That is not a lifted truck that the fiver is hitched to in the photograph - and look how nose-high the trailer is! Do some measurements and make sure you could get it somewhere near level on your tow vehicle. Everything was much lower in "the old days" and you can't tow that RV at that angle for any distance without stressing the rear axle and springs. The fiver is cute, though.

Rob

The only concern I would have is the wood used for the ceiling. It's difficult to tell what it is but if it's tongue and groove or ship-lap real wood the weight maybe a problem. Most manufacturers used luan covered with vinyl for the ceilings back then so it was very lightweight. Hopefully it's some sort of lightweight manufactured wood look product.

The extra weight may weirdly shift the center of gravity and make for extra rock and rolling on bumpy roads & curves.

It appears the axles have already been flipped on the 5th wheel. If they haven't then flipping the axles will usually provide the needed height for the newer pickup bed heights. Flipping the axles will also affect the center of gravity so along with the weight of the new ceiling and higher sit of the 5th wheel you could get some scary rocking.

It is a nice looking trailer. I would prefer one where you are able to stand up in the bed area.

Thanks for all your great advice!!

I spent a good deal of time going over everything with the couple. He got the fridge at cost (he's a contractor with a solid reputation in the area and gets some good deals), the tires are new enough that I'm comfortable. The axles had not been reversed, so I'll get that done. We talked about the framework and he showed me where there had been water damage that he repaired and showed that the structural integrity of the framing had not been affected by it. I figure since the unit is as old as I am (we were born the same year!) that there are bound to be some issues. He went over how he did the repairs/upgrades, had the original manual plus all the appliance warranties/manuals in a well-kept binder. He also showed me the repairs/upgrades he would still make if they weren't parting with it including the estimated costs and instructions on how. The woodwork on the ceiling is thinly sliced redwood. It has the solar panel and extra battery already and is already set up for two more, which is a goal for me. Both he and his fiancé said they are available to me at all times should any issues arise and that he would help me with repair/upgrade work for as long as I have it. They were having a hard time parting with it because of all the memories they made in it with a family member who passed away. So they pretty much adopted me and want to stay involved to make sure it's maintained without any unnecessary burden to me. He's going to deliver it at no cost and give me as much training as I want. The farthest they've taken it is to Yosemite, and when I told him my plans to eventually full-time and go cross-country, he started spouting off a list of things I'll want to get checked out first, just like my dad did before my first-ever solo road trip up the east coast. He said, "Promise me that you'll take this in first and call me when you do so I can help you with anything they say you need done."

Then they dropped the price by $600.

I went for it!