What Am I Looking For In A High-Quality RV?

What Am I Looking For In A High-Quality RV?

People in America buy more than 500,000 RVs each year, and each one will be a major investment for most people. This is why it is so important to ensure that you are getting the best possible RV for your money. But what do you need to look for when choosing an RV, and perhaps even more importantly, what do you need to avoid?

What type of RV do you want?

One of the first things you need to consider is what type of RV you want to own. You will need to decide what class of vehicle you want and whether you want to tow it or drive it.

You will then need to look at how much space you need and what sort of layout would suit you best, as well as whether you want to buy a new or used vehicle. Remember that buying new is not always the best financial option as it is likely to lose almost a quarter of its value as soon as it leaves the dealership’s parking lot.

Check the price

Whether you are buying new or used, it is important to do your research and know what the market value of the vehicle you want is. Websites such as RV Trader can help you learn about the market.

Inspect your RV

Before paying a dollar, make sure that you inspect every inch of the RV, both inside and out. Look at everything from kitchen cabinets and bathroom fittings to plumbing and electrical. This can help you avoid any immediate problems and also make sure that you are as aware as possible of any future issues that are likely to arise. Things to look out for include:

Mold

Mold is not good for your health and can also indicate some serious issues with a RV. Interior mold often results from water problems and leaks, so make sure you check everywhere, especially places where the current owner’s mold and mildew remover may have missed. A product such as 303 Mold Mildew Cleaner will help to prevent this from building up. Take a flashlight, such as this Princeton Tec League LED Flashlight, and look in closets, check the caulk in bathrooms, and make sure your nose is tuned into smells. An interesting tip is to feel the temperature in closets and cabinets. If they feel particularly warm in comparison to the rest of the interior of the RV, it could be an indicator that there is mold in there.

Floor damage

Water can seep below the floor lining in an RV and cause all sorts of issues that you may not be able to see at first glance. To check for floor damage, jump around a little in various areas of the RV, especially in places where you are likely to find water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. All areas should feel sturdy and stable. If there is a lot of give, it could be an indication of rot.

Outside issues

Look for rust and corrosion and open all exterior panels. Push the walls and make sure there is not too much give, and check the tires. Even if they look okay, check how old they are; older tires are more prone to blowouts. This is an important thing to check even if you are looking at a brand-new RV. You can find the age information you need on the sidewall DOT label.

Discover the history

Use the RV’s Vehicle Identification Number to find out about its history. This may help you to discover whether the RV has ever been stolen, rebuilt, or damaged, and it can tell you about relevant recall notices and highlight the manufacturer's specifications.

Listen for clues

Take the RV for a test drive so you can listen to how it sounds and feel how it performs. You drive and let the seller drive so you can also experience traveling as a passenger. Drive at various speeds and on different types of roadways, and make sure you know how it maneuvers in tight spaces as well as how well it backs up.

Consider insurance

Check if you need insurance and how much this is likely to cost for your choice of RV. Make sure that you look at adequate coverage to help prevent serious issues if the worst were to happen and there was an incident involving the vehicle.

Be aware of scammers

One of the most important things to look out for when considering buying an RV is scammers. Be very cautious if a seller wants you to pay by check or wire them the funds.