Buying privately when money still owed on loan.

Our purchase in similar situation went well because the note was held by local bank. Since the bank held the loan we met there with the owner, made out the check to the bank and the owner. The bank and the owner co-signed, cancelled the lien on the title, and then the bank notarized the title. We took the title to DMV and transferred ownership and owned the RV. No matter how you do it, having bank AND owner on your check assures that owner doesn't cash the check without clearing the lien against the RV.