8 Things You Need to Check When Buying a Used RV

Are you looking for a guide for used RV? Do you have questions about what to check before buying a used RV? Let’s read this article. It will show you anything you want. It is very useful for people especially like you.

Buying a used RV is a way to spend money, especially people who do not have sufficient fund. There are many things you have to check when buying a used RV. Since RV is the house in which you live in, you should decide carefully and read the article below to get a broad view of choices.

Several kinds of things you need to give a think which includes exterior or even interior. In the scope of this article, I introduce to you some aspects of them as followed: the exterior, interior furniture and appliances, driving systems, electrical systems, gas systems, plumbing system and water damage, cooling system, and the important things is the history of this RV.

What To Look For When Buying A Used RV

RV is common nowadays. Instead of buying a brand new car-house, buying a used RV is a good idea for you. If you like traveling, it is truly necessary for you. For instance, a used one with a trailer or extra wheel might be suitable for your need. Thus, it saves you a lot of money.

The type of RV, as well as its functions, depends on your budget. However, in my point of view, you should spend extra bucks on this RV because you will live inside it at least one or a half year.

You can use RV trailer if you are on the road or you would like to prepare a trip on the lake. Choosing particular RV trailer is not a bad idea. It is easier for you than thinking of another motor home.

With a massive engine, RV is convenient for you to go everywhere. The probability of malfunction is low. It is safer than any houses or cars.

Check the Exterior

The exterior of the RV is crucial. Since the safety is compulsory, you should check this thing first. The used vehicle may contain a lot of bugs such as damage wheel, broken break, cracked wall, etc.

You should prepare to examine RV trailer carefully. To get the view of frame’s condition, you must luck at the machine which is near the wheel. A rusted one reveals the fact that it has already broken or not in good shape. Thus, it might create accidences in the future. Many results like broken, crack or badly damage machine ought to be eliminated.

I advise you to ask yourself some questions like this to prevent regretting money on the poor condition used RV:

Do the fiberglass need to be repaired? It can cost a lot of money.
Does the car lose any panels or in a bad condition?
Can you open the doors properly? Any machines do not work?

Interior Furniture & Appliances

Not only the exterior but also the interior furniture is necessary as well. You should ask yourself several questions to decide whether it is fully equipped. Some problems might occur if you can answer these issues in details.

Are there any tags or spots on the floor? This matter leads to the poor using condition of this used RV.
Can all the doors and windows work properly? If not, it can cause a problem during opening or closing.
Are there any cracking or leaking things on the ceilings? If yes, it would collapse in the future.
Remember to check it regularly because it is hard to get a replacement.

Check the Driving Systems

Wheel, tires, axles and break are importance devices in which you need to think about. Even if the date for the wheel is three years ago, you should replace it before driving. Since you will drive this used RV into everywhere, this criterion is significant in comparison with others criteria when buying a used RV.

The enemy of tires or wheel is the direct sunlight. Because it contains ultraviolet rays, it might create a small hole or burned tags on them. Furthermore, going with continuous high speed without cooling down is also a cause of this problem. It is wise to spend money on tire and wheel at the beginning of using.

To protect you and your family, you ought to inspect the wheel bearings carefully. You should check and repack it well. As a matter of fact, they are two of the first works to do before you buy any second-hand RV. After the first week of the running trail (if you have that option), you can require a change if there are any problem that occurs. Do not put your life on something which is not fixed.

If you towing the RV with your truck, you also need to check the weight distribution hitch.

Check for Electrical Systems

People cannot live without electricity. So, testing electrical systems is compulsory on the list of advice when buying a used RV. These systems comprise of power distribution panel, lighting pubs, AC outlets, and power cord.

Power Distribution Panel

You should check the AC breaker manually. Since they are stiff when you push, remember to remove all soft ones to avoid electric shock. People usually advise the buyer that they need to check the heat of each panel. If the temperature exceeds the limits, some fires might occur. For example, the conventional DC circuit is the 12 DC. Thus, make sure that there is no explosion happen when you run it.

Lighting

You should have a general view of all light pubs. Remember to make sure that they are in good shape. You can do this by pulling the covers. If the plastic or metal does not melt, everything is ok. One thing you need to put inside your head is the storage bay. Putting it in a dry place to secure the safety when using.

AC Outlets and Power Cord

To detect any defects, inspecting the AC outlets and central power is not a bad idea. Let’s have a close look at the metal device such as prong. If the high voltage happens, the arc will be broken quickly. Remember to check the power cord and the rig both inside and outside.

The AC outlet with buttons. Source: Truck Camper Magazine

Check for Gas System

It is true that people cannot live without eating. It is necessary for you to control the gas system, especially the LP gas system that implemented on the RV. Gas systems always connect to another supplement such as tank or cable. Thus, if they are broken, the fire will catch up quickly.

LP Gas System

Having the gas system inspected and confirmed by authorized agent is obligatory. In some cases, people require these checking before putting the RV on the store. However, it is better to have a look at yourself. You should check the cylinders containing propane or any hot liquid. Some of which require refilling after ten years usage. You should also check the hoses in case of a fire. Replacing it with a new one is not a bad thought. You can sniff to detect any leaking gas.

Furthermore, for your security, let’s confirm all the equipment using gas systems are in good condition. If one bug happens, it can explode the whole RV. Using a thermometer to check the heat is necessary.

Remember to test both gas and electric condition at the same time. Using particular thermostat device can analyze the cooling temperature. Make sure no debris are remained after using, you should clean it frequently. If the machine in good condition, you might hear the small noise with red flame while turning it on.

Check for Plumbing System and Water Damage

Checking for both water and plumbing system is necessary. Let’s remember to verify fresh water and the waste one if you don’t want to be fined. When the RV runs, the plumb might have a problem such as leaking or broken. Thus, the water inside is easily contaminated. On the other hand, the used water must remain in the tank properly. If some holes are in it, you probably know what will go next. Awful!! Right?

Fresh and Wasted Water

You ought to test the water drape to fill the dirty. Let’s take a close look at the fresh water to make sure they are usable. If the water tanks have a leak, let’s call the staff to repair as soon as possible. Because the contaminated water can cause illness, you should prevent this situation from the beginning.

Related: Top 3 Composting Toilet for RV

Water Pump

Since the RV is movable, you should locate and check the water pump regularly. The condition of hoses and wiring is also important. You run the water and listen to the sound that created from the hoses to check. Buying new faucets in the case of the shortage is such good thinking.

Check for Cooling System

The cooling system in the RV contains a lot of things such as air conditioner, fans, and vents. Remember to remove all the cover of the AC socket. For the inside architecture, you had better put the lid on the roof of the gasket. To prevent other leaking problem, let’s fill the hole with the small plastic bag.

For the outside one, you have to check the condenser carefully. It usually contains debris which created while using for a long time. Turning up the evaporator fin is a crucial step to remove cinch problem.

Remember to check the electrical connectors, wiring, and fan. You can see the motor spin freely with small squeaks or swing.

You should change the lid and the cover of the electric socket if it melts. The date for using device depends on many factors. However, you need to check it regularly without having something damage. The range of the conventional cooling device is from 17 to 23 degree. Let’s put into your consideration the bugs on the screen. They can block the evaporated air. Thus, water will exist.

Checking the RV's vent fan — Checking the RV’s vent fan

Check the RV’s history

Last but not least, you must check the RV’s history. Since people might reuse it several times before selling, reviewing its history is not redundant. Some RV did not work well in the past and quickly create an accident. Thus, confirm again to the seller to make sure it is good. The final thing is asking them why they decide to sell it.

Here are several videos for buying a used RV which I recommend to you. They are helpful for both you and me.

Final word

I hope that this is an excellent article for you. You can find other information based on this article by watching our provided videos. It’s quite exciting and fantastic time to look for and buy a suitable used RV. All you need to remember after reading this article is just following step by step carefully. It will bring more benefit than you can imagine.

If you have a lot of money, let’s have a try with a new one instead of the used RV. The better condition the RV has, the more comfortable you may feel.

Negotiating is a good strategy when dealing something that affects you for a long time. Do not be shy when telling to the seller what will you need or what you expect to have.

All of above steps are incredible and great guidelines for you to check when buying a used RV. If you want to have a used one, do not hesitate to look at these steps in details.

Do you have further things which you want to be share? Let’s comment below. We will have a discussion further.

Sources and Citations