Buying a used RV is one of those exciting objectives that promises freedom and adventure. But, it is also a big investment that deserves careful consideration. Unlike buying a new RV, a used one may hide some secrets that can lead you to unexpected repairs and extra costs.
Fortunately, if you conduct a proper assessment, you will have a road-ready and safe RV for your journey. The blog from I-10RV Storage is a guide that can be used as a used RV buying guide that will take you through the full process step by step to securing the motorhome of your dreams.
Having a used RV checklist for an inspection is vital when buying used RVs to help you make a good investment.
On that checklist, make sure you note to pay special attention to the motorhome’s exterior, interior, and mechanical parts. This will enable you to find issues that could later become costly repairs.
Here are more details to help you determine the condition of a used RV and decide if it’s the one for you while you are RV Shopping.
An inspection is a must before you purchase a used motorhome. Start with the RV’s exterior and roof, as these protect against weather and wear. Examine the roof, walls, and seals for cracks, peeling, or other damage that could allow moisture intrusion. Inside, check for water damage or mold near windows, vents, and plumbing systems.
Test all appliances, including the refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop, to ensure they function properly. Run water through sinks, showers, and toilets to check for leaks or low pressure and verify that safety features are in working order.
RV water damage is amongst the most common and expensive damages that may be found within a used RV. One must check for staining, soft spots, or discoloration in ceilings, walls, and floors.
When looking at a used RV, run the hand-over surfaces to determine if warping or irregularities exist. We also recommend you look at potential high-risk areas, such as places with skylights, windows, and around vents, as these are common leak zones.
It’s also imperative to be wary of musty odors, which could mean mold or mildew. Lift rugs and look in storage compartments for dampness; water damage usually starts in hidden areas. Finding these early can save you thousands in repair costs.
An RV’s exterior condition is vital for its longevity, so exterior damage needs to be evaluated thoroughly. The best place to start is with an RV roof inspection.
Afterward, look outside for damage, such as peeling sealants or delamination. You must also examine the seals around all windows, doors, and slide-outs for signs of damage.
The inside of an RV needs to look aesthetically pleasing and retain all its functions. However, note that sometimes looks can be deceiving, and just because the interior looks in good condition doesn’t mean it is.
Start by testing appliances and plumbing fixtures to ensure everything works as it should. Check the HVAC system’s heating and cooling performance and inspect cabinetry, furniture, and fixtures for stability and damage.
Test the electrical system, ensuring outlets work and the onboard batteries hold a charge. These checks provide insights into how well the RV was maintained, giving you a good sense of how well its current owner kept it.
As for the mechanical aspect, getting a motorized RV makes the motor’s condition as significant as its living area. You must check for oil leaks and whether the transmission is smooth while shifting. It’s also a good idea to look for signs of corrosion on the undercarriage. You should also request maintenance records to ensure the vehicle is regularly serviced.
You could also hire the services of a professional who gives an in-depth RV chassis review and inspects the engine for added peace of mind. Their expertise would reveal secret problems you cannot notice; thus, you are sure of making a well-informed purchase.
You could also be wondering the answer to “How to tell if RV tires are bad?”
The condition of the tires in a motorhome is critical to both safety and performance. Check the depth for uneven wear and cracks or bulges in the sidewalls.
Find out how old the tires are since manufacturers usually recommend replacement every five to seven years. In addition, properly inflated tires are essential to handling and road safety, so an RV tire condition check is among the highest priorities.
Whether to choose a new or used RV depends on your budget and priorities. New RVs come with warranties, modern features, and pristine conditions, but they have higher price tags and depreciate quickly.
Used RVs are usually cheaper and may have additional features installed by previous owners. However, they usually don’t come with a warranty, and there may be hidden problems that the current owner doesn’t reveal. So, when choosing between the two, consider the impact of RV mileage, repair costs, and the need for maintenance before making your decision.
Ask the seller about the RV’s history and maintenance records and why he is selling it. Inquire about any past accidents, how it has been stored, and what components have been replaced.
You should also test-drive the RV and request a demonstration of all systems to ensure they work. Above all, transparency and good recordkeeping indicate a trustworthy seller, so ask for proof of log books and service history.
Watch out for incomplete records, repeated repairs, or significant structural damage in the RV’s history. In addition, if the motorhome has not been stored properly, this is a red flag, as poor storage conditions can accelerate wear and tear.
Moreover, if the seller seems evasive or unwilling to discuss maintenance records, it would be better to exercise caution or look elsewhere.
If you are trying to figure out how to search for possible RV problems, hiring the services of a professional RV inspector will be well worth the money spent. This is because his expertise will be able to quickly uncover the hidden problems of the vehicle’s mechanical systems, living quarters, and structural components. An inspection report can also give you some grounds for negotiating the price down to a better deal.
After you find the perfect RV, the next step is the most important, and that is to protect your investment as soon as remotely possible. Luckily, a good and safe RV Storage facility can protect your RV from the elements and add years to its life.
Look for options like covered RV storage or facilities with top-of-the-line security features, such as I-10 RV Storage. With locations in Phoenix and Chandler, our secure RV storage solutions are designed around your needs.
