Insight re: purchase
Hello, seeking insight: we are considering an opportunity to purchase an "older" 5th wheel - approx 13-14 yrs old. Not used for over the road travel, rather a seasonal site. Our intended use would b...
Forum Discussion
Condition is key with older Rv's. No one on here can offer an armchair diagnosis of an old RV and all it's systems and structure especially with no details about make model or condition. Best advice - get a qualified RV inspector and have a thorough and documented inspection before you make any offer. Then you'll know what you're dealing with.
Thank you, please know I didn't post expecting an armchair diagnosis from anyone - just trying to do my due diligence for things to consider or look out for when contemplating used/older units from folks who know more than I do. I appreciate the response re: seeking out a separate RV inspector to include in this process.
There are SOOO many used RVs that have gotten little use, that are really not worth “much” more than ones that were used regularly and used a lot, that it doesn’t compute with me to get one that’s been lived in for effectively “x” number of years vs one the same age stored under a carport and used a few weeks a year.
Since you don’t plan on towing it around it may seem convenient to buy the one that only need moved 200 yds to its new home. But can predict that it will likely have more wear n tear from use. Big ones being exterior/roof assuming it’s been left outdoors uncovered and the appliances. Don’t know for sure but 14 years on a fridge, AC, water pump, etc that are all used alot seems like the life cycle has been largely used up. Whereas the lightly used and covered RV will have more lifecycle left in these and other components.
Especially now with the COVID buyers being a couple years into dumping their overpriced seemed good at the time decisions.The thing with older Rvs is that there isn't one particular thing to look for. Anything can be wrong with this RV. From the roof to the frame. Old leaks that were covered up can still grow mold, plumbing electrical and HVAC can have issues, walls can be delaminated, frame can be rusty or even cracked.. the list goes on but you get the idea. A qualified inspector will document the whole rig from top to bottom and worth every cent it costs you. Anymore I wouldn't even buy a brand new RV without an inspection.
