Buying a Used RV

[alias100]

Remember this is a business transaction, not a deal between between friends. By this I mean don't be afraid to ask questions and follow up questions. Look out for your best interests, the seller will be looking out for theirs. Nothing wrong with this, just be aware of it.

[el Rojo]

Now for the good news. This may be a pristine camper and the couple just can't use it anymore. So you don't have to go in on the defensive...just check it out.

The best used boat I ever bought was a Lund from a retired fire fighter from IL. It was his "corvette", loaded to the brim. He hurt his back moving to TX to be with the grand kids and just couldn't use it anymore. Yes I had to replace tires and batteries, tighten up some loose screws but it was well worth it.

Red

[Gpo1958]

Is the issue in bold a hypothetical or something the seller has already disclosed?

All hypothetical.

[Gpo1958]

Thank you all for the help. Unfortunately, I got beat to the punch and it sold this morning. Again, Thank you COVID-19!

[JKellerJr]

Thank you all for the help. Unfortunately, I got beat to the punch and it sold this morning. Again, Thank you COVID-19!

I’ll have a 2018 377mbs-r for sale in a month or two if all goes as planned

And I’m just down the road in Huntley

[CaptPicardo]

I will always buy used, likely from one of the sons-o-guns on this forum, because I know you all care about your rig.

[FT4NOW]

All good advice above, don't forget to check everything else.

Run the slides in and out, listen for funny noises or uneven movement side to side

Not sure what model, but run the stabilizers or leveling system, use the auto level if it has it. If hydrualic, retract slides and hook it up to a truck and check fluid level, look for hydrualic leaks.

Hold toilet valve open and look down with flashlight, make sure there is no poop pyramid

Check fridge on AC and gas mode

Make sure water gets hot, check gas operation of water heater

Run the A/C and furnace

If it has electric fireplace, turn it on

Open all windows and shades, check for proper operation

Run the water pump

See if the owner will pull it with a truck and engage the brake controller to see if trailer brakes work

There is more you can look at, but all of the stuff here should give you a good start.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Gpo1958]

I’ll have a 2018 377mbs-r for sale in a month or two if all goes as planned

And I’m just down the road in Huntley

Your location is great, but WAY too much rig for me.

[JKellerJr]

Your location is great, but WAY too much rig for me.

Oh well, worth a shot Good luck with your search!

[FreddieMac]

- Look for delamination one the side walls
- Look for signs the unit has sat with little use (that can be a good and bad thing)
- Have someone perform a roof inspection, check the seals. See if there is evidence it has been maintained
- Check to see if it still has the original Westlake (china bomb) tires
- Make sure the fridge works
- Make sure all the electronics work when plugged in
- Put a volt meter to the battery to see its condition, check for water levels
- turn on every light and turn it off
- check the shower, see if the sides are still adhered to the walls. Those come loose a lot but not a major fix


A 4 year old Solitude should be in pretty good shape unless it just was not maintained. If it has just been sitting in storage, I would not let that deter me. I had a six year old trailer that I traded for top dollar because I kept it maintained. I am religious about maintenance on my Reflection. I have looked at enough used RVs over the years to see when the previous owners did maintenance. You will know when you see and walk through the unit.