| Buying a used RV isn't as simple as it may seem. It | | | | Service Records - Thses will show whether the |
| can be especially difficult are you are going to be | | | | previous owners did regualar maintenance, on the rig. |
| living in the motorhome or 5th wheel for any amount | | | | It will also show you how many previous owners |
| of time. It could be likened to buying a car and a | | | | there have been. And, if they don't have any |
| house at the same time, except this house has | | | | paperwork- why not? |
| wheel and goes 65 miles per hour, and this car has a | | | | NOTE: If the VIN number on the service records or |
| stove and shower. | | | | receipts does not match the vehicle you are |
| For this reason, it is crucial to have some great | | | | purchasing then obviously that paperwork is |
| checklists to go over to ensure you find any | | | | meaningless. |
| problems there might be. Sellers usually won't tell you | | | | Financing your RV - Many companies offer better |
| each and every issue they know of. Some sellers will | | | | financing for certain preferred builders and even |
| try to hide known problems. As the saying goes: | | | | certain models, especially those that have the lowest |
| "Buyer Beware". | | | | depreciation. The purchase of any used rv for |
| Using your checklist to look over used vehicles at the | | | | business should not be done without a thorough |
| Used RV Dealer is equally important. The dealer | | | | evaluation of the finance options that are attached |
| makes his commission no matter how long the RV | | | | to it. Some banks won't finance a commercial vehicle |
| runs for you, so it's really up to you to make sure | | | | until it has passed a DOT inspection, some offer |
| you get a good rig! | | | | lower rates for "occasional use", and some charge a |
| So let's save you time, money, and frustration and | | | | higher percentage rate if you plan to "live aboard". |
| give you some of the key things to look over when | | | | RV Insurance - this can be a real "dream breaker". |
| viewing a used RV, Camper, Motorhome, Class A B | | | | How will you tell your family that you you got a |
| or C, or 5th Wheel for the first time: | | | | great deal on the rv for them and fixed it up real |
| Oil Analysis - As with any vehicle, oil is the lifeblood of | | | | nice, but...well nobody will insure it cause it's too old, |
| the engine. Checking the oil is a great start to ensure | | | | or the brakes are after market, or there was a recall |
| the integrity of the engine. If the oil smells burnt, is | | | | on it. Rv converters, how would you like to finish |
| unusal in color or consistency, is too low or too high, | | | | your rv repairs with $30,000 in renovations only to |
| you may have a problem on your hands. | | | | learn it's uninsurable with normal companies due to |
| Rust - Rust is the natuaral breakdown of iron or a | | | | "gross vehicle weight issues". |
| metal with iron in it. Rust is much worse in parts of | | | | In my opinion, learning enough about RV's to make |
| the country with snow and salt on the roads. | | | | an educated buying decision is just good common |
| Purchasing RV's from the south can help with rust | | | | sense. What you learn before you get the RV will |
| problems, but they will usually cost a bit more. Do a | | | | certainly carry over into what you'll need to know to |
| complete rust check. If there is structural rust on the | | | | keep your new rig in tip-top shape while you are on |
| frame, AVOID THE RV AT ALL COSTS. You are | | | | the road later. |
| buying an RV at the end of its life. | | | | |