Wondering how to buy a used RV and avoid wasting your money? In this guide, we'll show you 8 things you must look for before putting money down. 

Buying an RV is a big investment. Depending on the type of RV you’re looking for you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $300,000 for a new model.

If you’re looking to get out on the road, but want to save money while you do it, buying used RVs is your best option.

However, there’s more to learning how to buy a used RV than choosing your preferred brand. You need to look for key issues that could keep you from enjoying your time outdoors.

Here are a few key things to look for when shopping for a used RV.

1. Watch for Water Damage

Water damage is the biggest issue RV owners will face when it comes to keeping their rigs in good shape. Even small leaks can lead to extensive damage and mold that, if you’re not actively looking for, you might miss.

Start looking around the seams in the walls inside the cabinets, and along the ceiling for stains. Those stains can be indicative of water damage.

As a general rule, if you see water damage on a used RV, don’t buy it. Look for a different camper entirely. Repairing water damage is expensive and takes time which cuts down on the amount of time you’ll be able to spend on the road.

2. Inspect the Seals

Every RV, whether you’re looking at a travel trailer or motorhome, has sealant that helps prevent leaks and water damage in the first place. You’ll want to inspect those seals for signs of damage and wear and tear.

Walk around the exterior of the RV and check each seal you find. Look around the windows, where the walls and roof connect, and around the door.

If the seals are in good shape, the sealant will look solid. If it’s in bad condition or the camper needs resealing, you’ll see some of the material peeling up or may even notice patches where it’s missing.

You’ll want to get those areas repaired before you buy the RV.

3. Ask for Maintenance Records

According to the team at Leisureland RV, you’ll want to ask for maintenance records on any RV you’re thinking of buying. This lets you know if the previous owners took care of the RV or if there may be underlying issues you’re not equipped to handle.

You can always get the unit inspected by an experienced RV mechanic to give you further peace of mind. That said, if you buy your RV from a local dealership, you’ll know that their mechanics have already gone over the RV before putting it on the lot.

You’ll still want to inspect the unit, but they should take care of most major issues before listing the RV for sale.

4. Check the Date on the Tires

Without tires, your RV won’t go anywhere safely. The older the tires are, the more likely they are to have underlying damage and cracks.

Take the time to inspect the tires. Look for any signs of dry rot on the tire walls. Make sure the tread isn’t overly worn down and check the date on the tire walls.

If the tires are more than five years old, get them inspected or try to negotiate the price of the RV down. Though tires can last for as long as 10 years, they need regular maintenance to reach that age.

If the owner didn’t properly maintain their RV’s tires, you’ll need to replace them before you can safely hit the road.

5. Look at the Roof

Take the time to inspect the roof in detail before you decide to buy a used RV. Look for staining and any mold or mildew buildup that might cause discoloration.

Walk on the roof if you can and make sure the surface doesn’t give much beneath your weight. If you find soft spots on the roof, there could be wood rot in the structure which costs thousands of dollars to fix.

6. Check for Rust and Damage on the Undercarriage

An RV is only as durable and sturdy as its undercarriage and support structure. Don’t hesitate to crawl under the RV and inspect the metal components for rust and damage.

Small amounts of surface rust are normal, but if the metal beneath feels pitted or the corrosion spreads over most of the structure, you may want to keep looking.

7. Make Sure the Walls Are Solid

When RVs aren’t stored properly or maintained well, the walls can warp. When this happens, they start to shift along the seams.

This makes it easy for water to get into the walls of the camper.

Don’t hesitate to gently push on the walls as you walk through the RV. If they feel solid when you push on them, the walls are in good condition. However, if they give or feel soft in spots, proceed with caution.

You could end up buying an RV with extensive wood rot and water damage.

8. Run Through the Systems If Possible

Before you agree to anything, make sure you run through the RV’s systems. If you’re buying a motorhome, turn the engine on and take it for a test drive. If not, just run through each component.

Turn the generator on to make sure it works. Plug the trailer into shore power and test the refrigerator, air conditioner, water pump, and every other feature included in the rig.

If you notice anything broken, you can negotiate with the seller or choose to buy a different RV.

Know You Know How to Buy a Used RV

Buying an RV is the best way to get out and enjoy nature more often. However, finding the right used camper for your needs can be challenging.

Now that you know how to buy a used RV and what to look for, you’re ready to get started. Keep in mind that it’s okay to be picky. Take your time and run through this used RV buyers guide with every camper you look at.

You’ll be able to find the right camper for your upcoming adventures.

Looking for more tips and tricks to help you enjoy your RV trips? Check out our latest posts!