About to buy an XT245 Toy Hauler

[deezel85]

Hi guys, New here. I'm in Vancouver, BC, Canada

I'm about to buy an 08 XT245 toy hauler. It's in mint condition and the price is pretty reasonable. $15,000 CND It's had minimal use, owned by an older couple and maliciously cared for.

It's about a 5 hour drive away from me and I don't plan to do an additional viewing before I go up there to buy.

One of my main concerns is that the owner leaves it plugged in all the time. I was wondering what kind of charger/converter came in models from this year range? Do they have a float mode? He has 2 x 6V golf cart batteries installed and I just want to make sure they're not going to be going bad on me due to constant voltage (13.6v) charging over a long term.

Are there any other things to look out for in these units? I have another toy hauler that's 3 feet smaller and weighs 1000lbs more empty. It's also wood framed with a rubber roof and has had previous water leaks and minor rot. I am mainly buying this one for the aluminum structure, front bedroom and lighter weight as I only have a 9K tow cap

Quick response would be appreciated. Thanks
Shawn

 

[LJAZ]

It's most likely came with a WFCO 8900 series power converter. It does have a float charge mode but it's not as good as some of the other brands out there like Progressive Dynamics. I always left mine plugged in and never had any issues. Last summer it finally quit (after 8 years) and I upgraded it with a PD. You mentioned that it's an '08 model so it's quite possible the converter may have already been replaced.
Otherwise Funfinders are really no different than any other trailer. If the trailer maintenance has been kept up you should be fine.

 

[deezel85]

^ Thanks for that. Unfortunately the batteries were low on water and not looked after. They were reading only 2/3s after unplugging the 120v.

Brought it home this weekend. Pull the batteries and topped up water. Put on my old school (non smart) 10A deep cycle charger in manual mode and its getting 15 volts to them. Been sitting bubbling away slowly for about 8 hours now. Finally the specific gravity is coming up a bit on the hydrometer. Hopefully I can save them.

Here's a few pics. Had to drive it through several mountain passes for about 4 hours to get back home. Lots of snow on the way but made it home safe and sound and hosed her off, lots of salt and mud build up on the drive back home that's for sure.

 

[deezel85]

On a side note.

Has anyone attempted to relocate the spare tire to the rear? My old 2001 Fleetwood toyhauler has it in the back. I don't find it all that great up front. It adds already to the tremendous tongue weight (~850lbs) which makes things even more difficult when towing with a half ton.

On top of all that I can't even fit my weight distribution lift up brackets in their proper spot as the mount for the spare tire carrier is welded right in the way. I had to push them farther back for the trip home keeping the chains on an angle instead of straight up and down.

I'm removing the big tray on the front as it's a waste of space and I can't keep my batteries there as I live in a high crime area and they get stolen off the tongue within a week (had it happen already last year to my other trailer) Will be relocating to the inside compartment.

 

[LJAZ]

I don't have a toy hauler so my spare is on the rear wall, but you could try something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/BAL-28218-Hide-Spare-Storage/dp/B00KPQYV0E

 

[Dakota 1120]

The spare tire on my XT276 toy hauler is located underneath, under the garage area...not up front as you mentioned.

 

[M Wilkie]

Deezel85 that looks great. Happy camping!

 

[deezel85]

The spare tire on my XT276 toy hauler is located underneath, under the garage area...not up front as you mentioned.

I guess they reconfigured it for the newer years.

 

[Dakota 1120]

No doubt they make changes from year to year. Moving the spare from the front would lighten the hitch load but would be hesitant to mount it on the rear ramp door .. as there is no bumper on toy haulers.
Perhaps underneath behind the axle would be more appropriate since that is what the company did later.

 

[John_C]

Nice rig Deezel85, the trailer looks great.

I have a 2008 CruiserRV FunFinder Xtra XT-190 Toy Hauler and my spare is under the tongue, as yours. I like the extra space you have and the door fwd of the galley; mine is located same side as yours, but just aft of the galley...

I have the tray on the tongue and put chains & locks on my battery boxes (I run two Grp 31's), but I am in a quiet neighborhood and haven't had a problem yet...

Happy camping and enjoy your new rig!