Advice about buying a used RV
Be careful when buying a pre-owned motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel or other recreational vehicle.
By Carl Webber
Buying a used RV requires that you pay attention to details. Whether you're buying a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, truck camper or other recreational vehicle, you need to be careful to avoid making a bad decision. By choosing an RV wisely, you can end up with a great deal.
A used RV has already depreciated considerably in value, even if it's still the current year's model with few miles. Once a new RV is driven off the lot, it's a used vehicle, and its value plummets.
Buying a used recreational vehicle makes sense for buyers on a budget. Instead of a brand new 24-foot Class C, the same investment may buy a recent model 30-foot Class A packed with extras. And if the used RV has been well cared for, it may look and drive virtually like new, and reward its new owner with years of service.
The pace of an RV's depreciation, fast in the first few years, will be far slower in those that follow if it's bought used. We've heard of RVers who bought a nice pre-owned RV one year and sold it a year later for the same price.
THE MAJOR DOWNSIDE to buying used is that the rig could be a lemon. It could have hidden problems that could end costly to repair. If its roof leaked at some point, there could be rot inside the walls even though there may be no evidence (at least not on a casual inspection).
It's essential to examine a used vehicle with care, whether it's being purchased from a dealer or a private party. Generally, you will have some guarantee from a dealer about the quality of a used unit.
The best advice on buying a used RV is to examine a potential rig carefully, from top to bottom, front to back, and inside out. If you're not an expert on what to look for, hire someone who is. You will be glad you did.
Start your search for a trailer, fifth wheeler or motorhome well before you need it. Look at dealer's lots and shop the newspaper classifieds. Don't buy something off the corner of a shopping center parking lot. Con artists operate from places like this.
The best deals are often on a rig being sold by a private party who bought his or her RV and then couldn't use it, or who used it very little. Some older couples buy an RV for fulltiming and then discover they do not enjoy the lifestyle. So they sell their RV, sometimes in just-like-new condition. Other times, people buy on impulse and then discover they don't have time to use the vehicle. In either case, you may "steal a deal" on a barely used RV.
If you are Internet-savvy, get on an RV forum and ask the opinion of other RVers on a rig you are considering purchasing. You'll likely have some helpful responses within 24 hours.
Right after buying a used RV, many owners immediately buy an extended warranty to cover unexpected repairs. Other RVers forgo this expense, however, and take the gamble that the rig will not develop major problems. Those that do buy an extended warranty consider the peace of mind that comes with it well worth the investment.
An excellent resource for information about how to buy a new or used RV is the DVD from the Better Business Bureau titled Buying a Recreational Vehicle. The hour-long program covers virtually everything an RVer buyer needs to know to ensure buying the right vehicle (for them), at the right price -- and without getting ripped off.
The main thing to remember about buying a used RV, above everything else, is to take your time and do a thorough inspection of the rig you like. These steps alone will go a long way in ensuring you end up with an RV that will bring you great pleasure down the road.
Copyright 2008 by RVtravel.com