This RV Buying Guide Lists What To Check Before Leaving the Lot

Most avid campers or road travelers have considered renting or buying an RV at least once in their lifetime. If that sounds like you, this RV buying guide will help you get the most for your money

What Is an RV?

An RV is a recreational vehicle. Also known as a motorhome, it is a large vehicle that meets the housing needs for people while traveling. This includes a sleeping area, a kitchen, a small bathroom, and storage for day-to-day items needed while on the road.

Some RVs are pretty basic and small. Others are large and luxurious, offering everything one could possibly think of as far as amenities, including large, plush beds, full flushing toilets, a separate bedroom, lounge area, and dining area. The larger and more expensive an RV is, the more it tends to offer.

RVs are very popular these days, especially with campers. Tent camping is popular, but camping with an RV just makes things so much easier. Long road trips with lots of people are also much easier with the use of an RV. Many people look to rent one for a weekend, week, or even a month, but many people who have the necessary credit or funding may be looking to buy.

The typical price for an RV starts at about $40,000. The more you desire by way of amenities and luxury, the higher the cost. However you slice it, if you decide to buy a new or used RV, there are certain things to look for. Use the same diligence you use when shopping for a new or used car.

At this point, you may be wondering what to look for in an RV. There is a lot, and a smart buyer will inspect any potential purchase thoroughly, both inside and out.

Buying Your RV—What To Check on the Outside

Check out the wheels and tires. Be sure that they are in good condition, that there is no rust and that all of the lug nuts are in place. Also inspect the spare tire. Ask to remove one of the wheels. You want to see how difficult it is to change a tire. And this will also give you a chance to look at the brakes on that wheel.

While you're doing that, ensure that the wheel wells are solid, with no holes.

Check the outside hookup. Be sure that it looks like the type of hookup that you can deal with. Ask how it works. Make sure that it's firmly in place and has no rust.

Next look under the hood...

• Is it easy to get to the engine and other mechanical parts? If you have to spend 30 minutes removing parts before you can reach the engine, you may want to reconsider that RV.

• Is the engine clean, or is it covered with oil and dirt?

• Is the radiator in good condition? Hoses firm with no weak spots?

• What does the electric cabling look like? Is it frayed or worn? Any charring where there might have been a short? Is there any corrosion on the batteries?

While none of the above may be a deal-breaker (except maybe an oil-covered engine), factor them all into the price you negotiate with the dealer.

What To Check on the Inside of Any RV

On the inside of the RV itself there is a great deal to check out...

• Make sure that not only is everything in working order, but that you can live with it, especially if the RV will become your permanent home. Do you like the layout? Do you like the color scheme? Are the rooms (or the one room) big enough? Is there enough storage space?

• Check the walls, the kitchen area, and the bathroom. Do they look clean? If the RV is being sold as new, do the kitchen and bathroom look like they have been used before? Are there stains, fingerprints, or handprints?

• Are all cupboard doors hung properly, and all hinges working? Do cupboards slide in and out easily? Are the cupboards and drawers easily fastened? Are all the room doors hung properly? Do they all have latches that secure them in the closed and open positions?

• Are the beds, the couches or seating area and the tables in good condition. Be sure that they are all firmly fastened to the wall or floor.

Test-Driving the RV

Once you've checked out the living area, move on to the driving area. You'll be spending a lot of time in this part of the RV, so it has to meet your needs...

• Are the seats comfortable? Not just the driver's seat, but the passenger's as well. Are they fully adjustable? Do they have armrests? Do they swivel around to face the main living area, so that they can be used as armchairs?

• Are all the buttons and switches laid out well on the dashboard? Can everyone who will be driving reach them all? Are they clearly marked? Try to darken the interior, then turn on the dashboard lights. Do the buttons and switches all light up?

• Is there a driver's door, or do you enter from the living area? Are the mirrors easy to adjust? Can you open the windows easily for ventilation, and to pass your documents to police or border agents?

• Does the stereo system sound good? Is there a CD player? If so, test it.

• If you're looking at used RVs, what's the mileage reading on the odometer?

• You're now ready for a test drive. How's the acceleration? Does it pull to the left or right when you put on the brakes? Do you hear any unusual sounds, like belts squealing, or thumping coming from the wheels when you put on the brakes?

If necessary, have the RV checked out by a mechanic. You don't want to end up having to dredge up a lemon law attorney or deal with shady dealers if something happens to your RV when you get it home, or worse, while you are on the road.

An RV is a huge investment. Use this RV buying guide so that you know what you're getting yourself into, and check everything out before finalizing a sale.