Private sale - What to look for / inspect

hbrady wrote:
Well we did it, after about 90 minutes of inspection we only found two things, someone stole the flexible sewer line from the bumper and the electric tongue jack won't retreat (posted another thread about that). The camper is solid and it was nice that they left everything for us (even two beers in fridge). All we needed was food. As an added bonus, the camper is currently in a campground on a nearby lake so we get to use it there for two weeks before hauling it home. We basically have the entire campground to ourselves because most folks have buttoned up for the season.

Congrats! Enjoy the unit, glad it all checked out.

Well we did it, after about 90 minutes of inspection we only found two things, someone stole the flexible sewer line from the bumper and the electric tongue jack won't retreat (posted another thread about that). The camper is solid and it was nice that they left everything for us (even two beers in fridge). All we needed was food. As an added bonus, the camper is currently in a campground on a nearby lake so we get to use it there for two weeks before hauling it home. We basically have the entire campground to ourselves because most folks have buttoned up for the season.

That's a pretty good list. I'd add:
- fill and drain grey and black tanks
- look on top of bed under mattress for mold, same with dinette cushions
- have propane tank/s tested
- use a garden hose to spray roof, window and door edges, all seams and caulk lines. Try to simulate 60mph rain. Look for leaks after.
- warn sellers, your family, etc., that this inspection will take quite a few hours, likely all day
- after 3 years sitting, TT will need a new battery or batteries. Check the price on those and discuss with seller.

Looks like we are close to an agreement (contingent on inspection) and I'm still trying to find a professional inspector. Here is plan if I can't find someone, I think I've hit every point mentioned. Also, final price includes credit for cost of 4 new tires. Sellers are good people but like Bob said, it's the things they are not even aware of that I need to find (if any).

Exterior:
-Check all jacks for operation (tongue and stabilizers).

-Check awning operation.

-Check side walls for bubbles or ripples (delamination).

-Disconnect water hookup and fill fresh water tank. Run water in kitchen, bath sink, shower and toilet. Check for proper drainage.

-After testing water get under unit, inspect for any leaks or signs of previous water damage or mold.

-Test outside shower.

-Get on roof and inspect every inch for soft spots or signs of water incursion. Check all caulking.

-Inspect slide seals.

-Check exterior lighting.

Interior:
-Start with water incursion inspection. Check all areas of floor for soft spots / stains / mold including inside cabinets, under bunks / beds. Check ceiling / walls / corners for stains or signs of mold including inside cabinets.

-Confirm slide operation and inspect slide seal when closed.

-Test each appliance operation including fridge / freezer in both modes, heat, AC, range, oven, TV’s.

-Test interior lighting and outlets.

-Inspect bathroom sky light and test fan operation.

-Disconnect shore power, test furnace, fridge, lighting, water pump running off battery.

Mechanical:
-Connect tow vehicle and pull onto camp road, test trailer brake operation.

-Check underside of TT again for tank leaks after being moved.

I think that's everything :R

Not to discourage the OP, but this is why I only purchase new trailers. One fellow in our park had the grey water tank fall down to the ground when he filled it. He shoved it back up and never closed the valve again. Another put an orange reflector over a hole in the side of his trailer. Even put one on the opposite side to make it look like the factory did it. I don't want to give anyone any ideas, but there are dozens of tricks that a seller can play. It may not even be the seller, but some "Tech" that claims to be a RV repairman. Be careful out there.

Perfect, thanks again all. I'll update after inspection / decision, hopefully with a pic of our new rig ;)

I got 12 hits from mobile RV repair-Naples ME---yellow pages

The cost and risk in buying used in this situation compels towards an independent inspection. Tires and sewer valves are typical maintenance/repair items. The biggest risk is that there are water intrusions that have existed and are impacting areas you can't see. Have a pressurized leak test performed to remove any leaks as a source of worry.

I can usually gauge the quality of a used item by talking with the owner. Typical use or trying to cover up shortcomings are easily noticed in a conversation. Talking points to bring the sale price down, I usually initiate but sometimes the owner will mention a concern or troublesome aspect.

It sounds like you've found a decent trailer from good folks at a reasonable price. Have fun camping!

no one is saying there hiding things, they just happen, mice ,,leaks etc, look on craigs list for a inspector, or ,,its dity ,you know they,ll be issue,s make a off that will be a good deal for you,knowing there,s gonna be things to fix. have fun thats what its about.

Thanks Naio, I'm in Southern Maine and the camper is in Naples if anyone knows of any local techs.

hbrady wrote:
Glad I asked I really appreciate all the tips! I reached out to my local authorized dealer to see if they can inspect or they know someone who can.

Good! Folks here may be able to refer you also, if you post your location / location of the trailer.

They seem like good honest people so I don't think they are hiding anything.

Of course. But if they have not used it in 3 years there are probably things they don't know about at all, and other things they have forgotten, or never even tested.

For example, like you said, they didn't use the fresh water system. That probably means they didn't use the stove or the shower.

RV's often come from the factory with problems. Those would originally have been covered under warranty, but the warranty is expired now. So the systems the owners never used could have major problems, unknown to them.

And then there are storage problems, such as rodents chewing wiring...