Buying a Used RV: The Inspection
01-11-2016
Author: in RV Tips & Education
By Stephanie A. Mayberry
In my last segment on buying a used RV we talked about RV construction. Yes, it matters how an RV is put together – it really, really matters.
Now let’s talk about what to look for when you are actually inspecting the rig. I’m going to share some things here that we wish we knew with that first RV disaster. We are older and wiser now, much smarter than we were that first go-round. That knowledge came with a pretty steep price though. I hope that what we learned the hard way will help you and make your used RV purchase a little easier.
When you are looking at a used RV to buy don’t let the shiny distract you. Many RVs and travel trailers look really nice – on the surface anyway. A thorough, educated inspection could be the difference between a great, fun rig and a soul sucking money pit.
And don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s the latter.
Check these five major points to ensure the soundness of your rig before you hand over your hard earned money.
Body Leaks
This is an expensive problem that is usually extremely difficult to fix. Of course, RVs that are well constructed are less prone to leaks, but leaks can happen in any rig. Body integrity is everything. Look for delamination, particularly around windows, along seams, and where the wall meets the floor. The problem with water is that it can leak in one area and travel to another area so where you see the water damage may not be the point where the water got in. If you have this problem in an RV with fiberglass over wood it can rot and eventually break down. Eventually the skeleton begins to sag, the windows and doors don’t fit correctly, storage doors begin to stick, and seams separate.
Another concern is ponding. When water pools or sits on an RV roof when it is level that is called ponding and means that your chances of leaks is increased. It can also cause slime, insects, and algae growth. When you drive or pull your trailer you can get run off of the dirty water. Rounded or domed fiberglass roofs are better than flat, but they tend to be on RVs that are in a higher price bracket.
If you see any signs of leaking on an RV you are considering purchasing, your best bet is to walk away.
Mechanical Issues
There are several areas that you want to pay close attention to when it comes to mechanical leaks. Automatic transmissions are one of the biggest. Check any transmission for signs of leaking. Some will leak when the transmission gets hot – check all seals. Leaks in the hydraulic systems and brake components can be costly to repair. Radiator leaks are another costly repair or replacement.
Motor
When it comes to an RV engine, bigger is better. You need that power to move your rig. You want to check the mileage on the engine or if it has been rebuilt. When properly maintained, diesel engines can typically go about 200,000 miles before requiring significant work while gas engines can go anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles (depends on the type of driving – stop and go, towing, through mountains). The engine is the area where you want to spend a little – it’s the heart of your RV.
Transmission
Your transmission is what handles the weight and pull on your RV. An automatic is probably your best bet although standard transmissions on RVs do exist. If you don’t mind shifting then you might like it. The key is to ensure that the transmission can handle the task assigned to it. Get one that isn’t up to the challenge you could wind up with a ton of problems with blown seals, overheating, leaks, and break downs. If it can’t handle the pull or weight then pass.
Service Records
If a seller can’t produce service records that should raise some red flags. You want to see receipts for service work, repairs, and maintenance. Pay close attention to any bodywork or leak repairs. If they were not done correctly they could be big problems later.
Have you bought a used RV? What’s most important on your list? You can also check out the first installment of my Buying a used RV Series HERE.
In my last segment on buying a used RV we talked about RV construction. Yes, it matters how an RV is put together – it really, really matters.
Now let’s talk about what to look for when you are actually inspecting the rig. I’m going to share some things here that we wish we knew with that first RV disaster. We are older and wiser now, much smarter than we were that first go-round. That knowledge came with a pretty steep price though. I hope that what we learned the hard way will help you and make your used RV purchase a little easier.
When you are looking at a used RV to buy don’t let the shiny distract you. Many RVs and travel trailers look really nice – on the surface anyway. A thorough, educated inspection could be the difference between a great, fun rig and a soul sucking money pit.
And don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s the latter.
Check these five major points to ensure the soundness of your rig before you hand over your hard earned money.
Body Leaks
This is an expensive problem that is usually extremely difficult to fix. Of course, RVs that are well constructed are less prone to leaks, but leaks can happen in any rig. Body integrity is everything. Look for delamination, particularly around windows, along seams, and where the wall meets the floor. The problem with water is that it can leak in one area and travel to another area so where you see the water damage may not be the point where the water got in. If you have this problem in an RV with fiberglass over wood it can rot and eventually break down. Eventually the skeleton begins to sag, the windows and doors don’t fit correctly, storage doors begin to stick, and seams separate.
Another concern is ponding. When water pools or sits on an RV roof when it is level that is called ponding and means that your chances of leaks is increased. It can also cause slime, insects, and algae growth. When you drive or pull your trailer you can get run off of the dirty water. Rounded or domed fiberglass roofs are better than flat, but they tend to be on RVs that are in a higher price bracket.
If you see any signs of leaking on an RV you are considering purchasing, your best bet is to walk away.
Mechanical Issues
There are several areas that you want to pay close attention to when it comes to mechanical leaks. Automatic transmissions are one of the biggest. Check any transmission for signs of leaking. Some will leak when the transmission gets hot – check all seals. Leaks in the hydraulic systems and brake components can be costly to repair. Radiator leaks are another costly repair or replacement.
Motor
When it comes to an RV engine, bigger is better. You need that power to move your rig. You want to check the mileage on the engine or if it has been rebuilt. When properly maintained, diesel engines can typically go about 200,000 miles before requiring significant work while gas engines can go anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles (depends on the type of driving – stop and go, towing, through mountains). The engine is the area where you want to spend a little – it’s the heart of your RV.
Transmission
Your transmission is what handles the weight and pull on your RV. An automatic is probably your best bet although standard transmissions on RVs do exist. If you don’t mind shifting then you might like it. The key is to ensure that the transmission can handle the task assigned to it. Get one that isn’t up to the challenge you could wind up with a ton of problems with blown seals, overheating, leaks, and break downs. If it can’t handle the pull or weight then pass.
Service Records
If a seller can’t produce service records that should raise some red flags. You want to see receipts for service work, repairs, and maintenance. Pay close attention to any bodywork or leak repairs. If they were not done correctly they could be big problems later.
Have you bought a used RV? What’s most important on your list? You can also check out the first installment of my Buying a used RV Series HERE.
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Author: Stephanie A. Mayberry
