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Buying a Pre-Owned RV

In any private purchase, you’ve got to be careful about taking the seller’s word on just how great the RV’s condition is.  It may not even be that the seller is trying to trick you and indeed, the last time they took the RV out for a spin around the state, it might have worked perfectly. But that little excursion might have taken place six years ago. Meanwhile the local mouse family has set up housekeeping in the underbelly, using the wiring to sharpen their tiny teeth.  

When you check out the pre-owned RV, the seller should have it ready to roll.  Even if it is not licensed for the highway and you cannot take it for a long run to the outskirts of town, you have to be able to fire it up and check all the running parts. Ideally you should take it for a little drive and test it on a hill just to see how much juice it really has.

The seller should have the battery charged and installed so you can check the electrical power, water in the storage tank so you can see how the plumbing works and propane in the tank so you can inspect the appliances. A fridge needs to run for several hours before you can tell for sure if it cools properly. Specifically look for signs of propane leaks and check that all interior lights and outlets are working.  Also verify that the converter, inverter, battery charger, and fans are functional. 

Take a good close look at the water lines, taps, traps, fresh water tank, water pump, grey and black water tanks and slide valves. Feel around behind the water tank and look for soft spots on the floor or the walls that might indicate leaks from the tank. Water damage is about the most injurious kind of damage that can happen to an RV and if you find any you should proceed with caution. 

These three components – electrical, plumbing, and appliances – can add significantly to the cost of your “new” RV if they are not functioning adequately.

Look over the rest of the RV to see what kind of repairs might have been done. These can give you a good idea of problem areas.  For instance, if there seems to be extra sealant applied around the windows, this could indicate that there was a leak.  Get a ladder and go up to look at the roof for signs of repairs up there. Check the roof vents. Some other areas that should be checked are the cupboard latches and the television antenna if there is one.

Perform the standard type of investigation that you would perform in purchasing a used vehicle. Look under the hood and under the vehicle. Check to make sure all the exterior lights are working. Ideally, have a mechanic take a look at the motor.  The mechanic should look at the brakes, axles, springs, tires, and stabilizing jacks, as well as the engine. Ask if the owner has kept service records or receipts.  This is a good way to know if it was well maintained and also what problems it has already endured.

Above all, keep a cool head. Don’t let your eagerness to hit the road drive you into a quick decision that you might later regret......

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