A motorhome is a big investment and with many on the market to choose from, RV owners sometimes end up with buyer's remorse. Not every RV is an RV owner's dream, so here are some tips on how to properly inspect and buy a used motorhome:
Find Out Why the Owner is Selling
From RV dealers in NC to driveways across the nation there are thousands of recreational vehicles of all makes, models, years and types. The reasons owners put their used RVs up for sale is varied. Reasons include everything from families whose children have grown and no longer desire to go camping to selling an aged motorhome that is increasingly costing more to keep running. Getting to the real reason why an owner is selling is a great bit of information to have before deciding to purchase a particular motorhome or not.
Research Recalls and Issues
When choosing to buy a used motorhome do a little research into the details of the manufacturer, the make of the motorhome and the particular model. There are RV enthusiast online forums where owners share stories and details about their personal experiences with the RVs they own. Recalls and customer complaints can be found through contacting the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Inspect the Motorhome Carefully
A first-time motorhome buyer would do well to have any used model fully inspected by a trained professional before buying. RV dealers in NC may offer this service through their repair facility for any RV. The fee to have a full inspection done by qualified repair technicians familiar with all of the issues that can occur with any RV is worth it. Also, the inspection may reveal issues that are not necessarily deal-breakers but can give the buyer an advantage for negotiating a lower price.
Consider the Upkeep of the Motorhome
All motorhomes look like a shiny gem when they are brand new sitting in the lots of the RV dealers. However, they begin to show wear as they are being used or even stored. Campgrounds are typically dirty, dusty and muddy. RVs are vehicles that are almost always either parked under trees that drip sap or they are parked out in the scorching sun. The UV rays from the sun eventually dry rots tires, curtains, upholstery and every rubber seal. Also, awnings are often rolled up while still wet, leading to mold and rot.
The mechanical inspection of an RV done by a professional can overlook the aesthetics. Take the time to inspect the curtains, upholstery, mattresses, carpeting, awning and all of the seals for every window, door and vent. Look for dry rot and mold. If the RV is cold the first time it is inspected by a buyer, subtle odors of mold may be masked. Cleaners and air fresheners can do the same thing. Entering an RV that has been sitting for a few days where it is warm reveals the truth about how the interior really smells.
Also, even though tires may look good having only a few road miles on them, take the time to look at the date code to determine the year they were made. The date code is embossed on the sidewall, and it is the last two digits following a string of characters after "DOT." For an RV manufactured in the year 2000 or earlier, ask to see a dated receipt for the tires on the vehicle because the date code on really old tires is different.
When making the choice to buy a used motorhome, there are going to be things that are not perfect. There may even be things that need to be repaired before the first camping trip. Consider the overall value of what is being offered for the price. Get an estimate for any repair costs. Decide if a non-functional feature is okay to do without for the price, and always keep family safety in mind above all things when deciding to make a purchase. Finally, do not feel pressured to buy any particular RV. The good news is that there are plenty of used ones that are perpetually for sale with some real bargains available for families who want the RV experience.
Find Out Why the Owner is Selling
From RV dealers in NC to driveways across the nation there are thousands of recreational vehicles of all makes, models, years and types. The reasons owners put their used RVs up for sale is varied. Reasons include everything from families whose children have grown and no longer desire to go camping to selling an aged motorhome that is increasingly costing more to keep running. Getting to the real reason why an owner is selling is a great bit of information to have before deciding to purchase a particular motorhome or not.
Research Recalls and Issues
When choosing to buy a used motorhome do a little research into the details of the manufacturer, the make of the motorhome and the particular model. There are RV enthusiast online forums where owners share stories and details about their personal experiences with the RVs they own. Recalls and customer complaints can be found through contacting the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Inspect the Motorhome Carefully
A first-time motorhome buyer would do well to have any used model fully inspected by a trained professional before buying. RV dealers in NC may offer this service through their repair facility for any RV. The fee to have a full inspection done by qualified repair technicians familiar with all of the issues that can occur with any RV is worth it. Also, the inspection may reveal issues that are not necessarily deal-breakers but can give the buyer an advantage for negotiating a lower price.
Consider the Upkeep of the Motorhome
All motorhomes look like a shiny gem when they are brand new sitting in the lots of the RV dealers. However, they begin to show wear as they are being used or even stored. Campgrounds are typically dirty, dusty and muddy. RVs are vehicles that are almost always either parked under trees that drip sap or they are parked out in the scorching sun. The UV rays from the sun eventually dry rots tires, curtains, upholstery and every rubber seal. Also, awnings are often rolled up while still wet, leading to mold and rot.
The mechanical inspection of an RV done by a professional can overlook the aesthetics. Take the time to inspect the curtains, upholstery, mattresses, carpeting, awning and all of the seals for every window, door and vent. Look for dry rot and mold. If the RV is cold the first time it is inspected by a buyer, subtle odors of mold may be masked. Cleaners and air fresheners can do the same thing. Entering an RV that has been sitting for a few days where it is warm reveals the truth about how the interior really smells.
Also, even though tires may look good having only a few road miles on them, take the time to look at the date code to determine the year they were made. The date code is embossed on the sidewall, and it is the last two digits following a string of characters after "DOT." For an RV manufactured in the year 2000 or earlier, ask to see a dated receipt for the tires on the vehicle because the date code on really old tires is different.
When making the choice to buy a used motorhome, there are going to be things that are not perfect. There may even be things that need to be repaired before the first camping trip. Consider the overall value of what is being offered for the price. Get an estimate for any repair costs. Decide if a non-functional feature is okay to do without for the price, and always keep family safety in mind above all things when deciding to make a purchase. Finally, do not feel pressured to buy any particular RV. The good news is that there are plenty of used ones that are perpetually for sale with some real bargains available for families who want the RV experience.
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