Used DP Pre-purchase Inspection
We are looking at getting a used DP in the next year, likely between 2001 and 2008, 36' to 40'. Budget is $45k to $70k. We also have a list of preferences including: side radiator, Cummuns ISC or IS...
Forum Discussion
Checklists are great if you know what you're looking at. Turn on the propane and smell around for gas isn't the best way to test the pressure in a propane system. Are you going to take the time to run the hot water heater until it comes up to temp, cycles off and back on? Have a thermometer to test the A/C and heater? How big a temp drop should you expect from a properly operating A/C? Are you going to send out an oil and tranny fluid sample and wait for the results? Are you going to paw through the Mx records to determine if the required PM items have been completed? These are things an inspector will do and is trained to look for. A proper pre-purchase inspection should take most of a day and the unit should be de-winterized and hooked up. If the dealer won't do that, I advise my customers to do a significant cash hold back subsequent to a satisfactory inspection. The dealer usually will find a water tap and a 120VAC outlet at that point.
The truth is, most buyers don't want an inspection because they don't want to be talked out of what is basically an impulse buy. I call it the Sgt. Schultz Syndrome - "I know Nutting, Nutting!"
The truth is, most buyers don't want an inspection because they don't want to be talked out of what is basically an impulse buy. I call it the Sgt. Schultz Syndrome - "I know Nutting, Nutting!"
