Buying a used RV, while less costly than buying a brand-new RV, is still a big investment. Even with thousands of dollars shaved off the final price tag, you won’t want to take this decision lightly.
To ensure you decide on the right used RV, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection of the RV before making a purchase. Don’t throw logic out the bay windows of that Class-A RV you’ve been eyeing. Be willing to walk away if you spot red flags or aren’t comfortable with the deal.
If this is your first time purchasing one, knowing what to look for when buying a pre-owned RV and what systems require inspection is essential. That way, you know if you’re getting a good deal or if the potential seller is taking advantage of you.
With all of the costs of RV ownership ahead of you (outside of the cost of the vehicle itself), you’ll want to score the best deal possible on your previously owned motorhome.
Key Takeaways
- Conduct a comprehensive external inspection of used RVs, including the roof, walls, and tires.
- Test all appliances and systems before purchase to ensure it is equipped for the journey.
- Inspect safety equipment & review maintenance records.
- Test drive & inspect engine/transmission with assistance from a mechanic.
Inspecting the Exterior
The exterior is the first thing you’ll want to check when examining an RV. Through a careful examination, you’ll quickly be able to tell whether or not the RV is in good shape and a solid candidate for purchase. Here are the main things to look at when conducting an exterior inspection.
Roof Inspection
As with a house or any other structure, the roof is one of the most important components of an RV. RV roofs are typically made of a rubber composite, which means they’re soft and prone to damage. When conducting a roof inspection, look for signs of wear and tear, neglect, discoloration, and obvious damage.
You should also check for soft spots by walking on the roof and note any areas that need to be recaulked. Additionally, examine the flashing around pipes sticking through your roof and furnace vents.
Walls and Siding
After inspecting the roof, you can move on to the exterior walls and siding.
Check for missing panels, holes, and other obvious signs of damage that present the potential for leaks and issues. Be sure to check the slide-outs for cracks and bulges, as they’re made of a different material and are more prone to damage than the rest of your RV walls.
Tires and Undercarriage
Finally, examining the tires, axles, and undercarriage of a prospective RV is vital. When inspecting the tires, examine them for wear, dryness, and cracking. Tires that show signs of excessive wear or dryness can indicate that the RV has been sitting for extended periods, which may lead to other issues with the vehicle.
You should also watch out for the following:
- Excessive rust and corrosion
- Brackets securing waste tanks and rubber hoses
- Bent axles
- Missing insulation or holes in the insulation
- Freshwater overflow tubes for any signs of damage, blockage, or presence of pests
Evaluating the Interior
After a detailed inspection of the RV’s exterior, the next step involves assessing the interior. This is crucial to give you peace of mind and ensure a comfortable and safe living space for you and your family.
Flooring and Stability
Unlike houses and apartments, the flooring in RVs is thin and not as durable. To ensure the flooring is in good condition, walk around the entire RV, paying close attention to areas near windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures.
If you discover any issues, you should ask for a price reduction or walk away altogether because it will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to fix flooring issues.
Appliances and Systems
Depending on the age and type of your used RV, it may have outdated plumbing fixtures and appliances. Because they’re built specifically for RVs, RV fixtures and appliances are very expensive to replace. Here’s a list of things to check before purchasing a new-to-you RV.
- Furnace
- Air conditioner
- Water Heater
- Toilet
- All the Faucets and Sinks
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Microwave
- Electrical Systems (all the AC outlets, lights, and breakers)
- Exhaust Vent Fans
- Safety Equipment
Take your time to check their functioning before proceeding with the purchase. Inspect the propane cylinders, rubber hoses, regulator and tank switch-over valves, and all other system components for potential propane leaks.
Signs of Mold and Water Damage
Finally, it’s essential to check the RV for signs of mold and water damage, which could be detrimental to your health. When evaluating the interior, use a flashlight to examine thoroughly.
- All cabinets
- Walls
- Corners
- The caulking in the bathroom
- Every crevice
If you discover any signs of mold or water damage, check the extent of the damage and whether it can be easily repaired. Some forms of mold damage are minor, while others are beyond repair and make the RV uninhabitable.
Safety Equipment and Maintenance Records
Once you wrap up your interior and exterior inspections, it’s time to perform a safety check. This includes checking to ensure the RV has standard safety equipment, such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and maintenance records.
Inspecting Safety Equipment
In the same way, you wouldn’t want to live in a house that doesn’t have proper safety equipment, you shouldn’t camp or live in an RV that is unsafe. Therefore, checking safety equipment is vital for the protection of you and your family, so make sure to inspect the following:
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
It’s important to ensure that the RV contains each of these things and that they’re in working order. If they aren’t, it could mean that the previous owner neglected other aspects of the RV.
Reviewing Maintenance Records
Maintenance records are important but not essential to buying a used RV. If you’re purchasing your rig from a dealer, they will likely have meticulous maintenance records, while a private seller might not. Therefore, if records are unavailable, it will be up to you to perform an even more rigorous inspection of the RV to ensure everything’s in working order.
Test Driving and Mechanical Components
Motorhome Landscape Journey – Free photo on Pixabay – Pixabay
As with a used car, you should never purchase a used motorhome without first taking it for a test drive. This isn’t as important with travel trailers and fifth wheels because the test drive is meant to check the motor, handling, and mechanics of the motorhome.
Test driving a motorhome will also give you a good feel for the overall driving experience and whether or not you are comfortable operating it. You can also test the brakes, steering, and suspension during your drive and check for loud noises that may require further inspection.
You should also remember to pop the hood so you can check the transmission, engine, and engine oil level and condition. If you’re not mechanically inclined, consider enlisting the help of a trusted mechanic for this task to inspect the engine and transmission for you.
Working with Dealers and Private Sellers
If you’re checking the RV market and don’t know who to purchase your used RV from, you have two basic options – private sellers and dealers. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and we’ll discuss them below.
Buying From a Dealer
Dealers are likelier to have comprehensive maintenance records and offer better inspections and warranties than other sellers. They will also have more inventory to choose from and make the title transfer process a breeze. However, dealers also charge more than private sellers, so they may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
Buying From a Private Seller
The biggest advantage of going through a private seller is that they typically have better prices than dealers. However, the downside is that they may not have a comprehensive vehicle and buyer history, and the title transfer process is much more difficult.
Therefore, while private sellers can offer attractive price points, it’s essential to do your due diligence and weigh multiple options when buying a used RV.
Summary
Buying a used RV is an exciting experience, but it can also be nerve-racking because of how big of an investment it is. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of the RV, including the roof, walls, floors, appliances, and plumbing and electrical systems.
If you closely inspect these components and find issues, you can ask for a price reduction or walk away from the deal entirely.
Once you’ve purchased your RV and you need somewhere to store it while not in use, consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that can connect you with private RV storage renters and RV storage facilities in your area!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is good mileage for a used RV?
For Class. A motorhome, anything over 100,000 miles, is considered a lot. Additionally, if an RV is less than ten years old and has a mileage below 40,000 – 50,000 miles, this could indicate that it has stood idle, which isn’t ideal.
What is the average lifespan of an RV?
The average lifespan of an RV or motorhome is around 200,000 miles, provided it is well-maintained and kept in good condition.
What should I look for when inspecting the roof of a used RV?
When checking a used RV roof, carefully inspect it for signs of damage, wear and tear, and leaks to ensure its structural integrity isn’t compromised.
