Are you going to be in the market for a used RV soon? Are you feeling a little bit lost on what to look for in your new-to-you RV before purchasing? For many, this is a huge decision and a huge purchase! And we don’t blame you for feeling a bit overwhelmed!
When you buy a used RV, you have to know what you are getting into. You have to test everything and see everything work – or not work. When I bought our first RV… I had no idea. But I did know the fridge was supposed to get cold, and the furnace was supposed to get hot, and the battery charger was supposed to charge the batteries. Our first RV came from camping world in Indy (that’s her in the photo above). I worked them pretty hard to make the sale. And it still wasn’t perfect. Here are some important things to think about when looking for your used RV.
1. The biggest thing to look for is water leaks. Water leaks make the walls come apart (delamination). They cause permanent damage that either can’t be fixed or isn’t worth fixing. If you see any sign of leaks, inside, outside, or on the roof, just run away. There are lots of used Rv’s out there, you don’t need that one. Check inside the RV for discoloration, water stains, or any signs of mold or other damage on the walls and ceiling. Check outside on the roof for loose or bad caulking, mildew. Extend the slides and check all around them (including underneath!) for any signs of mold or mildew.
2. Make sure the dealer or owner will allow you to check all of the operating systems. If they tell you they don’t have shore power available to plug it in, tell them to move it to where they do, or run. If they tell you “the plumbing is winterized, we can’t run any water”, well then run. Any excuse about why they cannot show you each and every system operating, just run.
3. Tires – Tires are expensive. They last 5-7 years, and then they are junk. No matter how good they look. A 7 year old tire has aged out, and is dangerous, and could fail at any time. Even if it is brand new in a warehouse and has never been mounted on a rim or had air put in it. The DOT has a code put on the sidewall of every tire. 
You can ignore all the stuff in the middle of the DOT code, the last 4 numbers are the date, 2 for the week of the year (0 to 52) and the last 2 are the year. This tire was made the 51st week, Christmas week, in 2007. If I was looking at an RV with this tire, I’d be looking at replacing them.
4. Batteries – The batteries are the lifeblood of every RV. Except for the microwave, air conditioning, and entertainment, everything runs off the batteries. Going dead is hard on batteries. Freezing is lethal. Typically a battery that has frozen will look “bulgey”, the sides will be all pushed out and ugly. Most used RV’s will need new batteries, unless the private owner has kept the unit plugged in. Dealers let them sit on the lot, and then the batteries go dead. If it’s been cold, dead batteries will freeze, and batteries that have frozen are junk.
5. Wheel bearings and trailer brakes – There is really no easy way to check these. If you are buying a trailer of any type, you really just have to assume these items have been neglected. Your “new vehicle maintenance” must include cleaning and greasing the wheel bearings, and inspecting the brakes.
6. Motorhomes – Like buying a used car, you just have to assume the regular maintenance is due – oil and filter change, as well as fuel filters and air dryers on diesel pushers.
7. Generator service – Most generators are totally unloved and long overdue for service. Gas generators will be hard to start, and will surge and sputter if they have been ignored. Deisel generators will just keep running. Its best to just figure generator service needs to be done.
8. Spend some time and insist on a full PDI (pre delivery inspection) by someone who knows what they are doing. Dealers will have such a person on staff, but if buying from a private owner, hire an inspector if you don’t feel up to the job, or bring someone with you who knows. You can also rely on the owner to know his RV and be able to show you that everything works. Most RVers are good people, and are more than willing to help out.
It certainly is a lot to think about! Hopefully this article has helped give you some good tips that will help you out when you go to buy your RV. Good luck, see you down the road!
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