What to look for when buying a used RV // Used Camper Buying Tips and Advice

Buying a used RV can be challenging. And just knowing the basics of what to look for when buying a used RV can be difficult. But we’re excited that you’ve chosen to pursue RV living and we want to help you out!

In this video, we cover the most important used RV buying tips using an RV we recently purchased. We share the tips and used RV buying guide we developed while living in our previous used RV and after shopping dozens of RVs.

From beginning with a basic used camper inspection to diving in deep behind cabinets, doors and storage bays we’ll help you understand what to look for when buying a used RV.

You don’t have to be an RV expert to make a sound decision when buying a used RV from a private seller. Look into the things we suggest in this video and let your gut tell you whether you feel like this RV is the one for you.

Some important things to include in your used RV inspection:
* Look for water damage everywhere.
* Test all of the appliances and see how they work.
* Ask for a test drive and ask the owner to drive the first few minutes.
* Use a flashlight to look for damage behind all cabinets, doors and storage areas.
* Inspect the roof for signs of past, present or potential future leaks.
* Be sure to negotiate any identifiable issues from the purchase price.

With these basics and everything we cover in the video we think you’ll have the confidence to trust yourself in making the best decision when it comes to buying a used RV.

We look forward to seeing you on the road!


$$ Use Coupon Code "CALLEDTOWANDER" to save 10% when shopping directly through Renogy's website

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[brianvandy]

As far as mileage goes, most people who get an RV use it for a few camping trips a year and most of the time it's within a few hundred miles. Do the math on that. If you did 4 trips to a place 300 miles away in a year, that's 2400 miles in a year. Low mileage is actually the norm for RVs. One other note, is that mileage is at close to the maximum capability of the drive train. Think about wear and tear on a pickup driven empty vs. the wear and tear on a pickup that towed a trailer weighing 16, 000 pounds. So your 47, 000 miles may be the equivilent of two or three times that. Plus sitting for long periods is not good on seals and other components of the drive train. Please don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean it's bad, I'm just saying be aware that "low mileage" is relative and actually the norm for these vehicles.

[David-rrrr]

I would highly recommend changing the coolant and brake fluid. They will cause corrosion internally regardless of mileage. It's really just good to replace all the fluids on a new to you vehicle so that you have a baseline

[donaldtharp]

Wow! This is the most helpful guide to buying a used RV I’ve ever seen! Great job. We are driving our 6th RV now. Man how I wish I had seen this before having to learn all this the hard way. Thanks.

[marymarmande]

You can get a moisture sensor detector and put it on everything (the walls under everu window etc just like he did also don't forget under the beds. NEVER forget the slides and them. Oh btw you can get the handheld moisture sensor anywhere online etc and it's cheap ❤ thanks for all of the amazing advice!! Sorry one more thing with all of these hurricanes tornadoes "1000" year floods etc. Many NEW RV LOTS with their lots full these flooded RVs have been cleaned up and put on lots to be sold so please find out ok enough of me sorry

[lazyassian]

Thanks so much for putting this together...I am in the process of looking around for a Class C. Appreciate you taking the time to do this...it's super helpful.

[garygullikson]

.1. Make sure the dashboard AC blows cold air, there is a vacuum hose buried behind the engine that rots and leaks vacuum, that is supposed to power an actuator that directs cold air out the dash vents. $1000 repair at an AC repair place. 2 Make sure RV generator starts easily and stays running. If it has not been run often, may need expensive servicing $1000. The house batteries start the generator, power interior lights and furnace blower, water pump and electronic controls, they go bad if not cared for with distilled water and kept charged. Usually two 6-volt special RV batteries in series or one larger one $200+. 3. The converter charger keeps your house batteries charged and interior lights, etc. lit when you are connected to camp power, make sure it is working, $150. 4.The roof AC unit should blow cold air, $1000 5.The furnace should heat immediately and respond to thermostat settings.$400 6. There should be no sidewall cracks in tires and they should be no more than 5 years old regardless of tread depth for safety ($300 x 6 apiece). 7.The pleated day/night window shades may need repairs/replacement.$50-100, each. Some minor water damage may be acceptable. RV's are generally not designed to stay water-proof and are not assembled by well trained people, emphasis is on speed, not much quality control. Refrigerators should be left on by seller to show that they work, they cost $1000 to replace. Slides are nice but may have mechanical problems and air and water leaks, and they are in the way when retracted. A typical Class C costs $50-100K+ new, depreciates quickly to $30K. holds value thereafter depending on amenities and condition.
Don't expect to buy a perfect used RV cheap and expect to spend DIY effort and RV repair money including maintenance, camp space rental, insurance and DMV fees, and 9-10mpg fuel costs, much like owning a cabin cruiser boat.

[Peace-mbtl]

Thorough video. Very informative. Thank you for posting.

[jud]

Have looked at literally hundreds of videos on what to look for when buying a used RV and and I have to say I really enjoyed your methodical manner you go through every aspect of your evaluation. Have saved this to waych again and again. Thank you

[LPVPisFr]

I'm in the middle of selling my house and want to move in a motorhome but I had no clue of what to do to inspect. I just learned today what the a, b, c category stand for. This video really opened my eyes to what I need to do when time comes in a month or 2. Thank you and subbed!

[bebakontaxis]

I'm in the market for a class C..This video will come in handy when I find one that I like..I'm not opposed to buying an older one after watching this..thanks so much for all the info.

[OnlyAlmita]

Great video! Thank you so much for educating us on an used vehicle.

[kevinsmith]

Good job! Very detailed and thorough. Thanks for making this video.

[Eph-]

This is by far the most helpful on class Cs I have seen!
Thank you so much🤩

[lorraineajg]

Really really helpful. Nicely done. Enjoy your travels

[sissinoklahoma]

Thank you for this great walk-through and pointers!

[sallyburkett-caskinette]

Thank you so much, I learned so much. I’m checking out a used RV tomorrow, I’m glad I thought to check YouTube. You did an awesome job!

[sadocramos]

Good job explaining everything you did a awesome job enjoy it with your wife and family stay blessed

[judycraig]

Thank you very much! I needed this advice!!!

[judithkopchak]

Every possible thing has been covered. Good information!

[irenesieckert]

Thank you so much for this video. It's so helpful!!