Help! buying used RV in Vancouver BC Canada

GasCap9000 wrote:

garyhaupt wrote:

Gary Haupt

thanks for recommending a inspection shop, I looked into a few shops and didn't know which one is reputable.

When do I I bring up independent inspection with the dealer? and if the inspection found parts needing to be replaced. i should negotiate with the dealer for them to fix anything to working condition?

I would just act like it is a foregone conclusion that you will take it for an inspection. Like you would a second hand car off a lot. Make an appointment to take if for a test drive....and when talking about when, mention that you will be having it looked at. If they say no...well then...that would be a giant no, from you, too. Unless..unless they are prepared to give you a written/signed warranty of a time period greater than 30 days. A warranty that addresses an inspection. They won't do that. So...for sure, no inspection, no deal.

As far as replacing worn items, unless the item isn't functioning, they won't be replacing a fridge, hot water system, furnace. If there is worn upholstery, you might get them to move on that and for sure, no body damage. Of course, if it was damaged they'd have fixed that before you ever laid eyes on it. Which is normal, eh...no shop is gong to sell an obviously damaged rig.


I want to ask you to be sure you can afford this thing..not 'this' one, but any one. The buying is only the first step to a huge financial commitment. I am not asking for your financials...just asking that you understand what you are getting into. Filling the tank is well over $140.00 and you would need two or three fills to get to the Okanagan, say. And then you have to get back. If or when a fridge, furnace, hot water tank need replacing, you are looking at an easy grand..and more. I am not trying to scare you off purchasing. If you can afford to use it, it is truly one of the best ways to go. But...there are lots out there that get bought and then never move.

And...we haven't even touched on power yet...with a motorhome you have to have power. There are only 3 ways to do this..generator, solar or plug-in. The unit you are looking at was for the plug-in market. It won't have a generator..either built in or portable. You will need to think on this. If you too are going to plug-in, that means private RV campgounds. Not out in the boonies camp grounds (prov park ones). Yes, you will have A battery...you will need at least two for most weekends and even that is pushing it. If you go see Kevin at Travco...ask him about power. Don't tell him I said to..I am slow and stupid and he had to talk to me several time before I 'got it'.


Gary Haupt