No matter if you are a new RVer or have bought a few campers in the past, these are things you should always ask when buying an RV to make the process simple and smooth.
In 2020, there were over 430,000 RVs sold nationwide, and this number is continuing to grow year after year. Americans are loving the RV lifestyle more than ever now, and we don’t blame them. Many people are ditching their traditional jobs and homes and hitting the road full time. While others are simply spending more time camping as opposed to flying for their family vacations. No matter what your reason for buying an RV is, there are a few things that will apply across the board, and we are here to let you know the top 10 things you need to look for when you start shopping for a new RV.
Everything You Should Look For When Buying a New or Used RV
We have been selling RVs in Opelousas, LA for many years now and have seen just about everything you can think of. So when we tell you these are all the things you need to look for when you purchase an RV, we are speaking from experience.
We want you to have the best possible RV buying experience and get the best RV for your personal needs. So when you head to an RV dealership, make sure you go prepared to ask the right questions and look for all of these things to make sure you have the best possible buying experience.
Look Over Every Inch of the RV Ceiling
When going to buy an RV, make sure you look over the ceiling with a fine-tooth comb. There is nothing worse than purchasing an RV and then later discovering a leaky roof.
This is especially important if you are thinking about purchasing a used RV. If there is any sign of water damage from a leaky roof, you will probably want to pass on this purchase.
Yes, a ceiling can be fixed, but then you run the risk of running into other unforeseen issues that may need to be addressed once you start working on the roof.
Check for Signs of Mold
When you are looking at used RVs that you are interested in buying, make sure you check well for any signs of mold. Even if there is no visible water damage, you should still give the camper a once-over to check for mold.
Check the ceilings and floors, as well as the bathrooms, corners, the caulk, and around all fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. To check well, open up all of the cabinets and closets and shine a flashlight to make sure there is no mold growing.
Mold is hard to get rid of, and usually signifies larger issues with leaking and the water systems. So if you notice mold in an RV, it is probably a good sign that you will want to move on to a different unit.
Inspect The Floors
When you are thinking of buying a used RV, you will want to make sure you check over the floors when looking at potential candidates for your next camper.
Walk around the camper, jump up and down, feel the floors! All of the things you will be doing when you are using your RV, you want to make sure you can do during a walkthrough. Check where the floors meet the walls to ensure everything is properly in place.
Again, check for lifting and water damage. Floors should feel sturdy and stable, too much give could be an indicator of rotting and you want to avoid that at all costs.
Make Sure the Electrical Is In Good Working Order
You may not be an electrician, but you should bring someone along with you who knows a thing or two when buying a used RV.
Make sure all of the electrical outlets work, wiring is done well, and everything is in good working order. Also, you will want to make sure slides open and close as they are supposed to and that any and all awnings work correctly.
If Buying a Used Motorhome, Check the Motor
This only applies if you are looking for a used motorhome, but please make sure you check the mechanics. We recommend bringing along a friend who is a mechanic when you come to look at a potential motorhome so you feel confident knowing that everything is in good running order.
If a dealership doesn’t want you to check it over and have your mechanic friend look over the engine, then that may be a sign to walk away.
Make Sure You are Buying a Used RV From a Reputable Dealership
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind when you set out to buy a used RV is to make sure you are shopping at a reputable dealership.
You want to know that the staff is well trained, knowledgeable, and professional. Here at Courvelle’s, we have been selling the highest quality used RVs in Louisiana for years! All of our inventory is well maintained and looked over by our expert service department.
So if you are looking for a high-quality used RV that has been immaculately maintained right here in Louisiana, then give us a call to talk to our sales team.
