We are looking at getting a used DP in the next year, likely between 2001 and 2008, 36' to 40'. Budget is $45k to $70k. We also have a list of preferences including: side radiator, Cummuns ISC or ISL (not Cat or ISB), and a few other wants. We live in Southern California and would travel up to 500 miles to purchase (maybe a little further if it checked all the boxes).The challenge we see is: how to do a pre-purchase inspection? Consider that a) we will likely purchase several hours from home, b) it is not likely convenient for the seller (or us) to simply run it over to the local service center, and c) what to look for in something with 1000 moving parts?Pictures & service records (or lack off) can be useful for making a short list, and a good look may tell you something.Would an extended warranty be worth while? Seems like a useful one would cost a lot. Maybe it is best to just bank $10k of the budget in case.Any suggestions?

I spent two years trying to find a RV I wanted and each time, I'd use RVServiceReviews.com to try and find an 'independent', qualified, inspector with the appropriate license. No inspector in the area of the ad, I would scratch it from my list. A qualified inspector for a large DP can cost $300-$500 for a through exam.Problem was I seldom found such an inspector nearby the rigs I was interested in. Ended up happening by a consignment dealers place with just the RV I was looking for. So I did the inspection myself because that dealer had deep pockets in the event I missed something big. A year on...I didn't miss anything big.

Last two diesels I purchased did not have ANY service records & I never had a problem. I as well did my own inspections. Back then I was living in New Hampshire. 1st purchase was in Upstate NY and 2nd purchase was in southern TX. just to give you an example of the distance I traveled.

I did it myself. Takes several hours. Need to have power and water available. All before final monies changed hands.

Depending on how you will purchase the loan may require a certified inspector. The person that bought our last MH went through GS financing (great bank of the west). They had an inspector come to the house and take care of it. When the buyers fist came to look at it, I took them though every detail for about 2 hours. The seller should be familiar with their rig and be able to spend a few hours going over it, soup to nuts. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are inspectors around if you feel it's worth the price.

NRVIAI would not recommend remotely buying an older class A without having someone taking a look at it. Too many scams out there.

Used DP Pre-purchase Inspection | Good Sam Community

Jim
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017
I spent two years trying to find a RV I wanted and each time, I'd use RVServiceReviews.com to try and find an 'independent', qualified, inspector with the appropriate license. No inspector in the area of the ad, I would scratch it from my list. A qualified inspector for a large DP can cost $300-$500 for a through exam.

Problem was I seldom found such an inspector nearby the rigs I was interested in. Ended up happening by a consignment dealers place with just the RV I was looking for. So I did the inspection myself because that dealer had deep pockets in the event I missed something big. A year on...I didn't miss anything big.
mchero
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017
Last two diesels I purchased did not have ANY service records & I never had a problem. I as well did my own inspections. Back then I was living in New Hampshire. 1st purchase was in Upstate NY and 2nd purchase was in southern TX. just to give you an example of the distance I traveled.
sch911
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017
I did it myself. Takes several hours. Need to have power and water available. All before final monies changed hands.
Effy
Explorer II
Apr 24, 2017
Depending on how you will purchase the loan may require a certified inspector. The person that bought our last MH went through GS financing (great bank of the west). They had an inspector come to the house and take care of it. When the buyers fist came to look at it, I took them though every detail for about 2 hours. The seller should be familiar with their rig and be able to spend a few hours going over it, soup to nuts. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are inspectors around if you feel it's worth the price.
jplante4
Explorer II
Apr 24, 2017
NRVIA

I would not recommend remotely buying an older class A without having someone taking a look at it. Too many scams out there.
moisheh
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017
I would suggest you do a lot of tire kicking before you get serious. Look at a dealer where there are lots on display. First you have to find a floor plan that you like. Your year range is far too wide. Big difference between an 01 and an 08. Not many side rads with an ISC. If you prefer Cummins I would stick with the ISL. Narrow it down to a Make that you really like. After you are tired of just looking your decision will be easier. While you are searching come back here and ask questions. BTW: Why the Peg handle?

Moisheh
moisheh
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017
duplicate
Winnipeg
Explorer
May 03, 2017
BTW: Why the Peg handle?

Good question, its our past home-town. Thought it was clever when I signed up (years ago). I didn't even pay enough attention to capitalize the "W". You can change your password, but not your user name.
ncrowley
Explorer II
May 03, 2017
You can use an inspector or you can take it to an RV repair shop and have them inspect it. If I was purchasing something on a Freightliner chassis, for example, I would take it to a Freightliner shop to look over the engine, transmission, etc. You can also have a fluid analysis done.
crasster
Explorer II
May 03, 2017
I think 90% of the time people say "get it inspected", most just do it themselves or wind up trusting the dealer. The reality is there is no way to "really" inspect some components like the fridge. You can feel it get cold and cut on, but not really get to good temps in that amount of time. The batts you really can't discharge and recharge to capacity. Other than those most can be inspected well.