades to make it better, don't worry.

Well, they are upgrades that we think makes it better. But not everyone will think they make it better.

We just want it to work well for our family.

[Festus2]

Originally Posted by monica4patience

Well, they are upgrades that we think makes it better. But not everyone will think they make it better.

We just want it to work well for our family.

"Everyone" doesn't own the trailer nor do they holiday in it so what "everyone" likes or dislikes really doesn't matter. Do what you need to do to make it better for your family. Worry about resale value when you come to sell or trade it in. Enjoy it now.

[GaryWT]

No one is going to weigh it or ask if you added weight. If you trade this one in the dealer will ask for year, make, model and condition and give you a trade in price. You own it, do what you want.

[therink]

I agree, make it yours! I would however keep in mind what the payload ratings is (lbs loading capacity) per the sticker. If iit is for example 1500 lbs and you add 500 lbs of permanent improvements, then the trailer could easily be overloaded when and if anyone loads it up for towing down the road.
I agree that if or when you do sell or trade, the buyer or dealer will not weigh it when they buy from you.

[koko]

The only modification that we made that added weight was installing large drawers under our dinette seats. They probably added about 150 lbs. (heavy duty metal sliders are very heavy and our drawers extend to the full length and width of the seats). We were a little worried about that extra weight because the booth is on the slide, but the slide still works well a year later.

[monica4patience]

Glad to hear that the dinette drawers work. That is a mod I would like to make also.

[BirchyBoy]

Originally Posted by monica4patience

Glad to hear that the dinette drawers work. That is a mod I would like to make also.

Me too, except I can't see my wife letting me cut holes in the seats. She barely let's me use 3M strips on the walls.

[koko]

No cutting of seats necessary. Just simple cuts into the side panel - I always refer people who want to do this to MiSailor's mod on this forum. We did a couple of things a little bit different (also our own measurements) but for the most part followed his instructions to the letter. He made his own wooden sliders, which I'm sure kept the weight down considerably. We ordered the drawers from the company he recommended, and the quality was amazing. They actually look better than the ones Keystone puts in. Cost us about $600, the sliders being the most expensive item of all.

[theeyres]

If you end up trading it in on another trailer, or just selling it outright, most people are going to look at wholesale price or low retail and offer that. Period. Mods will not be considered nor will most people pay more because of anything you did to it. Most dealers won't even look at it, they will just offer wholesale.

[monica4patience]

Originally Posted by theeyres

If you end up trading it in on another trailer, or just selling it outright, most people are going to look at wholesale price or low retail and offer that. Period. Mods will not be considered nor will most people pay more because of anything you did to it. Most dealers won't even look at it, they will just offer wholesale.

We've just traded with the dealer the last two times. Got great deals both times. No hassle.

[ljp]

As this could be a potential safety issue (new additions adding weight) is there a disclosure requirement? I envision someone buying the trailer, getting involved in an accident with trailer weight being a factor; and then getting an attorney after they learn there were modifications that were not disclosed. Too paranoid?

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by ljp

As this could be a potential safety issue (new additions adding weight) is there a disclosure requirement? I envision someone buying the trailer, getting involved in an accident with trailer weight being a factor; and then getting an attorney after they learn there were modifications that were not disclosed. Too paranoid?

There is a disclosure requirement when new, but not when used. If you think about it. If you buy a new Ford F250, the payload sticker is "accurate" (from the factory) but if you buy that same truck "used" with a bed mat, a camper shell and a set of running boards, the payload is reduced, probably 4 or 5 hundred pounds. There's no requirement to "alter the payload sticker". It's "buyer beware" when buying used. So any modifications made to a travel trailer are much the same. If it rolls and if the new buyer is satisfied, it's "good to go"...... Of course, blatant disregard or lying about modifications, if asked..... Now that's just not ethical.

[monica4patience]

Originally Posted by ljp

As this could be a potential safety issue (new additions adding weight) is there a disclosure requirement? I envision someone buying the trailer, getting involved in an accident with trailer weight being a factor; and then getting an attorney after they learn there were modifications that were not disclosed. Too paranoid?

Don't know about that. But we've been very upfront about any changes we've made or repairs that are needed when we trade in.

[koko]

Any modifications we've made on any of our campers have definitely been an advantage to a potential buyer. We don't make mods because we're thinking about resale value. Even though these mods cost us thousands of dollars, we will enjoy them while we own the trailer; and the next person who owns it will benefit from the conveniences we've added. We never do anything that would devalue our campers. I think that's the most important thing to consider. If I were to buy a used camper, I'd love to get something that had been improved; and we all know that they can always be improved!