Forum Discussion

DoberGirl50's avatar
DoberGirl50
Explorer
Feb 16, 2018

Buying at auction

Hello! I'm new here and this is my first post. :-)

My fiancé and I have been talking for a while about buying a TT (can't talk him into a fifth wheel)and lately we've been looking at what's available at auction. We're experienced RV'ers (him more than me) and we're pretty handy with making repairs ourselves so we're not afraid of buying something with issues.

That being said, for the super-experienced RV'ers among you, what are the specific issues you recommend we run away from? The few issues I've named as deal-breakers are frame damage, submersion and fire.

We've got our eye on a 2016 Dutchman Denali with hail damage. He's going to look at it in person today, but we're assuming the damage must be on the top because we can't see a single thing wrong with the rest of the body from the pictures online. Of course, this means we should be prepared for roof leaks and maybe mold treatment.
  • jerryjay11's avatar
    jerryjay11
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2018
    Don't mess with roof leaks or mold. Too costly to repair and you may not get it all. Ask why it is going to auction rather than sold out right.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2018
    Does the auction allow thorough inspection before you bid? If not, then don't even go there.

    Roof leaks. Friend had a small TT he used as a hunting cabin. Had a leak at the corner of the roof that he did not find until he noticed the corner and side bulging and soft. WOOD ROT in the frame. Upon inspection he found other leaks in other hidden areas. Repair estimate was greater than value. Traded it off to a dealer who put it on his lot and sold it. Have no idea what the dealer told the buyer. Probably nothing.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2018
    Welcome to the forum. Buying at auction is really no different than buying from a dealer or private party. The burden is on you to determine if the RV is in good condition and has no major problems. (They all have minor problems)

    If you don't have one, get a moisture meter to check the walls, ceiling and floor. I use a pinless meter to check our Souhwind several times a year.
    Like BB_TX said, if they don't allow a thorough inspection don't even consider the unit.

    Determine what you are willing to pay for the unit. Don't get 'auction fever', it can get expensive. :S
  • DoberGirl50's avatar
    DoberGirl50
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2018
    The auction company does allow inspection. We've discussed the max we're willing to pay and how important it is to resist 'auction fever.' :-) My fiancé is all about getting the best deal possible, which is why we're considering buying at auction in the first place.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Feb 16, 2018
    Biggest issue with buying at auction is if the unit was totaled, and you get stuck with a “Salvage” title. You could have issues getting it insured.
  • rowekmr's avatar
    rowekmr
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2018
    Most auctions disclose the title status. If it is a salvage title you can convert into a rebuilt one which allows it to be insured and registered.
    rhagfo wrote:
    Biggest issue with buying at auction is if the unit was totaled, and you get stuck with a “Salvage” title. You could have issues getting it insured.
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2018
    The deal breaker items, as others have mentioned, is water damage in the roof, walls and floors. On the exterior, use a ladder to examine the roof including on top of slideouts. Look for cracked or missing sealant and worn roofing material.
    On the interior, look for stains on the ceiling, inside of cabinets, on walls, under windows, and soft spots on floors. Water will sometimes take a not too obvious path from a leaky roof or window down a wall and into floors.
    I replaced a roof once by completely ripping up and replacing the roof deck, most of the framework and styrofoam insulation. The rot was much more extensive than was apparent and included in a wall as well. It was my first RV that was older when I bought it and I didn't have a clue. Luckily I had the time and an indoor place to work on it. I would never do it again but I did learn a lot on how these things are put together.
  • DoberGirl50's avatar
    DoberGirl50
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2018
    Passin Thru wrote:
    Do you know why it's being auctioned? Probably has a good reason.


    Both of the units we're interested in have water damage. We're prepared to tear out paneling and treat it for mold. I've been researching where to buy RV wall paneling and watching You Tube videos.
  • DoberGirl50's avatar
    DoberGirl50
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2018
    It's been over a month since I posted about buying a TT at auction. Turns out, we bought a 2015 Grand Design Reflection 313RLTS from a private seller at a really good price. I LOVE it!

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