Tips for buying a used RV

[curlysue321]

Next spring/summer we will be buying our first used RV. We want a class A and we will be looking for low miles and spending around 15-20K. We plan on driving this thing locally to the lake and maybe one state away. Obviously for that price the rig will be around ten years old. What sorts of things do we need to look for? We know absolutely nothing about RVs. Are there certain models to avoid? Please don't advise us that it is a better deal to buy a new one. We simply cannot afford that.

[ncrowley]

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.

[Jayco-noslide]

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.

[midnightsadie]

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.

[stew47]

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!

[hmknightnc]

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.

[ccxnola]

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.

[Dick_B]

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

[adayjk]

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.

[ChuckV1]

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.

[IAMICHABOD]

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.

[toedtoes]

Check all appliances/systems (fridge, stove, heater, water heater, water pump, faucets, lights, battery power, generator, propane, shore power, air conditioner, etc.) - if they won't let you hook up the water, or plug into shore power, etc., then walk away.

Check all rubber (hoses, belts, fuel lines, etc.). Check for fuel leaks (engine and generator) and propane leaks. Get a mechanic to check out the engine.

Plan on putting at least a couple thousand within the first year to get the RV "road ready". You might be able to do some close to home trips while getting things up to par, but not long distance. Depending on the RV, the price you paid, the quality of your inspection, the honesty of the seller, etc., you may put anywhere from $2000 to $10000 into the RV AFTER purchase.

Don't worry that much about low mileage - in RVs, it's not always a sign of a good deal. An RV with lots of miles has been driven extensively - meaning things were working for most of the RV's life. Many people get rid of lemons quickly because they could never get them out of the driveway.

If you're going to finance, check with your bank/credit union. Many will not let you use an RV or auto loan for an RV over 10 years. Most small RV dealers don't offer in-house financing - they work with your bank. You may have to do an equity loan, personal loan, etc. or pay cash.

Really think about what you want, how you want to use it, etc. Think about living in that floorplan. Find out if there are size restrictions to the places you want to visit. Are you going to spend all your time at the campground? Or do you plan on going into town, sightseeing, getting supplies, etc.? Do you have small kids? Consider child seats, booster seats, etc. Will you have full hookups? electric only? None? Do you need to tow a small car? boat? etc.?

You're getting an early start on things and that's good. Make lists - must haves, would like to haves, don't wants, etc. When you think you've researched enough, go back and do some more.

[midnightsadie]

two easy one,s ,if you see water spots ?RUN check date on tires,they need replaced after about 5 to 8years, no matter how good the look ,tires rot .