Forum Discussion

TNrob's avatar
TNrob
Explorer
Jun 01, 2016

Inspection of new/used camper?

I fail at searches.

I'm wondering, besides system checks, how to evaluate an RV for fitness. How do you appraise the frame, suspension, tires, axles, hitch, roof, wall, floor.....

If I'm looking at new I guess I can hope issues shake out and get repaired under warranty. For used, though, I know to look for soft floors or discolored patches on the roof. I know to look for obvious wear, lumps, cracks on tires. I could likely tell a damaged and repaired frame. Still, I'm not qualified to do a camper inspection. Where would I find a comprehensive checklist for final approval of a potential new rig?
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2016
    Tires, AC, generators are relatively easy to replace or fix, although not always cheap.
    Once you have dryrot and fungus entering the walls, the repairs will exceed RV value.
    Observe for siding air bubbles, delamination, bad caulking, step on the roof with some kind of safety device.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2016
    If I was a beginner like you, I would look at the first part of each forum in what is called the Stickies. Usually one of the first questions in each Stickie is "How to evaluate....." and goes through the many many things to learn and know about when you look at an RV of any sort.

    Just as an example, even looking at tires. Your comments are perfectly valid, but in the Stickies there will be one on examining tires. They all have a manufacturer date on the tires and that is one of the most important things to know.

    This is the particular forum and stickie I think you will get the most out of.

    Beginning RV'ing
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2016
    I look at the electrical system. I have yet to find a bad RV with nicely done electrical (AC and DC) outfitting. Wire nuts, tape, snarls, over-stripped cables, and garbage grade fixtures are one good clue. Metering that belongs on a six-year old's electric mini car is yet another minus.

    I wait until afternoon on a 90+F day then enter a closed up RV. If it's noticeably (surprisingly) cooler than outside, that too is a good sign.

    Generators that sound like they're next door in a Motel 6 and vibrate like a coin operated bed are also bad Juju.

    JMHO

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