Where to find a local rv expert

This is my first post on this forum, but I felt I could contribute to this discussion. I recently purchased our 1st RV, a SLIGHTLY used Road Trek 190 Popular from a reputable dealer. It's a 2013 with only 4K miles for basically 30 % off from a new vehicle. In spite of that, there WERE some issues I was unaware of.

The grey water discharge valve was broken leaking out of the bottom of the RV when the lever is pulled. The unit was never winterized which MAY have been the cause. The fresh water system was never sanitized or flushed. The generator only had an hour on it, which I thought was GREAT until I realized that it should be started and run under a load every couple of months. When it was started it stalled numerous times and ran VERY rough for the first hour.

In the general scheme of things, not a big deal, but frustrating and a little paranoia inducing for a newbie. I DO have a lot to learn. This is a pretty complex piece of equipment.

ken

There are two sets of inspections: a) the inspection of the RV itself: engine,txn,brakes,tires,electricals etc and b) the 'insides' that is the appliances:tv,furnace,aircon,water system,stove and fridge,plumbing,cabinetry. You need to check for the exterior especially on the roof for leaks due to poor/old caulking, pest damage ie from mice, interior waterleaks by windows and doors. So what I did was buy my Sprinter from an rv dealer who a) provided a complete history of the stuff in a) and b) above. If tires, for example are over 4 years or so, they need replacing, regardless of wear. What kind of rv is it? You can get a checklist to check from the manufacturer/online or from an RV dealer. Is there a good RV dealer in the area of Virginia where the Rv is located. It sounds like it is a private rv? Can the seller provide proof of the above including that it is free of debts, or claims against it and has nothing wrong with it. Sellers will lie like crazy sometimes. I got a full repair history plus a full report on the condition of the rv itself plus all the interior stuff. If it looks good it may not be. Hope it works out for you.

AL

When I was purchasing our fiver long distance - me in Chicago the fiver in Virginia - I called an RV dealer in the area and asked for the name of a mobile RV tech. I called him and for $100 he did an initial inspection to verify it was as advertised before I spent time and money to inspect it myself and subsequently buy it.

If you know anyone that has had an old Rv for years they are your best bet to take with you I have been at this for a number of years replaced everything that could be replaced.They would know what to look for. That being said if you buy a used camper/rv make sure everything is hooked up and running till completely warmed up and in working order the rest is cosmetic look it over good. feel the flood look for water stains and damage,if the camper has been painted inside look 2X. Good luck

As with home inspectrs, when you purchase a new home, it's a joke! We tried selling our home and we went through 3 potential buyers, each did a home inspection with 3 different people, and the results were different 3 different times! What a joke. What the first one overlooked, the second one made a major issue over it! It was rediculous!

Same could be said for RV inspectors, in my opinion. Best thing you can do is take a trustwrthy friend that knows something about construction, electronics, and RV's. In the end, YOU have to be the final judge anyway. So, use your best commen sense, ask questions, and make sure you check everything!

Even car mechanics miss stuff when purchasing a BRAND NEW car!

Take a highly mechanical friend with you. Search online for mobile RV service in the area. Call a local private RV park and ask them for references.