Buying a used RV is no minor decision but is an incredibly smart move because it saves you so much money. That’s why they’re such a great option out there for a wide range of customers. But, that doesn’t mean every used RV you come across will be a great buy. Some older rigs don’t have the necessary technology for today, and they might not be up to par as far as safety goes. The staff here at Northgate RV is ready to help you find the right one for you and your family.
Some RVers like the idea of buying an older or used RV because they feel they were constructed better and withhold more weathering than newer models in addition to being less expensive. Or, people buy them because they are particular to a specific brand or year and don’t mind to spend the money to renovate or refurbish. These are all great ways of thinking about used RVs, but it’s still important to do your research and be well informed on whichever used RV you plan to purchase.
There are many things to consider when shopping for a used RV. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, so it’s important to be armed with as much information as you can on the process of buying a used motorhome. Below, we discuss a few things to consider when looking at used RVs, and we discuss some of our major used RV red flags.
Look for any signs of mold or water damage
Even if you don’t see any immediate signs of water damage on the interior of the rig, mold usually means there are leaks and other plumbing issues. Take a flashlight with you and open up all the cabinets, check the walls, corners, the caulking in the bathroom, and every nook and cranny you can to ensure there isn’t mold or signs of leakage. If the cabinets or closets feel warm, it’s a possibility there’s mold growing.
No service or maintenance records
This might be one of the biggest red flags we can give you! If the seller can’t produce legit and consistent records of when the rig was in the shop, who knows the work was even done? And by who? It could mean the only work that’s been done on it was performed by the owner. If this is true, it may be out of warranty.
If the seller claims there are no records, you can more than likely find the information you need by searching for the VIN number on the internet.
Mileage
High mileage is one thing, but too few miles can also be an issue. It could mean the right hasn’t been on the road long enough to know if everything works properly.
There should be at least a few thousand miles on the RV. For a maximum, it really depends on the year.
Check the roof
Gently walk on the roof of the rig and make sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t give. If you can feel too much give, it might be rotting.
Closely inspect the floors
Similarly to the roof, you’ll want to make sure there isn’t too much give on the floor. Walk heavily or even jump in a few spots to test for yourself. Make sure you don’t see any brown spots, as these are never a good thing to see.
Walls
If there are spill or grease stains on the walls, it could mean the RV simply was never cleaned or taken care of. If it’s dirty on the inside, imagine the current condition under the hood. More importantly, water stains are a rather certain indication of mold behind the walls.
Tires
If there’s a noticeable about of tread left of the tires, they’re probably okay. But, depending on how old they are, they could by dry rotting right in front of you. Check around the sidewalls for cracks before you buy them. New tires are expensive for any vehicle, but RVs tires cost a pretty penny. Having to buy new tires could cost you what you’re saving on another part of the rig, so always check tires!
When searching for a used RV, you’re really looking for any signs of mold, and you’re making sure the rig is still sturdy and stable. Water damage isn’t always obvious or apparent, so knowing exactly where to look for these signs will help you get the best bang for your buck. It could look like a great deal at face value, but if there’s water damage, you might just be wasting your money.
If you’re in the market for a used RV, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look through our available RVs available right now. You can contact us and one of our staff members will be your trusted guide in choosing the RV that you’ll fall in love with over and over.
