Is anyone out there nervous about purchasing an RV used for sale by owner? If you are raising your hand, good for you, because you should be nervous if you have decided to purchase from a previous owner. You should be very nervous!
So, read this article. I am going to tell you what to look for when purchasing a used travel trailer; that way you will at least have a fighting chance of purchasing one which will not disintegrate from dry rot three months after you purchase it.
Sound good to you? If so, let’s get started.
First, an important point
I am not in any way saying that all people selling used RVs are crooked or dishonest. By and large, the vast majority of those living the RV life are honest, good people. I am saying, however, that there are enough dishonest people, or simply people ignorant about the condition of their RV, to make this article worth reading.
One other thing to consider before we get into the nuts and bolts of this article. Fiberglass is outstanding when it comes to preventing leaks, far better than RVs made from aluminum. Trailers made with molded fiberglass rarely have structural problems, so keep that in mind as you begin your search. Since leakage is probably the #1 problem with RVs, it’s a good point to remember.
Okay, start with the trailer lights
This is a pretty easy one to check. Hook the trailer light connector to your truck or RV and test all lights, including hazard. If they work, great! If they don’t, this may or may not be an easy fix.
Go inside and look for obvious leak stains
Look at seams in the walls. Look in corners on the floor and in cabinets. Look under rugs. If you find stains, this is not a good thing, not by a longshot. Be very wary going forward if you find stains.
Go underneath and check the trailer and undercarriage
You are checking for two things: rust on the trailer itself, and water stains on the undercarriage/flooring. If you find either one, it just might be time to walk away.
Head up top and look at the caulking
Heavy caulking is a sign of leaking problems in the past. Period! End of discussion.
Does everything work the way it is supposed to work?
Check the fridge, check the stove burners, check microwave and shower and toilet. Does the water pump sound fine when engaged? How about the heater and air conditioning? Check the overhead fans.
Finally, have a real trailer expert look at it
And, finally, for the ultimate peace of mind, have a mechanic/trailer expert look at it. This will usually cost around $100 to have done, but it may be the best $100 you have ever spent.
A final thought
There are some who will purchase a travel trailer no matter what condition it is, if the price is right, knowing that they have the skills to make any repair, and to those I say BRAVO! There are some great deals to be made if you are a DIY expert.
I just want everyone to have a fighting chance when they are looking to buy a used RV, and that way their quality of life will be enhanced rather than be smothered by a negative transaction. RVing is a great way to see the country. The RV lifestyle is a blast for almost all who live it, and it would be a shame if your chance at a similar great experience was ruined right out of the gate by a terrible sales experience.
