Hello all, So the wife and I are thinking about upgrading from our current travel trailer to a larger 5th wheel. We found a used unit we like and while talking to the current owner I found out that they have owned it a year and have been living in it full time for that year between selling a house and buying a new one. Before that it was owned by the original owner who apparently took good care of it but didn't use it much. The unit is a 2008 Raptor, garage model toy hauler. Looks nice in the photos but you never know until you see it in person. Apparently most of the last year it has been sitting in one spot with a couple short trips. So my question is, would you consider buying a used rig that someone has lived in? On the one hand if there are any issues they should know about it and all the systems should be in good working order. On the other hand, living in it for a year probably gives it more use than most campers get in a lifetime.Thoughts?Eric

Hard to tell without looking at it and also smelling it.One years full time use is no worse than three winters snowbirding, minus the road travel.

If the condition is acceptable, why not? It would seem to me that the sort of wear that comes from living in it would be the sort of wear that is very easy to see and assess, whereas problems stemming from lack of maintenance are often harder to spot.

As someone who has lived in my current rig for the last year, I would say go for it, but take a good look at the owner first. Does he look like he keeps things maintained (truck/car for instance)? Does the camper look like it's been maintained? Is it clean? Because I fulltime, if there is a problem, I know about it right away, not after its had time to do any damage (leak,for instance). I have to keep things working basically to be able to use it fulltime. For someone who only uses it for the occasional weekend, they might not care whether the stove works or whatever. It's only two days, why bother fixing anything. Just my 2cents.

There are hundreds of excellent used RV's for sale every year that have been used by fulltimers for varying numbers of years. Like any other used RV, condition is everything, and full time living does not change that either way. A well maintained RV with a floor plan that fits your needs at the right price is going to be a good fit regardless. Our previous motorhome was lived in by a couple for 7 years, but I wouldn't have known that unless the told me. The wear and tear on the upholstery, etc. was minimal and reasonable for its age.

OK good advise. So weather it has been lived in full time or not it all comes down to condition. Full time living shouldn't change that if I am understanding you guys/gals correctly.Thanks,Eric

Advise on used, lived in camper. | Good Sam Community

Fizz
Explorer
Mar 15, 2017
Hard to tell without looking at it and also smelling it.
One years full time use is no worse than three winters snowbirding, minus the road travel.
DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2017
If the condition is acceptable, why not? It would seem to me that the sort of wear that comes from living in it would be the sort of wear that is very easy to see and assess, whereas problems stemming from lack of maintenance are often harder to spot.
tinstartrvlr
Explorer
Mar 15, 2017
As someone who has lived in my current rig for the last year, I would say go for it, but take a good look at the owner first. Does he look like he keeps things maintained (truck/car for instance)? Does the camper look like it's been maintained? Is it clean? Because I fulltime, if there is a problem, I know about it right away, not after its had time to do any damage (leak,for instance). I have to keep things working basically to be able to use it fulltime. For someone who only uses it for the occasional weekend, they might not care whether the stove works or whatever. It's only two days, why bother fixing anything. Just my 2cents.
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2017
There are hundreds of excellent used RV's for sale every year that have been used by fulltimers for varying numbers of years. Like any other used RV, condition is everything, and full time living does not change that either way. A well maintained RV with a floor plan that fits your needs at the right price is going to be a good fit regardless. Our previous motorhome was lived in by a couple for 7 years, but I wouldn't have known that unless the told me. The wear and tear on the upholstery, etc. was minimal and reasonable for its age.
eundercoffler
Explorer
Mar 15, 2017
OK good advise. So weather it has been lived in full time or not it all comes down to condition. Full time living shouldn't change that if I am understanding you guys/gals correctly.

Thanks,
Eric
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 15, 2017
We do not full-time, but have lived in and traveled for p to 4 months at a time. I would prefer one that had been lived in, rather than one that has been sitting, because, IMHO, someone living in it would be more likely to fix things that needed fixing. If for no other reason thn their own personal comfort. I would just go over it good.
Mike__Rose
Explorer
Mar 15, 2017
A 2008 RV would need new tires due to age. My 2008 motor home needed new tires and I had only 13,450 miles. You will also have to check out the unit and see how it looks and smells. Did the previous owners smoke or have pets? Check the undercarriage for rust or salt damage.
shelbyfv
Explorer
Mar 15, 2017
Be sure they didn't keep animals or smoke in it, unless you plan to do the same. You won't get the smells out.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Mar 16, 2017
shelbyfv wrote:
Be sure they didn't keep animals or smoke in it, unless you plan to do the same. You won't get the smells out.

Amen to that - my truck camper was owned by someone who was into "earthy, alternative lifestyles". She lived in it full time, in her mother's driveway. My camper STILL smells of lavender and cinnamon - I think their purpose was to mask other "herbal" smells ;-)
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017
The first thing I would ask or if it is still parked where they lived in it is......""did they leave the black tank valve open during the time they lived in it""?

If they 'did' leave the black tank valve open, there will be a mountain of poop in the black tank.

Waste needs water to move. No water and it just sits in the bottom of the black tank. And in this case a full year of poop sitting on the bottom of the tank.

Correct way is to leave valve closed and let tank fill up and then dump as needed. You can leave the sewer hose attached to it but CLOSE the valve.

Just saying check it out. Good luck I hope you find just the right RV for your needs! :C