inspectors vs doing it yourself

[H2OWeezie]

Our budget won't allow us to buy new. For months I have been in forums reading what to look for when buying used. (I have made lists.)I am wondering which is better: paying an inspector or inspecting the TT yourself. Where does one find an inspector? How much do they run?

[Bonefish]

Make a check sheet for your self. There is a lot of information on this site for what to look for.

Take your wife or girl friend, mother, RV buddies, etc. and go over any camper you are interested in. I suggest the gals because they are good at spotting minor things us guys over look.

[rbturner]

I would think that an experienced RV tech would be a good resource. Even someone like the guys that post here frequently would have good knowledge.

I must comment on the home inspector remarks. Many years ago I started a business doing just that. I felt as though I was working for the buyer; you know, looking out for their best interests. Obviously, I had to work a lot with the listing agent because someone other than the buyer and I had to be there for the inspection. It took me a good 3 hours to do a thorough job and the listing agent wasn't making any money during those 3 hours. And you can understand that a prospective buyer would usually ask the selling agent for a referral to a "good home inspector". Well what was good for the buyer wasn't necessarily good for the real estate people. The realtors wanted a quick, glowing report on the home in most every case. It became clear, quickly, that to have a thriving business with getting referrals from the real estate people required me to "play ball" with them. I couldn't do it and keep a clear conscience. The end pretty much came for me when I did an inspection on a home that was being sold by an agent that was with a large firm. That house had a bad roof and windows and after my report of the same my business went south quickly. I am not saying the realtors are bad; just that they have their end of the business too.

[H2OWeezie]

Thanks everyone for their input. I greatly appreciate it.

[thomasmnile]

H2OWeezie wrote:
Our budget won't allow us to buy new. For months I have been in forums reading what to look for when buying used. (I have made lists.)I am wondering which is better: paying an inspector or inspecting the TT yourself. Where does one find an inspector? How much do they run?

I bought our first RV (NuWa HitchHiker LS fifth wheel) used from a couple in San Diego. Made the decision to buy based on owner's thorough disclosure of the trailer's history, and a boatload of photos. Mailed a deposit check in Aug. '08, went to San Diego in October to close the deal. Spent three days "camping" in the rig in the owner's driveway with full hookups. I used a PDI checklist I printed from the NuWa Owners' Forum to inspect the rig. Old or new, you're looking for the same problems: Systems trouble, structural integrity, frame condition, electrical, gas issues, etc. We wound up with a successful purchase.

If you would not be comfortable doing your own inspection, perhaps you could enlist the help of a friend who's an experienced RV'er. Armed with a comprehensive PDI checklist and someone who knows RV's, the two of you could probably perform as good an inspection as anyone.
But, do bear in mind that sometimes problems may lurk that may not be apparent even with a thorough inspection.

[SprinklerMan]

You wont see everything , I always buy used , If it is a private sale , first look at their house , how well its kept, second look at their vehicles these are good signs as to how they care for their stuff , check to see if the rv has a current tag and ask to see the title , verify that it is in their name , if it isnt they are flipping the unit. If they say they are selling it for a friend , ask them to call the "friend " so you can talk to them . They will try to hide everything , if they wont plug it and hook up a water supply so you can check , walk away .

[pbitschura]

WyoTraveler wrote:
The big problem is there are probably great inspectors and no so great inspectors. I bought and sold rental stick houses for years in Southern CA. I have had trained licensed inspectors that couldn't tell the difference between Romex and foam twin TV lead in. I have spent over 50 years buying and selling RVs. TCs, 5ver, TT, MHs. Just when I thought I had it all figured out I miss things. I wouldn't want to suggest either way. You do need to make a list like you have been doing.

Things I would look for. Does the exterior look like it has been cared for? If an owner has taken care of the exterior maybe he has done the same for the interior. However, don't let that fool you. Sometimes consignment dealers suggest they have the exterior cleaned up. Look at the interior. Scuffs and scratches. Beyond normal use. If you look at a lot of RVs you will see what I mean. A dozen kids and a dog in a small RV can do a lot of damage. Do all of the appliances work? Make a list of every electronic or electrical item in the RV and check it out. On a hot day you may pass up the furnace. Don't pass anything up. My wife and I work as a team. Before we make an offer we are off by our selves. We discuss different items. We almost made an offer on a used MH last year. We both loved it. My wife happen to see a decal on the exterior that was painted around. I had been inside and noticed the slide had more space on one side than the other. Once we started comparing notes we concluded the MH had been in a major accident, was repainted and the slide just didn't fit right. No matter what the deal you have to pass those RVs up. Just don't buy on your first visit. Go back several times to check out things you may have missed on your first visit. Don't be afraid to wear old clothes and crawl under the RV. New welding and painted over? Just because a unit is on consignment for a certain price doesn't mean the owner won't come down in price. Tell the consignment dealer you think it is a little over priced. Keep in mind you are the one with the money and we are in a recession. JMHO

You've nailed it. But it's hard to teach experience and the instinct you learn by having done it.

[Squealers]

Good advice from WyoTraveler. We bought used as well. I studied up from this forum when searching out a TT. With that advice, I felt educated enough to get a good deal on a solid trailer.

We went through several rigs, and being thorough saved us greatly as we found issues that would have ultimately been money pits. I am amazed at the condition of some rigs at dealerships...they have to know these things are hiding massive problems, but they go on selling them.

Take time with each TT, look at every possible place for damage, leaks, repairs and unusual wear. Pull out drawers, look behind furniture, feel for soft spots, flashlight everywhere, inspect the roof, look for delamination, frame twisting, uneven tire wear, and check the operational status of every appliance, and run water looking for pressure leaks, (listen for a pump that cycles when a tap is not open).

Read all the other tips here and you will do fine. Our rig has been a wonderful selection with nary a problem.

[naturist]

@WyoTraveler's right: there are good ones and ones who don't know jack. If you can find a good one, probably a good move. If you get a bad one, well, you know where that goes.

I once had a house I was selling black-balled by a house inspector whose main criticism was that the furnace was non-functional. He inspected in July, the furnace was turned off, so of course the thermostat didn't result in anything happening. Idiot.

[WyoTraveler]

The big problem is there are probably great inspectors and no so great inspectors. I bought and sold rental stick houses for years in Southern CA. I have had trained licensed inspectors that couldn't tell the difference between Romex and foam twin TV lead in. I have spent over 50 years buying and selling RVs. TCs, 5ver, TT, MHs. Just when I thought I had it all figured out I miss things. I wouldn't want to suggest either way. You do need to make a list like you have been doing.

Things I would look for. Does the exterior look like it has been cared for? If an owner has taken care of the exterior maybe he has done the same for the interior. However, don't let that fool you. Sometimes consignment dealers suggest they have the exterior cleaned up. Look at the interior. Scuffs and scratches. Beyond normal use. If you look at a lot of RVs you will see what I mean. A dozen kids and a dog in a small RV can do a lot of damage. Do all of the appliances work? Make a list of every electronic or electrical item in the RV and check it out. On a hot day you may pass up the furnace. Don't pass anything up. My wife and I work as a team. Before we make an offer we are off by our selves. We discuss different items. We almost made an offer on a used MH last year. We both loved it. My wife happen to see a decal on the exterior that was painted around. I had been inside and noticed the slide had more space on one side than the other. Once we started comparing notes we concluded the MH had been in a major accident, was repainted and the slide just didn't fit right. No matter what the deal you have to pass those RVs up. Just don't buy on your first visit. Go back several times to check out things you may have missed on your first visit. Don't be afraid to wear old clothes and crawl under the RV. New welding and painted over? Just because a unit is on consignment for a certain price doesn't mean the owner won't come down in price. Tell the consignment dealer you think it is a little over priced. Keep in mind you are the one with the money and we are in a recession. JMHO