RV Trekker
Tips for Buying a Used RV
Your RV Trekker.com Web master
recently asked our expert Old RVer,
who has been RVing, and buying and selling
motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel
trailers and campers for decades, for some top tips
for buying used RVs.
Here's the advice he gives:
1. Check the coach for water leaks.
Clues to water leaks are streaks on
the ceiling and/or peeling on the inside of the
coach. Water leaks need
repair.
2. Check the coach for signs of delamination
of the walls. RV coach
walls are made of layers laminated together. If
moisture gets into the
walls, they can delaminate, causing warping on the
outside of the coach.
To see delamination you need to look at the outside
of the vehicle, as
this generally doesn't show on the inside.
Delamination can be difficult to
repair.
3. Always have the brakes of any used RV you
are considering buying
inspected. Always. The Old RVer notes that
some drivers tend to ride
RV brakes hard, causing excessive wear.
4. Check the tires for cracks on the side
walls. These are caused by
exposure to heat, and can even appear on tires with
low mileage or tires
that still have 80 to 90% tread. Tires with cracks
MUST be replaced. They
are dangerous. (Tire cracks are the reason some RVs
have tire
protectors.)
5. Check the engine, transmission and
differential. Look for oil leaks.
Turn on the engine and pull out the oil dip stick
while the rig is running.
Watch to see if any smoke comes out of the hole. This
indicates
excessive engine wear.
6. Stand inside and sniff for smells.
Cat, dog, and smoker smells are
extremely difficult to get rid of in RVs.
7. Take a look at the general condition of
the overall RV. Does it look
like it has been abused?
8. And finally, the Old RVer recommends that
whether you're
considering a used or new RV, always rent one first.
The Old RVer
says the biggest buying mistakes he's seen over the
years are by
people who didn't rent first. So rent first, try out
the type of RV you're
considering and see if it's for you, before you take
the permanent plunge.
