| Buying a used recreational vehicle can be a great | | | | on the walls. If the floor feels "spongy" this is |
| investment. But it can also be a nightmare if the RV | | | | another indication of leaks. |
| is not as promised. Most buyers will advertise the | | | | 2. A "smoky" (not cigarette) smell in a used |
| used recreational vehicle in glowing terms and make | | | | recreational vehicle is another indication of problems. |
| you think that it is almost as good as buying new. | | | | It is not uncommon for a fire to break out from a |
| Although there are some RV owners who really do | | | | propane leak or tank problem. If this RV has been in |
| maintain their RVs as carefully as the manufacturer | | | | a fire, you will want to know about it and any repairs |
| recommends, most neglect at least one or two items | | | | that were done. |
| which can lead to problems when you purchase it as | | | | 3. If the used recreational vehicle looks older than it |
| a used recreational vehicle. You can take any used | | | | should for its age, this usually means that it has not |
| RV to your dealer or a good mechanic to get it | | | | been well-maintained or stored properly. You will |
| checked out, but there are some things that you can | | | | probably have to spend more money on repairs on |
| look for which will give you an "early warning system" | | | | this RV than you will save on the purchase price. |
| to save you the trouble if it is not worth your time. | | | | 4. Of course you will take a test drive, but make |
| 1. The number one cause of structural problems in | | | | sure that you travel both on freeways and surface |
| most used recreational vehicle models is water | | | | streets to see how the RV handles and sounds in |
| damage. Leaks in the ceiling, windows, doors and | | | | both situations. |
| even from appliances like the water heater, | | | | 5. Up to date and documented service records are a |
| refrigerator, and the dishwasher can cause problems | | | | great resource if you can get them from the owner. |
| and can ruin a used recreational vehicle well before its | | | | If everything looks like it is in order, you can feel |
| engine goes out. Look for excess sealant around | | | | confident in taking it to your mechanic to get an |
| windows and doors as well as stains in the ceiling and | | | | even more thorough check before you buy. |