Buying an Unused FEMA-Owned 2022 Cruiser Travel Trailer

[REVRON-FRF]

I just sold my nice Class C to downsize to a bumper pull. Ran across a 2022 Cruiser TWS 2580 that has never been slept in or used. It was a mid-class camper at the time, with slide out, 2 AC's, fireplace, power stabilizers, 12 volt refrigerator & outside kitchen. Bought by FEMA in March, 2023 & sat with many others in a field at an airport in Louisiana. Recently auctioned off & to a buyer who sells them on the side. He has gone over it well, including sealing the roof & operating everything. Good price of $19k. Thoughts, experiences, praises, minuses?

 

[SargeW]

It may be a great deal, or a money pit. The biggest issues I can think of are if there was any water leaks before it was resealed as water in the walls or roof can lead to mold, any interior wiring chewed by rodents that you can't see in the underbelly, and did the tires rot from sitting in the field without moving for 3 years. I would recommend spending the money to get a licensed RV inspector to thoroughly go over it and give you a full report with pics before you sign anything. It may be a great find at a good price, but I would want to be positive first. Remember, once you drop it on the ball of your tow vehicle, it's yours with zero warranty for anything.

 

[PancakeBill]

Sure sounds a lot better than the FEMA stuff we had where I worked after Hurricane Katrina. These were bare bones and the outgassing was horrible.

Consider replacing the tires as part of the process. Look in all the places, like pull drawers and inspect for droppings, anypplace you can get to.

Look at the NADA site for valuations. Go thru it but do not add anything that might be an option. Then look at the low price. The closest the 19k is to that the better the bargain.

 

[PancakeBill]

Sure sounds a lot better than the FEMA stuff we had where I worked after Hurricane Katrina. These were bare bones and the outgassing was horrible.

Consider replacing the tires as part of the process. Look in all the places, like pull drawers and inspect for droppings, anypplace you can get to.

Look at the NADA site for valuations. Go thru it but do not add anything that might be an option. Then look at the low price. The closest the 19k is to that the better the bargain.

Oh and replace the mattress.

 

[SargeW]

And the battery(s) might be shot.

 

[scottydl]

As mentioned, rubber and plastic parts (tires, caulked seals all around, other trim pieces) all need to be inspected carefully. Underuse of an RV (such as letting it sit ignored in a field for several years) can be worse than overuse, when at least you can SEE all the issues that need to be dealt with. In addition, the first year of actually using an RV is usually when most problems appear, when it starts bouncing down the road for the first time and anything that can be loosened comes loose. I agree with having a certified RV inspector check this one out, and be prepared to offer on the low end of the JD Power (formerly NADA) suggested value.

 

[TheBar]

The roof being resealed after 4 years might indicate it had a roof leak. A reseller isn't going to do any preventative maintenance. But will do anything to hide any problem.

 

[Primerump]

These were bare bones and the outgassing was horrible.

Did you seek medical advice for that ?
LOL

 

[Kirk]

The trailers from FEMA are not the same as those sold for use as an RV. They are built cheaply to serve as temporary housing in a disaster area for a short time. They do not hold up well to frequent traveling. They are sourced from various manufacturers without strict, uniform quality controls, which has led to inconsistent build quality. I think that you will live to regret that if you intend to tow it very much.

 

[PancakeBill]

The trailers from FEMA are not the same as those sold for use as an RV. They are built cheaply to serve as temporary housing in a disaster area for a short time. They do not hold up well to frequent traveling. They are sourced from various manufacturers without strict, uniform quality controls, which has led to inconsistent build quality. I think that you will live to regret that if you intend to tow it very much.

The fact that this has two air conditioners I think knocks it out of the typical FEMA buids, in fact many came thru with no holding tanks, intended to be set plumbed as a mobile home.

 

[RayIN]

Have it tested for mold before buying; " sitting in a field at an LA airport for 3 years" is not good IMO.

 

[NY_Dutch]

Sure sounds a lot better than the FEMA stuff we had where I worked after Hurricane Katrina. These were bare bones and the outgassing was horrible.

From the description, this looks to be one of the many TT's FEMA bought off the dealer lots while waiting for the factories to catch up on building FEMA spec trailers. A lot of good advice here on making sure it's a good buy.

 

[ernieekberg]

A new pop-up sounds better

 

[woof-n]

Get it inspected as others have advised. There is a fair amount of unknows. Shop comparables online. Sometimes the best deal on a camper is the one you don't buy. Good Luck

 

[John From Detroit]

many came thru with no holding tanks, intended to be set plumbed as a mobile home.

Was going to say that I was.. You beat me to it.


Very basic "housing" and not really designed to bounce down the road that much either.

 

[Kirk]

The fact that this has two air conditioners I think knocks it out of the typical FEMA buids, in fact many came thru with no holding tanks, intended to be set plumbed as a mobile home.

Since this is from a re-seller the second air conditioner may well have been added by him. As to holding tanks, some of the FEMA units do have waste tanks, and others do not. It just depends on where they will be located and the availability of working sewer & water systems. FEMA buys them both ways.

We volunteered a lot with the USFWS and they often buy FEMA trailers for housing of intern students and such. I have seen them both with and without tanks. My advice remains the same. I would never buy a former FEMA trailer to use as an RV.