5 Questions to Ask When Purchasing a Used RV

The RV that will take you and your family on endless adventures is a major purchase. You need to ensure that you are going to be happy with the one that you choose. As part of your due diligence when on your way to becoming one of the 8.9 million Americans who own RVs, be sure to ask the dealer these five important questions:

1. Why did the former owner sell?

If you are looking at used RVs, hopefully the dealer will know why the previous owners decided to part with the one you are looking at. In many cases, the past owners just moved on to new hobbies or maybe even traded up for a bigger RV.

2. Are there any leaks or soft spots?

Over time, some older RVs will develop roof leaks, particularly if there are features like skylights. Check for telltale water damage, such as staining on the walls or swelling on the floor. Some leaks can be fixed easily. Others may not be worth the trouble, since you may also need to replace areas that are water damaged.

3. How new are the tires?

Old tires don’t need to be a deal breaker, but it’s good to know what you’ll need to update and change. If the tires are more than five years old or if they show cracks or signs of wear, you will need new ones. The expense isn’t necessarily fun, but it’s better to spend the money now rather than get caught on the side of the road with a flat.

4. Is this well-suited to the size of my truck?

Find out how much the RV weighs to ensure that your vehicle can pull it without any issues. For instance, a large fifth wheel makes an extremely comfortable and home-like RV. However, it’s advisable to have at least a 3/4 ton truck to pull this option. If you are not in the market for a new vehicle to go with your travel trailer, it might be good to start with what you can safely haul and look at options from there.

5. How many BTUs is the air conditioning rated for?

The top reason people pick RVs over tents for camping is comfort. Make sure that the air conditioner on the RV you choose is adequate to keep you cool all night when you sleep. If you are looking at a 25 foot trailer, for instance, you’ll want a unit that is 13,500 or higher to ensure that it is adequate to completely cool the whole trailer.

Be willing to look at a number of RVs while finding the one that fits your family best. The more questions you ask, the more you will learn about what you want and don’t want in a recreational vehicle. We’re always happy to help you find just the right travel trailer for you. Come visit us today to take a look at the new and used RVs that we have in stock.