Hybrid trailers

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Considering getting one, but I've heard water can leak around the beds when folded up. Anyone have any experience with that?

What should I look for when shopping?

[highlife4me]

There is that but I also know that condensation tends to be a problem and soaks the mattresses when camping in the spring and fall when there are big temperature swings during the day. You can put protectors over the mattress if it becomes too much of an issue.

[Powerstroke]

None of the designs are made to leak. Leaks are the result of poor seals because either the weatherstripping has failed or needs replacing or the mechanism that secures the beds is no longer holding well enough to keep pressure on the seals.

So, older designs with "twist-lock" handles would eventually wear out because they would strip out or bend and stop holding well enough. All the new designs use a handle design like utility trailers have for a more positive close.

Other places these leak is because the seals at the bed hinges (lower horizontal edge) are not in good shape. Another way they have leaked is if the outer panel delaminates.

Other than that, a closed bed shouldn/t leak any different than a open bed because they are sealed and attached the same. If the canvas is in good shape and the seals are good then there shouldn't be any leaks. An easy way to check is to look for any water marks or soft spots near the lower corners where the beds attach.