RV Doctor – What Do I Need To Know When Buying a Used RV?

Dear RV Doctor,
We saw the RV Roadtrips show on DIY and wondered if you’d share some buying tips. I am interested in buying an older motorhome; a 1985 model. I am a novice working on mechanical projects, but want to learn. What are the most important things I need to be looking for before buying?– Gordon Griffin, (Blooming Grove, TX)

Answer:

Wow, there are so many things to look for in buying a used RV, Gordon, especially one of that vintage. I always recommend that you take the RV to a local dealer and have a PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) performed. It is well worth the expense to be sure all is in working order.

During a PDI, literally every component in every system is checked. It is paramount that any discrepancies be detected before settling on a selling price. There are too many items to list here, but I would look closely at the LP system and the LP-burning appliances as well as the integrity of the battery and alternating current electrical systems. Appliances well over 20-years old most certainly will have issues unless serviced annually. A PDI will reveal these issues.

If the seller is not willing to have a PDI performed, stay away. A well-performed PDI will reveal discrepancies that can become a bargaining chip during your negotiation of the selling price. I would also recommend a book called The Idiot’s Guide to RVing, written by Brent Peterson. Chapter 8 details a long list of items to check out before buying.

(Please feel free to comment, however, please also note that due to the volume of communications I receive from multiple channels I cannot guarantee a personal response in every instance. However, questions of an overall general interest may be considered and published in an upcoming RV Doctor column.)