Tips for buying a used RV

I would suggest you get someone to examine the class A for you. At least take it to an independent repair shop and have them give it a once over.

Last fall we bought a 2003 Class C for $23,000 and generally we are pretty happy with it so far. But I can't believe we failed to see some rippling in the exterior panels in a couple of small areas indicating delamination(outer panel seperating from the underlying wood). This could be really serious though so far it isn't getting any worse so we have our fingers crossed.

don,t let miles stop you from looking a rv, and I disagree on low mile units, if stored inside I,d take a low miler any time ,care and the maintance that was done to the unit is a priority.

Were looking too. It's tough. Your price range should put you in 1997 to 2001. Were moving up from a used travel trailer. We've been seeing water issues mostly. We recently drive an hour and a half to find one that smelled like a litter box. Good luck on your adventure!

You've got a great list of things to look at so far. Not a current class A owner but researching for a good used one kinda like you are. I think your expectation for a good used one for your price at 10 years old is kind of low. Probably double what you are expecting for one that is actually in good shape. I'm looking for 2 to 3 years old and expect to pay around $80k for mid level gasser.

I have a LONG pre-purchase checklist that I used for our present rig.
Send a PM with your email - the list is comprehensive and too long for an RVNet message.

Have you considered renting a few times before investing in someone else's trouble?

I'll go for a slightly different point of view. Look for signs of maintenance. That roof patch might be a coverup, but it might be a sign that the owners took care of the RV. In the spring many units will still be winterized. Are the lines blown out? Are the tanks empty? Are there signs of caulk applied years apart? So many RVs go many years with no attention and it takes its toll.

Price out tires and a basic brake service for the type of model you are considering. It is not a big deal if a unit has 10 year old date codes on the tires, as long as the price reflects the fact that they will need to be replaced before you can drive the RV.

The fridges in nearly all RVs are expensive to replace. They also take hours to cool down and show proper function. Ask the seller to turn on the fridge before your visit.

Lastly, your budget seems a little "tight" for an class A RV. Prices are often highest in the spring. An you shop at another time? It might maximize your dollar.

Not Only check tire age, look at frame for cracks around spring hangers, look
for water damage inside, climb up on roof if you can and look for patches
or roof problems. Check to make sure stove lights, frig works, if it has a
slid make sure it's not binding while either closing or opening. Make sure
the black and gray water valves open and close all the way and not bind.
If the dealer will not light a stove or show you the roof or open and close
the slide walk away.....Never give full asking price, ask for extra's, good
seweage hose (not cheap one they want to give you), tire blocks or chocks.

If you find a 10 year old old with low miles run too, these things are meant to be used and if they sit for long periods they just rot away.

It is much better to have more miles if it has been maintained properly.

Always look for one that you can have some sort of record of what has been done to it.

That is as important as all the other things that has been mentioned.