Are Sun Valley Apache TC's a good buy? I'm interested in a one-owner 2005 8.5ft Apache. It looks mint and the seller wants $6500. My current TC is mid-80's Skamper pop-up, so, I'm in unfamiliar waters here. Thanks.

Ok, I found a problem with the TC. I gave the TC a thorough inspection and when I lifted the right, front corner of the mattress on the cabover, I found water damage, and moisture still present. There is no apparent water damage on the wall, so I don't think the roof leaks. After looking at the outside of the camper, I think it may be due to caulk that has separated. It had been raining quite heavily the last week or so. Besides the water intrusion, the camper looks very good. It was a consignment, so I'm now waiting to hear back from the saleman regarding what the owner wants to do.
What do you guys think? Should I run away, or can it be fixed correctly? Thanks!

Does it have a front window? If so, that may need to be pulled, resealed & reinstalled. Is the floor under the matress sagging at all?

Also, what does that camper weigh? It may be too heavy for your 1/2 ton truck.

There is no front window. The floor does not appear to be sagging. I believe the camper weighs 1500-1900 lbs dry, but that won't be an issue because I'm getting a GMC Sierra 2500HD soon. I would just like a "warm fuzzy" that this problem can be fixed correctly, and won't come back to haunt me.

Just my thoughts on this. I think the price is a bit too high. I like Starcraft campers myself although I have never bought a new one. Too many good deals on used ones out there. If the camper is what you want and you are gonna have the truck to haul it then I say go for it. Although I would try to get the price down a little.
Gary
PS If you do buy it I would start looking all around it and checking for anything that might need attention. Also try and talk to the owner and find out how they used it. And why they want to sell it.

No window is good, at least that can't leak. You may have caught the water damage early on so there might not be any damage but I'd look again. Look for exterior siding that is delaminating (bulging). It should all sound tight when knocked on. Look for bubbling and/or discoloration on the interior wall covering and last, give it the smell test. I looked at an Apache in 2003 and they looked like a lower budget camper. The fit & finish was not as good as others. It probably was a $15,000 camper new in '05 so $6500 is probably fair as long as everything works & there is no water damage. There is a place here in WI that does a pressure test for camper leaks. They put a blower on the top blowing through a vent to pressurize the camper then they go over the exterior with a soap solution & look for bubbles. They charge $175 for this test. Perhaps there is a dealer in your area that can do the same test.

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