Went to pick up the 5th wheel that was given to me. It's a 2000 Fleetwood Prowler LS 30 5x; here's one for sale in NJ that's very similar: http://www.campingworldofnewjersey.c...prowler/133144

It definitely needs work since the fiberglass panel on the front left corner is gone and the wood has rotted there. Fortunately the floor in that area is fine. There are a few soft spots in the roof as well. The tires are in decent shape for being 10 years old. It's been sitting up for 3 years now and the previous owner lived in it for about 5 years prior to that. For as much use and neglect it's seen, it's in pretty decent shape. Surprisingly, the awning is in perfect shape, and I'm very happy that it has the power leveling jacks for the front.

Also have all the owners manuals and the original "window sticker" listing the many options. I'm very happy to have the new trailer.

Does anyone know of a Fleetwood-specific or 5th wheel/RV forum?

 

Rv.net has a lot of good info. That's where I go whenever I have any questions.

 

OH boy - - are we in for some fun. You have your work cut out for you. Had that same problem in my first motorhome - - rebuilt the whole backend of it. Also had rot in the roof of my second motorhome - - rebuilt the roof in that one. Had the AC unit hanging down inside trying to get home. Interesting to say the least. Have fun.

Bob

 

Good Luck is all I can say.
Here are two other sites that might help you also.
http://www.modmyrv.com/forums and http://www.irv2.com/forums/
Jim

 

Thanks fellas!

 

If you're good with tools and a little bit of framing, you'll do fine.

I was rebuilding truck campers, 5th wheels, and early 1960's & 1970's TT when I was a punk 16 & 17 year old. It was easy. Just take your time and prepare for a LONG & TIME CONSUMING project.

The good old days of being a punk teenager, with those after school & summer jobs

 

I hear that. Well I sent the wife to get a couple of batteries for the trailer today and tonight I installed them and got the power on. I had enough juice to push the super slide out and found a big problem. The floor under the super slide was black with mushrooms growing out of the carpet. And the floor under it was totally rotten.

Tomorrow we will be seeing if a repair shop wants to buy it for parts and if not, the body is going to be demoed, the appliances removed for sale, and the frame and axles converted into a gooseneck flatbed trailer.

Looks like the old adage is true once again: if it's too good to be true it probably is.

 

Too bad.
Keep in mind that the frame was not designed as a flatbed. Major reinforcement may be required. Still might not be strong enough. Depends on what you plan to haul.
Good Luck.

 

Don't have anything real heavy. Some 4 wheelers or a small tractor. Got to see how light it is. If nothing else the axles may be useful for a light duty trailer.

 

I helped a friend rebuild the super slide in his "new" 5er. Pretty much the same damage as you have described. The cost was minimal but the amount of time was staggering. He did a really nice job, new carpet, vinyl, etc. only to find the smell of mold and mice was overpowering while it was closed up with the heater on.