What to Look for When Purchasing a Used RV

If you are contemplating purchasing a used RV, congratulations! I’m sure the excitement is abundant but also pretty sure you’re feeling just a bit overwhelmed. Perhaps all the way overwhelmed. It’s a big decision and commitment that only those with a strong urge to travel and explore can see through. Fortune favors the bold though, right?

With the excitement coursing through your veins just thinking about all the locations you’ll soon visit and the good times that are sure to be had, it is easy to get wrapped up in the emotion of it all. Before you take the plunge in purchasing, there are a few key elements to consider when looking at used RVs. While new rigs are amazing, if you are lucky enough to afford one, a used RV is a more practical option for the majority of people out there. Used rigs are typically far more affordable, making them an easier option to enter the wide world of RVing.

Don’t let the excitement that comes with RV shopping distract you from taking a good look and giving an honest assessment of the vehicle before you buy. Do your due diligence and you’ll find yourself with an RV that will last for years and cruise seemingly endless miles. Fail to cover the basics and get stuck with a lemon, and you’ll be out thousands of dollars with a big behemoth that barely makes it out of the driveway.

Related Read: Deciding Which RV is Right for You

Here are some suggestions on what to look for when purchasing a used RV.

Kick the Tires, Follow Your Gut

Just like any used vehicle purchase, there are good, great and terrible options out there with everything in between. Even if you’re not a mechanic and have no idea what to look for in a vehicle in good shape, your initial assumption of the rig can steer you in the right direction. Take a good look at every inch of the thing to see if you notice anything obviously off or wrong. If the RV is covered in rust or seems mistreated by the previous owner, you will know pretty quickly that it’s not the right one to buy. Loose wires, haphazard home repairs, and obviously broken elements to the engine or interior are good indicators that the RV has been neglected. Sometimes you can find diamonds in the rough, but more often than not, a neglected rig is not worth your time and money as there are plenty of well-kept options around.

Related Read: Buying a Used RV: The Inspection

Pop the Hood, Get on the Ground

A fundamental component of any motorhome is, you guessed it, the motor! Without a well maintained and properly functioning engine, an RV is just a beached whale with couches. Maybe fun for the kids to have a sleep over in but not much of an adventure mobile.

I strongly suggest having a mechanic look over the engine and other critical elements of the driving system before purchasing. There are a few things to look for before spending money on a mechanic that can indicate if it’s even worth paying the fee for an inspection. The first step is to pop the hood (or trunk, depending on where the engine is located) and see if anything looks severely out of whack. Missing caps on the oil, transmission or brake lines could indicate those systems could be contaminated with debris or dust. Not good. If possible, look at all the belts. If you see cracking or chinking know that those could need to be repaired soon and should not be neglected.

After checking the engine compartment, get on the ground and take a look underneath the vehicle. If you see any liquid dripping or oil stains on the ground or undercarriage it can be an indicator of an oil or transmission leak. This is not a deal or no deal situation but can be a good bargaining chip if the seller was unaware as leaks can start small and grow into more serious problems over time. Also look for any rust or other forms of corrosion on the exhaust system, drive train and suspension. A little rust is usually not a big deal but if left unchecked in a humid/wet environment, a rig can rot from the outside in, compromising safety and the ability to drive at all. If anything under the vehicle looks off, note it and tell your mechanic.

Related Read: Buying a Used RV: What to Look For

The Plumbing and the Roof

Both the plumbing system and the roof are key areas of an RV to inspect before making a purchase. For the plumbing, you will want to run the water, flush the toilet, turn on the sinks and make sure that all of them are functional and in good operating order. Chasing down a cracked pipe or replacing a water pump and/or heater can be costly so it’s best to know about the issues instead of uncovering them on the road. For the roof, you will want to get a ladder or use the one attached to most rigs to inspect the top. Make sure there are no soft spots or areas that seem rotten – either due to dry rot from the sun and wind or wet rot from water and humidity. A roof repair can be very expensive and time consuming and is one of those issues you really can’t put off until later if it needs attention.

Ask for the Maintenance Records

A well cared for and well maintained RV should come with stacks of paperwork documenting everything that has been replaced, repaired, and worked on. If no records are available, it could be a sign that the owner is trying to hide a major or minor issue and should be somewhat of a red flag. It’s rare for no records to exist and is a common practice amongst seasoned RV owners who take pride in the care and upkeep of their vehicle. These records can give you insight into any issues with the RV that have been problematic over its lifetime and let you know what scheduled maintenance has been performed – crucial to the longevity and overall health of your potential new (used) RV.