Used Motorhomes

Check the oil - for color and smell. Is it burned? Is it creamy with white foam indicating that engine additives have been used to cover up grave engine problems?

Make sure the batteries will start the vehicle with ease. You don't want to get stuck without batteries.

If you get to drive the vehicle then pay extra attention to the brakes.

Check for rust. If the frame is rusted then forget it, the motorhome is probably reaching the end of it's life. Small rust spots in the bodywork may be patched up but ask yourself if this will involve re-paneling or new paint work. Have a look at the skin for signs of bubbling. This usually indicates rust underneath maybe even previous attempts at patching it up. Buy in the south to avoid RVs with rust.

Ask to see all service records and any paperwork pertaining to repairs undertaken. From this you will also be able to see how many previous owners the vehicle has had and you will be able to check the VIN number on the paperwork with that of the vehicle. (very important that these match).

If you are seriously considering the final purchase the do take a trained and trusted mechanic along with you to check over the engine and general mechanics of the vehicle. Even if this costs you will not regret this later.

For a better orientation read the RV Buyers Guide.

Take a good look at the batteries. Find out if the house batteries are holding their charge as these batteries power the lights and other electric appliances when you are not hooked up to mains supply. Check for corrosion on the terminals. Replacing these batteries can be quite expensive and time consuming to replace. If there are solar panels, check how much charge they are putting back as there is a huge difference in the type and number of solar panels that might be fitted. There are those that give very little charge (low to medium cost) and those which give substantial charge (extremely high cost).

Have a detailed look at the propane hoses, tanks and regulator. Make sure that all items connected to this work. Check that the refrigerator and air conditioning are correctly switching between electricity and propane if this feature is included in the motorhome you are looking at.

Make sure the toilet is holding water. This is what stops the smell from the tanks coming back up into the bathroom.

Check flooring for soft areas especially in and around the bathroom and sink area. This could mean that there are leaks in the water system corroding the flooring.

Check the ceilings in corners and hidden places for signs of damp. This could mean that the roof has leaks - Not an easy problem to solve.

Have a good look at the heating system - It should be able to blow hot air and give hot water. Also check the Air conditioning is blowing cold air. Repairs to these are costly.

Do a thorough general check of everything. Check ALL the lights, ALL the electrically powered items, open and close every door, locker and cupboard, vent, window and panel both inside and out.

Check with your insurance company and finance company if you need one with exact details of the model and year of the motorhome you are planning to buy. There have been too many cases of insurance and finance companies refusing to work with or making it difficult and costly to insure certain motorhomes. This could be for a number of reasons such as model recalls, certain weight restrictions, or a number of other seemingly insignificant details.

For information on how to buy safely without getting ripped off check out the RV Buyers Guide - An essential resource when looking for used motorhomes

See also Used Motorhomes