Have you been pondering on the idea of purchasing a used RV? Does traveling the country and leaving your old life behind entice you? Whatever your exact reason for wanting to purchase a used RV is, owning an RV comes with an array of benefits.
Motor homes offer you the opportunity to live on the road and explore the country in a more comfortable way than traveling by car. They’re large enough to fit your whole family including the pets comfortably. And the thought of owning one is quite exciting.
But do you know what key questions you should be asking about a used RV before making a purchase? Buying a used motor home may cost you money down the road if you don’t know what to ask or what to look for. When interested in buying your own used RV, keep these 9 questions in mind and, you’ll embark on your new journey worry free.
1. How Many Owners and Miles?
Just as you would when buying a used car, you’ll want to know how many owners your used RV had and how many miles is on it. Although these questions are the same when buying a used car, the answers might yield different results. An RV with a good amount of miles on it is actually better than a used RV with low miles.
This is true because the more miles a used RV has, the more maintenance that is probably being done on it. If a used RV has low mileage, then there’s a good chance that it’s been sitting for quite some time and hasn’t had the proper maintenance. Also, it’s important to understand who the past owners were.
Knowing who the past owners were and how they used the motor home also factors into your decision to buy. If the RV was used to travel large distances and it’s still up and running, then this is a good sign showing proper maintenance. You can read more here to learn more about what’s a good deal and what isn’t.
2. Do You Own This RV?
Before even beginning your questions, make sure that the person who is showing you the RV is the actual owner of the RV. You don’t want to get stuck dealing with someone who isn’t the owner themselves. This is because they won’t be able to answer all of your questions.
Although situations like these are normally due to the owner not being available for show, it’s best to wait until he or she is available so that you don’t waste your time. You have specific questions to ask about the used RV and therefore will only want to speak with someone who can answer these questions correctly.
3. When Were the Tires Last Replaced?
Depending on what type of RV you’re looking to purchase, the tires can sometimes cost you a large chunk of money. You don’t want to find yourself stuck with a used RV that now needs its tires replaced. Check the tires’ tread and look for any signs of wear and tear or sun damage.
If the tires on the RV that you’re wanting to purchase haven’t been replaced recently, then it’s suggested that you do some research. Find out how much the tires will cost you to replace them on that specific RV model and ask the seller to reduce the price accordingly.
4. Do You Have Maintenance Records?
One easy and great way to tell if the tires have been replaced, and what other maintenance has been performed on the RV is to ask the seller for the maintenance records. If the seller cannot give you maintenance records, then this is a red flag. Any RV that is well-taken care of should have some form of records that describe the work that’s been done.
5. Can We Have an Inspection Done?
Always ask to have an inspection done before finalizing the purchase. Although you’ll most likely have to pay for this out-of-pocket, it’s worth the money. Having an inspection done might save you from purchasing a lemon of an RV.
If the RV is in good shape and the owner isn’t trying to cover up any issues, then they’ll have no problem allowing you to have an inspection done. The inspection might come up with some minor issues that need attention, but don’t let that stop you from making the purchase. Focus on larger hidden issues that might arise.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re making the right decision to either purchase it or walk away.
6. Do All Buttons Work and Is There Any Damage or Rust?
Do be sure to ask if all of the buttons work and if there is any rust or other damage. Even though you are planning to have an inspection done, it’s still good to ask the owner beforehand. This gives you a good idea of how honest the seller is.
And aside from simply asking these questions, take it upon yourself to test out all of the buttons and look around for noticeable rust and damage.
7. Is There Water Damage?
Any signs of water damage is a huge reason why not to purchase a used RV. Even the seemingly most simple water damage can actually be a much bigger problem than expected. Check the floors, around the windows, and even in the walls for any soft spots or signs of water damage or leaks.
Know What to Ask Before Buying a Used Motor Home
Knowing the right kinds of questions to ask before buying a used motor home can save you from a big headache and loss of money down the road. Before making any purchase, be sure to have these 7 questions handy. And for more information on vehicles and transportation, such as needed forms and paperwork, be sure to check out that section on our page!
