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Q: What do I check when I am buying an RV?
Answer(s) to this Question (
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Inspect for Water Damage
When looking at an RV to purchase (mainly a used one) make sure to check for water damage. Water damage is caused by water seeping into the RV from any opening in the exterior. Check around roof vents and air conditioner units, check around all windowsills and wall joints. Look for water stains on the walls or roof. Gently push on the walls/roof around openings and joints to feel for any īsquishyī areas. If you find any this is an indication of wood rot. Also check for a musty or mildew type of smell. A damp area hidden behind a wall or the roof can cause these types of smells.
Applicance Check
When inspecting your future RV make sure that every appliance works. Start the furnace and set the thermostat so that it will cycle. Start the AC and make sure it can cycle. If it has a heat strip make sure that it delivers warm air. Start the water heater and make sure it delivers hot water. Start the refrigerator and make sure it gets cold. Make sure to check it using all of its power sources (AC, propane and DC if equipped). Run the microwave (heat a cup of coffee while you wait for the water heater to warm up!) Light the stove and oven pilots and make sure that they stay lit and that the burners light and stay lit.
RV Values online
NADAguides.com is a great place to go & for FREE see what your RV is worth money wise. Looking to trade in your RV, Sell your RV or buy an RV this information is valuable and comes in handy. Itīs very convenient and easy to look up. This way you know yourself exactly what itīs worth without relying on someone elseīs opinion or valuation.
Tire Inspection
Before buying that RV you have your eye on make sure to inspect the tires. Donīt kick them, it wonīt tell you anything and only hurts your foot! Check the tires for uneven wear (like the inside edge of the tire having less tread then the outside edge. This indicates an alignment problem. Check for cupping of the tread. This indicates an alignment or shock problem. Check the sidewalls for cracks or splits, this indicates sever weather checking. Check the valve-stems for cracks. Check any valve stem extenders for wear. Make sure to get down and check the inside of the rear dually tires.
Water Systems Check
Make sure to check the entire water system before buying an RV. Fill the on board fresh water tank and check for leaks from the fill hose and tank. Close all the faucets and turn on the water pump. If the pump cycles after its initial run (it should run a little at first while it pressurizes the system) that indicates a leak in a supply line. Run every faucet one at a time to make sure there is adequate water delivery. Make sure to check that the showerhead shut off valve works. After you shut off the faucet, make sure the water pump stops. Check under the sink for any leaks in the drains. Fill the waste tanks and check for leaks. Dump the tanks and make sure that the valves work smoothly and that there are no leaks.
Exterior Inspection
Before buying an RV make sure to inspect the exterior. Look for any obvious damage caused by accidents. Look closer to check for hidden damage; Look for exterior body panels that donīt match - this could indicate a repair has been done. Check all the body seams to make sure they are square. Check all molding and lights. These should sit tight against the body. If they are gooped with sealer this can be an indication of an attempt to fix a water leak. If you notice a black sticky goop leaking from the window frames this is normal. The sealer used on the windows will leak out and just needs to be trimmed away.
RV Values online
NADAguides.com is a great place to go & for FREE see what your RV is worth money wise. Looking to trade in your RV, Sell your RV or buy an RV this information is valuable and comes in handy. Itīs very convenient and easy to look up. This way you know yourself exactly what itīs worth without relying on someone elseīs opinion or valuation.
