Buying an RV can be a wonderful investment. It makes traveling with the family that much easier. Soon your possibilities of adventure seem endless!
But buying a faulty RV can be a nightmare. There are some important things you should consider when shopping for an RV. Here’s what you should know.
Never Buy a Used RV Without Seeing It First
It’s incredibly important that you see your RV in person before buying it. If you can’t see the vehicle before the transaction, or the seller won’t let you do a walk through before, it’s honestly best you walk away.
No matter how good the deal is, you must always take a closer look. There could be a reason why the deal is so good that the photos aren’t showing you.
When Buying an RV Watch Out for Signs of Mold
Another reason it’s so key to see your potential RV in person is so you can see if there’s mold. There might not be any signs of water damage on the ceilings or floor.
There could still be mold in the interior of the RV, so be sure the check the corners of the floors and ceilings. These areas usually will show you if there were any leaks or other water issues. Also be sure to check the walls, and in the bathroom around any fixtures.
You should also check in any closets or cabinets. These areas might be dark, so be sure to use a flashlight so you can see if any mold is growing.
You usually can smell mold. Another way to tell if mold is growing is if these areas feel warmer than the rest of the RV. If these areas are warm, that could be a sign that mold is growing.
Check the Ceiling Carefully
You’re going to want to check the ceilings for any brown spots. Brown spots could be a sign of a leak. You also want to see if there are any parts of the ceilings that are coming down or bowed.
These are all signs of water damage. While you can repair a ruined ceiling, you run a risk of finding signs of even more problems that you’ll need to fix when you tear the old ceiling down.
If the RV is a lemon RV, meaning it’s unsatisfactory, disappointing, or feeble, then a ceiling repair usually isn’t worth cost. Since it’s likely there are other problems with the RV too.
Closely Inspect the Floors
Be sure to pay extra close attention to where the floor meets the walls. Similar to inspecting the ceiling, you want to make sure there are no brown spots, which again can be a sign of damage.
You also may want to try jumping up and down on the floor. While this might sound crazy, this is a good way to indicate if there is damage.
Try to jump around the kitchen and bathroom area, where the floors can get the dampest. You want to make sure the floors are stable and sturdy. If the floor feels like it has too much give, that could mean the floor is rotting.
Check the Exterior Trim and Screws
If you see any rust or corrosion, this could be a sign that water is starting to get into the RV. You want an RV that has screws that still look clean and painted and not rusty.
Look Inside the Exterior Panels
You want to make sure that the exterior panels are dry and clean. Watch out for panels that are rotting or corroded. Make sure to also check the cut-away.
Test the Walls
Similar to checking the floors, you also want to make sure the walls are in good shape. Push the walls to make sure they have enough force. Especially check the exterior walls around the RV.
You want to make sure none of the walls have too much give to them.
Give the Roof a Good Inspection
Check the caulking of the roof and make sure everything is tightly sealed. Pay extra attention to not only the skylight and vent but also the entire roof.
You want to make sure there are no signs of old, crumbling, blackened or moldy caulk. If you see any of this, this could be a sign of water getting into the RV.
You also want to be sure that the roof is stable. You can check this out by very carefully walking around the roof. Make sure the roof feels sturdy and stable below your feet.
Again, you feel too much give then the roof is likely rotted.
Always Purchase Your Used RV From a Reliable RV Reseller
You can likely avoid any issues with your RV if you make sure that you’re buying your vehicle from a reliable RV Reseller. Do your research, read reviews, maybe even get a recommendation from someone who purchased from that reseller before.
Going to a reseller is also a big help if you’re worried you might not be able to detect a lemon on your own. We’re big fans of Official Entegra Dealer.
What Should You Do If You Find Issues?
You might find some of these issues we listed above with your dream RV. This might not mean the vehicle is a bad sale. There are of course reasons why a used RV is cheaper than a new one.
You have to calculate if the cost of repairs and the cost of the used RV is worth it. You may find it’s worth it, depending on are what the repairs are.
You may want to ask the seller for a full-service record of the RV you’re looking at. A reputable seller will not have a problem giving you this information. If your seller won’t give you this report, this is a sign they might not be reputable.
Buy Your RV Today
Now that you know what to keep in mind when buying an RV, isn’t it time you look for one today? Just make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable seller and that you get to see the RV in person before buying it.
For more tips on saving money and travel, check out our blog.