5 Most Common Faults on Used RVs!!

Today I have a DIFFERENT kind of "Top 5" for you!
These are the Top 5 places I check RIGHT AWAY when looking at a Used RV.

I've been climbing in, on, and under used RVs for over a dozen years now. In that time I've seen some truly deserving the name "like used" and some that are absolutely Handyman's specials and beyond. While there are certainly sometimes MFG build oversights which can lead to some issues the owners themselves are almost exclusively THE single greatest and most influential factor in the lifespan of an RV.

In this video I point out a few key areas and items I try to quickly eyeball when assessing a used RV before taking photos and recording our video tours. This is by no means intended to be "THE ONLY GUIDE YOU NEED FOR USED RVS" or anything like that. Rather, I'm providing this information purely as a courtesy to potential buyers out there who may not have full trust in the dealership or even private owner from which they're buying.

I also never claim to be perfect and absolutely recommend using the information in this video when reviewing an RV we may offer for sale ourselves. I'm pretty good at spotting things but often my job requires me to move quickly and I cannot catch every single thing on every single used travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop up, or motorhome that comes into our inventory here.

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Also - Please thank viewer Rick Pittenger for taking the time to suggest these chapter marks!
01:24 - Roof Seams
02:17 - Roof Termination Strips
03:10 - Interior Top 4 Corners
04:34 - Braille Bumps
05:32 - Slides
07:07 - Open Everything
08:55 - Dealer Demonstrate the RV

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[jeanne]

“Making a quick sale is not worth losing your reputation or integrity like that.” If only ALL businesses felt like that. Thank you, Josh.

[tgh]

I showed up to look at a used RV and got a ladder out of my truck, and the seller said, oh your serious. I said, I am not necessarily serious yet, but wanted to evaluate if I should be serious or not. Turned out it was not a winner. Thanks for the tips, great information for those that are not super prepared.

[James-dndh]

I used to sell cars, i hate salesmen, i hate the business, id buy an rv from you. One of the highest compliments I could give

[jeanwonnacott]

Almost retired, 60. Looking into RV life, thank you! Imagine their face when I bring a ladder strapped to my Honda Accord 😂😂😂😂 and then they see me, an old hippie lady!! ❤❤ Jeannie in Lakeport California

[olbluetundra]

I wanted to leave an update on my rv after watching this video. We bought a used 2014 wild cat about a month after this video. Out the door price with cash and had enough leftover for a few repairs. No water damage. So i decided to reseal the roof. Well actually I resealed the entire rv including windows, doors, and anything attached to the outside. Ended up replacing slideout rubber. Could not find anything major wrong. Just kept checking everything. Even the tank sensors worked. Just to good to be true was what I was saying. After all these months now and a few trips we had water running down the bedroom wall right below the cap. Heavy rain storm. So I gutted that wall. It appears it has leaked a small amount for a while. So I'm repairing during this winter. The leak turned out to be the antenna. So it's gone. I just wanted to say thanks for these types of videos. We would have never looked for used had it not been for this and 1 other video you made about buying used. Thanks again Josh for what you do

[nickdoeslife]

“Not everyone is so forthcoming”, and thats why we respect you. Because you are.

[keithallen]

After retirement I planned on engaging in the RV lifestyle for a long time. 2 weeks of this RV retirement journey was spent attending the RV Inspection Course being taught at the National RV Training Academy in Athens, Texas. Well worth the time and $$ as I now have good knowledge about the opportunities and challenges of these vehicles. It also opened my eyes to the industry practices and all that means. I stayed 2 weeks to learn to be a Level 2 certified inspector. My thoughts, if you are going to be a long time RV'er get some education about the RV's and the industry. Well worth it.

[Nonplused]

It remains a mystery to me that with all the advancements they have made with laminated aluminum & fiberglass walls, the roof is still vinyl over plywood with a bunch of caulking. The floor inside the RV is just as weather proof as the roof. You'd think they would have come up with a better system by now, given that the roof is the most important component of any structure after the foundation.

[chriscathytavernier]

Josh, Thank you so much for this one. I watched it a day or so before driving 4 hours to look at a used RV and found Brail bumps and loose wall paper at the floor that was stated to be in excellent condition . I walked away! I don’t know if I would have found it on my own. Thanks, my wife and I love your videos.

[waynedyer]

I’d like to see you do a video explaining all the different materials used on roofs. One piece TPO, Fiberglass, Rubber, etc and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Another video like this one - when test driving a new or used RV - what should you be trying to notice during the test drive. Keep up the good work!

[hybridduncan]

I appreciate your honesty, Josh. You are laying the groundwork for what to expect with high standards. For all 👍 much respect

[royh]

Josh, you are among the rarest rv salemen being honest and being upfront. Oh yes, there are still places were there word is there bond but its rare. Always a pleasure learning from and watching your videos.

[applejacks]

Back in the 80's when looking at school cars, my dad always took a magnet to the fenders and rocker panels to see if they were bondo'd. Very effective way to determine if they were rusted out and patched up for a quick sale.
I got my first car in '87 and still have it in the garage :)

[robertd]

Good info. I have an RV so not interested in buying a used one but this lets me know how to inspect my own camper when I winterize it so I can find little problems before they become big ones. Better to nip it in the bud as Barney would say.

[gallopngoose]

I don't always listen to prepurchase inspection videos by Josh...but when I do, my neighbors do, too, loud and proud! Well done, Josh. Well done. Articulate, insightful, and devoid of fluff to wade through. More, more, more, please.

[drumcdoo]

Great honest video and so true.
I used to farm and rented out a shed to a RV repair shop. 2/3 of their work was damage from ingress of water. Roof is Number one problem as described. Should be checked yearly and re-sealed with professional mastic. This is often with gummy mastic which always remains sticky or a very high quality professional polyurethane sealant.
Problems on roofs often start when they have been walked on causing cracking of sealant. On sides problems often occur when after market things like bike racks have been bolted on. If you can borrow a meter for detecting moisture on walls, take it with you. To fix these problems, all the inside has to be ripped out and rotten wood replaced. When constructed wood is never treated prior to installation and is usually cheap so rots easily. Repair cost is never cheap, starting at $1000 upwards and you can end up with a bill for more than RV/camper is worth... Have seen this happen many times which is gut wrenching for customers, so buyer be VERY aware!...

[BillZaspel]

You ROCK Josh! This is one of the most informative videos I've seen. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight.

[gary.joseph]

If the integrity that Josh displays is just a snapshot of the team at Haylett RV, this is definitely the kind of place I want to buy from! All day, everyday care for the customer... sign me up! :)

[TheDiggitydave]

awesome video, thanks for taking the time to show us what to look for. it means a lot when you take the time to show people things like this. great job keep up the good work.

[tedlov]

I appreciate all the info and hard work you do on the videos Josh. Thanks my friend👍👍