Buying a used RV is not as simple as it seems. It can be especially difficult if you will be living in the RV or fifth wheel for an extended period of time. It could be compared to buying a car and a house at the same time, except this house has wheels and goes 65 miles per hour, and this car has a stove and a shower.
For this reason, it’s crucial to have some great checklists to make sure you find any issues that might be there. Sellers generally won’t tell you each and every problem they know of. Some sellers will try to hide known problems. As the saying goes: “Buyer beware.”
Using your checklist to review used vehicles at the used RV dealer is just as important. The dealer makes his commission no matter how long the RV runs for you, so it’s really up to you to make sure you get good equipment.
So let’s save you time, money, and frustration by giving you some of the key things to check when you see a used RV, camper, RV, Class AB or C, or fifth wheel for the first time:
oil analysis – As with any vehicle, the oil is the soul of the engine. Checking the oil is a great start to ensuring the integrity of the engine. If the oil smells burnt, has an unusual color or consistency, is too low or too high, you may have a problem on your hands.
Oxide – Rust is the natural decomposition of iron or a metal containing iron. Rust is much worse in parts of the country with snow and salt on the roads. Buying RVs from the south can help with rust problems, but it will usually cost a little more. Do a full rust check. If there is structural rust on the frame, AVOID THE RV AT ALL COSTS. You are buying an RV at the end of its life.
departmental records – Theses will show if previous owners did regular maintenance on the platform. It will also show you how many previous owners there have been. And, if they don’t have any paperwork, why not?
NOTE: If the VIN number on your service records or receipts doesn’t match the vehicle you’re buying, that paperwork obviously doesn’t make sense.
Financing your RV – Many companies offer better financing for certain preferred builders and even certain models, especially those with the lowest depreciation. The purchase of any recreational vehicle used for business should not be made without a thorough evaluation of the accompanying financing options. Some banks won’t finance a commercial vehicle until it has passed a DOT inspection, some offer lower rates for “occasional use,” and some charge a higher percentage rate if you plan to “live aboard.”
mobile home insurance – this can be a real “dream breaker”. How are you going to tell your family that you got a great deal on the RV for them and fixed it up really well, but… well, no one will insure it because it’s too old, or the brakes are aftermarket, or there was a reminiscence. RV Converters, how would you like to finish your RV repairs with $30,000 worth of renovations only to find out it’s not insurable with normal carriers due to “gross vehicle weight issues”.
In my opinion, learning enough about RVs to make an informed buying decision is just common sense. What you learn before you get the RV will no doubt carry over to what you’ll need to know to keep your new gear in tip-top condition while you’re on the road later on.