Forum Discussion

chapala's avatar
chapala
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014

What to look for in a used motorhome

we are looking at buying a first motorhome after RV'ing in a fifth wheel and travel trailer. Today we'll be seeing a 2004 Journey DP with 6 new tires, new fuel and air filters, new rear camera, 2 new flat screen tvs, roof resealed, 53,000 miles. We are new to diesel, new to motorhomes, what should we be looking for? After researching I am under the impression that the Journey has a good reputation.

13 Replies

  • look for solid wood cabinets, no chip board, that will swell and fall apart when it gets wet. look for solid counter tops, no vinyl over lays. Refer/freezer/stove/ furness, make and model, do the consumer reports on them. bath room, is it really big enough to take a shower? Holding tanks, fill totally full and check for leaks. the water system too. how old is the battery packs? look at the stamps or tags on each battery, see when they were installed. drive it check for rattles, steering, tracking, brakes.

    take a long time owner with you when you inspect.
  • If you can, try to do your inspection on a rainy day. The worse, the better. Not that I really expect leak issues on that new of a vehicle, but still not a bad idea. Also, high humidity from rain will be more likely to aggravate problems if they do exist.
  • I am happy to send a good pre-purchase checklist to you - it is too long for a RV.NET message.

    Send me a PM with your email address and I'll reply with the checklist.
    See you on the road.
    Charles