buying a repo'd camper

Thanks for the update.

Congratulations

Great news! We bought our current 5er as a short sale and all the previous advice applies. Basically do a PDI yourself as much as you can and then you're getting a great deal.

I would do it all over again.

Just a quick follow up to this post. I did end up buying the repo's camper and everything has turned out perfectly. Everything operates as designed and I have found no issues whatsoever with this camper. I am definitely happy I didn't let my concerns of dealing with the repo part of it kill the deal.

I have used this camper twice already and can't wait to get out again.

jimh425 wrote:
As long as you can preinspect, I think it is like buying any other rv except probably a better price.

The more I think about it, I think this response pretty much sums it up. I am going to give it a good check over and decide after I find out what's wrong with it. If it's minor things I think I will take it. Thanks for the responses.

Take a small 12v air compressor and a Water blow out fitting. Hook up the fitting to the city water inlet and then apply air to the system. Go inside and check for air leaks in the water system.

As long as you can preinspect, I think it is like buying any other rv except probably a better price.

Find the low point drains before adding water to holding tank, as well as water lines and water heater, and check for water leaks with the 12v pump instead of city water, it's a faster turn off if there should be a leak. Bring lots of paper and regular towels just in case. Take spray bottle with soapy water to test for propane leaks. Be sure if it has a bypass on the hot water heater to test for water leaks before sending water thru it then, if all else is good, open up to the water heater to check for a leak or worst case like ours,a busted tank. Make sure it actually has the drain plug in it too. Bring something to drain test water from black tank into, gray tank no biggie just wet. Watch around the drain lines in inside compartments and around the outside as well as any visible holding tank bottoms/sides. Start testing on 12v stuff first then plug into land line and check 110v items one at a time as well as 12v, don't leave plugged into truck when testing the on board camper battery(ies). Check out breaker/fuse box on converter for blown fuses or breakers that are off before testing. Look for water stains in cabinets, around Windows and vents and hand test for softness indicating not as obvious water issues. By all means check the roof out, all seams, as well as anything that comes thru the roof and all roof edges for sealant cracks that need immediate sealing. Try to get a hookup between your truck and the camper, doesn't need to be on the truck to test the lights and 12v items that run while on truck battery, separate from the camper on board battery and charge the on board battery while doing other stuff or bring a fully charged battery(ies) and test to see how that works. Look in all outer compartments for water damage and keep a close eye out during these inspections for any frame cracks, separations, in outside floor under camper, corners, frame in general especially at the corners at Jack locations. Anything you find that's off, it's up to you to decide if you have the time, money, inclination and expertise to fix. Even tho it's less expensive than new I assume it's still a hefty expense, be really sure the floor plan is one you're comfortable with. No matter the savings, if it's not set up for your needs you won't be happy. We bought a really, really old camper, did a LOT of stuff (needs and wants both) and for our budget it all came out well. In the end, you are the one who has to be satisfied that it's what you want and need. Good luck. Sure others on the forum will chime in with things not mentioned and more good information as well.

Caveat Emptor...Buyer Beware...Be sure to do a good visual inspection as well as testing everything that you can do not be afraid to push, pull, or tug at anything that looks remotely suspicious.

Good Luck

I have purchased 2 repossessed RVs in my time. A travel trailer and a 5th wheel. A camper shouldn't be that much different, but it is always a roll of the dice; especially if there is no warranty. Mine didn't have one either. $10k for a $22k 30' TT and then $31k for a new $50k fifth wheel. The only problem I had was the TT with the air conditioner install. Not done correctly by the original purchaser and leaked. But it was a new unit so I knew any potential damage would be minimal. And it was. I say just pay attention, try out anything you can and go for it if it's a new(r) unit.

Good luck!
Dak

In Aug we bought a Salvaged TT for quite bit less then a non salvage. I was very nervous about it but my husband (the non camper) was all for it. We ended up lucking out. Only water damage on a couple parts of the floor that he was able to fix (he still figured if there was more, we would still be ahead cash wise). We, of course, had to get it recertified but no biggie. Now waiting patiently for spring to camp again.