The Biggest tip for buying a used RV is to not try and overdo it with your first purchase by buying too much camper than you really need. A lot of people get this all wrong and feel like they have to buy the biggest or best camper on the market because of their egos.
1. Do Internet Research
Start by doing research on the internet and educating yourself about RV’s. Find the specific make and model that you are looking at, including prices, pictures, so you have an idea on how your RV “should” look like.
2. Don’t Buy On Looks
Do not buy an RV based on how well it looks since this is the main reason why a lot of people decide to go with a particular model.
This is especially true if you are interested in buying something that’s ten years or older, because these units were often repaired at numerous times during their life before being sold (that would definitely make sense anyway)
3. How Long Has It Been For Sale
In most cases though, used RVs that have been sitting still for too long often need repairs done before they can be driven home by their new owners, so don’t try and avoid this just because it’ll cost you a few hundred dollars more since it’s not worth the risk of having an accident while driving with something wrong underneath! !
You should also remember to ask for receipts of any work that was done on the RV if any of these things were fixed by the dealer.
4. Test The Electrical
Have an RV service person go over any and everything that is working on the camper with you before buying it..it’s best not to be stuck when trying to use certain electrical items for example (like having the A/C unit start) after making your purchase and then finding out the next day that there are several things wrong with this unit that can’t be used!
Just pay someone $100-$200 at most to do it for you and make sure they really know what they’re doing as well or have them take back their money if they try scamming you because they sold your something that won’t function as it should…they have to fix it or give you your cash back.
5. Inspect The Ceiling
Check for leaks as well as brown spots that are visible in the corners or on the roof itself.Brown spots on the ceiling indicates water damage ,well this can be repaired at a later stage you dont know how deep the water damage is and what the total will be to repair ,so its not worth taking the risk.
6. Check the Floors
Inspect the trailer before buying it to see if there are any holes in the flooring or anything else wrong with it.Check if the floor has any water damage ,this is like the celling you don’t know what the true cost will be until you start repairing.
Check if the floor has loose areas especially in the bathroom and the kitchen where water are used often.Check for any loose flooring by knocking on the floor or walking on it.
7. Check The Panels
Check all interior panels for signs of mold or water damage. Check exterior panels for any rust ,doing this now will save you a lot of money in the long run.
8. Inspect the roof
Look for any signs of sagging inside and outside. If the roof sags its very possible that the wood work is rotten.
9. Camping Gear
Request that the seller include all of the camping gear (unless they do not want too) which may include pots, pans, bedding, curtains and anything else that they advertised having even if it’s just cheap plastic tent camping items…they have to disclose everything when selling a used RV.
So you should be able to get these things for free unless they don’t want too! If anyone tries telling you otherwise then call up the Better Business Bureau and cancel any deal with them immediately because this is what people try to scam others out of losing thousands on a fake RV purchase so buyer beware in most cases! –
10. Inspected by a qualified professional
Another tip would be to only buy an RV that has been inspected by a qualified professional before making an offer on that particular model. ! It will be well worth if you take these simple precautions in order to avoid problems later down the road, since most used RVs are sold “as-is” without any warranty, only promises!
Having someone around who knows what they’re doing when looking at a used trailer is important as well. Even if you find something wrong with it, you should be able to call your warranty company and have it replaced even if there are some tears or holes in the flooring for example (but this is not always the case by any means, it’s just something that you should keep in mind while shopping around).
11. Dealer Warranty
If a dealer tells you that they still stand behind whatever used RV model that they’re selling to you then make sure ask them what kind of warranty applies to your purchase since most dealers will try telling you one thing and then sell defects that won’t be covered by their so-called “warranty”.
It’s very important to meet face-to-face with the seller before making any offers because this way you’ll be able to check whether or not the RV is actually worth what they’re asking for it (what a lot of sellers do these days is raise their prices through the roof because of demand, even if their vehicles are total pieces of crap). !
If you want an estimate on how much your camper might be valued at then take some pictures and simply post them around on eBay for example. Just make sure that you remove any personal information that could lead people back to you by mistake!
You should also make sure that any warranties are backed by a company or corporation that is reputable in order to avoid anything potentially going wrong besides those issues which are minor (even if they seem like big issues at the time). ! Also remember not to let your guard down during any part of this process – don’t give them too much personal information unless necessary!
12. I Will Fix It
Do not try and fix all defects on your own when making a used RV purchase since this will only end up costing you more down the road in most cases and sometimes even potentially putting your life in danger as well! –
13. Compare Trade-In Price
Call up several different dealers to see what price they can give for whatever used RV model that you’re considering along with knowing whether or not there are any fixes that need done beforehand (depending on what you find out from your independent inspection of course). –
14. Inspection Report
Make sure that any inspection reports that are provided to you by the dealer is a fair and accurate representation of the condition of the camper so do not trust them just because they’re trying to sell it. ! If the dealership has no problems in showing you the RV as well, try to bring your own mechanic along with you since what they might tell you is not always accurate (they are often paid commission for each unit that they sell, which will obviously affect their judgment).
Another tip would be to read up on certain things that might need done in order to pass certain inspections if the unit that you have your eye on has been sitting still for too long (or driving around if you don’t feel comfortable making large payments right away).
On top of this make sure that any items that need replaced come with a warranty in order to avoid any potential headaches down the road.
15. Paper Work
If you are a first time RV buyer, remember to sit down and look over the paperwork that’s given to you at least a few times (or even better, take it with you somewhere and read through it in privacy) so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to buy said camper or go on your merry way to find something better for your specific needs. !
If there are certain things that bother you (i.e. needing a new battery), ask about them and see if they can be fixed before making an offer – don’t just settle for anything since this is only going to hurt you in the long run! –
Read over all of your paperwork carefully before signing anything and asking if there’s anything else that needs done after making an offer on a used RV model – not every vehicle these days comes with GAP insurance and/or lojack but some do – so have them add it to the list for you if necessary (just make sure that you’re not overpaying for anything!) ! Do not sign any forms if you do not agree with what they are asking of you.
Conclusion
Also remember that you should always go over your own checklist after deciding to purchase an RV (after doing all of the things mentioned above), don’t just jump into it without thinking about what could go wrong with it (or even better yet, keep in mind the idea that something could break down at any moment). !
Remember that anything from potentially faulty wiring to electrical components going on within the camper should be taken into consideration before making an offer, or even better yet – before signing a contract!
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