Private sale - What to look for / inspect

[hbrady]

Hello all, newbie here looking for advice. My wife and I have decided to buy a TT to use for occasional camping trips and as a guest house when we have company. After looking for the past few weeks we came across a very good deal on a 2011 Coachmen Freedom Express 290BHS. It basically has all available upgrades plus a 2nd 24'' LCD TV in lower bunk, a premium mattress in master, a safe and they are selling it with all linens, pots, pans etc. All of this for 2.5k under NADA. The unit has been sitting in a campground for 3 years, the exterior is a bit dirty but besides that it's in great shape and really clean inside.

We met with the seller on Saturday and the first thing I noticed was that the inside had a strong septic odor. I asked what that was all about and the owner showed me that they forgot to close the T-valve on the discharge line. Since no one had been at the camper for 2 weeks the traps dried out and the septic vented into the camper. Sound legit? Made sense to me.

What else should I look for before I hand over the cash? I planned to ask to see everything work including the fresh water tank / pump (they have never used it) but since I'm new to this I'm afraid I'll overlook something that could cost a fortune to fix later.

One last question, it has the enclosed underbelly, how do you service things like tanks / pumps with enclosed units? Do they have any types of access hatches?

Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated.

[DavidP]

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.

[hbrady]

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.

[Naio]

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.

[hbrady]

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

[TomG2]

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.

[hbrady]

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

[westend]

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!

[midnightsadie]

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.

[hbrady]

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

[Naio]

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...

[hbrady]

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. I'm sure they would rather sell me one of their units but I don't know where else to look for a certified tech. We will see if they get back to me. As far as motives to sell, they used it for 3 years, the kids are all getting older and don't hang out with them much. They would rather just boat when they have time. They seem like good honest people so I don't think they are hiding anything.

[DavidP]

I would want to verify everything works properly. Fridge in both modes, ac, heat and plumbing checked and pressurized in both city and pump. As far as the smell is concerned if the tanks are closed up, traps full and toilet holding water in the bowl the smell should be gone. If not, as someone else mentioned you could be looking at mold. If you do not know your way around an RV find someone who does. There are many things that need checked. I would walk the roof, and check the floor very well above and below. Also sitting at a campground for three years I would be worried about critters or any possible infestation it may have had. That could also be the cause of the smell. I agree with others, without even looking at the tires they need replaced. I believe trailer tires need replaced every three years. Others will disagree.

I could go on all day….so much to look at.

[Community Alumni]

If this is all new to you and you're serious about this trailer then it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the trailer inspected by a pro before money changes hands. Unless you can get a lot of education in a short period of time, a pro would probably be your best bet. Check with mobile techs in your area. Lots would be able to perform the service for you for a small fee. It may turn out to be a trailer that you need to walk away from.

[Oasisbob]

Honestly to be done right there are almost too many things to list. If you are serious, and seller has nothing to hide, pay some money and ave it inspected fully by RV tech. Both youand the seller may be surprised.